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Ecuador Investor Visa

Invest $48,200 in Ecuador real estate, a bank CD, or company shares and qualify for 2-year temporary residency. No age requirement. No language test. Just the right documents, filed in the right order.

EcuaPass pricing is quoted individually after we review your case and requested support.

Check my visa route — $100 consult
Golden hour over Cuenca, Ecuador with cathedral domes and river

At a glance

Investor Visa

Planning summary only. The current official checklist and agency review control.

Often fits

Applicants using a qualifying investment in Ecuador as the basis for temporary residence.

Organize first

Investment and ownership records, passport, background-check records, and any required authentication or translation.

What still needs review

The investment type, ownership or registration evidence, holding requirements, dependents, and current category rules must be checked together.

Key Requirements

Qualifying Investment

USD $48,200 minimum (100x SBU) invested in Ecuador real estate, a fixed-term bank CD (730+ days), share capital in an Ecuadorian company, or an investment trust registered with authorities.

Background Check

Criminal record check from your country of origin or countries where you resided in the last 5 years, apostilled and translated into Spanish. Valid within 180 days on arrival.

Valid Passport

Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity at the time of application, plus a color photo (5 x 5 cm, white background, JPG under 1 MB).

If your route is time-sensitive, an earlier document review may reduce avoidable delays.

Requirements and fees can change, and the exact document list depends on the route. Request a case review and we will send the current checklist, service scope, and written quote before paid work begins.

Check my visa route — $100 consult

Your Journey to Residency

A structured path to your new life in Ecuador.

Expert Consultation

We review your investment type and timeline before committing capital, so you never waste money on a visa you don't qualify for.

1

Document & Investment Verification

We give you the exact templates and order list: passport, photos, background check, and investment proof (deed, bank certificate, or share subscription).

2

Apostille & Legal Translation

We coordinate certified Spanish translation and Ecuadorian notarization of your apostilled documents.

3

Submission & Finalization

We submit your application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and walk you through receiving your visa and Ecuadorian cédula.

4

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
Chip Moreno, Founder of EcuaPass, in Cuenca Ecuador

Ready to Invest in Your Future?

You have the capital and the passport. The next step is to confirm the filing order, service scope, and written quote before paid work begins.

Check my visa route — $100 consult

Investor Visa FAQ

Foreign nationals seeking temporary residency in Ecuador through a qualifying investment of USD $48,200 or more. The investment must be made in Ecuador and remain in place for the duration of the temporary visa.

Real estate, a fixed-term bank CD at an Ecuadorian bank, share capital in an Ecuadorian legal entity, or an investment trust. The investment must be registered in your name and verifiable by immigration authorities (property deed, bank certificate, share subscription, or trust documentation).

Yes. You can add a spouse and minor children as dependents on your application. You will need their valid passports, apostilled birth or marriage certificate proving the relationship, and an apostilled background check for each applicant aged 18 or older.

The Investor Visa is a residency visa and allows you to live in Ecuador. It does not grant a standalone work permit. If you intend to work for an Ecuadorian employer, additional work authorization is required.

The temporary Investor Visa is valid for 2 years. You may apply for permanent residency after 21 months of holding the temporary visa, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.

Official application reference

Documents you may need

Use this document list to plan your application. The exact requirements can vary by case and may change; the official government procedure controls.

Official Ecuador government source

Official temporary investor residence procedure ↗

1. Passport Photograph

  • Requirement: MANDATORY
  • Applies To: All applicants
  • File Format: JPG
  • Max File Size: 1 MB
  • Dimensions: 5 x 5 cm / 2 x 2 inches
  • Background: White
  • Expression: Neutral (preferred) or natural smile; both eyes open

2. Valid Passport

  • Requirement: MANDATORY
  • Applies To: All applicants
  • File Format: PDF
  • Validity Rule: ≥ 6 months remaining

3. Criminal Record Certificate(s)

  • Requirement: MANDATORY for applicants 18+
  • Sources Required: Country of origin AND any country of legal residence in past 5 years
  • File Format: PDF
  • Authentication: Apostilled or legalized
  • Translation: Spanish
  • Validity: 180 days from issuance
  • US Citizens: BOTH FBI and State background checks required

4. Proof of Lawful Means of Subsistence

  • Requirement: MANDATORY
  • Legal Basis: Ministerial Agreement No. 0000070 (June 28, 2024)
  • Acceptable Documents (at least one):
    • Option A: Three months of U.S. bank statements, notarized and apostilled
    • Option B: Three months of Ecuadorian bank statements, signed and stamped by bank representative
    • Option C: Apostilled Social Security benefits or awards letter
  • File Format: PDF

5. Investment Documentation (Choose One Option)

Option A: Certificate of Deposit (CD)

  • Requirement: MANDATORY (if selecting this option)
  • Minimum Term: 730 days (2 years)
  • Minimum Amount: 100 SBU = USD $48,200
  • Institution: Credit institution recognized by Superintendencia de Bancos or Superintendencia de Economía Popular y Solidaria
  • Documents Required:
    • Title, policy, or certificate of deposit
    • Proof of institution recognition

Option B: Real Estate Acquisition

  • Requirement: MANDATORY (if selecting this option)
  • Minimum Valuation: 100 SBU = USD $48,200
  • Documents Required:
    • Public purchase deed (Escritura de compraventa)
    • Property Registry registration proof (Registro de la Propiedad)

Option C: Corporate Shares or Company Participations

  • Requirement: MANDATORY (if selecting this option)
  • Minimum Value: 100 SBU = USD $48,200
  • Documents Required:
    • Official documentation proving ownership of shares or equity participations
    • Registration under Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros

Option D: Government Investment Contracts

  • Requirement: MANDATORY (if selecting this option)
  • Documents Required:
    • Copy of public deed for valid investment contract with Ecuadorian State, OR
    • Copy of valid delegated management deed with government entities, OR
    • Signed administrative contract with the State

6. Certified Translations & Notarizations

  • Requirement: CONDITIONAL
  • Documents Typically Requiring Translation:
    • Apostilled FBI Background Check
    • Apostilled State Background Check
    • Apostilled Court Records / Court Dismissals
    • Apostilled Bank Statements
How this page is sourced and reviewed

Owner: EcuaPass editorial team. Last reviewed July 31, 2026; review due October 1, 2026.

Reviewer: Immigration professional review required for changed claims.

Educational planning information only. It does not determine eligibility, replace individualized legal advice, or guarantee an approval, timeline, fee, or outcome.

Review status: source-controlled review record.

Primary sources

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