Ecuador — Rentista / Pensioner Temporary Residency

Key requirements

We model the minimum income as 3× SBU. The exact USD floor updates when Ecuador updates the SBU; confirm the current number at application time.

• Minimum income (model)~$1,446 / month (model)
• SavingsNot modeled as required
• Accepted income typesPassive income, Pension
• Remote work allowedNo
• Local employment allowedNo
• Health insuranceUsually required
• Criminal record checkUsually required
• Accommodation proofNot flagged in model
• Bank accountNot flagged in model
• Processing (rough)Weeks to months (e-VISAS)

Citizenship & nationality

Ecuador’s Rentista temporary residency is designed for foreigners who intend to settle and receive income (“rentas”) from abroad (or evidenced lawful income) and maintain valid health coverage during the visa period.

• •You must show monthly lawful income at or above 3× the Unified Basic Salary (SBU) via supporting documents (e.g., rental contracts, investment titles).
• •Health insurance (national or foreign) must be valid for the same period as the visa and explicitly cover Ecuador.
• •For dependents, you must justify additional monthly income of $250 per dependent.
• •Applications are submitted virtually via the Ministry’s official e‑VISAS platform; background checks must be apostilled/legalised and translated as required.

Use Ecuador’s official government procedure page and e‑VISAS portal for the current SBU-based amount and required document formats.

Best for

• •Passive or stable recurring income from pensions, rent, or dividends
• •People planning longer stays and clearer residency footprints

Long-term path

• Permanent residence: Yes
• Citizenship: Limited / case-by-case

This visa is issued with a 2-year validity. Permanent residency pathways exist after complying with temporary residence rules and absence limits.

Practical difficulty

medium

Indicative only — depends on documents, timing, and policy updates.

Medium reflects background checks, legalisation/translations, and consistent proof of recurring lawful income plus insurance coverage.