Can a foreigner obtain Ecuadorian citizenship by virtue of same-sex civil union with citizen Ecuador?

Yes, a foreigner can obtain Ecuadorian citizenship by virtue of a same-sex civil union with a citizen of Ecuador. According to the Ecuadorian constitution, all people are equal before the law and enjoy the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Ecuador was the first country in South America to recognize same-sex civil unions, and the law allows for foreign same-sex spouses of Ecuadorian citizens to apply for citizenship. The following requirements must be met:

1. The foreign individual must be at least 18 years old.

2. The foreign individual must have a clean criminal record.

3. The foreign individual must have a stable and lawful source of income.

4. The foreign individual must have a sufficient knowledge of Spanish.

5. The foreign individual must have been in a legally registered civil union with an Ecuadorian citizen for at least two years.

Once all of the requirements have been met, the foreign individual can apply for citizenship at the nearest Ecuadorian embassy or consulate. The application process will include an interview and a background check. If the application is approved, the foreign individual will be granted Ecuadorian citizenship.