Visa comparison
See the differences that decide your route
Start with two visas. We surface the biggest tradeoffs first, then let you open only the details you need.
Start here
Top differences
Updated for 2026
Professional
Retirement
Income or investment
$482/month
$1,446/month
Realistic timeline
4–6 weeks
4–6 weeks
Main advantage
Lowest income requirement of any visa ($482/mo)
Simplest documentation of any visa — one income source
Main hurdle
Degree must be validated through SENESCYT (2–4 weeks)
Must be government pension or Social Security (not 401k)
Dig deeper
More details, when you need them
Degree requiredEducation
Professional
YesRetirement
NoSENESCYT registrationEducation
Professional
YesRetirement
NoEmployer or client proofDocuments
Professional
No — self-employment OKRetirement
NoHealth insuranceDocuments
Professional
Yes — private plan requiredRetirement
Yes — private plan requiredDocument complexityDocuments
Professional
Medium — degree apostille + SENESCYT adds stepsRetirement
Low — one pension letter + bank statementsRemote workWork rights
Professional
Yes — designed for itRetirement
Not authorized for employmentOngoing income proofRenewal
Professional
Yes, at 2-year renewalRetirement
Yes, at 2-year renewalInitial visa durationResidency
Professional
2 years (renewable)Retirement
2 years (renewable)Path to permanent residencyResidency
Professional
Yes — after 21 monthsRetirement
Yes — after 21 monthsDependentsFamily
Professional
Yes — separate dependent visaRetirement
Yes — separate dependent visaEcuaPass service quoteSupport
Professional
Quote after case reviewRetirement
Quote after case reviewGovernment feesCosts
Professional
Standard government feeRetirement
Standard government feeSenior discountCosts
Professional
50% off gov fees if 65+Retirement
50% off gov fees if 65+Still close?
Get a recommendation based on your situation.
The six-step eligibility quiz weighs your income, education, work, and family route.
Estimates reflect common 2026 cases; document specifics can change the final route.