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Leaving America for Ecuador

A guide to moving to Ecuador from the US. Covers retiree and digital-nomad visas, a dollarized economy, and a city guide for Cuenca.

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Country Overview

Economic Overview

Currency: USD — 1.0000 per USD (0.0% vs 1yr ago) Inflation: 2.4% current CPI (January 2026) · ~1.4% 5yr avg · verify current figures

Property & Ownership

Freehold ownership: Yes

Visa & Residency Options

Concesión de visa de residencia temporal rentista para trabajo remoto (Visa Nómada)

  • Min income: USD 1,446 per month (approx 3 SBU)/month USD
  • PR path: Eligible after 21 months of presence during the 2‑year temporary visa
  • Application via e‑VISAS; health insurance required; dependents need +USD 250/month income each; fees USD 50 application + USD 270 issuance

Concesión de visa de residencia temporal jubilado

  • Min income: USD 1,446 per month (approx 3 SBU)/month USD
  • PR path: Eligible after 21 months of presence during the 2‑year temporary term
  • Standard visa fees USD 50 + USD 270 + cédula fee; requires apostilled pension letter and background checks

Concesión de visa de residencia temporal inversionista

  • Investment: USD 48,200 (approx 100 SBU, with SBU=USD 482)
  • PR path: Eligible after about 21 months of residence
  • Fees USD 50 application + USD 270 issuance; acceptable investments include CD, property, or shares

Visa de residencia temporal profesional

  • Min income: USD 482 per month (approx 1 SBU)/month USD
  • PR path: Eligible after about 21 months of residence
  • Degree must be apostilled and registered with SENESCYT; filing via e‑VISAS

Social Security & Tax

SSA benefits portable: Qualified Totalization agreement: None — SSA agreements overview US expat taxes: Greenback Tax Services — Ecuador guide

City Guides

City Guide