Companies in Ecuador with foreign partners are required to submit specific information to the Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros (SCVS) by the end of February each year. This requirement applies to all companies under SCVS oversight that have foreign entities as shareholders or partners.
The submission must be made through the institution’s online portal using the company’s credentials. The obligation is based on current laws and regulations regarding companies with foreign corporate shareholders.
Required documentation includes a full list of shareholders or partners, identifying natural persons where applicable, signed and certified before a Notary Public. If a foreign company is listed on one or more stock exchanges, certification from the relevant authority in its country of origin must be provided. The same rule applies to both domestic and international investment funds.
A valid Certificate of Legal Existence from the competent authority in the country of origin is also necessary to prove the legal status of the foreign entity. Additionally, companies must submit powers of attorney granted to representatives of foreign companies holding shares in Ecuadorian firms, including full names, nationality, and address for each representative as stipulated by Article 6 of the Companies Law.
Documents issued in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish and properly apostilled according to applicable regulations.
“The SCVS reiterates that timely compliance with this obligation strengthens corporate transparency and helps ensure proper identification of ultimate beneficiaries within Ecuador’s business system,” stated the agency.
