Residence in Ecuador

A complete guide to residency in Ecuador for Italian citizens. Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency, offers 13 types of temporary residence visas, and has one of the lowest living costs in Latin America. A pensioner's visa requires just $1,450/month in income. On this page: all available visas, requirements, documents, the 5-step process, taxes, cities to live, safety, and FAQs.

See the infographic on residency in Ecuador (PDF)

Moving to Ecuador: Accessible Residency, Jobs, and Investments

Ecuador is the ideal destination for those seeking a fresh start with incredibly low costs and unique benefits. Obtaining residency in Ecuador is easy, whether for retirees wishing to enjoy the mild climate, professionals, or digital nomads seeking a life rich in cultural experiences. With real estate investments starting at a fraction of the cost of Panama, Mexico, or Colombia, you can easily obtain a residency visa and live in the heart of a natural paradise.

The Republic of Ecuador is a Latin American country and an associate member of Mercosur. Located in northwestern South America, it borders Colombia and Peru by land and Costa Rica by sea. Its territory is divided by a volcanic section of the Andes mountain range. To the east lies the dense Amazon rainforest; to the west lies the Gulf of Guayaquil, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and overlooking the incredible natural landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador has been called the most biodiverse country in the world.

Ecuador's economy is officially dollarized: the US dollar has been the sole legal tender since 2001. The nation boasts the finest and most sought-after coffee in the world, with certain varieties such as Loja and Galapagos coffee making it an extremely exclusive destination for industry experts. Ecuador is also the land where the world's first cocoa plant originated and is today the undisputed home of the finest cocoa used in the Swiss, French, Austrian, and Belgian chocolate industry. Ecuador has the highest rate of female entrepreneurs in Latin America and the world, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.

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How to obtain residency in Ecuador

Moving to Ecuador is still relatively simple and recommended as a Plan B. Ecuador has one of the most liberal immigration policies in the world, with virtually no restrictions on settlement. One example is the dozens of visas available for every social, economic, and cultural background. Moving to Ecuador depends on choosing the visa that best suits your needs.

The immigration visa application must be submitted to the Ecuadorian consulate closest to your former residence, or through the new eVisas active since July 2024. The application is approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Rights, and the approval process takes four to eight weeks.

Temporary and permanent visas for residing in Ecuador

came into forceLey Orgánica de Movilidad Humana. This law introduced important changes, including temporary residence visas. In the past, foreigners could immediately apply for a permanent residence visa, but this is no longer the case. Now, everyone must first obtain a temporary residence visa valid for two years, renewable only once. After obtaining a temporary visa for 21 months, you are eligible to apply for a permanent residence visa, which has no expiration date.

Ecuador can be entered as a tourist with a maximum permit of 90 days. After the 90-day period expires, starting on day 91, you can request an extension of another 90 days for a fee of USD 144. If you use the 90-day period without an extension, you must leave the country at the end and will not be able to re-enter until the following calendar year, on the first day of your first entry.

Holders of a temporary Ecuadorian residence visa can live outside the country for no more than 90 days in any 12-month period. Those with permanent residence visas can leave the country for no more than 180 days in total for the first two years. The law does not clarify how long permanent residents can remain outside the country after the first two years.

The types of Ecuadorian residency visas for Italians that you can apply for are described below, and these options are the same for both temporary and permanent visas.

The main option for residency in Ecuador: the Pensionado visa

Italians can easily apply for residency in Ecuador. There are 13 different visa categories, but the vast majority of expats obtain residency with a retirement visa. This is the 60-III (Jubilado), which does not require significant capital investment. You must demonstrate a permanent income from a source outside Ecuador of at least USD 1,375 per month (equivalent to three times the Unified Basic Salary). An additional USD 500 in monthly income is required for each dependent.

Income must come from the applicant's pension, social security, or fixed income. Income from sources such as rental properties or stocks is not acceptable under this visa; however, such investments may be used for the 60-II (Rentista).

The 13 types of temporary residence visas in Ecuador

The Organic Law on Human Mobility (Art. 60) establishes 13 categories of temporary residence, all valid for two years and renewable only once. After 21 months of temporary residence, permanent residency is granted (Art. 63). The main categories are as follows.

Requirements for residency in Ecuador

The requirements for obtaining residency in Ecuador are relatively simple, although it's essential that your lawyer guide you through the process. The general requirements are as follows:

• Original documents or certified copies — must be apostilled if the country of origin is a signatory to the Hague Convention (Italy is). In Italy, the apostille is affixed at the Prefectures of the province where the document was issued.
• Spanish Translation — All documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. We recommend having the translation done in Ecuador to avoid additional apostilles.
• Address Registration — Requirement to register your address with immigration authorities and report any changes
• Health insurance — mandatory with full coverage, public or private, for the entire duration of the visa

Documents for Obtaining Residency in Ecuador

• Solicitud de Visa de Inmigrante — completed form for the appropriate type of residence
• Valid passport — certified copy with at least 6 months of remaining validity
• Hoja de datos para la Cédula — data sheet for the Ecuadorian identity card
• photos color
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree or death certificate
• Birth certificates for the applicant and all dependents, apostilled
• Criminal record and pending charges — from the country of residence for the last 5 years, apostilled
• Cumulative certificate of citizenship, residence and birth
• health insurance Full coverage

Pensioner Visa in Ecuador (Jubilado 60-III)

The retiree visa requires the applicant to demonstrate a steady income from a guaranteed, reliable, and lifelong source, such as Social Security or a company pension. The minimum income requirement is USD 1,375 per month, plus USD 500 for each dependent who moves to Ecuador with the retiree. In general, all applications with income exceeding USD 1,375 are always accepted.

Investor Visa in Ecuador (Inversionista)

Investor visas are available to individuals who use their financial resources to develop productive or commercial activities. The investment can consist of Ecuadorian real estate or a certificate of deposit (CDT) in an Ecuadorian bank for at least 100 times the minimum wage (current base wage: $460/month, minimum investment approximately $46,000). In addition to the investment, it is necessary to demonstrate a monthly income of at least $460, plus $500 for each dependent.

Rentista Visa in Ecuador

The Rentista visa is applicable when an individual brings to Ecuador income generated from their own resources from abroad: real estate rental income, investment income, remote work, or any other legal income from external sources. The minimum requirement is USD 1,375 per month. Since this is a relatively new visa, proof of income requirements is subject to interpretation and may change over time.

Work visa in Ecuador (Trabajador)

The work visa is for those authorized to perform paid employment. This applies to public service, private industry, and self-employed workers. Registration with theIESS ) is required. The visa also allows you to start your own business.

The visa for professionals in Ecuador

Professionals with a four-year degree from a recognized college or university can obtain this visa to develop their profession, technical, technological, or artisanal activity. There is no requirement to work in Ecuador with this type of visa; many retired expats choose to relocate with this type of visa.

Amparo (Dependent Family Member) Visa in Ecuador

This visa is intended for foreigners who are already married or will soon marry an Ecuadorian citizen, as well as any dependent family members of Ecuadorian residents. It applies to spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and cohabitants (Unión de Hecho).

Permanent Residency in Ecuador

Permanent residency in Ecuador (Art. 63, Organic Law on Human Mobility) is the immigration status that authorizes indefinite residence. To access it, you must have completed at least 21 months of temporary residency and submit the application before the temporary visa expires. Permanent residency allows you to live and work in Ecuador indefinitely.

How to obtain residency in Ecuador in 5 steps

Personal Income Tax in Ecuador

An individual is considered a tax resident in Ecuador if they stay in the country for more than 183 days in a calendar year, or if their center of economic interests is located in Ecuador. Tax residents are subject to income tax on their worldwide income, while non-residents pay tax exclusively on Ecuadorian-source income.

Residents' personal income is subject to progressive tax rates ranging from 0% to 37%. The first $11,902 of annual income is exempt. Ecuador provides deductions for personal expenses (education, healthcare, food, clothing, housing) up to a maximum limit. There is no tax on inheritances between spouses, and the first $36,400 of inheritance is exempt.

Progressive rates

Corporate Taxation in Ecuador

Cities in Ecuador to move to

Guayaquil is Ecuador's financial and industrial capital, with over 3 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area. It is the country's main port and offers a tropical climate, a vibrant cultural scene, and a very affordable cost of living. Quito, the political capital, is located at 2,850 meters above sea level in the Andes and boasts a historic center that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cuenca is a favorite destination for American and European expats for its year-round spring-like climate and excellent quality of life. Manta and Salinas offer coastal options with a relaxed lifestyle and very low costs.

Geopolitical situation and security in Ecuador

Ecuador has experienced a complex security situation in recent years, particularly in port and border areas. Guayaquil and some coastal areas have seen an increase in crime related to international drug trafficking. However, residential areas, middle- and upper-class neighborhoods, and cities like Cuenca and Quito remain generally safe for expatriates. The government has intensified security operations and territorial control.

Ecuador vs. Colombia vs. Peru: Residency Comparison

Frequently asked questions about residency in Ecuador