Ecuador Visa Cost Breakdown
A transparent look at every expense involved in obtaining an Ecuador residency visa in 2026. Government fees, document preparation, translations, and the costs most guides leave out.
Professional Visa Costs
For skilled workers, remote employees, and business owners
| 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) | $600–1,500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,200–2,500 |
Retirement Visa Costs
For retirees with pension, Social Security, or retirement income
| 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 |
Investor Visa Costs
For those investing in Ecuador real estate, businesses, or securities
| 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 |
| Minimum investment | ~$46,000 |
| Property transfer tax (if real estate) | ~1% of property value |
| Total Estimated Cost | $47,000–50,000+ (including investment) |
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond government and document fees, these are the expenses you should plan for when relocating to Ecuador.
Travel to Ecuador
$300–800Round-trip airfare from the US. Prices vary by season, departure city, and how far in advance you book.
Notarization
$10–50 per documentSome documents require notarization before apostille. Costs vary by state and notary.
Medical exam
$50–100May be required depending on visa type and applicant age. Conducted by an approved physician in Ecuador.
Bank account opening
Free–$50Opening an Ecuadorian bank account is recommended for receiving funds and paying local expenses.
Moving costs
VariableShipping household goods, storage, or purchasing essentials upon arrival. Budget varies widely by situation.
Hidden Costs Most Guides Don't Mention
These often-overlooked expenses can catch applicants off guard. Plan ahead to avoid surprises.
Exchange rate fluctuations
Ecuador uses the US dollar, but transfer fees and exchange rates for non-US applicants can add 2-5% to costs. Even US citizens may face wire transfer fees of $25-50 per transaction.
Ecuador banking delays
Opening a local bank account can take 1-3 weeks and may require multiple visits. International wire transfers to Ecuador often take 3-5 business days and may be held for verification.
Multiple trips to government offices
Expect 3-5 in-person visits to various offices (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Registry, local municipality). Each visit may require taxi or Uber costs, and wait times can be several hours. Budget for transportation and potentially lost work days.
Document expiration and re-dos
Background checks expire after 6 months. If your application is delayed, you may need to re-obtain and re-apostille documents, doubling those costs.
Need Help With Your Visa Application?
EcuaPass provides professional visa guidance for retirees, investors, and professionals. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your new life in Ecuador.
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