Step-by-Step Timeline
Complete process for obtaining your Ecuador Retirement Visa
Obtain Official Pension Letter
Contact your pension provider (Social Security, private pension fund, etc.) and request an official letter confirming your monthly pension amount.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- • Request letter on official letterhead
- • Must state monthly amount in USD if possible
- • Should indicate pension is permanent/ongoing
- • Get multiple originals if possible (for apostille)
Gather Bank Statements
Download or request 3-6 months of bank statements showing pension deposits.
Timeline: 1-3 days
- • Usually available online for download
- • Make sure pension deposits are clearly visible
- • Print or save as PDF
Obtain Health Insurance Policy
Purchase international health insurance that explicitly covers Ecuador.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- • Research international health insurance providers
- • Confirm Ecuador is explicitly covered
- • Get policy document showing 2-year coverage
- • Popular options: Cigna Global, Allianz, SafetyWing
Get Passport Photo
Have professional passport photos taken meeting Ecuador's specifications.
Timeline: 1 day
- • 5cm x 5cm, white background
- • Most pharmacies/photo studios can do this
- • Get both physical and digital copies
Request FBI Background Check
Submit fingerprints and request FBI Identity History Summary Check.
Timeline: 6-8 weeks
- • Visit FBI.gov for instructions
- • Get fingerprints taken (channeler or local police)
- • Submit application with $18 fee
- • Wait 6-8 weeks for results by mail
Apostille Background Check & Pension Letter
Get apostille stamps from appropriate authorities (US State Department for federal docs).
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
- • FBI check: apostille from US State Department in DC
- • Pension letter: depends on issuing authority (state or federal)
- • Can use apostille service to speed up ($50-150 extra)
- • Or mail to State Department yourself (slower, cheaper)
Translation & Notarization in Ecuador
Send apostilled documents to Ecuador for certified translation and notarization.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
- • Ship via FedEx/DHL to translator in Ecuador
- • Certified translator translates to Spanish
- • Translation notarized by Ecuadorian notary
- • Cost: ~$30-50 per document for translation
Create Account on Ecuador Visa Portal
Register on Ecuador's digital services platform.
Timeline: 30 minutes
- • Visit: serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
- • Click "Registro" (Register)
- • Enter email, verify, create password
- • Complete personal information
Complete Visa Application Form
Fill out all sections of the online visa application.
Timeline: 1-2 hours
- • Select "Nuevo Trámite" (New Application)
- • Choose "Visa de Residencia Temporal - Jubilado"
- • Fill personal data carefully
- • Have all documents scanned as PDFs ready to upload
Upload All Documents
Upload digital copies of all required documents to the portal.
Timeline: 30 minutes
- • Passport (biographical page)
- • Passport photo (JPG, max 1MB)
- • Apostilled & translated background check
- • Apostilled pension letter
- • Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
- • Health insurance policy
Pay Application Fee ($50)
Pay the initial visa application review fee online.
Important: Non-refundable!
- • $50 USD application fee
- • This fee is NON-REFUNDABLE even if denied
- • Pay via credit card on portal
- • You'll receive electronic receipt via email
Initial Document Review
Ecuador's immigration office reviews your submitted documents.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- • Check portal regularly for status updates
- • Status will show "En revisión" (Under review)
- • Watch your email for notifications
Rectification (If Needed)
If documents are incomplete or incorrect, you'll receive notification to fix issues.
You have 10 business days to respond!
- • Check email and portal for rectification request
- • Upload corrected or missing documents
- • Respond within 10 business days or application closes
- • May require virtual or in-person interview
Final Approval Decision
Ecuador's immigration office makes final decision on your application.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks after rectification (if needed)
- • Decision within 30-60 days from submission
- • Approval notification sent via email
- • Portal status changes to "Aprobado" (Approved)
Pay Visa Issuance Fee ($270)
Pay the final visa issuance and ID card fee.
Fee: $270 USD
- • Pay online through portal
- • Includes visa issuance + ID card (cédula) order
- • Receive electronic receipt via email
- • Senior discount (65+): 50% off = $135
- • Disability discount (30%+): 100% off = $0
Receive Digital Visa & ID Card Order
Your visa is automatically generated and ID card order is created.
Success! You now have your visa!
- • Visa generated automatically after payment
- • Download from portal as PDF
- • Print and present when entering Ecuador
- • ID card (cédula) collected in Ecuador after arrival
Start Background Check Immediately
This is your longest wait. Don't wait until you have everything else ready.
Use Apostille Service for Speed
Spending $100-150 extra can save you 2-3 weeks on apostille processing.
Work with Ecuadorian Translator Early
Find and contact a certified translator in Ecuador before you receive apostilled documents.
Check Portal Daily During Review
Respond to rectification requests immediately - you only have 10 days!