Moving to Ecuador Checklist: Your Month-by-Month Planning Guide

Month 6: Research and Initial Steps

Six months out is when you lay the foundation for your move. The most time-critical step is ordering your FBI fingerprint card and submitting your background check request. At 12 to 18 weeks processing time, the FBI check is the longest lead-time item in the entire relocation process. Do this on Day 1.

Simultaneously, research and choose your visa category. If you are unsure whether the Professional, Retirement, or Investor Visa is right for you, spend time during Month 6 evaluating your options. Read through the requirements for each category and determine which one you qualify for and which best fits your long-term plans.

Begin researching where in Ecuador you want to live. Cuenca, Quito, the coast, and smaller highland towns all offer very different lifestyles, climates, costs, and expat communities. Join online expat forums, watch YouTube channels from Ecuador-based creators, and if possible, plan a scouting trip.

• Submit FBI fingerprint card and background check request
• Choose your visa category (Professional, Retirement, or Investor)
• Order certified copies of birth certificate and marriage certificate
• Research cities and neighborhoods in Ecuador
• Join expat Facebook groups and online forums for Ecuador
• Start a dedicated folder (physical and digital) for all visa documents

Month 5: Documents and Insurance

With your FBI check processing, focus on getting your other documents apostilled. Send your birth certificate to the appropriate state Secretary of State office for an apostille. If you need a marriage certificate apostilled, send that as well. Each apostille takes two to four weeks by mail.

Research health insurance options for your visa application. You need a policy covering Ecuador for at least one year. Compare international insurance providers (Cigna Global, Allianz, GeoBlue) and Ecuadorian providers. Get quotes and understand what is covered. Do not purchase yet, as policies should be active when you apply.

If applying for the Professional Visa, begin the SENESCYT degree registration process as soon as you have your apostilled and translated degree. Since SENESCYT takes four to eight weeks, starting in Month 5 ensures it is ready before you submit your e-visa application.

• Submit documents for apostille (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Research and compare health insurance options
• Start SENESCYT degree registration if applying for Professional Visa
• Get a comprehensive dental checkup and any needed dental work
• Refill prescriptions and get letters from doctors for ongoing medications
• Research shipping companies if you plan to send belongings

Month 4: Translations and E-Visa Application

By Month 4, your apostilled documents should be returning. Have each one translated into Spanish by a certified Ecuadorian translator. Translations typically take one to two weeks and cost $30 to $80 per document. Use the same translator for all documents if possible to ensure consistency.

If your FBI check has arrived, get it apostilled immediately (US Department of State) and translated. If it has not arrived yet, continue monitoring its status. The FBI check apostille is done by the federal Department of State, not a state office.

Once all documents are apostilled and translated, you can begin your e-visa application. Create your account on the portal, fill out the application form carefully, and upload all documents. Pay attention to file formats and size limits. Submit the application and pay the $50 application fee.

• Get all apostilled documents translated by certified Ecuadorian translator
• Apostille FBI background check as soon as it arrives
• Purchase health insurance policy for visa application
• Create e-visa portal account and begin application
• Upload all documents and submit application
• Begin decluttering and deciding what to keep, sell, store, or ship

Month 3: Logistics and Housing

With your visa application submitted, Month 3 focuses on the practical logistics of your move. Begin researching housing in your target city. Most expats recommend renting for the first year rather than buying, as your preferences will likely change once you are living in Ecuador and understand the neighborhoods.

Start the process of selling, donating, or storing belongings you will not take to Ecuador. Most expats dramatically downsize for the move. Furnished apartments are readily available in Ecuador, so you may not need to ship furniture. A few suitcases of clothing and personal items plus a shipped box of sentimental or specialty items is the typical approach.

If you plan to ship a larger volume of belongings, get quotes from international shipping companies now. Sea freight from the US to Ecuador takes four to eight weeks. Air freight is faster (one to two weeks) but significantly more expensive. First-time Jubilado visa holders get a one-time tax-free import of household goods.

• Research rental housing in your target city
• Contact a relocation service or real estate agent in Ecuador
• Begin selling or donating items you will not take
• Get quotes from international shipping companies
• Start notifying service providers you will be leaving
• Research pet import requirements if you have pets

Month 2: Final Preparations

Book your one-way or long-term flight to Ecuador. One-way tickets are often more expensive than round trips, so some people book a round trip with a return date they plan to change or forfeit. Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE) are the main international airports. If you are heading to Cuenca, you will connect through one of these cities.

Notify your banks and credit card companies of your move. Set up online banking access and verify that your debit and credit cards work internationally. Consider opening an account with Charles Schwab (no international ATM fees) or a similar bank that offers favorable international access.

Contact the post office to forward your mail to a trusted family member or friend, or set up a virtual mailbox service (like US Global Mail or Traveling Mailbox) that scans your mail and provides a US address. You will need a US address for tax filings and other correspondence.

• Book flights to Ecuador
• Notify banks and credit card companies of international travel
• Set up mail forwarding or virtual mailbox
• Cancel or pause US subscriptions and memberships
• Get an international phone plan or research Ecuador SIM cards
• Make copies of all important documents (store digitally in cloud)

Arrival Week: First Steps in Ecuador

Your first priority upon arrival is attending your visa appointment (if scheduled) or following up on your e-visa application status. If your visa has been approved, register for your cedula at the Registro Civil within 30 days. Bring your passport and visa documents.

Open an Ecuadorian bank account as soon as you have your cedula. Banco Pichincha and Banco del Pacifico are the two largest banks and are most familiar with expat accounts. You will need your cedula, passport, and a utility bill or lease showing your Ecuadorian address. Initial deposits are typically $200 to $500.

Register with IESS for public healthcare (approximately $80 per month), register with SRI (Ecuador's tax authority) if you plan to generate local income, and get a local SIM card for your phone. Claro, Movistar, and CNT are the three mobile carriers. A prepaid SIM costs $5 to $10 with data plans starting around $10 per month.

• Attend visa appointment or check application status
• Register for cedula at Registro Civil
• Open Ecuadorian bank account
• Enroll in IESS public healthcare
• Register with SRI if generating local income
• Get local SIM card and phone plan
• Set up internet service in your apartment
• Register with your local consulate for emergency notifications

Frequently Asked Questions