Rentista Visa Requirements
Complete documentation checklist for the Ecuador Rentista Visa. The key is proving stable, recurring passive income of $1,840+ per month from sources outside Ecuador.
This is the make-or-break part of your application. You must prove stable, recurring income from passive sources totaling $1,840+ per month for the last 6 months minimum.
What "Passive Income" Means:
- • Income that requires minimal active work on your part
- • Generated from assets you own (investments, properties, businesses)
- • Recurring and predictable month after month
- • Comes from sources OUTSIDE of Ecuador
Required Documents by Income Type:
Investment Income (Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, ETFs)
You'll need:
- • 6 months of brokerage account statements showing dividends, interest, or distributions
- • Letter from financial institution confirming account ownership and income history
- • Tax forms (1099-DIV, 1099-INT for US citizens) showing investment income
- • Portfolio summary showing the assets generating this income
Tip: Make sure statements clearly show your name, account number, date, and monthly income received. Redact account numbers if concerned about security, but keep name visible.
Rental Property Income
You'll need:
- • 6 months of bank statements showing rental deposits
- • Current lease/rental agreements with tenants
- • Property deed or title proving you own the property
- • Property tax statements (to verify ownership)
- • If using property manager: letter from management company confirming income
Tip: If you have multiple properties, you can combine rental income from all of them to meet the $1,840/month requirement.
Pension or Annuity (Any Age)
You'll need:
- • 6 months of bank statements showing pension/annuity deposits
- • Official pension award letter from government or company
- • Pension statement showing monthly benefit amount
- • Proof that pension is permanent (not temporary disability)
Note: If you're 65+ or have permanent disability pension, you should apply for Retirement visa instead (lower income requirement of $1,380/month).
Passive Business Ownership Income
You'll need:
- • 6 months of bank statements showing owner distributions/dividends
- • Business ownership documentation (articles of incorporation, operating agreement)
- • Business tax returns showing your ownership percentage
- • CPA letter confirming you receive regular distributions as passive owner
- • Proof you're NOT actively working in the business (crucial!)
Warning: If you actively work in the business or it requires your daily involvement, this is NOT passive income and won't qualify. Must be truly passive ownership.
Royalties, Licensing, or Intellectual Property
You'll need:
- • 6 months of bank statements showing royalty/licensing payments
- • Royalty agreements or licensing contracts
- • Statements from publisher, production company, or licensee
- • Proof of copyright, patent, or trademark ownership
- • Tax forms (1099-MISC for US citizens) showing royalty income
Examples: Book royalties, music streaming income, patent licensing fees, software licensing, photography licensing.
Trust Fund or Structured Settlement
You'll need:
- • 6 months of bank statements showing trust disbursements
- • Trust agreement document showing you as beneficiary
- • Letter from trustee confirming regular monthly distributions
- • Proof of distribution amount and frequency
What Does NOT Qualify:
- • Active employment income (salary/wages)
- • Freelance or consulting income (requires your active work)
- • One-time payments or irregular income
- • Income generated FROM Ecuador (must be from outside Ecuador)
- • Cryptocurrency mining or trading (too volatile/irregular)
- • Savings account balance (must show INCOME, not just having money)
1. Valid Passport
- • Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your application date
- • Provide copy of bio page and Ecuador entry stamp
- • If passport expires soon, renew BEFORE applying
2. Background Check (Criminal Record)
- • From your country of citizenship (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
For US citizens: FBI Identity History Summary Check takes 12-14 weeks. Start immediately!
3. Passport Photo
- • Standard passport-sized photo with white background
- • Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
4. Proof of Ecuador Address
- • Rental agreement, utility bill, or property deed in Ecuador
- • Must show your name and Ecuador address
5. Completed Application Form
- • Official visa application form from Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
- • Must be filled out completely and accurately
Apostille Requirements
- • Background check must be apostilled
- • For US documents: Get apostille from Secretary of State
- • Apostille must be on original document, not copy
Translation Requirements
- • ALL income documents must be translated to Spanish
- • Must use certified translator registered in Ecuador
- • Do NOT translate before arriving (translators must be Ecuador-registered)
- • Bank statements, pension letters, tax forms - all need translation
Translation Costs: With 6 months of bank statements + supporting income documents, expect to pay $200-$400 for certified translations. This is one of the bigger expenses for Rentista visa.
- Exceed the minimum: Aim to show $2,000+/month income to give yourself buffer. Exchange rates fluctuate.
- Combine income sources: You can use multiple sources to reach $1,840. Example: $800 dividends + $1,100 rental = $1,900 total.
- Highlight deposits clearly: Use highlighter on bank statements to mark the income deposits. Makes officer's job easier.
- Get CPA letter: Letter from accountant verifying your income sources adds credibility. Not required but very helpful.
- Keep it simple: If you have complex income, prepare a 1-page summary explaining your sources and how they total $1,840+.
Not Sure If Your Income Qualifies?
We can review your income documentation and confirm whether you meet the requirements before you apply.
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