Ecuador Retirement (Pensioner) Visa
If you receive at least $1,446/month in pension income, the Pensioner Visa may provide a route to temporary residence. The timeline depends on document preparation and government review.
Not sure you qualify? Send me your pension type and monthly amount — I'll give you an honest yes or no before you pay anything. I reply personally, normally within one business day.
Key Requirements
Steady Income
Documented qualifying pension or retirement income meeting the current threshold. Evidence and dependent requirements are reviewed case by case.
Background Check
FBI and state criminal record checks from your country of origin, apostilled and translated into Spanish. Must be valid within 180 days on arrival.
Health Coverage
National or international health policy valid in Ecuador for the visa period. We recommend getting covered before you apply.
Every month you wait is a month you could already be living here.
The biggest delay we see isn't immigration — it's applicants who overthink the document list. Message me your situation and I'll send you the exact document checklist for your case — and tell you honestly if anything is missing.
Your Journey to Residency
A structured path to your new life in Ecuador.
Free Qualification Check
Send me your pension type and monthly amount before you spend a dollar. If the Retirement Visa fits, I'll tell you exactly what your case needs. If it doesn't, I'll tell you that too — and point you to the visa that does.
Document Gathering
Start the slow items first: your FBI background check through IdentoGO (2–8 weeks), your state background check, and your pension verification letter. I give you the exact templates and order list for each.
Apostille & Certified Translation
Each document is apostilled in its issuing country, then translated by a certified Spanish translator in Ecuador. I coordinate both so nothing gets rejected on a technicality.
Submission, Approval & Cédula
I prepare and submit your online application, track it through government review, and walk you through the applicable cédula steps once approved. Timing varies by case.
The EcuaPass Service Package
More than just a filing service — we provide end-to-end relocation support.
- Document review & preparation
- Apostille guidance
- Certified Spanish translation coordination
- Cédula (ID card) appointment support
- Banking & health insurance introduction
- Direct WhatsApp communication
- Application tracking & follow-up
Not sure your pension qualifies?
Send me your pension type and monthly amount. If you qualify, I'll tell you exactly what your case needs and what it costs. If you don't, I'll tell you which visa fits instead. No obligation — I reply personally, normally within one business day.
Retirement Visa FAQ
Yes. Your spouse is added as a dependent. You will need to show sufficient income and provide an apostilled marriage certificate.
There is no guaranteed end-to-end timeline. Document preparation, apostilles, eVISAS review, any correction request, and post-approval cédula steps each vary.
During the 2-year temporary visa, avoid absences longer than 90 consecutive days and keep total absences under 18 months out of 24. After permanent residency (eligible at 21 months), the rules relax significantly.
You still have options. Couples can combine pension income on one application. If you're still short, the Professional Visa ($482/month with a university degree) or a Rentista structure may fit better. Send me your actual numbers — I'll tell you honestly which path works before you pay anything.
Tax treatment depends on your Ecuador tax residence, the income type and source, and current law. US citizens generally retain US filing obligations abroad. Get individualized advice from qualified US and Ecuador tax professionals.
Yes. Residents can enroll in IESS, Ecuador's public health system, for a monthly fee based on declared income. Many retirees pair IESS with a private policy for faster access. You'll need health coverage in place before you apply — I'll point you to the options my clients actually use.