Investor Visa Resources
Official links, contact information, and helpful resources for your Ecuador Investor Visa application.
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana
Main visa authority - Application portal and information
www.cancilleria.gob.ecRegistro de la Propiedad
Property registry (if buying real estate)
Each city has its own property registry. Visit local office in person.
FBI Identity History Summary Check
Required criminal background check for US citizens
FBI Background Check PortalProcessing time: 12-14 weeks. Start this immediately!
US State Department - Apostille Services
Information about apostille for federal documents
Apostille InformationNote: For FBI checks, you'll get apostille from your state's Secretary of State office, not federal.
US Embassy in Ecuador
Located in Quito - Can provide notary services for US citizens
ec.usembassy.govAddress: Avenida Avigiras E12-170 y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito
Phone: +593 2-398-5000
Emergency: +593 2-398-5000 (after hours)
All of these banks are supervised by Superintendencia de Bancos and qualify for the investor visa CD option:
Tip: Visit 2-3 banks to compare CD interest rates. They typically range from 2-4% annually. Ask specifically about "plazo fijo de 730 días para visa de inversionista."
For transferring your $46,000 investment to Ecuador with lower fees:
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Low fees, good exchange rates - Recommended by many expats
wise.comTypical fee for $46,000 transfer: $200-$400 (vs $1,000+ with traditional banks)
Bank Wire Transfer
Traditional option through your home bank
Fees typically $50-$100, but exchange rate markup can add $500-$1,000 to total cost
You must use Ecuador-registered certified translators. Here are some tips:
Finding Certified Translators
- Ask at Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores office - they have lists
- Search "traductor certificado Ecuador" + your city
- Ask in expat Facebook groups for recommendations
- Get 3 quotes - prices range from $10-$30 per page
What to Expect
- • Translator will need to see original documents
- • Turnaround time: 3-7 business days typically
- • They provide certification with their registration number
- • Keep copies of both original and translation
Recommended if you're doing real estate or company investment options:
When You Need a Lawyer
- Buying real estate: Essential for title search and closing
- Forming a company: Required for registration and compliance
- Contract review: If using government contract option
Cost: $500-$2,000 depending on complexity. Worth every penny to avoid mistakes.
Finding English-Speaking Lawyers
- • Ask US Embassy for recommendations
- • Search expat forums and Facebook groups
- • Look for lawyers with "international clients" experience
- • Interview 2-3 before choosing
Connect with other expats who've been through the investor visa process:
Facebook Groups (Search on Facebook)
- • "Ecuador Expats"
- • "Cuenca Ecuador Expats"
- • "Expats in Quito Ecuador"
- • "Living in Ecuador"
Great for real-time advice, translator recommendations, and connecting with others
Reddit Communities
- • r/Ecuador
- • r/IWantOut
- • r/expats
Print this checklist and track your progress:
Investor Visa Checklist:
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