Ecuador digital nomad visa & residency (2026)

The 'Visa de Residencia Temporal Rentista para Trabajo Remoto' is a named, official category listed in Ecuador's government services portal (gob.ec). It covers remote employees, freelancers, and business owners whose income source is entirely foreign. Applications are processed exclusively through the Cancillería's e-VISAS online platform.

Applicants must demonstrate at least three times Ecuador's unified basic monthly salary (~USD 1,410/month for 2025) from foreign sources, evidenced by bank statements covering the three months prior to application. An additional USD 250/month is required per dependent included in the application.

The visa is valid for two years and may be renewed in two-year increments as long as income requirements continue to be met. The application fee is USD 50; if approved, the visa issuance fee is USD 400. Processing typically takes two to four months.

After 21 months of continuous temporary residence (with absences not exceeding 90 days in that period), Visa Nómada holders may apply for permanent residency under the Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana. Citizenship by naturalization is available after three years of holding permanent residence.

Income earned from sources outside Ecuador is not subject to Ecuadorian income tax for Visa Nómada holders. Ecuador is a dollarized economy (USD), eliminating currency exchange risk for dollar-denominated remote income.

Ecuador also offers a 'Visa de Residencia Temporal de Trabajo Autónomo' for self-employed professionals with a SENESCYT-registered degree, and investment-based residency for those making qualifying economic investments in Ecuador — both governed by the same Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana framework.