Retirement Visa (Visa Jubilado)

The Ecuador Retirement Visa (Jubilado) is one of the most popular visa categories for Americans and other foreign retirees. It requires proof of a stable pension or retirement income of at least $1,450/month (as of 2026) and offers a streamlined path to Ecuadorian residency.

$1,400–2,800

4–8 weeks (after submission)

Who Is This Visa For?

Retirees receiving Social Security benefits
Pensioners with government or private pensions
Early retirees with qualifying retirement income
Couples looking to retire abroad on a budget

Requirements

Proof of retirement income

Minimum $1,450/month from pension, Social Security, or retirement accounts (2026 requirement)

Background check

FBI background check (US citizens) or equivalent, apostilled

Health insurance

Valid health insurance covering Ecuador

Valid passport

Minimum 6 months validity remaining

Passport-size photos

4x4 cm, white background, recent

Document Checklist

Valid passport

Minimum 6 months validity, color copies of all pages

Pension or Social Security benefit letter

Apostille

Must show monthly amount of at least $1,450

FBI background check

Apostille

Must be less than 6 months old

Birth certificate

Apostille

Original or certified copy

Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Apostille

Required if applying with spouse

Health insurance policy

Must cover Ecuador

Passport photos

4x4 cm, white background

Application form

Completed online through Ecuador e-visa system

Step-by-Step Process

Verify Income Qualifications

1–2 weeks

Confirm your pension or Social Security income meets the $1,450/month minimum. Request an official benefit verification letter.

Gather & Apostille Documents

2–4 weeks

Collect your benefit letter, background check, birth certificate, and other documents. Get apostilles from the US Department of State.

Get Certified Translations

1–2 weeks

Have all apostilled documents translated into Spanish by an Ecuadorian-certified translator.

Obtain Health Insurance

1–3 days

Purchase a health insurance policy covering Ecuador. Retirees over 65 should compare plans carefully as premiums vary.

Submit Online Application

1–2 hours

Create an account on Ecuador's e-visa portal and submit your application with all scanned documents.

Attend Visa Appointment

1 day

Attend your appointment at the Ecuadorian consulate (if abroad) or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (if in Ecuador).

Receive Visa & Register

2–6 weeks

After approval, pay the issuance fee, receive your visa, and register for your cédula within 30 days.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost
Visa application fee	$50
Visa issuance fee	$400
Cédula (Ecuador ID card)	$40
Census registration	$15
FBI background check	$18
Apostille (per document)	$20
Certified translation (per document)	$30–80
Health insurance (annual)	$800–2,000
Total Estimated Cost	$1,400–2,800

Frequently Asked Questions

Social Security benefits, government pensions, military retirement, private pension payments, and distributions from retirement accounts (401k, IRA) all qualify. The income must be at least $1,450/month (2026 requirement).

Your spouse can apply as a dependent. The income requirement increases by approximately $250/month for a dependent spouse. Children under 18 can also be included.

Yes! Ecuador offers significant retiree benefits including: 50% off domestic airfare, 50% off public transportation, discounts on utilities, tax-free import of household goods (one time), and reduced rates at cultural events.

You should not be absent from Ecuador for more than 90 consecutive days or 180 total days per year during the first two years. After obtaining permanent residency, the rules are more flexible.

As of 2026, the minimum retirement income required is $1,450/month, which is based on a multiple of Ecuador's minimum wage. This amount is adjusted annually.

Need Help With Your Visa Application?

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