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Ecuador Country Profile

Passport
For more details visit Ecuador Passport Ranking
  • Passport Grade
    C
  • Passport Ranking
    99/198
  • Passport Score
    67.1/198
  • Visa-free Countries
    82
  • Visa-required Countries
    116
  • Access to the World's GDP
    32%
  • Access to the World's Surface Area
    47%
  • Access to the World's Population
    44%
  • Access to the Unesco Sites
    31%
Citizenship and Naturalization
Birthright citizenship (Jus Soli)
  • Birthright citizenship (Jus Soli)
    Yes
    Unrestricted: Any child born in the country automatically becomes a citizen.
Naturalization - Standard Conditions
  • Minimum residency period
    5 years
    Must hold permanent residency for 3 years, which takes ~2 years to obtain.
  • Physical presence requirement
    At least 6 months a year
  • Language test
    Yes, Spanish
  • Need to renounce original citizenship?
    No
  • Can minor children naturalize?
    Yes
  • Can naturalized parents pass citizenship to a child born abroad?
    Yes
    Children born abroad to a naturalized parent can also claim their naturalized citizenship (they will not become citizens by birth)
  • Can you lose naturalization due to prolonged absence/ naturalization elsewhere?
    Yes / No
Naturalization - Your Spouse is a Citizen
  • Living IN the country: Residency/marriage requirement
    0 years / 2 years
    Must be married for 2 years. No in-country residency requirements.
  • Living ABROAD: Marriage requirement
    2 years
    Can reside abroad, but must become a legal resident before applying.
  • Language test
    Officially not, but there is an interview
  • Need to renounce original citizenship?
    No
Naturalization - Other Beneficial Provisions
  • Your child is a citizen
    No provisions
  • Citizens of specific countries
    No provisions
"–": The provision has not been analysed.
Taxation
For more details visit Cost of Living
  • Taxation Type
    Residence-based
A tax resident of a country with a RESIDENCE-BASED tax system pays taxes on their WORLDWIDE income. However, if you lose tax residency status there (e.g., by moving out), the country will generally stop taxing you.
Schiff Sovereign's Take on Ecuador
Sovereign Man team members have traveled to Ecuador many times (and always liked it). 

In particular, Quito – the capital and the country’s second largest city – is a great place to visit. It is located high in the Andes Mountains, so it is never too hot there despite being located right on the equator. (“Ecuador,” as you may know, translates as “equator” from the Spanish.) 

Quito’s old town is one of the prettiest urban centers you will find in South America. The rest of the country is also lovely – places like Vilcabamba, Guayaquil and Cuenca, all have a lot to offer.

Most impressive, perhaps, are the Galapagos Islands. The archipelago justifiably ranks among the top bucket list items in the world. Each island has its own compelling topography and ecosystem. On one, you’re standing on otherworldly, volcanic rock. On another, pristine white-sand beaches dominate the landscape.

But you most probably won't settle in Galapagos – it is a restricted zone.

Instead, pay attention to Cuenca – a highly livable city of nearly 750,000 people with a rich artistic and intellectual bent. It sits at about 2,500 meters (~8,000 feet) above sea level, and its temperatures range from the high 40s to low 70s Fahrenheit, year-round. 

Many North American retirees and digital nomads found their way to Cuenca, attracted by the surprisingly inexpensive lifestyle, great climate and the surrounding natural splendor.

We have previously written about a young American entrepreneur that calls Cuenca home. 

Also, Ecuador (as any country near the equator) offers a solid 12 hours each of daylight and darkness, which is good for the human circadian rhythms and health. 

But we can’t praise Ecuador for its business or investment environment.

There are some opportunities for bold people to get involved in ventures in Ecuador, but at the end of the day, it is a quasi-socialist, populist country. The “free” market isn’t free of government interference.

For those reasons, Ecuador is generally not the best place to park a lot of money, or start a business (unless, for example, you are focusing on catering to expats). 
Schiff Sovereign's Rolodex
Service Providers available in Ecuador
  • Immigration (residency, citizenship)
  • Tax advice (attorneys and/or accountants)
  • Corporate services (company formation, etc.)
  • Real Estate (agents, lawyers)
  • Banking contact
Obtain access to our Rolodex by signing up for Sovereign Confidential Join Sovereign Confidential Today

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Ecuador Overview
  • Region
    North and South America
  • Capital City
    Quito
  • Largest City
    Guayaquil
  • Currency
    United States dollar
  • Languages
    Spanish
  • Population
    18.1 million (67th)
  • Life Expectancy
    78 years (76th)
  • GDP (Nominal)
    $115.5 billion (63rd)
  • GDP/Capita
    $6,384 (109th)
Useful Data
For more details visit Cost of Living
  • Cost of Living
    Very cheap (2/7)
  • Climate
    Very comfortable (1/5)
  • Safety
    Average (4/7)
  • Pollution
    Average (3/5)
  • English Proficiency
    Low (4/5)

Sovereign Global Explorer

Benefiting from over a decade of our team’s boots-on-the-ground experience, Global Explorer is where your international journey begins.
Explore Now
Found a mistake /
Have a suggestion ?
Please let us know if you spot any inaccuracies on this page or have a suggestion on how to make it even more useful.
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PREMIUM REPORTS
Ecuador inside Schiff Sovereign resources
Resource TitleProductTypeDate
January 2024 SC Q&ASovereign ConfidentialSMCQ&A30-Jan-2401/30/24
The Best Countries for Birth TourismSovereign ConfidentialSMCAlert06-Nov-2311/06/23
The Roundup of Common Residency Options in Latin AmericaSovereign ConfidentialSMCBlack Paper06-Sep-2309/06/23
April 2023 SC Q&ASovereign ConfidentialSMCQ&A28-Apr-2304/28/23
February 2023 SC Q&ASovereign ConfidentialSMCQ&A27-Feb-2302/27/23
Real Estate Investment Yields Residency in These South American CountriesSovereign ConfidentialSMCAlert06-Feb-2302/06/23
July 2022 SMC Q&ASovereign ConfidentialSMCQ&A28-Jul-2207/28/22
A Roundup of Naturalization Rules & Timelines in the AmericasSovereign ConfidentialSMCBlack Paper27-Jun-2206/27/22
December 2021 SMC Q&ASovereign ConfidentialSMCQ&A29-Dec-2112/29/21
March 2021 SMC Q&ASovereign ConfidentialSMCQ&A31-Mar-2103/31/21
January 2021 SMC Q&ASovereign ConfidentialSMCQ&A29-Jan-2101/29/21
Homesteading: A Plan B for your foodSovereign ConfidentialSMCAlert25-Jun-2006/25/20
Ecuador: How to instantly double your retirement savings by moving it (and yourself)Sovereign ConfidentialSMCAlert05-Nov-1811/05/18
Ecuador: Why this might be the perfect place to boost (or wind down) your careerSovereign ConfidentialSMCCase Study24-Aug-1808/24/18
Sovereign Man Country Rankings: The Right Country for YOU, with Simon's insightsSovereign ConfidentialSMCBlack Paper06-Apr-1704/06/17
Real Estate in EcuadorSovereign ConfidentialSMCAlert15-Feb-1302/15/13
Obtaining Residency and Citizenship in EcuadorSovereign ConfidentialSMCAlert15-Feb-1302/15/13
Ecuador—still dirt cheapSovereign ConfidentialSMCAlert15-Feb-1302/15/13

Articles featuring Ecuador

Second Residency

Ecuador’s new Digital Nomad Visa program unpacked

The South American nation of Ecuador is one of the latest countries in the world to launch an official Digital Nomad Visa. And we’re pleased to report that it looks pretty decent. Let’s get into the details below… Boasting stellar beaches, tropical jungles and cooler mountain towns, Ecuador is a place we’ve frequently visited, and […]
Second Residency

Ecuador Residency By Property Investment (2023)

Depending on your situation and Plan B objectives, owning a property overseas can unlock massive benefits and increased freedom. In today’s episode, we take a look at one of the most affordable Residency By Property Investment programs in the world… Ecuador offers SUPER affordable Residency By Property Investment South America is a continent with many […]

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