Ecuador Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

Ecuador Visa Requirements in 2026

Planning to move to Ecuador in 2026? This comprehensive guide covers all the requirements you need to know for the most popular Ecuador visa types.

New for 2026: Income Requirement Updates

Ecuador's Basic Income Unit (SBU) has increased to $486 for 2026. This affects income requirements for most visa types, which are now based on 3x the SBU = $1,458/month minimum.

General Requirements for All Visa Types

Regardless of which visa you're applying for, you'll need these basic documents:

1. Valid Passport

• Must have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay
• At least 2 blank pages for stamps
• Good condition (no damage)

2. Criminal Background Check

• From your country of residence
• FBI check for US citizens
• Must be apostilled
• Valid for 6 months from issue date

3. Health Certificate

• Basic physical examination
• Can be obtained in Ecuador or your home country
• Must be recent (within 90 days)

4. Passport Photos

• Recent photos (taken within 6 months)
• White background
• 4cm x 3cm standard size

Professional Visa Requirements

The Professional Visa is perfect for remote workers and digital nomads.

Income Requirement: $1,458/month minimum (3x SBU for 2026)

Additional Documents:

• Proof of employment or freelance work
• Bank statements (3-6 months)
• Employment contract or client contracts
• Tax returns or pay stubs

Pensioner Visa Requirements

The Pensioner Visa is ideal for retirees.

Income Requirement: $1,458/month minimum from pension (3x SBU for 2026)

Additional Documents:

• Pension verification letter
• Social Security award letter
• Bank statements showing deposits
• Proof of pension stability

Investor Visa Requirements

The Investor Visa requires a minimum investment in Ecuador.

Investment Requirement: $48,600 minimum (100x SBU for 2026)

Additional Documents:

• Property deed or CD certificate
• Appraisal report (for real estate)
• Source of funds documentation
• Bank transfer records

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start early - Document gathering can take months
2. Get apostilles - Many documents need apostille authentication
3. Use professional translations - Required for non-Spanish documents
4. Keep copies - Make copies of everything
5. Work with experts - Consider hiring professionals like EcuaPass

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting expired documents
• Missing apostilles
• Incorrect translations
• Insufficient income proof
• Incomplete applications

Need Help with Your Visa?

Navigating Ecuador's visa requirements can be complex. EcuaPass has a 98% success rate and can guide you through the entire process. Contact us for a free consultation.