Free Download · 2026 Edition
The Ecuador Visa Guide
All 10 Ecuador residency visas, side by side. Income requirements, documents, timelines, and pricing — everything you need to choose the right visa and start your move.
What's Inside
Everything you need, in one place
Written by Chip Moreno, an American immigration specialist who has helped dozens of expats navigate Ecuador's visa system from his base in Cuenca.
All 10 visa types
From Retirement to Investor to Student — every path, compared.
Real pricing
Government fees, service fees, and out-of-pocket costs broken down.
Honest timelines
4–6 months is the best case. Here's what adds 8 weeks.
Choose Your Visa
All 10 Ecuador residency visas
Click any visa to see the full requirements, document checklist, timeline, and EcuaPass pricing.
Retirement Visa
Social Security, pension, or permanent fund withdrawals
Income
$1,446/mo pension
Timeline
4–6 months
EcuaPass service
$1,500
Professional Visa
Lowest income requirement — requires SENESCYT degree registration
Income
$482/mo income
Timeline
6–8 months (includes SENESCYT)
EcuaPass service
$2,000
Investor Visa
Real estate, bank CD, or business — no ongoing income required
Income
$48,200 investment
Timeline
4–6 months
EcuaPass service
$2,000
Rentista Visa
Rental, dividends, trust distributions, or annuity income
Income
$1,446/mo passive income
Timeline
4–6 months
EcuaPass service
$1,500
Digital Nomad Visa
Remote workers with foreign employer or freelance income
Income
$1,446/mo foreign income
Timeline
3–4 months
EcuaPass service
$1,500
Dependent Visa
Spouses, children, and qualifying family members
Income
Sponsor + $250/mo per dependent
Timeline
4–6 months (filed with primary)
EcuaPass service
$750 per dependent
Work Visa
Employer-sponsored employment with an Ecuadorian company
Income
Ecuadorian job offer
Timeline
3–5 months
EcuaPass service
$1,500
Marriage Visa
Spouses or civil-union partners of Ecuadorian citizens or residents
Income
Marriage/civil-union proof
Timeline
4–6 months
EcuaPass service
$1,500
Student Visa
Full-time students at accredited Ecuadorian institutions
Income
Enrollment letter
Timeline
2–3 months
EcuaPass service
$1,200
Volunteer Visa
Volunteers with registered Ecuadorian NGOs or nonprofits
Income
Volunteer contract
Timeline
2–3 months
EcuaPass service
$1,200
"UNESCO World Heritage City. Eternal spring climate. Your new home awaits."
— Cuenca, Ecuador
How EcuaPass Helps
The shortcut most expats wish they had
Personalized document roadmap tailored to your specific visa and situation
Expert review of every document before you travel — catch errors before they cost you weeks
We schedule and attend your immigration appointment in person
All Spanish-language communication with immigration officers, handled for you
Follow-up with immigration throughout processing, until your visa and cédula are in hand
One person — me, Chip — handles your case from start to finish
Ready to start your Ecuador move?
Pick your visa type above, or take the 2-minute quiz to find out which one fits you.