---
title: "Ecuador Digital nomad visa 2026: income $1,446+/mo needed"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/temporary-rentista-remote-work/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-12
---

Ecuador · Nomad / Remote work

# Ecuador Digital nomad visa

**Income needed:** $1,446+ a month

Visa de residencia temporal — Rentista para trabajo remoto / Visa Nómada (Reglamento art. 64)

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Income needed:** $1,446+ a month (Income of at least $1,446 a month · At least 3 SBU per month of foreign-source income in each of the 3 months before the application (3 x USD 482 = USD 1,446 in 2026), shown by international bank statements. Alternative to the 36 SBU annual test. Income of at least $17,352 a year · Alternative: total of 36 SBU per year (36 x USD 482 = USD 17,352 in 2026) shown by international bank statements. Income of at least $250 a month · Extra monthly income for each dependant covered by the holder. A fee of $50 · Visa application fee, paid online when the request is filed; no VAT. A fee of $270 · Visa grant fee, paid on approval; no VAT.)
- **First stay:** 2 yrs (Temporary residence authorises a 2-year stay, renewable once; permanent residence can be requested after 21 continuous months as a resident.)
- **Who can apply:** Any passport
- **Work:** Remote only (Remote work for foreign employers or clients and ownership of a foreign company; Ecuadorian employment is a separate work category.)
- **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Residencia fiscal temporal (LRTI, Ley Orgánica de Eficiencia Económica, RO 461-S of 20 Dec 2023): New arrivals who qualify may pay income tax only on Ecuadorian-source income for 5 years.)

## Key facts

Digital nomad visa is a nomad / remote work route for Ecuador. Applicants need income of $1,446+ a month. You can stay 2 yrs, renewable. You can work remotely for foreign employers or clients, not for local ones. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.

- **Money needed:** $1,446+ a month
- **Government fees:** $50 · $270
- **First stay:** 2 yrs

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: government fees $320 in total (2 fees); income to show $1,446+/mo. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: $50 · $270**

- $50 Visa application fee, paid online when the request is filed; no VAT.
- $270 Visa grant fee, paid on approval; no VAT.

**Shown, not spent: $1,446+/mo · +2 more**

- $1,446 a month At least 3 SBU per month of foreign-source income in each of the 3 months before the application (3 x USD 482 = USD 1,446 in 2026), shown by international bank statements. Alternative to the 36 SBU annual test.
- $17,352 a year Alternative: total of 36 SBU per year (36 x USD 482 = USD 17,352 in 2026) shown by international bank statements.
- $250 a month Extra monthly income for each dependant covered by the holder.

**Renewal: Renewable**

Temporary residence lasts up to 2 years and can be renewed once.

[Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana](https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2021.05.14_ley_organica_de_movilidad_humana_-_lomh.pdf)

**Permanent residence: After 21 months of residence**

You can request permanent residence after 21 continuous months as a resident, filing before the temporary visa expires.

[Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana](https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2021.05.14_ley_organica_de_movilidad_humana_-_lomh.pdf) [Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana](https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2022.07.21-reglamento-a-la-Ley-Organica-de-Movilidad-Humana.pdf)

**Citizenship: Time here doesn't count**

Naturalisation needs at least 3 years of regular domicile holding a permanent residence visa, so time on a temporary visa does not count directly.

[Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana](https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/obtencion-nacionalidad-ecuatoriana-carta-naturalizacion)

**Where to apply: Abroad or in-country**

Apply online through the foreign ministry's e-VISAS platform, from inside Ecuador or through an embassy or consulate abroad.

[Guía Oficial de Trámites — MREMH](https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/concesion-visa-residencia-temporal-rentista-trabajo-remoto-visa-nomada)

**Presence rules: Away max 90 days in total**

To keep the 21 months continuous, you cannot be away from Ecuador more than 90 days in total during the temporary visa.

[Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana](https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2022.07.21-reglamento-a-la-Ley-Organica-de-Movilidad-Humana.pdf)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Time on this route doesn't count toward citizenship
- No local jobs: remote work for employers or clients abroad only

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- The applicant works or provides services for a foreign employer, client or company domiciled abroad (self-employed or employed, remote/digital).
- Alternatively, the applicant owns a company registered and domiciled abroad.
- The applicant is a national of a country on the list drawn up by the Ministry of Tourism.

#### What you must show

- Foreign-source income must be at least 3 SBU per month (USD 1,446 in 2026) in each of the 3 months before applying.
- Alternatively, income must total 36 SBU per year (USD 17,352 in 2026).
- Each dependant covered needs extra monthly income of USD 250.
- A fee is payable.

#### Documents

- International bank statements show the income.
- Documents showing the foreign work or company ownership are required.
- Valid national or foreign health insurance for the whole visa period is required.
- A foreign policy must state coverage in Ecuador.
- A passport valid at least 6 months is required.
- An original criminal-record certificate from the country of origin and places of residence in the last 5 years is required (adults only).
- The certificate is apostilled or legalised, translated, and valid 180 days to the last entry.
- Lawful means of livelihood are required under Acuerdo Ministerial 70 of 28 June 2024.

## What happens at day 183

How Ecuador decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Stay on this route:** **2 years at first, renewable**
- **Tax residence:** - **At least 183 days in a same fiscal period, or 12 months across two fiscal periods** Presence in Ecuador, including sporadic absences, consecutive or not (art. 4.1 a and b)
- **Foreign-source income:** Ecuador taxes Ecuadorian-source income and also income obtained abroad by natural persons domiciled in the country (LRTI art. 2), on a 2026 scale of 0% up to USD 12,208 rising to 37% above USD 109,956; an individual is a fiscal resident after 183 days or more in the country in a fiscal period, with a credit for tax paid abroad under art. 49.
- **Special regime:** **Residencia fiscal temporal** · Tax relief New arrivals who qualify may pay income tax only on Ecuadorian-source income for 5 years.

[All tax rules for Ecuador](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/tax/) Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026

## What you need to arrange

- **Health insurance** Valid national or foreign health insurance for the whole visa period is required
- **Certified translation** The certificate is apostilled or legalised, translated, and valid 180 days to the last entry
- **Police certificate and civil documents** An original criminal-record certificate from the country of origin and places of residence in the last 5 years is required (adults only)

Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts.

**Full official text**

For foreigners who own a company or work for employers or clients domiciled abroad, doing professional or service work remotely. The regulation opens it to nationals of the countries on a list drawn up by the Ministry of Tourism. (sources 1, 2, 3)

#### What you must show and pay

- Income of at least $1,446 a month · At least 3 SBU per month of foreign-source income in each of the 3 months before the application (3 x USD 482 = USD 1,446 in 2026), shown by international bank statements. Alternative to the 36 SBU annual test. (sources 1, 2, 3)
- Income of at least $17,352 a year · Alternative: total of 36 SBU per year (36 x USD 482 = USD 17,352 in 2026) shown by international bank statements. (sources 1, 2, 3)
- Income of at least $250 a month · Extra monthly income for each dependant covered by the holder. (sources 1, 2)
- A fee of $50 · Visa application fee, paid online when the request is filed; no VAT. (source 2)
- A fee of $270 · Visa grant fee, paid on approval; no VAT. (source 2)

#### Requirements

- The applicant works or provides services for a foreign employer, client or company domiciled abroad (self-employed or employed, remote/digital). (sources 1, 2)
- Alternatively, the applicant owns a company registered and domiciled abroad. (sources 1, 2)
- The applicant is a national of a country on the list drawn up by the Ministry of Tourism. (source 1)
- Foreign-source income must be at least 3 SBU per month (USD 1,446 in 2026) in each of the 3 months before applying. (sources 1, 2, 3)
- Alternatively, income must total 36 SBU per year (USD 17,352 in 2026). (sources 1, 2, 3)
- Each dependant covered needs extra monthly income of USD 250. (sources 1, 2)
- A fee is payable. (source 1)
- International bank statements show the income. (sources 1, 2, 3)
- Documents showing the foreign work or company ownership are required. (sources 1, 2)
- Valid national or foreign health insurance for the whole visa period is required. (sources 1, 2)
- A foreign policy must state coverage in Ecuador. (sources 1, 2)
- A passport valid at least 6 months is required. (source 1)
- An original criminal-record certificate from the country of origin and places of residence in the last 5 years is required (adults only). (source 1)
- The certificate is apostilled or legalised, translated, and valid 180 days to the last entry. (source 1)
- Lawful means of livelihood are required under Acuerdo Ministerial 70 of 28 June 2024. (source 1)

#### Stay

- Temporary residence authorises a 2-year stay, renewable once; permanent residence can be requested after 21 continuous months as a resident.
- Initial permitted stay: 24 months.
- Visa validity: 24 months. Validity is the window to use the visa, not the length you may stay.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

#### Work

Remote work for foreign employers or clients and ownership of a foreign company; Ecuadorian employment is a separate work category.

#### Family

Dependants can be covered by the holder ("amparo") by showing an additional USD 250 per month of income for each person covered.

#### Fine print

The Ministry of Tourism list of eligible countries was not found on an official page, so which passports qualify could not be confirmed. Last checked 12 October 2026.

Checked 2026-10-12

## Official sources

1. [Reglamento a la Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana (arts. 60-76, 83-84)](https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2022.07.21-reglamento-a-la-Ley-Organica-de-Movilidad-Humana.pdf) · Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana · checked 2026-10-12
2. [Concesión de visa de residencia temporal rentista para trabajo remoto (Visa Nómada)](https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/concesion-visa-residencia-temporal-rentista-trabajo-remoto-visa-nomada) · Guía Oficial de Trámites — MREMH · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Acuerdo MDH-DM-2026-0005-A (quotes Acuerdo MDT-2025-195: Salario Básico Unificado 2026 = USD 482)](https://www.desarrollohumano.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mdh-dm-2026-0005-a.pdf) · Ministerio de Desarrollo Humano · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2026-02
4. [Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana (consolidated text)](https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2021.05.14_ley_organica_de_movilidad_humana_-_lomh.pdf) · Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) · checked 2026-10-11
5. [Obtención de la nacionalidad ecuatoriana por carta de naturalización](https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/obtencion-nacionalidad-ecuatoriana-carta-naturalizacion) · Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) · checked 2026-10-11

## Digital nomad visa and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Digital nomad visa | Needs income of $1,446+ a month | 2 yr, renewable | Remote only |
| [Digital nomad visa V](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/colombia/v-digital-nomad/) Colombia | Needs income of COP 5.3M+ a month ≈ $1,640 | 2 yr | Remote only |
| [Remote worker stay](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/costa-rica/nonresident-remote-worker/) Costa Rica | Needs income from $3,000 a month | 1 yr, renewable | Remote only |
| [Digital nomad visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/brazil/vitem-xiv-digital-nomad/) Brazil | Needs income of $1,500+ a month | 1 yr, renewable | Remote only |
| [Digital nomad residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/argentina/nomad-digital/) Argentina | – | 6 mo, renewable | – |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Digital nomad visa?

Income of at least $1,446 a month. At least 3 SBU per month of foreign-source income in each of the 3 months before the application (3 x USD 482 = USD 1,446 in 2026), shown by international bank statements. Income of at least $17,352 a year. Alternative: total of 36 SBU per year (36 x USD 482 = USD 17,352 in 2026) shown by international bank statements. Income of at least $250 a month. Extra monthly income for each dependant covered by the holder. A fee of $50. Visa application fee, paid online when the request is filed; no VAT.

### How long can I stay on the Digital nomad visa?

Temporary residence authorises a 2-year stay, renewable once; permanent residence can be requested after 21 continuous months as a resident.

### Can I work on the Digital nomad visa?

Remote only. Remote work for foreign employers or clients and ownership of a foreign company; Ecuadorian employment is a separate work category.

### Can I bring my family on the Digital nomad visa?

Dependants can be covered by the holder ("amparo") by showing an additional USD 250 per month of income for each person covered.

### Does the Digital nomad visa lead to permanent residence in Ecuador?

Time on the Digital nomad visa counts toward permanent residence in Ecuador, which the rules allow after 21 months of residence. Time on the Digital nomad visa doesn't count toward citizenship.

### Is there a tax break for Digital nomad visa holders in Ecuador?

Residencia fiscal temporal (LRTI, Ley Orgánica de Eficiencia Económica, RO 461-S of 20 Dec 2023): New arrivals who qualify may pay income tax only on Ecuadorian-source income for 5 years. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.

## Tax

Special regime

### [Residencia fiscal temporal (LRTI, Ley Orgánica de Eficiencia Económica, RO 461-S of 20 Dec 2023)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/tax/#tax-ec-temporary-fiscal-residence)

Tax relief

**Details**

- On: Ecuadorian-source income only, taxed on the ordinary scale
- Who: Not previously a fiscal resident of Ecuador
- Limit: $150k

New arrivals who qualify may pay income tax only on Ecuadorian-source income for 5 years.

#### Taxed on

Ecuadorian-source income only, taxed on the ordinary scale; foreign-source income is outside the base.

#### Who it applies to

- Not previously a fiscal resident of Ecuador.
- Either invest at least USD 150,000 in Ecuadorian real estate or productive activities and keep it at least 5 years, or prove non-Ecuadorian-source monthly income of at least USD 2,500 and affiliate to social security.
- Conditions must be met between day 1 and day 120 after entering Ecuador.

#### Exclusions

- Ecuadorian-source income remains taxable.

#### Limits

- $150,000 · Minimum investment in real estate or productive activities in Ecuador, kept at least 5 years.
- $2,500 a month · Alternative: proven monthly income not of Ecuadorian source; holder must join social security.

#### Tax residence

Lasts 5 years from the fiscal year the conditions are met.

#### Visas

The law links the regime to temporary residence.

#### Other taxes

Social-security affiliation is required under the income route; VAT is unaffected.

Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

[Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/tax/)

## More in Ecuador

[Professional / tech visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/temporary-professional/) [Freelancer visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/temporary-autonomous/) [Researcher / academic visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/temporary-researcher/) [Company executive visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/temporary-legal-representative/) [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/temporary-student/)

## Digital nomad / remote work visas elsewhere

[🇵🇦 Remote worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/remote-worker-visa/) [🇨🇼 @HOME remote worker](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/curacao/remote-worker/) [🇧🇧 Welcome Stamp nomad visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/barbados/welcome-stamp-remote-worker/) [🇩🇲 WIN nomad visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/dominica/win-extended-stay-visa/) [🇬🇩 Remote work permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/grenada/remote-work-permit/) [🇯🇲 Nomad visa (proposed)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/jamaica/nomad-visa/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-12 against 5 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [Reglamento a la Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana (arts. 60-76, 83-84)](https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2022.07.21-reglamento-a-la-Ley-Organica-de-Movilidad-Humana.pdf) · Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana · checked 2026-10-12
2. [Concesión de visa de residencia temporal rentista para trabajo remoto (Visa Nómada)](https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/concesion-visa-residencia-temporal-rentista-trabajo-remoto-visa-nomada) · Guía Oficial de Trámites — MREMH · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Acuerdo MDH-DM-2026-0005-A (quotes Acuerdo MDT-2025-195: Salario Básico Unificado 2026 = USD 482)](https://www.desarrollohumano.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mdh-dm-2026-0005-a.pdf) · Ministerio de Desarrollo Humano · checked 2026-10-10
4. [Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana (consolidated text)](https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2021.05.14_ley_organica_de_movilidad_humana_-_lomh.pdf) · Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) · checked 2026-10-11
5. [Obtención de la nacionalidad ecuatoriana por carta de naturalización](https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/obtencion-nacionalidad-ecuatoriana-carta-naturalizacion) · Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.