🌍
🇪🇨

Ecuador

South America

Ecuador is a dollarized South American country offering diverse landscapes from Andes mountains to Amazon rainforest to Pacific beaches. It has become extremely popular with expats and digital nomads due to its low cost of living, excellent climate (especially in Cuenca), and easy residency options. Ecuador launched its official Digital Nomad Visa (Rentista para Trabajo Remoto) in June 2022, allowing remote workers to stay for up to 2 years. The country also offers attractive Investor, Retirement, and Rentista visa options. After 21 months of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency, and citizenship is possible after just 3 years.

6
Visa Types
95
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Tourist Entry (Visa-Free)

Most nationalities can enter Ecuador visa-free for up to 90 days within a rolling 365-day period. Andean Community members (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay) can enter with just a national ID card. As of July 2024, citizens of 44 countries require a visa.

90 days
Duration
$0
— fee
+$120 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓No visa required for 150+ countries
✓Free entry
✓Immediate processing
✓Andean Community members can use ID card
✓Can apply for residency while in country
📋 Requirements (5)
  • •Valid passport (6 months validity)
  • •Proof of onward/return travel
  • •Proof of sufficient funds
  • •Accommodation details
  • •Health insurance (recommended)
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate on arrival
  1. 1Check if your nationality is visa-exempt
  2. 2Ensure passport has 6+ months validity
  3. 3Have proof of onward travel ready
  4. 4Arrive at any port of entry
  5. 5Immigration will stamp passport for 90 days
  6. 6Note: Land entry from Colombia/Peru requires apostilled criminal record certificate
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 90 days (max 1x)

Cost: $153

Process: Can extend for additional 90 days at Coordinación Zonal de Cancillería. Must apply before first 90 days expire or face USD 470+ fine. Maximum 180 days as tourist within 365-day period.

Renewal: After 180 days as tourist, must leave Ecuador or apply for residency visa. Ecuador uses a rolling year from your first entry date, NOT a calendar year.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Ecuador uses rolling 365-day period from first entry, not calendar year
  • •Keep track of your days carefully
  • •Apply for extension BEFORE 90 days expire to avoid fines
  • •Land border entry requires apostilled criminal record check
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Digital Nomad Visa (Rentista para Trabajo Remoto)

Ecuador's official digital nomad visa launched in June 2022. Valid for 2 years with option to convert to permanent residency after 21 months. Requires proof of remote work income of at least USD 1,410/month (3x Ecuador minimum wage of USD 470 in 2025). Can apply online through e-visa system.

730 days
Duration
$725
— fee
+$1,650 additional

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $1,410/per_month

Alternative: Must show 3 months of bank statements proving consistent income of at least USD 1,410/month. Alternative: Show total of 36x minimum wage (approximately USD 16,920) in savings for each year.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Official recognition of remote work
✓2-year validity
✓Right to live and work remotely in Ecuador
✓Path to permanent residency (21 months)
✓Path to citizenship (3-5 years)
✓Can open bank accounts
✓Can obtain Cédula (national ID)
✓Include dependents (+USD 250/month per dependent)
✓Access to IESS public healthcare
📋 Requirements (7)
  • •Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • •Proof of remote work (employment contract, freelance contracts, or company ownership)
  • •Bank statements showing USD 1,410+/month for last 3 months
  • •Health insurance valid in Ecuador
  • •Criminal background check (apostilled, last 5 years)
  • •Passport photo (5x5cm, white background)
  • •Proof of accommodation in Ecuador
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 2-4 weeks
  1. 1Create account on Ecuador e-visa portal (serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec)
  2. 2Complete online application form
  3. 3Upload all required documents in PDF format
  4. 4Pay USD 50 application fee online
  5. 5Wait for approval (2-4 weeks)
  6. 6Pay USD 400 visa fee upon approval
  7. 7Travel to Ecuador within 90 days
  8. 8Register visa at Ministry of Foreign Affairs within 30 days
  9. 9Apply for Cédula (ID card) at Civil Registry
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 730 days (max 1x)

Cost: $400

Process: Can renew for additional 2 years. After 21 months, can apply for permanent residency instead.

Renewal: After 21 months of temporary residency, can apply for permanent residency. Must not leave Ecuador for more than 90 days total during first 2 years to qualify.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •SafetyWing and Genki may NOT be accepted - get insurance with Ecuador explicitly listed
  • •Apply online - faster than in-person
  • •Income requirement is 3x minimum wage (USD 470 in 2025 = USD 1,410)
  • •Keep bank statements showing consistent monthly deposits
  • •Register visa within 30 days of arrival
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Retirement Visa (Pensionado/Jubilado)

Ecuador's most popular visa for retirees. Requires proof of guaranteed lifetime income of at least USD 1,410/month (3x minimum wage) from pension, Social Security, or annuity. Valid for 2 years, renewable indefinitely. Seniors (65+) receive discounts on flights, utilities, and services.

730 days
Duration
$725
— fee
+$1,650 additional

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $1,410/per_month

Alternative: Must be guaranteed lifetime income from Social Security, pension, annuity, or similar. NOT dividends, rental income, or investments.

✅ Key Benefits

✓2-year validity, renewable indefinitely
✓Path to permanent residency (21 months)
✓Path to citizenship (3 years)
✓Tercera edad discounts (50% on domestic flights, utilities, events)
✓Access to IESS public healthcare
✓Can work and do business
✓Include spouse and dependents
✓No age requirement (but must have pension)
✓Can import household goods and vehicle
📋 Requirements (8)
  • •Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • •Proof of guaranteed pension/Social Security income (USD 1,410+/month)
  • •Official letter from pension provider or Social Security Administration
  • •Bank statements showing pension deposits
  • •Health insurance valid in Ecuador
  • •Criminal background check (apostilled)
  • •Birth certificate (apostilled)
  • •Marriage certificate if including spouse (apostilled)
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 1-2 months
  1. 1Gather and apostille all documents
  2. 2Translate documents to Spanish
  3. 3Apply at Ecuadorian consulate OR in Ecuador at Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  4. 4Or apply online through e-visa portal
  5. 5Pay application fee
  6. 6Wait for processing (1-2 months)
  7. 7Pay visa fee upon approval
  8. 8Register visa within 30 days of arrival/approval
  9. 9Apply for Cédula at Civil Registry
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 730 days (max x)

Cost: $400

Process: Renewable indefinitely every 2 years. After 21 months can apply for permanent residency.

Renewal: Most retirees renew every 2 years or convert to permanent residency after 21 months. Seniors 65+ receive tercera edad benefits.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Get official letter from Social Security Administration
  • •Tercera edad benefits are significant - register once you have Cédula
  • •Consider also opening a CD for extra income (5-6% rates)
  • •Popular cities: Cuenca, Quito, Manta, Cotacachi

Investor Visa (Inversionista)

Special ProgramPopular

Ecuador's investor visa requires minimum USD 47,000 investment (100x minimum wage) in real estate, Certificate of Deposit (CD), or company shares. NO restrictions on time spent outside Ecuador (unlike other visas). CD option earns 5-6% interest. Path to permanent residency and citizenship.

730d
Duration
$47,700
— fee
+$1,700 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-4 weeks
🔄Extendable +730d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Minimum investmentReal estate, CD, or company shares
$47,000—
Visa application feeApplication form
$50—
Visa issuance feeUpon approval
$400—
Visa registration (MRE)Ministry registration
$250—
Additional (estimated)
Real estate visa lien feeIf using property
$200—
Visa serviceProfessional assistance
$1,500—
Required Total
$47,700—
+ Additional (estimated)
$1,700—
Estimated Total
$49,400—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • •Proof of investment (CD certificate, property deed, or share certificates)
  • •Criminal background check (apostilled)
  • •Health insurance valid in Ecuador
  • •Birth certificate (apostilled)
  • •Proof of legal source of funds

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Choose investment type: CD, real estate, or company shares
  2. 2Make investment in Ecuador (requires initial trip for CD/bank account)
  3. 3Obtain proof of investment documentation
  4. 4Gather and apostille all required documents
  5. 5Apply at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ecuador
  6. 6Pay application and visa fees
  7. 7Wait for processing
  8. 8Register visa and obtain Cédula

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Investment must be maintained for duration
  • •For permanent residency: must spend 185 days/year in Ecuador
  • •Real estate: assessed value matters, not purchase price
  • •Property requires visa lien

💡 Tips

  • •CD option is popular - earn interest while qualifying
  • •Shop around for best CD rates (5-6% in 2025)
  • •For real estate: assessed value must be USD 47,000+
  • •Great for people who want residency but travel frequently
  • •Jardín Azuayo and JEP cooperatives offer good CD rates

Rentista Visa (Passive Income)

Special ProgramPopular

For those with passive income from investments, rental properties, dividends, or royalties. Requires USD 1,410/month passive income deposited to Ecuadorian bank account. Similar to retirement visa but accepts non-pension income sources.

730d
Duration
$725
— fee
+$150 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱1-2 months
🔄Extendable +730d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa application feeApplication form
$50—
Visa issuance feeUpon approval
$400—
Visa registration (MRE)Ministry registration
$250—
Cédula (ID card)Ecuadorian identity card
$25—
Additional (estimated)
Apostille and translationFor foreign documents
$150—
Required Total
$725—
+ Additional (estimated)
$150—
Estimated Total
$875—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • •Proof of passive income source (USD 1,410+/month)
  • •Ecuadorian bank account receiving monthly deposits
  • •Bank statements showing 3 months of deposits
  • •Health insurance valid in Ecuador
  • •Criminal background check (apostilled)
  • •Proof of income source (rental contracts, dividend statements, etc.)

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Open Ecuadorian bank account
  2. 2Set up monthly transfers of passive income to Ecuador
  3. 3Gather 3 months of bank statements showing deposits
  4. 4Apostille all foreign documents
  5. 5Apply at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ecuador
  6. 6Pay application and visa fees
  7. 7Register visa and obtain Cédula

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Income must be deposited to Ecuadorian bank monthly
  • •Maximum 90 days outside Ecuador in first 2 years (for PR)
  • •Must maintain income deposits
  • •Health insurance required

💡 Tips

  • •Different from retirement visa - accepts investment income
  • •Must have Ecuadorian bank account set up first
  • •Monthly deposits must be consistent
  • •Good option for those with rental or dividend income

Professional Visa

Work

For professionals with university degrees who can demonstrate financial means to support themselves. Does not require guaranteed income like pension visa. Popular with younger professionals who have savings but not regular pension income.

730d
Duration
$700
— fee
+$100 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱1-2 months
🔄Extendable +730d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa application feeApplication form
$50—
Visa issuance feeUpon approval
$400—
Visa registration (MRE)Ministry registration
$250—
Additional (estimated)
Degree apostille/translationFor foreign degrees
$100—
Required Total
$700—
+ Additional (estimated)
$100—
Estimated Total
$800—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • •University degree (apostilled and translated)
  • •Proof of financial means (bank statements)
  • •Health insurance valid in Ecuador
  • •Criminal background check (apostilled)
  • •Professional credentials if applicable

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain apostille for university degree
  2. 2Translate degree to Spanish
  3. 3Gather bank statements showing financial means
  4. 4Apostille criminal background check
  5. 5Apply at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ecuador
  6. 6Pay application and visa fees
  7. 7Register visa and obtain Cédula

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Requires university degree
  • •Maximum 90 days outside Ecuador in first 2 years (for PR)
  • •Must demonstrate financial means

💡 Tips

  • •Good alternative if you have savings but no pension
  • •University degree must be apostilled
  • •Bank statements should show substantial savings
  • •Can work in your professional field in Ecuador

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalQuito
CurrencyUSD ($) - US Dollar
LanguageSpanish
TimezoneUTC-5
Last UpdatedDec 1, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ecuador have a digital nomad visa?
Yes! Ecuador launched its official Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Residencia Temporal Rentista para Trabajo Remoto) in June 2022. It is valid for 2 years and renewable. Requirements: (1) Proof of remote work for foreign employer, as freelancer, or business owner, (2) Minimum income of USD 1,410/month (3x minimum wage of USD 470 in 2025), (3) Health insurance valid in Ecuador, (4) Criminal background check. The visa costs approximately USD 725 total (application + issuance + registration). After 21 months, you can apply for permanent residency.
How much does it cost to live in Ecuador as a digital nomad?
Ecuador is very affordable. Monthly costs for a comfortable lifestyle: Cuenca: USD 1,000-1,500 (most popular expat city, spring-like weather year-round), Quito: USD 1,200-1,800 (capital city, more urban amenities), Coastal areas (Manta, Salinas): USD 800-1,400 (beaches, warmer weather). Rent ranges from USD 300-700 for a nice apartment. A set lunch (almuerzo) costs USD 2.50-5. Internet is reliable in major cities (45-65 Mbps average). Ecuador uses USD as its currency, so no exchange rate concerns for Americans.
Can I work remotely in Ecuador on a tourist visa?
Technically, tourist visas do not permit work. However, Ecuador does not actively enforce this for tourists working remotely for foreign clients on laptops. For full legal protection and access to banking and residency benefits, it is recommended to obtain the Digital Nomad Visa (USD 1,410/month income requirement) or another temporary residency visa. You can enter as a tourist and then apply for residency while in Ecuador - you do NOT need to leave the country.
How do I get permanent residency and citizenship in Ecuador?
Path to permanent residency: Hold any temporary residency visa for 21 months, AND spend no more than 90 days total outside Ecuador during this period. Path to citizenship: After 3 years of residency (or 2 years if married to an Ecuadorian), you can apply for naturalization. Requirements include Spanish language proficiency and knowledge of Ecuadorian civics. Ecuador allows dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your original nationality. Ecuadorian passport provides visa-free access to 95+ countries.
What is the Investor Visa and how much do I need to invest?
Ecuador's Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of approximately USD 47,000 (100x minimum wage). Investment options: (1) Certificate of Deposit (CD) in Ecuadorian bank - earns 5-6% interest, (2) Real estate with assessed value of USD 47,000+, (3) Company shares. Key advantage: NO restrictions on time outside Ecuador (unlike other visas). Investment can be withdrawn after obtaining permanent residency. CD option is popular because you earn interest while qualifying for residency.
How do I open a bank account in Ecuador?
Opening a bank account in Ecuador: (1) Savings account: Possible with just a passport at some banks (Banco Pichincha, Banco Guayaquil), (2) Checking account: Requires residency visa and Cédula (ID card). Requirements vary by bank - bring passport, proof of address (utility bill), and reference letter from home bank. Process takes 1-2 hours. CD rates are attractive (5-6% in 2025). Main banks: Banco Pichincha, Banco Guayaquil, Produbanco, Banco del Pacífico. Cooperatives like Jardín Azuayo offer higher CD rates.
Do border runs reset my 90-day tourist allowance?
NO. Border runs do NOT reset your 90-day tourist allocation in Ecuador. Unlike some countries, Ecuador uses a rolling 365-day period starting from your first entry date. You are allowed 90 days total within that year. Visiting Colombia, Peru, or any other country and returning will NOT give you a fresh 90 days. To stay longer, you must either: (1) Extend your tourist visa for 90 more days (apply before expiry, costs approximately USD 153), or (2) Apply for a residency visa.
What is the Retirement (Pensionado) Visa and who qualifies?
Ecuador's Retirement Visa (Pensionado/Jubilado) is for anyone with guaranteed lifetime income of at least USD 1,410/month. Income must come from: Social Security, pension, annuity, or similar guaranteed sources. NOT dividends, rental income, or investments (those qualify for Rentista Visa instead). There is no age requirement - you just need pension income. Benefits: 2-year validity (renewable), path to permanent residency, tercera edad discounts (50% off domestic flights, utilities for those 65+), can work and do business.
Is Ecuador safe for expats and digital nomads?
Ecuador's safety varies by location. Popular expat cities (Cuenca, Quito's safe neighborhoods, Baños) are generally safe with common-sense precautions. Coastal areas near Colombia border (Esmeraldas, San Lorenzo) have higher crime rates. U.S. State Department has Level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution). Security has been a concern in some areas due to drug trafficking. Recommendations: Choose expat-friendly neighborhoods, avoid displaying wealth, use authorized taxis, stay informed about local conditions. The Galapagos Islands are very safe.
What documents do I need to enter Ecuador by land from Colombia or Peru?
As of January 2024, if entering Ecuador by land from Colombia or Peru, you MUST present an apostilled criminal record certificate from the country where you lived for the past 5 years. This certificate must be: (1) Apostilled with the Hague Apostille, (2) Translated into Spanish if in another language. Alternative: Immigration officers can check their SIMIEC system for any alerts. Exemptions: Ecuadorian citizens, those with Ecuadorian residency visas, and certain vulnerable persons. This does NOT apply to air travel entry.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025

Back to Visa Hub