Frequently Asked Questions
We are always adding to this section on how to make living in Ecuador easier
Class 9 Pensioner VISA Process
Documents required by Ecuador to obtain a Class 9 Pensioner full-time residency VISA if you are:
An Individual
Copy of your passport and two passport photographs.
Five year Police Report, stamped and signed by Police Dept of Records.
Birth Certificate, a state-certified copy by the state you were born in.
If divorced, a certified copy of your Divorce Decree.
Retirement Benefit Letter from Social Security proving income level.
Must be certified, signed, and stamped by Soc Sec Office.
An online printout will not work.
Currently $800 per month for an individual obtaining VISA.
A married couple, each person.
Copy of your passports and two passport photographs.
Five year Police Report, stamped and signed by Police Dept of Records.
Birth Certificate, a state-certified copy by the state you were born in.
Marriage License, a state-certified copy by the state you were married in.
Retirement Benefit Letter from Social Security proving income level.
Must be certified, signed, and stamped by Soc Sec Office.
An online printout will not work.
Currently $800 per month for individuals obtaining VISA.
Widow or Widower.
Copy of your passport and two passport photographs.
Five year Police Report, stamped and signed by Police Dept of Records.
Birth Certificate, a state-certified copy by the state you were born in.
Marriage License, a state-certified copy by the state you married in.
Spouse’s Death Certificate, a state-certified copy by the state the spouse died in.
Retirement Benefit Letter from Social Security proving income level.
Must be certified, signed, and stamped by Soc Sec Office.
An online printout will not work.
Currently $800 per month for individuals obtaining VISA.
Ecuadorian Consulates in the USA.
Find the location of the closest Ecuadorian Consulate.
Contact Consulate to determine the best method of obtaining stamps, signature, and ‘Certificado Consular’.
Take or Mail Certified original (signed and stamped) Social Security Letter to Consulate for income verification.
Consulate will stamp and sign a Social Security Letter.
Consulate will issue ‘Certificado Consular’ verifying income.
File the two documents for your Attorney in Ecuador.
Obtaining Apostils for Ecuadorian Government.
Each of the other documents (not SS Letter and Certificado) must be Apostilled (Government cover sheet that states the attached document is authentic) by the State that issued the certified documents.
Your passport and police record are done by the state you currently reside in.
Your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, and death certificate have to be Apostilled in the States that issued the documents.
Regardless of which State Department you work with making sure they know the forms or letters you filled out indicate the Apostils will be for Ecuador.
Contact the State Department from each state to determine the best method to obtain the Apostil and any associated fees that will be required.
Using a traceable method of shipping (UPS/FedEx), mail request form or cover letter, your certified documents, and payment to the applicable State Department. Enclose a self-addressed traceable envelope for the return of your documents.
Each state has a different fee structure and turnaround time; make sure you leave yourself plenty of time. It took me almost two months to get everything done correctly. And it is definitely easier doing it in the States than from Ecuador.
Final Step
Full-time residency VISA’s can only be issued in the country of Ecuador. The best you can do in the State’s is a Tourist VISA or an Extended (6 months) Tourist VISA.
As you receive the Apostils NEVER REMOVE THE STAPLE(S) and separate the sheets, that voids the Apostil
When all the Apostilled documents are in your possession, get the Apostilled documents and your two Social Security documents to your attorney in Ecuador.
Ecuadorian process takes 4 – 8 weeks to get your Class 9 Pensioner full-time residency VISA’s done.
Class 9 Real Estate Investment VISA Process
The Class 9 Real Estate Investment VISA process is the same with these exceptions:
You do not need any certified Social Security documents since you are not going to live in Ecuador as a Pensioner (Retiree).
You must provide documentation to confirm your Real Estate investment within the country of Ecuador. At this time the Real Estate investment amount is $25,000 USD.
How do I purchase property in Ecuador
This very simple, whenever you make the decision of investing or living in Ecuador. Once an agreement has been made. Your attorney will write your escritura, deed, for the purchase. This deed is registered in the municipality and it belongs to you.
Fees are also not a problem. They will run you an average of 1.5% of the purchase price.
How is healthcare in Ecuador?
Healthcare is excellent here in Ecuador. You really only run into problems when you travel too far outside of the larger cities where there are no hospitals or doctors.
Generally cities like Quito, Guayaquil, Manta and Cuenca where there are airports you will find the best healthcare. You will also find many American trained doctors in these cities as well.
All the prices you hear of, $30 checkup, $35 stitching up a toe, (personal experience), etc. are true.
How did you decide on Manta, Ecuador
After traveling all over Ecuador and living in several areas, I decided that the coast was for me. After all, I am from Alaska and am tired of the cold and rainy weather of the mountains.
Manta was chosen for it´s warm dry climate and the center of activity on the entire coast. We have everything you could ask for in a city the same size in the USA, including now an International airport.
My son loves surfing and some of the best beaches are within 30 minutes of Manta..Yep, it is the Pacific Blue Ocean and warm tropical beaches for me for the rest of my life
Is there health insurance in Ecuador?
Yes and it is excellent. Our health insurance here averages around $30 per month for a 60 year old. It covers pretty much everything on a 80/20 basis.
You can also use it in the United States, however it will only pay what it would pay here in Ecuador for service.
How much does it really the cost of living in Ecuador?
That depends on your present lifestyle and if you paid cash for your home or are you renting.
Most of us can live well on $1,200 per month. Some need much more due to lifestyle. Those living on less than $1,000 per month are making exceptions in their day to day lifestyle. Smaller homes, cuts on the internet, television, etc.
Rentals all over Ecuador can run from $100 to $1,500. It just depends on what level makes you comfortable.
With the help of our team living in Ecuador was never easier.
Where is the best weather?
The best weather is in Manta. It’s the driest climate in all of Ecuador, offering the mid 80’s all year round with the least amount of rain in the country.