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Every Visa Type Ecuador Offers - And How to Pick the Right One

Ecuador offers over 14 visa categories for expats. Learn what each one requires, who qualifies, and how licensed immigration attorneys simplify the process.

immigration residency ecuador

Ecuador has a visa for almost everyone.

Ecuador is one of the most accessible countries in the world for legal residency. With over 14 visa categories, there's a pathway for retirees, remote workers, investors, families, corporate teams, and more. The challenge isn't qualifying - it's choosing the right one and getting the paperwork right.

We've been processing every type of Ecuador visa for over 25 years. Here's what you need to know.

The Main Visa Categories

Retirement / Pensioner Visa

For anyone receiving a pension, Social Security, or steady retirement income. Minimum income threshold is set by the government and updated periodically. This is the most popular visa among US and Canadian expats moving to Cuenca.

Requirements: Proof of monthly pension or retirement income above the minimum threshold, apostilled background check, health certificate.

Investment Visa

Qualify by making a financial investment in Ecuador - real estate, bank certificates of deposit, or a business. Through our partnership with Ecuador At Your Service (voted Best Real Estate Company by Gringo Post four consecutive years), we connect clients with vetted properties that qualify.

Requirements: Proof of qualifying investment, property deed or bank certificate, apostilled background check.

Professional (Work) Visa

For employees sponsored by an Ecuadorian company or institution. Common for corporate relocations, NGO staff, and international school teachers.

Requirements: Employment contract with an Ecuadorian entity, employer sponsorship letter, professional credentials.

Digital Nomad Visa

One of Ecuador's newest visa categories. For remote workers earning income from outside Ecuador. If you work for a foreign company or freelance internationally, this is your pathway.

Requirements: Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts, income above the minimum threshold, health insurance.

Rental Income Visa

For individuals receiving rental income from properties - inside or outside Ecuador - above a minimum threshold.

Student Visa

For those enrolled in an accredited Ecuadorian educational institution.

Dependent Visa

For spouses and children of any visa holder. We process family applications together so everyone's status is coordinated.

Treaty Visa (UNASUR / Mercosur)

For citizens of South American nations under regional agreements.

Corporate / Institutional Visa

For companies relocating teams, factories staffing international workers, or institutions (like schools) hiring foreign staff. We handle bulk processing - from 2 people to 200.

Other Categories

Ecuador also offers visas for religious workers, humanitarian cases, refugees, and other specialized situations.

Temporary vs. Permanent Residency

All initial visas are temporary (2 years, renewable). After holding temporary residency for at least 21 months, you can apply for permanent residency - indefinite stay, no renewal needed.

The Path to Citizenship

After 3 years of permanent residency, you can apply for Ecuadorian citizenship through naturalization. Ecuador allows dual citizenship, so you keep your current passport.

A basic Spanish proficiency test and knowledge of Ecuador's constitution are required. We prepare clients for both.

The Process

  1. Consultation - We assess your situation and recommend the best visa pathway
  2. Document preparation - We manage apostilles, certified translations, background checks (4-8 weeks)
  3. Application submission - Filed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (30-90 days for review)
  4. Approval & registration - Civil Registry registration and cedula (national ID) issuance
  5. Settlement - Housing, banking, healthcare, schools - we handle it all

Why Licensed Attorneys Matter

Facilitators fill out forms. When a document is questioned, a regulation changes, or an application is flagged, you want licensed attorneys who understand Ecuadorian law and can advocate for you. We've been doing this for over 25 years - longer than anyone in the game.

Keep reading:

Ready to start your Ecuador visa process? Schedule a consultation or call 651-621-3652.