Ecuador
Temporary residence visa
The temporary residency visa is granted for a two-year period, with the possibility of a single renewal for two more years, as long as the holder is not absent from the country for more than 90 days per year cumulative within the period of residence. After the third year of residency, a foreign national may apply for citizenship or permanent residency.
Requirements
Temporary Residency Requirements:
- Valid passport, travel document or identity recognized through International Instruments.
- Certificate of criminal record of the country of origin or in which he / she has resided during the last five years, prior to his / her arrival in Ecuadorian territory.
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence in Ecuador.
- Join the public social security system or purchase a private health insurance.
- Payment of the Fee set by the Migration Authorities.
- Certificate of Migration
Citizenship requirements:
- Continuous and legal residence of at least three years in Ecuador.
- Be an adult / consent of minor’s parents or legal guardians.
- Birth certificate or supplementary test duly legalized and translated into Spanish.
- Copy of the identity document or copy of the valid passport, duly legalized.
- Knowledge of the patriotic symbols of Ecuador
- Attend an interview, explaining the reasons for the will to acquire Ecuadorian nationality.
- Proof of sufficient economic means for subsist in the country.
Restricted Nationalities
No nationality is officially restricted
dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is recognized in Ecuador. You are not required to renounce your previous nationality to become a citizen of Ecuador.
Documents Required
- Original and photocopy of passport
- Original Police Clearance Certificate
- Proof of income
- Receipt of payment of fees
- Original or Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Original or Certified copy of Birth Certificate (if applicable)
- Affidavit of support for Dependents
- Two passport-size photos
- dual citizenship Yes
- Family members included Yes
- land ownership Yes
- Physical residence required Yes
- Personal visit required No
- Language skills required No
- Interview required No
- Investment Single -
- Investment Family 4 -
- Minimum annual income $15,000
- Time to citizenship 36
- Time to permanent residency 21
- Visa-free countries 95
- Financing available No
Benefits
citizenship benefits
permanent residency benefits
temporary residency benefits
Country details
It has over 16,200,000 inhabitants. Its capital is Quito, although its most populated city is Guayaquil. Despite being a Spanish-speaking country, there are more than 13 recognized indigenous languages. Ecuador’s economy is officially dollarized. The US$ is the only legal tender currency since 2001.
Visa Free Travel
Taxes
To be a tax resident an individual must have a habitual domicile in Ecuador, or have spent more than half the year in Ecuador. Individuals can be exempted if they have a habitual domicile outside the country and can prove that they do not intend to reside in Ecuador.
Tax residents are subject to Personal Income Tax on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed on their Ecuadorian-source income.
Tax residents’ foreign income may not be subject to tax, if it is proved that this income is already taxed abroad.
The personal income tax rate is progressive up to 55%. Capital gains are subject to income tax. The financial yield on long-term investments negotiated through the stock market is tax exempt. Dividends received from resident entities are subject to tax, while those from foreign sources are exempt. Interest from deposits and savings accounts is tax-exempt.
Inheritances and gifts are taxed at a progressive tax rate up to 35%.
There are several local or regional taxes: urban property, rainwater drainage, fire insurance, individual and corporate net worth, state university funds, firefighters, property transfer,
Regarding corporate taxation, corporate income is usually taxed at a standard rate of 25%, although lower rates may apply for certain re-invested profits. Capital Gains are included in the taxable income and dividends are tax exempt, provided that are already taxed on source. Learn more about Ecuador’s corporate taxes and legal framework at incorporations.io/ecuador.
This should not be construed as tax advice. We have access to a global network of qualified attorneys and accountants who can give you the proper advice for your particular circumstances. Contact us for further information.
- Property tax Yes
- Transfer tax Yes
- Inheritance tax Yes
- Net worth tax No
- CFC law No
- Tax residency days 183
- Personal income tax rate 35%
- Capital Gains tax rate 35%
- Investment income tax rate 35%
- Territorial taxation No