EcuadorBusiness and self-employment

Ecuador investor visa (temporary residence)

Temporary residence visa for investors (visa de residencia temporal inversionista)

In short

Ecuador's investor visa is a temporary residence for foreigners who invest lawful funds in productive or commercial activities. The investment can be real estate registered in Ecuador, a fixed-term deposit of at least 730 days or shares in an Ecuadorian company, each worth at least 100 SBU, or a contract with the State. It lasts two years, allows multiple entries without a limit on time abroad, and costs USD 50 plus USD 270.

Apply on MREMH – e-VISAS checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay: Two years, no limit on time spent abroad
Validity: Two years, multiple entries
Fee: US$320USD 50 application plus USD 270 when granted, no VAT; 50 per cent off from age 65.
Work: Investment, management, legal representation and administrative roles
Family: Spouse, partner and children can apply for an amparo visa
Path to permanent residence: Permanent residence after more than 21 continuous months
Where to apply: Online on e-VISAS

General documents

Upload a recent colour JPG photo (5 x 5 cm, white background), a passport valid for at least six months, an original criminal record certificate from the country of origin or of residence in the last five years (over 18, translated, apostilled or legalised, no older than 180 days at your last entry), proof of lawful means of support under Ministerial Agreement 70 of 2024 and the visa application form.

Required documents

Identity

Passport valid for six months, colour photo and application form

Money

Proof of the investment: 730-day deposit certificate, registered property deed, company shares or State contract
Proof of lawful means of support

Other

Criminal record certificate, apostilled and translated (over 18)

Accepted investments

Applicants choose one of four routes. A fixed-term deposit: a certificate, policy or title for at least 730 days from an institution supervised by the Superintendency of Banks or of the Popular and Solidarity Economy, worth at least 100 SBU. Real estate: the purchase deed of a property in Ecuador registered in the cantonal Property Registry, worth at least 100 SBU. Shares: shares or holdings in an Ecuadorian company of at least 100 SBU, registered with the Superintendency of Companies, Securities and Insurance. Or a current investment contract, delegated management agreement or administrative contract with the State.

The SBU is the unified basic wage set each year, so 100 SBU must be calculated with the value in force when you apply.

Applying

Apply only online on e-VISAS. Pay USD 50 on the day of application, by card until 23:55 Ecuador time or by deposit at Banco del Pacífico from 08:30 to 16:00, or the application is deleted. After authorisation pay USD 270. Questions go to the MREMH advisory unit at consejeria@cancilleria.gob.ec or 02-3933520.

Make the investment worth at least 100 SBU and register it with the relevant registry or superintendency.
Gather the investment proof and personal documents.
Apply on e-VISAS and pay USD 50 the same day.
Pay USD 270 after authorisation.

What the visa allows

The visa covers productive and commercial activities, legal representation, attorney-in-fact roles and administrative positions linked to the investment. Unlike other temporary residences, it has no limit on time spent outside Ecuador and allows multiple entries. Family members can apply for the amparo visa. After more than 21 continuous months of temporary residence, you can request permanent residence.

Discounts and minors

The fee pages for this visa grant a 50% discount to people aged 65 and over and a full exemption to people with a disability of 30% or more who hold the Ministry of Public Health disability card. Minors apply through their legal representative or an attorney-in-fact, and an applicant who is already in Ecuador must show regular status, either the Ministry of the Interior's tourist stay authorisation or a valid visa.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get residence in Ecuador by buying property?

Yes. A property in Ecuador worth at least 100 SBU, with a deed registered in the cantonal Property Registry, qualifies for the investor visa.

How long must a bank deposit be held?

The deposit must have a term of at least 730 days at an institution supervised by Ecuador's banking or popular economy superintendency.

Is there a limit on time outside Ecuador?

No. The investor visa has no limit on time spent abroad and allows multiple entries.

Is there a discount on the Ecuadorian visa fee for older applicants?

Yes. People aged 65 and over pay 50% of the fee, and people with a disability of 30% or more holding the Ministry of Public Health card are fully exempt.

Official sources

gob.ec (MREMH) – Visa de residencia temporal inversionista · checked 25 October 2026
Embajada del Ecuador en Turquía – La institución (contacto y funciones consulares) · checked 25 October 2026

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.