Ecuador - the Land of Opportunity

Ecuador Sunset

Ecuador is a prime market for international investors due to the extremely low cost of property in the country. Imagine a city condo for less than $40,000 US, a beach home for $100,000 or less, a small farm with two homes and agricultural income for $250,000 or less or a mansion for under $400,000.

The doors are completely open to foreign investors in Ecuador and foreigners have full rights to property ownership here. Plus, buying property qualifies you for Ecuador residency!

Ecuador Residency Is Easy And Affordable

Most nationalities can enter Ecuador without a visa and stay for up to 90 days per year. Stays of up to 180 days are available, but you must acquire a visa from and Ecuador embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If you have entered Ecuador as a tourist for 90 days without a visa, your stay can be extended if you purchase property and apply for residency at that time. If you have a business in Ecuador, you can stay almost indefinitely without official residency.

There are several ways to obtain a resident visa if you choose. Most of them require proof of making an investment in Ecuador. That investment can be the purchase of real estate, the incorporation of a company, the purchase of shares, or even a fixed-term deposit in a local bank.

Ecuadorian residency is easy to obtain. Here are the most common methods:

Retirees must prove an income of $8000 US per year from a registered pension/retirement fund.
Real estate investors must purchase a property with a tax-assessed value of $25,000. Simply buying a very inexpensive house or condo fulfills your residency requirements.

Foreign residents of get an Ecuadorian ID card and have local rates at hotels, national parks, universities, etc. Foreigners with a resident visa may bring their household goods free of tariffs after due process.

Ecuador Legal Advantages - A Strong Constitution

There is a constitutional advantage to investing or living in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian constitution establishes that Ecuadorians and foreigners have exactly the same rights and obligations under the law, except for voting and running for public office.

The Constitution also establishes the principle of private property as an important development factor, and many types of requisition and seizure by the government are prohibited. There is no foreigner-specific limitation for the ownership of land in Ecuador.

Citizenship Has Advantages

For those who want to become an Ecuadorian citizen, this is easy as well. Any foreigner who has been a resident for three years may acquire an Ecuadorian passport after due process. Ecuador allows its citizens to be dual nationals, provided your country of origin permits this.

Tourism Fuels Return on Investment

Although Ecuador's tourism industry is still in it's infancy, that is changing rapidly and tourist numbers are increasing exponentially.

As a result, vacation rentals are in demand year-round. Investors who don't want to retire or relocate can put their properties into a rental pool with returns that ensure a fast return on investment.

Ecuador Fast Facts

  • Stable democratic republic
  • Safe and stable for tourists or foreign investors
  • Passive, friendly population
  • Official currency is USD
  • Foreigner land ownership is fee-simple and protected in constitution
  • Cosmopolitan cities to quaint villages
  • Solid and rapidly expanding infrastructure
  • Excellent medical facilities
  • Cheap health insurance
  • Pleasant year-round climate
  • Tourism in the infancy stage – like Costa Rica 30 years ago
  • Extremely low cost of living
  • Identified as the top country in the world to retire
  • Easy residency requirements if needed
  • Visit for three months without visa (passport required)
  • Long-term visa available for up to six months
  • Low property prices
  • Low property taxes
  • Low capital gains tax of 0.5%
  • Easy flight connections to Eastern Europe (Moscow or Kiev – Havana – Quito)
  • Easy connections from North America
  • Thousands of miles of unspoiled pristine beach

Canecua Developments can help you with up-to-date information on visas, immigration issues, property purchases or long-term rentals. Contact us for more information on anything Ecuador.