Ecuador has turned into one of the most desirable digital nomad destinations in South America. In addition to the high quality of life and affordable cost of living, this country also offers a unique opportunity to grow as a remote worker. Since you’ll be surrounded by talented individuals and like-minded people, you’ll be able to thrive in your respective field.
The new Ecuador digital nomad visa has made things a lot easier, allowing remote workers and digital nomads to reside in the country while working remotely. This article delves into just that and explores how Ecuador accommodates the digital nomad community with its visa policy.
Keep reading to learn all about it!
Does Ecuador have a Digital Nomad Visa?
The Ecuador digital nomad visa, also known as the “Nomadic Worker Rentista” (Rentista Trabajador Nómada) is a varied visa option. It allows you to stay in the country for up to 2 years and work remotely outside the country. This is a great option for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who can carry on their work operations digitally.
This visa allows digital nomads to enjoy Ecuador temporarily while keeping their long-term jobs. The Nomadic Worker Rentista is designed to cater to a niche community. Remote workers would be happy to learn that the Ecuador digital nomad visa has a lot of benefits and it’s certainly one of the best options out there.
Who can Apply for the Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa?
Here are the factors that determine whether you are eligible for an Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa.
Eligibility requirements
- Remote workers, employed by a foreign company
- Freelancers, providing services to foreign employers or clients
- Individuals who own a business in a foreign country
- Foreign citizens who fulfill the minimum income requirements
- Not associated with a local business
How do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador?
Look at the step-by-step guide below to learn exactly how to apply for an Ecuador DNV.
- Fill out the online application form.
Firstly, you’ll need to go to the Virtual Consulate of Ecuador website and fill out the visa application form. This is one of the most attention-demanding parts of the process. You can easily get the form online after creating an account. Make sure to be extra careful and double-check all of your information.
- Gather the necessary documents.
This article will guide you regarding the required documents while making the appointment. This step requires special attention because the accuracy of your application determines the processing time. In case you aren’t sure about the required documents, keep reading to get a brief overview.
- Pay the visa fee
Once you have filled out the form and submitted the documents, you’ll need to pay the visa application fee. You can choose your preferred payment method here.
- Make an appointment
After that, you’ll need to contact the nearest Ecuadorian embassy in the country of your residence (home country). Although you can visit directly too, it is advised to set a time beforehand. This will help you avoid any delays and get the necessary information about the next steps.
- Submit
The next step is to show up to your nearest embassy or consulate as per your appointment and submit your documents.
- Wait for feedback
Once you have completed all the steps, you just need to sit tight and wait for the authorities to process your application. You’ll most likely receive feedback within a few weeks.
- Enter the Republic of Ecuador
You’ll receive a confirmation email if your application is approved. Following that, you’ll need to make the second payment and receive your visa. Only then can you enter Ecuador.
How Much Does it Cost?
You may be surprised to hear this but the digital nomad visa to this beautiful country isn’t all that expensive! While the application fee is somewhere around $50, another fee needs to be paid if the visa is approved.
The second payment of $400 allows you to receive the visa and enter the country. You can find more details by contacting an Ecuadorian consulate or embassy in your country.
Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
There are some requirements that you must fulfill to get this visa.
Required documents
You must have the following documents with you during the time of your visa application.
- Valid passport: a passport that will remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of your stay. It should have been issued in the last 10 years and must contain 2 blank pages.
- Valid health insurance: health insurance that will remain valid and cover all expenses for the duration of your entire stay.
- Proof of employment: Applicants must submit proof that they are currently working for a business based outside of Ecuador. This could be proved by submitting an employment contract, Pay Slips, or any other documents.
- Proof of sufficient means: you can submit proof in the form of payslips or bank statements.
- Photo: 2×2 inches, white background, neutral expression, taken in the last 6 months, and correct dimensions.
- Remote job: applicants must be able to prove that if they are not employed in a foreign country, they are either self-employed or they are working as freelancers. You can prove this by submitting adequate business documentation.
- Clean criminal record (background check): you must be able to prove that you have not been convicted of any crimes in your home country or current country of residence. You can easily get certificates from a local police station.
Financial requirements
An Ecuadorian digital nomad visa “Nomadic Worker Rentista” visa also poses a minimum income requirement. Remote workers need to prove that their monthly income is three times the minimum wage in Ecuador.
Roughly, a person must earn around $1380 (monthly income) to be deemed eligible. This amount changes if you are applying with a spouse, child, family member, or other dependent. An additional amount of $250 will be incurred with each family member (on a dependent visa).
How Long Does it Take to Get an Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa?
There is no fixed time for this application process but it can be estimated to take 7-15 days. Ideally, your application will be processed within a few weeks of submission and you’ll receive feedback. However, you should keep in mind that the time will vary based on factors such as the accuracy of your application, the competency of the departments, the amount of burden they are dealing with, and perhaps even some government policies.
Benefits of the Ecuador Digital Nomad Visa
Rich culture
The atmosphere and environment of a place are also impactful factors that can influence your decision. Ecuador has a rich cultural heritage that is well depicted in art, music, and architecture. This country is known for its vibrancy and its beautiful culture. You can immerse yourself in its history and live in a bustling environment.
Friendly locals
Another good thing about Ecuador is the friendly and welcoming local community, digital nomads and remote workers will feel right at home and enjoy hospitality. This will make their life easy in a foreign country and elevate their living experience.
Affordable cost of living
Ecuador experiences an affordable cost of living that is best described as average. While it is not the cheapest digital nomad destination out there, it’s certainly budget-friendly. A digital nomad can access various facilities and modern amenities at a cheap rate. Here is a rough breakdown of general expenses there. You can live here on a tight budget and make the best out of your time. However, please note that the cost of living is defined by an individual’s spending pattern and lifestyle. If you follow a standard digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll find these estimates to be quite accurate.
Good internet connectivity
The Republic of Ecuador has excellent internet speeds and coverage, perfect for remote workers and digital nomads. The fixed broadband speed is 77.65 Mbps which is pretty good for remote work. The internet connection ultimately depends on your location and provider. However, you can enjoy reliable download and upload speeds in the country and keep a healthy work-life balance.
If you wish to ensure extra reliability, you can also purchase local SIM cards after arriving in the country. There are a bunch of good providers in this country that offer fast wifi speeds and affordable packages. Make sure to compare data plans before buying a SIM card.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Ecuador?
Digital nomads will be required to pay taxes in Ecuador if the income is generated locally. This means you won’t be required to pay any taxes if you are working remotely and earning your income from a foreign country.
However, make sure to check your home country’s visa policy because some incur worldwide taxes.
Renew Digital Nomad Visa Ecuador
Another good thing about Ecuador’s digital nomad visa is that it has an amazing renewal policy. This visa is originally issued for a period of 2 years. Once that time has passed and you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for a renewal and possibly get another 2-year extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can EU citizens enter Ecuador without a visa?
Ecuador has a flexible visa policy that is highly accommodating. Most citizens, including those from the European Union, can enter and stay in the country visa-free for up to 90 days.
What are some other visa options in Ecuador?
In addition to the new digital nomad visa, you can also apply for a professional visa, tourist visa, temporary residence visa, or international convention visa.
Is the Ecuador visa application fee refundable?
The initial fee of $50 is non-refundable and treated as the cost of submitting the application. Other than that, the second payment of $400 will only need to be paid if your visa is approved.
How to pay the Ecuador visa fee?
You are required to pay the visa application fee online and there are numerous payment methods. You can pay via credit card, bank account transfer, etc.
Is Ecuador’s digital nomad visa better than Ecuador’s tourist visa?
A remote work visa is better than a tourist visa because it allows digital nomads to stay longer in the country. In comparison to the tourist visa that only validates visits for 90 days, a DNV can allow 2 years.
Final Thoughts
Ecuador is the epitome of perfection and an excellent place for digital nomads. With its low cost of living, coworking spaces, and abundance of cafes, it invites people from all over the world.
Ecuador has always been famous among short-term travelers and tourists but things have changed over the recent years. The country has been gaining popularity among remote workers and turning into a digital nomad destination because of its digital nomad visa program.
We hope this article provides you with the necessary information and clears your doubts. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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