Ecuador - Rentista / pensioner (2-year temporary residence)

Key requirements

We model the minimum as 3× SBU. The USD equivalent changes when SBU is updated. Confirm the current figure when you apply.

• Income we use for estimates~$1,446 / month (estimate)
• 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)

Applications run through official channels including e-VISAS. Validate current SBU amount and required formats before you legalise documents.

1. 1

   Confirm category and dependents

   Check that your income fits rentista or pensioner logic and calculate dependent add-ons before building evidence.

2. 2

   Build SBU-linked income proof

   Collect contracts, pension letters, investment or rental evidence, and bank statements above the live 3× SBU threshold.

   • •Add a monthly summary table mapped to source documents.
3. 3

   Buy compliant health insurance

   Obtain coverage valid in Ecuador for your intended visa period in an acceptable format.

4. 4

   Gather police and civil records

   Collect criminal and civil-status documents per nationality and residence-history rules.

5. 5

   Apostille and translate if required

   Complete legalisation and certified translations so foreign documents are valid for Ecuador.

6. 6

   Submit via official visa channel

   File forms and uploads through the competent platform and keep payment and submission receipts.

7. 7

   Answer clarification requests

   Track the case and respond quickly to avoid delays from an incomplete file.

8. 8

   Note temporary residence terms

   After approval, verify the validity window and conditions for your two-year temporary grant.

9. 9

   Complete local registration and card

   Finish identification and registration steps required after the visa grant.

10. 10

    Plan renewals and permanent route

    Track absences and keep documents aligned for renewals and longer-term residence options.

This is general information, not legal advice. Ecuador visa criteria, SBU amounts, and platform steps can change. Confirm current requirements on official government visa sources before you apply.

Pathway last reviewed: 2026-05-15

Citizenship & nationality

Rentista is for foreigners who plan to live in Ecuador on income from abroad and keep valid health insurance for the full visa period.

• •Show monthly lawful income of at least 3× SBU with documents such as rental contracts or investment statements.
• •Health insurance must last as long as the visa and clearly cover care in Ecuador.
• •Add $250 per month in proven income for each dependent.
• •Apply online through the official e-VISAS platform. Police certificates usually need apostille and translation.

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

Best for

• •Passive or stable recurring income from pensions, rent, or dividends
• •People planning to stay several years with a clear residence record

Long-term path

• Permanent residence: Yes
• Citizenship: Possible, but depends on your case

The visa lasts two years. Permanent residence is possible later if you follow temporary residence and absence rules.

Practical difficulty

medium

Rough guide only. Your case depends on papers, timing, and rule changes.

Medium mainly means background checks, stamped documents, translations, and steady proof of income plus insurance.