Ecuador Visa Types — 2026 Guide
Ecuador offers several visa categories for foreigners. Here's a plain-English breakdown of each type, who it's for, and what you'll need.
Government fees and requirements change periodically
Professional Visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal Profesional
For individuals with a professional degree who want to work or reside in Ecuador. One of the most popular visa categories for expats with college degrees.
Ideal For
College graduates, remote workers, professionals
Gov. Fees
$450 – $550 in government fees
Processing
30 – 60 days
Duration
2 years (temporary residency)
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher (apostilled and translated)
- Clean criminal background check (apostilled)
- Proof of financial means
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Health insurance valid in Ecuador
Investor Visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal de Inversionista
For individuals making a qualifying financial investment in Ecuador, such as purchasing real estate, depositing funds in an Ecuadorian bank, or investing in an Ecuadorian company.
Ideal For
Real estate buyers, business investors, retirees with capital
Gov. Fees
$450 – $550 in government fees
Processing
30 – 90 days
Duration
2 years (temporary residency)
Key Requirements
- Minimum investment (currently ~$46,500 for real estate)
- Proof of investment (property deed, bank certificate, etc.)
- Clean criminal background check (apostilled)
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Health insurance valid in Ecuador
Retiree / Pensioner Visa (Jubilado)
Visa de Residencia Temporal de Jubilado
For individuals receiving a pension or retirement income. One of the easiest visa categories if you have a qualifying monthly pension. Ecuador is one of the top retirement destinations in the world.
Ideal For
Retirees, pensioners, Social Security recipients
Gov. Fees
$450 – $550 in government fees
Processing
30 – 60 days
Duration
2 years (temporary residency)
Key Requirements
- Proof of monthly pension/retirement income (currently ~$1,450/month minimum)
- Pension verification letter (apostilled)
- Clean criminal background check (apostilled)
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Health insurance valid in Ecuador
Digital Nomad Visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal para Nómadas Digitales
Ecuador introduced a dedicated digital nomad visa for remote workers employed by or contracting with companies outside of Ecuador. This visa is designed for location-independent professionals who want to live in Ecuador while earning foreign income — freelancers, remote employees, and online entrepreneurs.
Ideal For
Remote workers, freelancers, online business owners
Gov. Fees
$450 – $550 in government fees
Processing
30 – 60 days
Duration
2 years (temporary residency)
Key Requirements
- Proof of remote work or freelance income from outside Ecuador
- Minimum monthly income (currently ~$1,350/month)
- Employment contract or client contracts demonstrating foreign income
- Clean criminal background check (apostilled)
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Health insurance valid in Ecuador
Rentista Visa (Independent Income)
Visa de Residencia Temporal Rentista
For individuals with a stable, independent source of income — such as rental income, investment returns, or trust fund distributions — that doesn't come from employment in Ecuador.
Ideal For
Landlords, trust fund beneficiaries, passive income earners
Gov. Fees
$450 – $550 in government fees
Processing
30 – 90 days
Duration
2 years (temporary residency)
Key Requirements
- Proof of stable monthly income (currently ~$1,450/month minimum)
- Income verification from financial institution (apostilled)
- Clean criminal background check (apostilled)
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Health insurance valid in Ecuador
Dependent Visa
Visa de Residencia Temporal por Amparo
For spouses, children, or parents of an Ecuadorian citizen or someone who already holds an Ecuador visa. Each dependent must apply for their own visa.
Ideal For
Spouses, children, parents of visa holders
Gov. Fees
$450 – $550 per dependent in government fees
Processing
30 – 60 days
Duration
Same as sponsor's visa
Key Requirements
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate — apostilled)
- Sponsor's visa or cedula copy
- Clean criminal background check (apostilled)
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Health insurance valid in Ecuador
Permanent Residency
Visa de Residencia Permanente
After holding a temporary residency visa for 21 consecutive months, you can apply for permanent residency. This gives you indefinite residency rights in Ecuador.
Ideal For
Anyone who has held a temporary visa for 21+ months
Gov. Fees
$450 – $550 in government fees
Processing
60 – 120 days
Duration
Indefinite
Key Requirements
- 21 months of continuous temporary residency
- Valid temporary visa (not expired)
- Updated criminal background check
- Proof of financial means
- Census certificate from Ecuador
- No absences exceeding 90 consecutive days
Common Questions
Do I need a lawyer?
Not technically, but the process involves Spanish-language documents, government bureaucracy, apostilled records, and in-person appointments. Most expats hire a visa company to handle the process and avoid costly mistakes.
What does "apostilled" mean?
An apostille is an international certification that authenticates a document for use in another country. Your US (or other) documents need to be apostilled by the relevant authority (usually the Secretary of State) and then translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
Can I work in Ecuador on a visa?
Temporary residency visas generally allow you to reside in Ecuador. Working for an Ecuadorian employer requires additional work permits. Remote work for foreign companies is generally not restricted, though tax obligations apply.
How long can I be out of Ecuador?
With temporary residency, you should not be absent for more than 90 consecutive days if you plan to later apply for permanent residency. Check current regulations, as these rules can change.
Need help with your visa?
Compare the top Ecuador visa companies and find one that fits your needs.