Complete Cost Breakdown
Budget planning for your Ecuador Retirement Visa
Plus $297 for this complete DIY guide
Visa Application Fee
Initial review and processing (non-refundable)
$50
Visa Issuance Fee
Visa stamp + ID card (cédula) order
$270
50% off if 65+ years old ($135)
Total Government Fees:
$320
*Seniors (65+): $185 total with 50% discount
*Persons with 30%+ disability: $50 total (100% discount on issuance)
FBI Background Check
Identity History Summary Check
$18
Apostille Service
FBI check + pension letter apostille from US State Dept
$40 - $300
DIY mail: $40-60
Expedited service: $200-300
Translation to Spanish
Certified translator in Ecuador (~2 documents)
$60 - $100
$30-50 per document
Notarization in Ecuador
Notary stamps for translated documents
$20 - $40
$10-20 per document
Shipping Costs
FedEx/DHL to Ecuador and return
$60 - $120
International express shipping
Background Check Total:
$198 - $578
Budget: ~$350 mid-range
Pension Letter Apostille
If pension from government source
$20 - $150
Varies by state/agency
Health Insurance (Annual)
International coverage including Ecuador
$1,200 - $3,600
$100-300/month depending on coverage
Passport Photos
Professional 5x5cm photos
$15 - $25
Bank Statement Copies
Usually free from online banking
$0 - $10
Document Prep Total:
$1,235 - $3,785
*Health insurance is biggest variable
This Complete DIY Guide
Step-by-step instructions, common mistakes, resources
$297
BEST VALUE
FBI Fingerprinting Service
Instead of doing it yourself at police station
$50 - $100
Document Translation Coordinator
Someone in Ecuador to handle translator logistics
$100 - $200
Full-Service Assistance
Personal guidance through entire process
Budget DIY
~$850
Plus health insurance
- Government fees: $320
- DIY apostille service: $50
- Translation: $80
- Basic shipping: $80
- This guide: $297
Slowest but most affordable
Balanced Approach
~$1,050
Plus health insurance
- Government fees: $320
- Semi-expedited apostille: $150
- Quality translation: $100
- Express shipping: $120
- Translation coordinator: $150
- This guide: $297
Best balance of speed and cost
Fast Track
~$1,500
Plus health insurance
- Government fees: $320
- Expedited apostille: $300
- Premium translation: $150
- Express shipping both ways: $180
- Document coordinator: $200
- This guide: $297
Fastest processing possible
Mail Apostille Yourself
Save $100-250 by mailing directly to State Department instead of using expedited service. Takes 4-6 weeks longer.
Shop Health Insurance Carefully
Prices vary widely. SafetyWing and IMG Global often have competitive rates for retirees (~$100/month).
Find Translation Help in Ecuador
If you have friends in Ecuador, they can hand-deliver documents to translator/notary, saving shipping costs.
Senior Discount
If you're 65+, you save $135 on government fees (50% discount on $270 issuance fee).
Do FBI Fingerprints Yourself
Most local police stations will do fingerprints for free or ~$20, saving $30-80 vs private channeler.
Currency Conversion Fees
If paying in Ecuador with non-USD credit card, watch for 2-3% conversion fees from your bank.
Rejection & Reapplication
If your application is rejected, the $50 application fee is non-refundable and you pay it again to reapply.
Document Re-translation
If Ecuador rejects your translation, you pay for new certified translation (~$30-50 per document).
Expired Background Check
If your process takes too long, background check expires (180 days) and you need a new one ($18 + apostille costs).