Ecuador
Republic of Ecuador · Capital: Quito
A US-dollar economy with spring-like Andean climates, very low costs and one of the world's most popular and affordable retiree-residency programmes.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into Ecuador.
Policy overview
2 visa routes into Ecuador
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
Pensioner (Rentista) Residency
InvestorEC-PEN
Residence for retirees and those with stable foreign income.
Eligibility
- Pension/passive income ~US$1.4k/mo
- Clean record
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Investor Residency
InvestorEC-INV
Residence via real-estate or fixed-deposit investment.
Eligibility
- ~US$45k property/deposit
Document checklist (10 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in Ecuador, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where Ecuador needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Oil, mining & agriculture
Oil, bananas, shrimp and flowers anchor exports and technical jobs.
Tourism & services
Galápagos and Andean tourism support service-sector employment.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Quito
Andean capitalThe high-altitude capital with a stunning UNESCO old town and most jobs.
- Cost index
- 42
- 1-bed rent
- $450
- Quality
- 66
Cuenca
Retiree-favourite cityA beautiful, temperate colonial city consistently ranked a top global retirement spot.
- Cost index
- 40
- 1-bed rent
- $420
- Quality
- 72
Guayaquil
Port & commerceThe largest city and main port; commercially important but higher-crime.
- Cost index
- 40
- 1-bed rent
- $420
- Quality
- 60
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendVery welcoming to retirees and the self-funded; recent security problems are a real concern on the coast.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Coastal-city crime has risen sharply; the Andean highlands remain calmer.
Higher = safer (crime index 60/100).
Where to live
Which Ecuador city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Cuenca
Genteel colonial calm
A beautiful, temperate colonial city consistently ranked a top global retirement spot.
Quito
High-altitude colonial
The high-altitude capital with a stunning UNESCO old town and most jobs.
Guayaquil
Hot coastal business
The largest city and main port; commercially important but higher-crime.
Get expert help
Immigration solicitors for Ecuador
Vetted partners who specialise in these routes. Premium partners appear first.
No partner solicitors listed for Ecuador yet. Become a partner →
Keep exploring