The Independent Means Visa in Ecuador (also known as the Retirement Visa or Pensioner's Visa) offers residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income from foreign sources.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in Ecuador provides a pathway to residency for individuals with stable foreign-sourced passive income. This program is designed to attract retirees, digital nomads, and other individuals looking to establish residency in a country with a high quality of life and affordable living costs.
Overview
A pathway to residency for qualified individuals with passive income in Ecuador
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals with passive income from a foreign source
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
2-year temporary residency
Months to Visa
2-3 months
Physical Presence Requirement
None
Availability
High
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application at the Ecuadorian consulate in your country of residence or within Ecuador
Overview
Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.
We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.
Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
The processing time is typically 2-3 months from the point of submission.
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application, with an additional $100 per month income requirement for each dependent.
What types of income qualify as passive income?
Passive income can include pensions, social security benefits, rental income, and other forms of regular income not derived from employment in Ecuador.
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
The initial temporary residency permit is valid for 2 years. After 21 months, you can apply for permanent residency.
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Ecuadorian citizenship?
Yes, visa holders can apply for Ecuadorian citizenship after 3 years of legal residency, subject to meeting other requirements such as language proficiency.
DOCUMENTS
Passport+One passport-size photo
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Not applicable
A clean criminal record is required, confirmed through police clearance certificates from the applicant's country of origin and any country of residence in the past 5 years (translated and apostilled or legalized)
Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in Ecuador
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
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