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Ecuador

Digital Nomad Rentista Visa

Latin America & Caribbean

Last verified 26 May 2026

About this visa & living in Ecuador

Ecuador's Digital Nomad Rentista Visa is one of the simplest ways to base yourself in South America for two years. The country uses the US dollar, which removes currency risk, and you can choose between Andean cities like Quito and Cuenca, beach towns on the Pacific or the Galápagos and Amazon for travel. The cost of living is low, the income threshold is modest, and foreign-earned income isn't taxed locally.

Visa at a glance

Minimum income: $1,350 / month
Length of stay: 2 years
Processing time: 1-2 months
Application fee: ~$100 After approval: • DIMEX card — $20 • Visa approval fee — $90
Tax treatment: Tax free / no local tax
Family members: Allowed
Renewable: Yes
Path to residency: Yes
Apostille required: Yes
Background check: Required
Where to apply: Either abroad or in-country
Local bank account: Can typically open one
Healthcare: Insurance required
Savings requirement: No fixed savings requirement officially published; proof of stable income is required.
Cost of living: CheapGeneral affordability for a single nomad.
Bureaucracy: ●●●●●Heavy paperwork
Nationality restrictions: Open to all nationalities

Required documents

Passport valid 6+ months
Proof of US$1,350+ / month foreign income for last 12 months
Apostilled police clearance
Health insurance valid in Ecuador

Things to know

Ecuador uses the US dollar as its currency.
Counts toward PR after 21 months on the visa.
Cuenca, Quito and Montañita are popular bases.

Visit official source

Always verify current requirements on the official government source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum income requirement for the Ecuador Digital Nomad Rentista Visa?

The Digital Nomad Rentista Visa requires applicants to show a monthly income of roughly $1,350 per month. This can usually be proven via employment contracts, freelance client agreements, or bank statements.

How long can I stay in Ecuador on this visa?

You can stay for 2 years. The visa is renewable, so you may be able to extend your stay beyond the initial period.

How long does the application process take?

Processing typically takes 1-2 months. We recommend applying well in advance of your planned move, as embassy workloads and seasonal spikes can cause delays.

Where do I apply for the Digital Nomad Rentista Visa?

You can apply either from abroad or after arriving in Ecuador.

Can I bring my family on the Digital Nomad Rentista Visa?

Yes — spouses and dependent children are generally allowed to accompany you, though you may need to prove additional income or provide family relationship documents.

Will I have to pay local taxes in Ecuador?

Foreign-source remote income is generally exempt from local income tax while on this visa. You should still confirm your home-country tax obligations.

Is the Digital Nomad Rentista Visa renewable?

Yes, the visa is renewable. Check the official source for any limits on total stay length or cooling-off periods between renewals.

Does the Digital Nomad Rentista Visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes, time spent on this visa can count toward permanent residency in Ecuador. Some nomad visas explicitly lead to PR or citizenship after a qualifying period; check the official programme rules for exact timelines.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typical requirements include: Passport valid 6+ months; Proof of US$1,350+ / month foreign income for last 12 months; Apostilled police clearance; Health insurance valid in Ecuador. Always check the official source for the latest list.