Ecuador, situated in South America, blends diverse landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. With around 17.5 million people, the nation marries indigenous traditions with Spanish colonial influence. Quito, its capital, rests high in the Andes. The economy is built on petroleum, agriculture (notably bananas and flowers), manufacturing, and a growing tourism sector. While Spanish is the official language, various indigenous languages are spoken. Ecuador adopted the US Dollar as its official currency in 2000. The country’s natural beauty, from lush rainforests to the iconic Galápagos Islands, is complemented by its cultural diversity, making it a captivating South American destination.
The residence program in Ecuador involves obtaining a residency visa, which comes in two types: temporary and permanent. Temporary residency visas are valid for two years, with the flexibility to leave Ecuador for up to 90 days annually. After three years and being on your second temporary residency visa, you can apply for permanent residency, maintaining the same physical requirements as temporary residents. Spending 183 days or more in Ecuador qualifies you as a tax resident. To obtain a residency visa, you’ll need to provide the necessary documentation and clear criminal background checks for yourself and other applicants
Another option for obtaining residency in Ecuador is to deposit a certain amount of money into an Ecuadorian bank account. The required deposit amount varies depending on the age of the applicant, but it is typically around $25,000 USD. Once the deposit has been made, the applicant must maintain it for at least three years in order to keep their residency status.
Foreigners who purchase a property in Ecuador worth at least $35,000 USD are eligible to apply for a temporary residency visa. The visa is valid for two years and can be renewed indefinitely.
The Ecuador investment visa is a permanent residency visa that is available to foreigners who invest at least $250,000 USD in Ecuador. The investment can be in a variety of forms, such as a business, real estate, or government bonds. Once the investment has been made, the applicant and their family members are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Residency with a Rentista visa
A Rentista visa is a temporary residency visa that allows foreigners to live in Ecuador for up to two years. It is available to foreigners who have a guaranteed monthly income of at least $1,275 USD. This income can come from a variety of sources, such as a pension, social security benefits, or investment income.
| Visa Type | Application Fee (USD) | Visa Fee (USD) | Administrative Fee (USD) | Renewal Fee (USD) |
| Rentista Visa | $50 | $425 | $100 | $425 |
| Residency through Bank Deposit | $50 | $425 | $100 | $425 |
| Residency through Real Estate | $50 | $425 | $100 | $425 |
| Ecuador Investment Visa | $50 | $425 | $100 | $425 |
Notes:
The application fee is a one-time fee and is non-refundable.
The visa fee is payable annually and is non-refundable.
The administrative fee is a one-time fee and is non-refundable.
The renewal fee is payable annually and is non-refundable.
Dependents can be added to your residence for an additional fee.
Please note that these fees are subject to change at any time. It is always best to check with the Ecuadorian government for the most up-to-date information.
Initially, the investor and their family are granted a one-year residence permit, which can subsequently be extended for two years, followed by another two years, and ultimately for ten years. During the renewal process, the investor must demonstrate their presence in the country for at least 90 days, timely payment of bills, and regular income credited to their account.
Andorra’s highly advantageous tax policies make it a preferred destination for the affluent, drawing individuals from Spain and France who seek residency to benefit from favorable tax regulations. Residents enjoy various tax exemptions, including income from government bonds, dividends, and capital gains on certain investments. Capital gains tax is waived on assets held for over ten years, with no double taxation if the investor has already paid more than 10% in capital gains tax in their home country. Personal income tax rates range from 0% for income up to €24,000 per year to 10% for other scenarios, with self-employed individuals contributing €450 per month for social security. Corporate tax stands at 10%, with the potential for a 2% reduction in specific cases. Andorra’s VAT rate is only 4.5%, resulting in cost-effective prices for goods and services compared to neighboring countries. To obtain tax residency, spending more than 183 days annually in the country is required, and active residency status necessitates a specific request to the tax office.
No, individuals who are citizens of Andorra cannot hold dual nationality; they must renounce their previous citizenship.
No, a child born in Andorra to foreign parents does not automatically gain citizenship. Instead, citizenship is granted after their parents have chosen to relocate to Andorra and have resided there for a period of ten years.
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