Ecuador

Visa de Residencia Temporal Rentista

Ecuador's Visa de Residencia Temporal Rentista is a passive income visa for foreign nationals who possess their own resources or receive recurring income from lawful sources. Established under Article 60 of the Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana (LOMH), it accepts a broad range of passive income types including rental income, investment dividends, trust payouts, portfolio income, and interest — from either foreign or Ecuadorian sources. Unlike the jubilado (retiree) visa, the income does not need to be a lifetime-guaranteed pension. Ecuador's use of the US dollar as its official currency simplifies financial requirements and eliminates currency exchange risk.

• Monthly passive income from lawful sources of at least 3 SBU (USD 1,446 for 2026)
• Documents certifying the income: rental contracts, investment titles, dividend statements, trust documents, or bank statements showing recurring deposits (apostilled/legalized if from abroad)
• 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, valid for 180 days)
• Valid health insurance covering Ecuador for the duration of the visa
• Proof of lawful means of livelihood
• Minimum age of 18 years
• 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, valid 180 days)
• Documents certifying monthly passive income of at least 3 SBU (apostilled/legalized if from abroad; registered by competent authority if from Ecuador)
• Valid health insurance covering Ecuador
• Proof of lawful means of livelihood
• Fee payment receipts

The visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed on multiple occasions with no limit on renewals. The same fees and documentation requirements apply for each renewal. Temporary residents are permitted multiple entries and exits during the visa validity period without restrictions on time spent outside Ecuador.

Spouse and dependent children may be included through the Visa de Amparo (dependent visa). Each dependant adds USD 250/month to the income requirement. The primary holder's visa must be approved before dependant applications can be processed. Dependant visas have the same duration as the primary holder's visa. Once permanent residency is obtained, the holder may also sponsor parents.

Holders may not engage in paid local employment in Ecuador. This visa is distinct from the Visa Nomada (Digital Nomad Visa), which is a separate sub-category that permits working remotely for foreign entities.

Ecuador taxes residents on worldwide income under a hybrid territorial system. Foreign-sourced passive income (rental income from abroad, foreign dividends) benefits from territorial treatment. Residents who stay 183 or more days in a fiscal year become tax residents, with progressive income tax rates from 0% to 37% on Ecuador-sourced income. Persons aged 65 and over qualify for "tercera edad" (senior citizen) tax exemptions and benefits.

1. Register on the digital services portal at serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
2. Complete the application form 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. Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks for standard applications.

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.

Links

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

Other Digital Nomad Visas in South America