Ecuador · Retirement visa
Ecuador retirement visa for US citizens
Short answer
The main route is the Temporary residence for retirees (visa de residencia temporal, jubilado). Retirees with a public or private pension paid from abroad.
- Money needed: A pension of about $1,446 a month, plus $250 a month per dependant
- How long it lasts: Up to 2 years; renewable, but the renewal rules are Not yet verified
- Leads to: Permanent residence after 21 months in a row, with no more than 90 days abroad
Key facts
- Money needed
- A pension of about $1,446 a month, plus $250 a month per dependant
- How long it lasts
- Up to 2 years; renewable, but the renewal rules are Not yet verified
- Leads to
- Permanent residence after 21 months in a row, with no more than 90 days abroad
- Apply from
- Online, from abroad or inside Ecuador while your visitor stay is valid
- Processing time
- No official time is published; real waits Not yet verified
Checked against the law Category, length, fees and family rules, from the migration law and the official procedure sheet.
Still being checked The pension amount in the newest rules, SSA letters and combined pensions.
Pending change An October 2025 law ordered new visa regulations, which may change this visa.
What you need
- Passport: valid at least 6 months, plus a photo
- Pension certificate: an official letter from the payer showing the monthly amount, apostilled and translated
- Criminal record: apostilled, translated and under 180 days old
- Health insurance: valid for the whole visa period and covering you in Ecuador
- Proof of support: evidence of lawful means, as for other temporary visas
- Fees: $50 on the day you apply, then $270; half price from age 65. Other costs Not yet verified
- ID card: once granted, get your cédula at the Civil Registry
Good to know
- Social Security letters: whether an SSA letter counts, or several pensions can be added up, is Still being checked
- Not a work visa: it covers pension income; other activities risk a fine Not yet verified
- Tax: after 183 days a year you're a tax resident, and whether US pensions are exempt isn't settled.
Every Ecuador residency route, compared → The full Ecuador guide →
Questions people ask
How much income do I need for Ecuador's retirement visa?
A pension of about $1,446 a month, plus $250 a month per dependant
How long does it last?
Up to 2 years; renewable, but the renewal rules are (Not yet verified)
Does it lead to permanent residence or citizenship?
Permanent residence after 21 months in a row, with no more than 90 days abroad
Where do I apply?
Online, from abroad or inside Ecuador while your visitor stay is valid
How long does processing take?
No official time is published; real waits (Not yet verified)