Ecuador
South America • South America
Overview
Ecuador offers retirees exceptional value with costs 54-60% below the US average. A retired couple in Cuenca can cover housing, food, and private healthcare for roughly $1,500/month. The Jubilado visa requires $1,410/month pension (3x the 2025 unified basic salary of $470), with permanent residency available after 21 months. As a dollarized economy, Ecuador eliminates currency exchange concerns. Cuenca hosts a 10,000-strong US expat community and offers spring-like climate year-round. Social Security and foreign pension income remain untaxed. Alternative visas allow $47,000 lump sum investments in real estate or bank trusts.
Visa Options
Inversionista (Investor) Visa
For those investing at least $47,000 in Ecuador real estate, bank trust, or annuity.
Jubilado (Retirement) Visa
For retirees with lifetime pension of at least $1,410/month (3x unified basic salary).
Highlights
- ✓Dollarized economy - no currency exchange risk
- ✓Cost of living 54-60% below US average
- ✓Retired couples live well on $1,500/month in Cuenca
- ✓Social Security and foreign pensions untaxed
- ✓Permanent residency after 21 months
- ✓10,000+ US expat community in Cuenca alone
Considerations
- !Pension requirement increased to $1,410/month in 2025
- !Health insurance mandatory (~$150/month at age 65)
- !Limited English outside major expat areas
- !Infrastructure less developed than US standards
- !Political instability concerns in recent years