Immigrate to Ecuador

Immigrate to Ecuador

Ecuador, a country in the heart of South America with a population of around 18.5 million people, has recently become one of the popular destinations for immigration due to its residency options.

Ecuador’s economy is growing and based on exports such as oil, shrimp, bananas, coffee, and flowers. The cost of living in this country is affordable. Housing prices and the healthcare system in Ecuador are lower compared to many European countries.

In the following sections, you will become familiar with the different residency options and various visa types for Ecuador.

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Immigration Methods and Obtaining Residency in Ecuador

Ecuador currently offers several types of residency methods and visas. These visas are designed for various groups, such as investors, retirees, professionals, digital nomads, and individuals with stable foreign income.

Each visa type has its specific requirements and allows the inclusion of other family members (spouse and children). Additionally, once permanent residency is obtained, you can also add your parents as dependents. Below are the types of residency visas in Ecuador:

• Investor Visa: Suitable for those who wish to invest in Ecuador, such as purchasing property or starting a business, to obtain residency.
• Pensioner Visa: For retirees who receive a fixed pension from outside Ecuador and wish to live in the country.
• Rentista Visa: For individuals with fixed foreign income, such as rental income or investment returns, who want to reside in Ecuador without working.
• Professional Visa: For professionals with valid credentials who plan to work or engage in specialized activities in Ecuador.
• Digital Nomad Visa: For individuals who work online and receive their income from sources outside of Ecuador.

Obtaining Ecuadorian Residency with Rentista Visa

The Rentista Visa in Ecuador is suitable for individuals with a fixed foreign income of at least $1,380 per month who wish to live in Ecuador without the need to work. This visa provides a two-year temporary residency, which can be extended or converted to permanent residency.

The applicant can bring their spouse or children to Ecuador, provided they prove an additional income of $460 per month for each dependent.

Required documents for this visa include proof of income, a police clearance certificate, a valid passport, and health insurance.

To apply, you must complete the appropriate form, submit the documents to the relevant office in Ecuador, and wait for 2 to 3 months for processing. The application fee is $50, and the visa issuance fee is $270.

Ecuador Investment Visa (Investor Visa)

The Ecuador Investment Visa is designed for individuals who wish to invest at least $42,500 in the country’s economy. This visa provides a GalaPath for temporary residency, which can lead to permanent residency and is considered an attractive option due to the relatively low investment amount compared to other countries like Canada.

Investment Options in Ecuador

To obtain this visa, you can choose from one of the following options:

• Real Estate Investment: Purchase property in Ecuador valued at least $42,500.
• Certificate of Deposit: Invest $42,500 in a fixed deposit in an Ecuadorian bank for at least 730 days.
• Shares of an Ecuadorian Company: Invest in the shares of a registered company in Ecuador.
• Flexibility Advantage: If desired, you can change your investment type during the residency period, for example, from a bank deposit to real estate or vice versa.

Required Documents for Investment in Ecuador

To apply for the investment visa, the following documents are required:

• Proof of investment: Official documents, such as property deeds, bank deposit contracts, or company share certificates.
• Police clearance certificate: A certificate from countries where you have resided in the last five years, which must be officially translated and apostilled.
• Birth certificate: In some cases, this may be required.
• Marriage certificate: If bringing a spouse or dependents.
• Application form and cover letter: These documents are typically prepared by a lawyer.
• Fingerprints: To be registered in Ecuador’s immigration system.

Benefits of the Investment Visa

• Low investment amount: With a minimum of $42,500, Ecuador offers an affordable option compared to similar programs in other countries.
• Flexibility: You can change your investment type during the residency period.
• Family Inclusion: The visa allows for adding a spouse and children as dependents, and after permanent residency, parents can also be added.
• Permanent Residency GalaPath: After two years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency.

Application Process

• Gather Documents: Prepare investment documents, police clearance, valid passport, and other required documents.
• Complete the Application Form: The form must be completed in Spanish, typically with the help of a lawyer or by yourself.
• Submit to Immigration Office: Submit documents to the Ecuador Ministry of Foreign Affairs or through your lawyer.
• Wait for Review: The review process may take 2 to 3 months.
• Fees: The application fee is $50 (non-refundable), and the visa issuance fee is $270 (after approval).

Important Notes

• Documents must be officially translated and apostilled.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have two blank pages.
• The investment must be made in one of the permitted options (property, bank deposit, or company shares).
• The Ecuador Investment Visa is an excellent opportunity for those who want to enjoy life in this beautiful and diverse country with a reasonable investment.

Guide to Ecuador Retirement Visa

The Ecuador Retirement Visa is designed for individuals with a fixed, reliable pension income from a legitimate source, such as a government pension or private fund. This visa allows you to live in Ecuador indefinitely and benefit from the country’s low living costs. It also provides a GalaPath for permanent residency after five years of temporary residency.

Requirements for Ecuador Retirement Visa

To obtain a retirement visa, applicants must prove a minimum monthly income of $1,380 (as of 2024). This amount may change, so checking the latest requirements is essential. This visa does not allow for employment in Ecuador but provides a comfortable life with pension income.

Required Documents

• Pension Income Certificate: A document confirming monthly pension payments of at least $1,380 (three times the minimum wage in Ecuador). This document must be issued by the relevant
• authority, apostilled, and translated into Spanish or certified by the Ecuadorian Embassy/Consulate.
• Police Clearance Certificate: A certificate from the countries where you have lived in the last three years, apostilled or legally certified and translated into Spanish (if necessary).
• Medical Certificate: A document verifying your physical and mental health, issued by Ecuadorian health authorities or your home country.
• Health Insurance: Insurance that provides full coverage in Ecuador for accidents, illness, hospitalization, death, or repatriation to your home country during your stay.
• Valid Passport: A passport with at least six months of validity and two empty pages for immigration stamps.
• Note: Bank statements or financial documents do not need to be apostilled or translated officially if they are in one of the official languages of the Organization of American States (such as English or Spanish) and their content is clearly understandable.

Validity

The retirement visa is valid for up to three years and can be renewed. This visa does not grant work permission in Ecuador unless there are bilateral or multilateral agreements.

Family Inclusion Benefits

The primary applicant can apply for a visa for the following dependents, provided they are financially dependent:

• Spouse or permanent partner
• Children up to 25 years old
• Children with physical or mental disabilities

Application Process

• Gather Documents: Prepare income certificate, police clearance, medical certificate, health insurance, and passport.
• Complete the Application Form: The form must be completed in Spanish, usually with the help of a lawyer or by yourself.
• Submit Documents: Submit documents physically to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Ecuador or through your lawyer.
• Application Review: The review process typically takes 2 to 3 months.
• Fees: The application fee is $50 (non-refundable) and the visa issuance fee is $270 (after approval).

Benefits of the Retirement Visa

• Unlimited Residency: You can live long-term in Ecuador with low living costs.
• Permanent Residency GalaPath: After five years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency.
• Family Inclusion: You can add your spouse, children, and (after permanent residency) parents.
• No Work Requirement: Ideal for retirees with fixed foreign income.

The Ecuador Retirement Visa is an ideal option for retirees who want to live in a peaceful environment with affordable costs and enjoy the beautiful culture and nature of Ecuador.

Ecuador Professional Work Visa

The Ecuador Professional Work Visa is designed for individuals with higher education degrees (at least a four-year bachelor’s degree) and allows them to legally reside and work in Ecuador. Below are the details of this visa based on the provided information:

Professional Visa Features and Benefits

• Validity: The professional visa is valid for two years and can be extended multiple times.
• Unrestricted Travel: There are no restrictions on entry and exit from Ecuador.
• Academic Degree Registration: Once your degree is registered in Ecuador, it is permanent and can be used for future visa applications.
• Permanent Residency and Citizenship GalaPath: This visa provides a GalaPath to permanent residency and citizenship in Ecuador.
• Legal Employment: Holders of this visa can work professionally in Ecuador in their specialized field.
• Voluntary Services: Opportunities to collaborate with non-profit organizations in your specialized field.

Other Benefits:

• Receive a cedula (Ecuadorian ID card)
• Register for IESS social security
• Open bank accounts and savings
• Discounts for individuals over 65 (such as IVA tax refund)
• Add dependents (spouse and children)
• Move household goods to Ecuador duty-free
• Start a business in Ecuador
• Eligible for permanent residency if not leaving Ecuador for more than 90 days during 21 months

Professional Visa Costs

 Primary Applicant: $1,500 for the temporary visa

 Dependents:

• Adding one dependent (such as a spouse): $1,400
• Adding each child under 18: $600

 Included Services:

• Degree registration
• Government file creation
• Document translation and notarization in Ecuador
• Cedula (ID card) processing
• Immigration records and forms
• Power of attorney

Document apostille: All documents must be apostilled. Applicants can do this themselves or through the immigration agency.

Required Documents for Professional Visa

 Passport with at least 12 months validity

 Notarized academic documents:

• Original or substitute diploma
• Certified transcripts
• Verification letter from the university
• Degree verification letter from UNESCO
• FBI background check
• State-level background check
• No income is required for the primary applicant, unless adding dependents:
• $475 per month for the first dependent
• $250 per month for each additional dependent

Additional Details:

The professional visa is ideal for individuals with skills and professional credentials who wish to reside and work in Ecuador. This visa is especially suitable for those with bachelor’s degrees or higher from recognized universities and provides a GalaPath for temporary and, eventually, permanent residency. For the complete list of required documents, guidelines, and forms, Parsi Canada Immigration Agency offers helpful guidance.

Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa

The Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa is designed for individuals who work remotely (as digital nomads) and wish to live in Ecuador. This visa allows individuals to legally reside in Ecuador and enjoy residency and work benefits. Below are the details of this visa based on the provided information:

Digital Nomad Visa Features and Benefits

 Validity: The digital nomad visa is a temporary visa (usually two years) and can lead to permanent residency if you do not leave Ecuador for more than 90 days during the 21-month period.

 Legal Employment: Allows legal work in Ecuador, especially remote work activities.

 Other benefits include:

• Receiving a cedula (Ecuadorian ID card)
• Registering for IESS public insurance
• Opening bank accounts and savings in Ecuador
• Special discounts for individuals over 65 (such as IVA tax refunds)
• Adding dependents (spouse and children)
• Bringing household goods to Ecuador without customs duties
• Starting a business in Ecuador
• Path to Ecuadorian citizenship

Digital Nomad Visa Costs

 Primary Applicant: $1,500 for the temporary visa

 Dependents:

• Adding one dependent (such as a spouse): $1,400
• Adding each child under 18: $600

Included Services:

• Government file creation
• Document translation and notarization in Ecuador
• Cedula (ID card) processing
• Immigration records and forms
• Power of attorney

Document apostille: All documents must be apostilled. Applicants can do this themselves or through their immigration lawyer.

Required Documents for Digital Nomad Visa Passport: With at least 12 months validity

 Background check:

• FBI background check
• State-level background check
• Health insurance: Ecuadorian health insurance is required.

 Proof of income:

• Monthly income of at least $1,425 or annual income of $17,100
• Provide bank statements (one or three months, depending on employment duration)

For self-employed individuals:

• Company ownership certificate (business license)
• Last year’s tax statement

 For employees:

• Employment contract with at least two years duration
• Employer’s company license

Additional Notes for Dependents:

• $250 per month for each dependent
• Marriage certificate for spouse
• Birth certificates for children

Summary

Ecuador, with its affordable living costs and diverse visa options (investment, retirement, rentista, professional, and digital nomad), is an attractive destination for immigration. These visas allow for temporary and permanent residency, family inclusion, and benefits such as obtaining an ID card and public insurance. Investment with a minimum of $42,500 or proving a stable income are the main requirements for residency.

To receive professional immigration consultation, please fill out the form below:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the minimum investment for Ecuador’s Investment Visa?

Minimum $42,500 for property purchase, bank deposit, or investment in Ecuadorian company shares.

Does the Ecuador Retirement Visa allow work?

No, this visa is designed for living with pension income and does not permit work in Ecuador.

What documents are required for the Digital Nomad Visa?

Valid passport, background check, health insurance, and proof of income of at least $1,425 per month or $17,100 annually.

Can I bring my family to Ecuador with these visas?

Yes, all visas allow adding a spouse and children as dependents, and parents can also join after obtaining permanent residency.