Investor Visa Requirements
Complete documentation checklist for the Ecuador Investor Visa (9-IV). The investment requirement is $46,000 USD (100 Basic Unified Salaries).
You must select ONE of these four investment options and maintain it for the duration of your visa:
Option 1: Bank Time Deposit (CD) - Most Popular
Certificate of deposit with an Ecuador bank for minimum 730 days (2 years)
Requirements:
- • Minimum investment: $46,000 USD (100 Basic Unified Salaries)
- • Must be placed with a bank regulated by Superintendencia de Bancos
- • 2-year (730 day) lock-in period required
- • Can be in USD or equivalent amount in other currencies
Required Documents:
- • Certificate of Deposit from the bank
- • Bank statement showing the deposit amount
- • Confirmation that CD term is minimum 730 days
- • Proof that bank is supervised by Superintendencia de Bancos
Pro: Safest and most straightforward option. You earn interest while your money is locked. Easy to prove and verify.
Con: Your money is locked for 2 years. Early withdrawal may jeopardize your visa.
Option 2: Real Estate Purchase
Purchase property in Ecuador with a minimum value of $46,000
Requirements:
- • Minimum property value: $46,000 USD (100 Basic Unified Salaries)
- • Must be registered at the Registro de la Propiedad (Property Registry)
- • Property must be in your name (the visa applicant)
- • Can be residential, commercial, or land
Required Documents:
- • Property deed (Escritura) registered at Registro de la Propiedad
- • Property appraisal showing value of at least $46,000
- • Municipal property tax certificate (Predio Urbano)
- • Proof of property registration in your name
Pro: You get a place to live or invest in Ecuador real estate. Property can appreciate in value.
Con: Buying property in Ecuador has transaction costs (5-10%). Selling can be difficult if you need to liquidate.
Option 3: Company Shares/Equity
Invest $46,000 in shares or equity of an Ecuadorian company
Requirements:
- • Minimum investment: $46,000 USD (100 Basic Unified Salaries)
- • Company must be registered with Superintendencia de Compañías
- • Can be your own company or invest in existing company
- • Company must be legally operating in Ecuador
Required Documents:
- • Share certificate showing your ownership stake
- • Company registration certificate from Superintendencia de Compañías
- • Company financial statements showing your capital contribution
- • Certificate of Good Standing from Superintendencia
- • RUC (company tax ID) documentation
Pro: Great if you want to start or invest in a business in Ecuador. Potential for returns beyond initial investment.
Con: Most complex option. Requires ongoing business compliance and accounting. Higher risk if business fails.
Option 4: Government Contract
Hold a valid contract with the Ecuadorian State
Requirements:
- • Contract must be with Ecuadorian government entity
- • Contract must be currently valid and in force
- • Contract value should meet minimum investment threshold
- • Work must be legally authorized and documented
Required Documents:
- • Copy of the government contract
- • Proof that contract is valid and in force
- • Documentation of contract value/scope
- • Certification from the government entity
Pro: If you already have a government contract, this is the easiest route.
Con: Very rare. Most applicants won't have access to this option.
Regardless of which investment option you choose, ALL applicants must provide these documents:
1. Valid Passport
- • Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your application date
- • Provide copy of bio page and entry stamp to Ecuador
- • If passport expires soon, renew it BEFORE applying
2. Background Check (Criminal Record)
- • From your country of citizenship (e.g., FBI check for Americans)
- • Must be apostilled (Hague Apostille Convention)
- • Must be issued within the last 6 months
- • Must be translated to Spanish by certified translator in Ecuador
- • If you've lived in other countries for 6+ months in last 5 years, may need checks from those countries too
For US citizens: Get FBI Identity History Summary Check. Processing time: 12-14 weeks. Plan ahead!
3. Passport Photo
- • Standard passport-sized photo with white background
- • Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
- • Face must be clearly visible, no sunglasses or hats
4. Proof of Ecuador Address
- • Rental agreement, utility bill, or property deed in Ecuador
- • Must show your name and Ecuador address
- • If staying with someone, notarized letter from them with copy of their ID/deed
5. Completed Application Form
- • Official visa application form from Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
- • Must be filled out completely and accurately
- • Sign and date the form
Apostille Requirements
Documents from your home country must be apostilled according to the Hague Apostille Convention:
- • Background check must be apostilled
- • For US documents: Get apostille from Secretary of State
- • Apostille must be on the original document, not a copy
Translation Requirements
All documents not in Spanish must be officially translated:
- • Must use certified translator registered in Ecuador
- • Translator must provide their credentials and registration number
- • Both original and translation must be submitted
- • Do NOT translate before arriving in Ecuador (translators must be Ecuador-registered)
Document Copies
- • Bring original documents AND copies
- • Some offices may want to keep originals, others only copies
- • Keep extra copies for your records
- Start early: FBI background checks take 12-14 weeks. Don't wait until the last minute.
- Make your investment first: Your investment must be in place before applying. Government verifies this.
- Keep digital copies: Scan all documents before leaving your home country. Upload to cloud storage.
- Bank CD is easiest: Most straightforward to prove and least complex. Real estate is second choice.
- Check expiration dates: Background check must be less than 6 months old when you submit your application.
- Work with local bank: If doing CD option, establish relationship with Ecuador bank early. They can guide you through process.
Need Help Preparing Your Documents?
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