A Guide to Temporary Residence Visas in Ecuador for American Citizens

For many American citizens, Ecuador holds the promise of adventure, tranquility, and new beginnings. However, the journey to temporary residence in this South American paradise requires navigating the intricacies of Ecuador’s visa system. In this guide, we’ll explore the most commonly selected temporary residence visas for American retirees.

Pensioner Visa (Visa 9-I)

Tailored for retirees seeking to enjoy their golden years in Ecuador, the Pensioner Visa requires proof of a stable monthly income from a reliable source, such as a pension or retirement fund. For American citizens, this may include Social Security benefits or retirement savings. To apply for this type of visa, the retiree must have verifiable income of at least $1,380 plus $250 a month for each additional dependent. Further, this pension income must be verified to last for the remainder of the pensioner’s life. The required documents include:

• Proof of pension or retirement income, such as a statement from the Social Security Administration, an employer pension, or an annuity.
• Criminal background check issued by the FBI.
• Health insurance coverage valid in Ecuador.

Investor Visa (Visa 9-V)

For American investors looking to establish a presence in Ecuador, the Investor Visa requires a significant financial investment in Ecuadorian real estate or a certificate of deposit (CD) in an Ecuadorian bank. The minimum investment amount is 100-times the Ecuadorian monthly minimum wage which, as of the writing of this article, is an investment of $47,500. The required documents include:

• A deed to an Ecuadorian property or a CD held in an Ecuadorian bank.
• A minimum monthly income of at least $475 plus an additional $475 per dependent.
• Criminal background check issued by the FBI.
• Health insurance coverage valid in Ecuador.

Dependent Visa (Visa 9-VI)

Spouses, children, or other dependents of Americans holding temporary residence visas in Ecuador may apply for the Dependent Visa. The required documents include:

• Marriage certificate or birth certificate (for children).
• Proof of relationship to the primary visa holder.
• Criminal background check issued by the FBI.
• Health insurance coverage valid in Ecuador for all dependents.

Work Visa (Visa 9-II)

Americans intending to work for an Ecuadorian employer must obtain a Work Visa, which requires a job offer from an Ecuadorian company and proof of qualifications. The required documents include:

• Copy of the employment contract or job offer letter.
• Certified copies of educational degrees or professional certificates.
• Criminal background check issued by the FBI.
• Health insurance coverage valid in Ecuador.

Digital Nomad Visa (Visa 9-X)

Recently introduced, the Digital Nomad Visa is ideal for American remote workers and freelancers seeking to live and work in Ecuador. While specific requirements may vary, applicants typically need to demonstrate sufficient income from remote work and secure health insurance coverage.

Document Apostillation Process

A crucial step in the visa application process is apostilling the required documents to authenticate their validity for use in Ecuador. For American citizens, the criminal background check must be obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Once obtained, the document must be apostilled by the US Department of State. All other documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, income verification documents must be apostilled by the State Department of the state they were issued.

Obtaining a temporary residence visa in Ecuador as an American citizen requires careful preparation, gathering and apostillation of required documents, translation of the documents into Spanish, and scheduling and meeting with Ecuadorian immigration officials. Although possible, it is not recommended to attempt to navigate this process on your own. There are many Visa facilitators and attorneys who are willing to guide you and work with the Ecuadorian Immigration Department on your behalf. At the time of this writing, the average fee is about $1,500, but well worth the price, if you choose wisely. By understanding the different visa types and following the prescribed procedures, Americans can navigate the visa application process successfully and embark on their journey to temporary residence in Ecuador.