The Ultimate Guide to Ecuador's Investor Visas: Your Path to Residency

Posted on September 11, 2025

Dreaming of a life in Ecuador, filled with rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant expat community? For many, the path to making that dream a reality is through an investor visa. This visa not only grants you the right to reside in Ecuador but also solidifies your commitment to the country's economic future.

Navigating the world of immigration laws and bureaucracy can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the most common investor visas in Ecuador: the real estate visa and the bank CD visa. We'll break down the requirements, the process, and the benefits, giving you the clarity and confidence to take the next step.

What Is an Investor Visa?

An investor visa, known in Ecuador as a visa de inversionista, is a residency permit granted to foreigners who make a significant investment in the country. This is a popular option for those who don't qualify for other residency visas, such as the pensioner or professional visa, or for those who simply want to invest their capital in a stable, growing economy.

Unlike some other visas, the investor visa directly ties your legal residency to your financial contribution. This means you must maintain your investment for the duration of your residency. Ecuador's government offers a clear and attractive framework for these visas, making it a viable and secure option for many.

Investor Visa Option 1: The Real Estate Visa 🏡

Investing in real estate is one of the most popular and tangible ways to secure an investor visa in Ecuador. Not only do you get a beautiful home or a valuable property, but you also fulfill the financial requirement for permanent residency.

The Investment Requirement

To qualify for a real estate investor visa, you must purchase property with a minimum value equal to 100 unified basic salaries (Salarios Básicos Unificados, or SBU). The SBU is a government-set minimum wage that is adjusted annually. For 2024, the SBU is $460, meaning the minimum investment is $46,000. It's crucial to note that this value is subject to change each year, so it's essential to confirm the current amount with a legal professional before making your investment.

Key Details of the Real Estate Visa

  • Property Type: The investment can be in residential or commercial property. It can be a house, an apartment, a piece of land, or a commercial building.
  • Proof of Investment: The primary document for this visa is the property's deed, known as the escritura pública. This legal document must be registered in the property registry and clearly show the investment amount.
  • Joint Ownership: It's possible for two or more individuals to purchase a single property to meet the investment threshold. However, each applicant must individually meet the minimum investment amount. For example, if two people apply, the property value must be at least $92,000 ($46,000 x 2).
  • Financing: The investment must be made with your own funds. Properties purchased with a mortgage or other financing, where the deed is not in your name, will not qualify.

Advantages of the Real Estate Visa

  1. A Tangible Asset: You own a piece of Ecuador. This is a secure investment that can appreciate over time and provide a home for you and your family.
  2. Long-Term Security: As long as you maintain ownership of the property, you can maintain your residency.
  3. No Need for a Local Bank Account: Unlike the bank CD option, you don't need to open and maintain a local bank account for the visa application itself. This can simplify the initial process.
  4. Simultaneous Application: You can apply for the visa and purchase the property at the same time, streamlining your move to Ecuador.
A beautiful Cuenca home with a garden.

Investor Visa Option 2: The Bank Certificate of Deposit (CD) Visa 🏦

If you prefer to keep your funds liquid and accessible, the bank Certificate of Deposit (CD) visa is an excellent alternative. This option allows you to secure residency by placing funds in a local Ecuadorian bank.

The Investment Requirement

Similar to the real estate visa, the minimum investment for the bank CD visa is based on the SBU. You must deposit funds equal to 100 unified basic salaries ($46,000 in 2024) into a fixed-term CD at a recognized Ecuadorian bank. The CD must have a minimum term of at least one year.

Key Details of the Bank CD Visa

  • The CD: This isn't a simple savings account. The funds must be placed in a Certificate of Deposit, a type of savings account where you agree not to withdraw the money for a fixed period (in this case, one year).
  • Your Account: The CD must be in your name and held at an Ecuadorian bank.
  • Proof of Funds: You'll need to provide documents from the bank confirming the existence of the CD and that it's in your name.
  • No Property Title: The primary benefit here is that you don't need to search for and purchase a property. You simply need to deposit the required funds.

Advantages of the Bank CD Visa

  1. Liquidity: While locked in for a year, a CD is a financial instrument. The funds are readily available to you after the term, unlike a real estate investment which can take time to sell.
  2. Low Risk: A bank CD is generally considered a low-risk investment. Your funds are secure, and you earn a predictable rate of interest.
  3. Simpler Process: For some, the process of opening a bank account and depositing funds is less complex than navigating the real estate market.
  4. No Property Management: You avoid the responsibilities of property ownership, such as maintenance, taxes, and potential rental issues.
A photo of a person holding a certificate of deposit.

The Step-by-Step Investor Visa Application Process

Regardless of which investor visa you choose, the application process follows a similar, well-defined path. Having a clear understanding of these steps will make your journey to residency much smoother.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

The visa application requires several key documents, including:

  • Your valid passport.
  • A criminal background check from your country of origin and any country you've resided in for the past five years. This document must be apostilled.
  • A government-issued birth certificate (also apostilled).
  • Proof of your investment (either the real estate deed or the bank CD certificate).
  • A passport-sized photo.
  • A completed visa application form.

Step 2: Pay Government Fees

You will need to pay government fees for the visa application itself. These fees include an application fee and the visa issuance fee. A legal professional can help you navigate these costs to ensure you pay the correct amount.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

With all your documents and fees in order, you submit your application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana) in Ecuador. This is where having a reliable local partner is invaluable. They can ensure your application is complete and correctly formatted, which is crucial for a successful outcome.

Step 4: Await Approval

Once your application is submitted, the ministry will review your documents and verify your investment. This process can take several weeks to a few months. With a properly prepared application, you can expect a positive outcome.

Step 5: Obtain Your Cédula

Upon visa approval, you must obtain your cédula, which is the official Ecuadorian national identification card for residents. This is a separate, but equally important, step. Your cédula is your proof of legal residency in Ecuador and is essential for everything from opening a bank account to signing a lease.

The Benefits of Ecuador Permanent Residency

An investor visa is your ticket to a new life, but the benefits extend far beyond just being able to live in the country.

  • Travel and Mobility: After receiving your permanent residency, you can travel freely in and out of Ecuador without worrying about visa restrictions.
  • Economic Opportunities: With a resident visa, you can open a local bank account, get a driver's license, and even start your own business.
  • Family Inclusion: Your spouse and children can be included in your visa application, allowing the whole family to enjoy the benefits of residency.
  • A Stepping Stone to Citizenship: After living in Ecuador for at least three years as a permanent resident, you become eligible to apply for naturalization and become a citizen.
  • Health and Social Services: As a legal resident, you can enroll in the national health care system, IESS (Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social), which offers affordable and comprehensive coverage.

Why Choose Cuenca Visas to Guide You?

The process, while straightforward in theory, involves a series of complex legal and bureaucratic steps. Mistakes in your application can lead to costly delays or even outright rejection. At Cuenca Visas, we understand these challenges because we've been through them ourselves.

We connect you with vetted, professional legal experts who specialize in investor visas. Our partners provide clear, transparent, and all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees. We speak your language and we're here to make your journey to Ecuador as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Don't let the details of the visa process keep you from your dream life in Ecuador. Take the first step today and let us help you turn your investment into a new beginning.

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