Investment Visa Ecuador: Real Estate, Bank CDs, and Business Opportunities
How to qualify for Ecuador's investment visa through real estate, bank deposits, or business investment. 25+ years of local connections and due diligence.
The investment visa is the fastest path for many expats.
If you're not retired and don't have a job offer from an Ecuadorian company, the investment visa is likely your best route to residency. Make a qualifying investment, get your visa, and start your new life.
The key is knowing where to invest, how much is required, and who to trust. We've been advising clients on this for over 25 years, and our private sector relationships mean you get access to deals and due diligence that you won't find on your own.
Three Qualifying Investment Types
1. Real Estate
The most popular pathway. Purchase property in Ecuador above the government-set minimum and you qualify.
This is where our connections make a real difference. Our partnership with Ecuador At Your Service - voted Best Real Estate Company by the Gringo Post four consecutive years (2018-2021) - gives our clients access to:
- Vetted properties with clean titles
- Below-market opportunities through our network
- Full due diligence (title search, lien checks, zoning verification)
- Purchase contract drafting and negotiation
- Properties that double as your new home or rental income
We've seen clients get burned buying through unvetted agents or online listings. When your visa depends on the investment, you can't afford to get it wrong.
2. Bank Certificate of Deposit (CD)
Deposit funds in an Ecuadorian bank above the qualifying threshold. Straightforward, low maintenance, and your money earns interest.
Advantages:
- No property to manage
- Funds remain accessible after visa approval
- Simple to set up with our banking contacts
We'll connect you with the right bank and guide you through the account opening process - which can be surprisingly complicated for foreigners without local guidance.
3. Business Investment
Start or invest in an Ecuadorian business. This pathway is popular with entrepreneurs and is increasingly used by companies establishing Ecuador operations.
Advantages:
- Generate active income
- Create local employment (which strengthens your visa position)
- Build something in a growing market
We handle company registration, SRI (tax authority) enrollment, and ensure your business structure qualifies for the investment visa.
How Much Do You Need to Invest?
The minimum investment amount is set by the Ecuadorian government and is tied to the basic unified salary. It changes periodically. Rather than publish a number that might be outdated by the time you read this, contact us for the current threshold - we'll give you exact figures and explain your options.
The Process
- Consultation - We assess your financial situation and goals, then recommend the best investment pathway
- Investment selection - We connect you with vetted opportunities through our network
- Due diligence - Our team reviews all documents, verifies titles, checks compliance
- Investment execution - We oversee the purchase, deposit, or business setup
- Visa application - Complete application package prepared and submitted
- Approval & registration - Cedula issuance and settlement support
Beyond the Visa
The investment visa is your entry point. From there:
- 21 months → eligible for permanent residency
- 3 years of permanent residency → eligible for citizenship
- Dual citizenship → keep your current passport
And because we're a full-service firm, we handle everything beyond immigration too: banking setup, healthcare enrollment, and ongoing legal support.
Why 25+ Years of Relationships Matter
Anyone can file paperwork. Our edge is 25 years of relationships in Cuenca's private sector. That means better real estate deals, smoother banking processes, and faster government processing. When you invest through our network, your money goes further and your visa gets processed right the first time.
Keep reading:
- Every Visa Type Ecuador Offers - And How to Pick the Right One
- Legal Checks Before Buying Property in Ecuador
- Investor Visa vs. Pensioner Visa Ecuador
Considering an investment visa for Ecuador? Schedule a consultation or call 651-621-3652.