Ecuador Visa Guide
Visas for moving to Ecuador
Ecuador offers expats a dollarized economy, low cost of living, and diverse geography spanning the Andes, Amazon, Pacific coast, and Galapagos. Its immigration system under Ley Organica de Movilidad Humana is among Latin America's most accessible, with income thresholds tied to the national minimum wage (SBU).
Key facts
- Capital
- Quito
- Official language
- Spanish
- Currency
- USD (US Dollar)
- Immigration authority
- Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Cancilleria)
All Ecuador visas for expats
Pick the visa that matches your situation. Each guide includes requirements, fees, processing times and a link to the official government source.
Ecuador Rentista Visa
Temporary residence for foreigners with stable passive income from abroad or within Ecuador, including pensions, rents, and investment income. Known for one of the lowest income thresholds in Latin America.
Ecuador Investor Visa
Temporary residence for foreigners making a qualifying investment in real estate, company shares, bank deposits, or state contracts in Ecuador. Includes multiple entries and no maximum time outside the country.
Ecuador Professional Visa (9-III)
Temporary residence for foreigners performing professional, technical, or artisan work in Ecuador. Requires a degree or certification validated locally by SENESCYT or the competent authority.
Ecuador Mercosur / Unasur Residence
Temporary residence for South American nationals under the Mercosur Residence Agreement and UNASUR framework. Offers a simplified application for citizens of member states.
Ecuador Permanent Residence
Permanent residence granted after 21 months of continuous temporary residence in Ecuador. Provides indefinite legal stay subject to absence rules under the Ley Organica de Movilidad Humana.
Not sure which Ecuador visa fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your income, profession and family situation, and we will narrow down the visas you likely qualify for.
In-depth Ecuador articles
View allDeeper analysis that goes beyond a single visa: tax comparisons, cost breakdowns, residency timelines and retirement city guides.
residency
Ecuador Pensionado Visa 2026: The Real Math on the $1,400 Monthly Bar
Ecuador's Visa Pensionado / Rentista pegs the income requirement to the SBU (Salario Basico Unificado). The 2026 SBU sits at USD 470/month, so the visa needs proof of roughly USD 1,410/month of lifetime pension or stable passive income for a single applicant. We map the documents, process and dollarization advantage.
cost
Ecuador for Expats 2026: Cuenca vs Quito vs Salinas Cost and Lifestyle
Cuenca is the famous expat retirement city in the southern Andes. Quito is the high-altitude capital. Salinas is the Pacific coast resort town. Each fits a different expat profile and a different budget. We compare 2026 monthly costs and what each city actually delivers.
Ecuador visa FAQs
What is Ecuador's SBU and how does it affect visas?
The SBU (Salario Basico Unificado) is Ecuador's unified minimum wage, set at USD 482/month for 2026. Income-based visas are tied to multiples of the SBU (e.g., 3x SBU = USD 1,446).
Is Ecuador's economy really dollarized?
Yes. Ecuador adopted the US dollar as its official currency in 2000 and no longer issues its own paper currency, making it attractive for dollar-earning expats.
How long until I can apply for permanent residency?
After holding a temporary residence visa for 21 consecutive months (of a 2-year visa), you can apply for permanent residency in Ecuador.
Do I need to apostille all foreign documents?
Yes. All foreign documents must be apostilled (or legalized via Ecuadorian consulate if from a non-Hague country) and translated into Spanish.
Can I bring family dependents?
Yes. Each dependent aged 18+ requires an additional USD 250/month (0.5x SBU) income above the primary applicant's requirement; minor children add smaller amounts.