Republic of Ecuador · investor · Leads to settlement
Temporary Residence - Investor (Inversionista)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For people investing in Ecuador: this route grants temporary residence to those who place a qualifying investment - for example in real estate or a certificate of deposit - of lawful origin.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the eVISAS process is online; confirm current timelines on the official MREMH page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a visa application fee and an issuance fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Granted for up to two years and renewable while the investment is maintained; allows multiple entries with no limit on time abroad while held. Confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
This is Ecuador's temporary residence visa for investors (inversionistas) who place a qualifying investment of lawful origin in the country - commonly in real estate, or in a bank certificate of deposit (poliza/CD), or in productive and commercial activity. It is issued by the MREMH and applied for online through eVISAS. The investor route is granted for up to two years and, notably, has no limit on time spent outside Ecuador while it is held. After the qualifying period of temporary residence you can apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A qualifying investment of lawful origin is placed in Ecuador (for example real estate, a bank certificate of deposit, or a productive or commercial activity).Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ✓The investment is at or above the minimum amount set in the current regulation.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ✓The investment is documented and maintained during the visa validity.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ✓A valid passport and the investment documentation are presented.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
Common blockers
- !The investment value is below the minimum set in regulation.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- !The lawful origin of the funds cannot be evidenced.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- !Failure to maintain the investment, which can affect renewal.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Public deed of a real-estate purchase, certificate of deposit (poliza), or other investment instrument.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ·Proof of the capital transfer and the lawful origin of the funds.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ·Valid passport with the validity required at application.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ·Proof of lawful means of life as set out in the current ministerial requirements.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your investment type and the current minimum amount, using the official MREMH page.
Build the evidence pack
Complete the investment, gather the deed or certificate-of-deposit documents, proof of lawful origin, your passport and means-of-life proof.
Submit through the official channel
Apply online through the eVISAS portal at serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec, paying the fee within the same day as instructed.
After approval
Register your visa, maintain the investment, and renew before expiry while building time toward permanent residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Temporary Residence - Investor (Inversionista) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Temporary Residence - Investor (Inversionista).
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) · verified
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Related routes
Temporary Residence - Rentista (Independent Income)
For people with steady passive income: this route lets you settle in Ecuador on recurring income from lawful sources such as rentals or investments, without needing an Ecuadorian job.
Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)
For temporary residents ready to settle: after roughly 21 months of temporary residence you can apply for Ecuadorian permanent residence - but be careful about long absences once you hold it.
Frequently asked questions
What investment qualifies for the Ecuador investor visa?+
Common qualifying investments include real estate, a bank certificate of deposit (poliza/CD), or productive and commercial activity, all of lawful origin and at or above the regulated minimum. Confirm the current accepted investment types and minimum amount on the official MREMH page.
Can I spend long periods abroad on the investor visa?+
The investor temporary residence visa allows multiple entries and, per the official guidance, has no limit on time spent outside Ecuador while it is held. Good to know: rules can change, so confirm the current absence terms on the official MREMH page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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