Ecuador

Visa de Residencia Temporal Inversionista

Ecuador's Visa de Residencia Temporal Inversionista is a residence-by-investment visa for foreign nationals who make capital investments in Ecuadorian assets. Established under Article 60 of the Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana (LOMH), it allows investors to reside in Ecuador and conduct productive and commercial activities, serve as legal representatives, agents, or administrators. As a temporary residence visa of exception, it offers significant flexibility — holders are not subject to maximum periods of stay outside Ecuador and enjoy unlimited entries and exits.

• Investment of at least 100 Salarios Básicos Unificados (SBU) — USD 48,200 for 2026 — in one of the following:
  • Time deposit certificate from a recognized Ecuadorian financial institution for a minimum of 730 days (2 years)
  • Real estate purchase registered with the Registro de la Propiedad
  • Share or participation certificates in an Ecuadorian company registered with the Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros
  • Public deed of investment contract with the Ecuadorian State
  • Public deed of delegated management contract with government entities
  • Administrative contract with the State
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Criminal background certificate from country of origin or countries of residence during the past 5 years (apostilled or legalized, translated to Spanish)
• Proof of lawful origin of funds
• Payment of application and issuance fees (USD 320 total)

• Colour photograph (5x5 cm, white background, JPG format, max 1 MB)
• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Criminal background certificate (apostilled/legalized, translated to Spanish if needed)
• One of the qualifying investment documents listed above, with a minimum value of 100 SBU
• Proof of lawful means of livelihood
• Fee payment receipts

The minimum investment threshold is tied to Ecuador's SBU, which is set annually. For 2026, the threshold is USD 48,200. For time deposits, the certificate must be for a minimum term of 730 days from a recognized Ecuadorian financial institution. For real estate, the property deed must be registered with the Registro de la Propiedad. For company shares, ownership must be registered with the Superintendencia de Compañías. The investment must be maintained for the entire duration of temporary residence — divestment is only permitted after obtaining permanent residence status.

The visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed on multiple occasions, provided the qualifying investment is maintained. There is no limit on the number of renewals. Updated investment documentation must be submitted with each renewal application.

Spouse and dependent children may be included through the Visa de Amparo (dependent visa). Each dependant adds USD 250/month to the income requirements. No additional investment is required for dependants. The primary holder's visa must be approved before dependant applications can be processed. Once permanent residency is obtained, the holder may also sponsor parents.

Holders may engage in productive and commercial activities related to their investment, serve as legal representatives, agents, or administrators. However, dependent employment unrelated to the investment is not permitted.

Ecuador taxes residents on worldwide income. Individuals present for 183 or more days in a fiscal year become tax residents, subject to progressive income tax rates from 0% to 37%. Newcomers without prior Ecuadorian tax residency may qualify for a temporary tax residency regime (introduced January 2024) that taxes only Ecuadorian-source income for five years. Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency, eliminating currency exchange risk.

1. Register on the digital services portal at serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
2. Complete the application and upload all required documents
3. Pay the USD 50 application fee (non-refundable)
4. The Ministry reviews documents; if corrections are needed, a 10-business-day correction period is granted
5. Upon approval, pay the USD 270 visa issuance fee (total: USD 320)
6. The visa and order for identity card issuance are generated automatically
7. Obtain the cédula de extranjería from the Registro Civil within 90 days

Applications can also be submitted in person at Zonal Coordination Offices in Ecuador or at Ecuadorian consulates abroad. A 50% fee discount applies for applicants aged 65 and over, and full exemption for persons with 30%+ disability.

After at least 21 continuous months of temporary residence, holders may apply for permanent residency (USD 275 fee). After 3 years as a permanent resident (approximately 5 years total), holders may apply for Ecuadorian citizenship by naturalization, which requires Spanish language proficiency and knowledge of Ecuadorian history and institutions.

Links

• https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/concesion-visa-residencia-temporal-inversionista
• https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec/
• https://www.gob.ec/regulaciones/ley-organica-movilidad-humana-2023

Other Digital Nomad Visas in South America