Document Requirements
Complete checklist for Ecuador Retirement Visa application
1. Valid Passport ⭐ CRITICAL
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of application.
Requirements:
- • Minimum 6 months validity remaining
- • Clear, readable biographical page
- • At least 2 blank pages for visa stamp
2. Passport Photo
Professional passport-style photograph meeting Ecuador's specifications.
Specifications:
- • Size: 5cm x 5cm (2" x 2")
- • White background
- • Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
- • Neutral facial expression, both eyes open
- • JPG format, maximum 1MB file size
3. Background Check (Apostilled & Translated) ⭐ CRITICAL
Criminal background check from your country of origin or any country where you've lived in the past 5 years.
Processing Requirements:
- • Must be apostilled (or legalized if from non-Hague Convention country)
- • Must be translated to Spanish by certified translator in Ecuador
- • Translation must be notarized in Ecuador
- • Valid for 180 days from issuance to last entry into Ecuador
- • Required for applicants 18 years and older only
4. Official Pension Letter (Apostilled) ⭐ MOST IMPORTANT
Official document from your pension provider certifying your monthly retirement income.
Must Include:
- • Official letterhead from pension institution (government or private)
- • Explicit statement of monthly pension amount in USD
- • Must meet minimum: $1,380/month (+ $250 per dependent)
- • Must be apostilled if from Hague Convention country
- • Must be legalized if from non-Hague Convention country
- • Should state pension is permanent/ongoing
5. Bank Statements (3-6 months) ⭐ CRITICAL
Recent bank statements showing consistent pension deposits.
Requirements:
- • Last 3-6 months of statements
- • Must clearly show pension deposits
- • Must demonstrate consistent monthly income meeting minimum threshold
- • Should be from the account where pension is deposited
6. Health Insurance Policy ⭐ CRITICAL
Valid health insurance covering you in Ecuador for the duration of your visa.
Requirements:
- • Must explicitly state coverage in Ecuador
- • Valid for minimum 2 years (or visa duration)
- • Can be international or Ecuadorian provider
- • Policy document or certificate required
7. Birth Certificate (If Bringing Dependents)
Required only if you plan to include dependent family members on your visa.
Requirements:
- • Original or certified copy
- • Must be apostilled
- • Must be translated to Spanish and notarized in Ecuador
- • Remember: +$250/month income requirement per dependent
8. Visa Application Form
Official Ecuador visa application form (completed online or downloaded).
How to Complete:
- • Available at: serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
- • Fill out completely and accurately
- • Sign and date the form
Start with Background Check Early
The FBI background check + apostille + translation process typically takes 8-12 weeks total. This is usually your longest wait.
Get Pension Letter in USD if Possible
Request your pension provider state the amount in USD. This avoids potential currency conversion questions from Ecuador's immigration office.
Use Certified Translators in Ecuador
Only translations done by certified translators in Ecuador will be accepted. Remote translation services from your home country won't work.
Keep Digital Copies
Scan all documents before mailing or submitting. You'll need them for the online application and as backup.
Health Insurance: Read the Fine Print
Make absolutely sure your policy explicitly states "coverage in Ecuador" or lists Ecuador as a covered country. Generic "international" coverage may be rejected.
Forgetting Apostille on Pension Letter
The pension letter MUST be apostilled. Many applicants submit the original letter without apostille and face immediate rejection.
Insufficient Income Documentation
Pension letter states $1,200/month but minimum is $1,380. Calculate dependents correctly: primary ($1,380) + spouse ($250) = $1,630 total needed.
Expired Background Check
Background check is only valid 180 days from issuance. If you wait too long to apply, you'll need to get a new one.
Translation Not Notarized in Ecuador
Getting documents translated in your home country won't work. Translations must be done by certified translators IN Ecuador and notarized there.
Health Insurance Doesn't Specify Ecuador
Policy says "worldwide coverage" but doesn't explicitly name Ecuador. This will likely be rejected. Get a letter from your insurer confirming Ecuador coverage.