Your life in Ecuador starts here

Make your move to Ecuador

The Andes, Amazon and Pacific coast all sit within one small, very affordable country. A path for the financially independent offers a way in, permanent residency follows in good time, and dual citizenship is allowed.

Ecuador at a glance

Cost of living
Very low
Property
Very affordable
Healthcare
Basic
Safety
Higher risk
Climate
Mild (~15°C)
English
Limited
Expat community
Moderate

Where Ecuador is strongest: visa ease #6 of 81property affordability #14 of 74cost of living #17 of 76

Worth weighing up: safety #74 of 77English-friendliness #76 of 81size of expat community #65 of 80

TaxWorldwide, 37% top, temporary-residency regime
Visa / residencyRentista $1,446/mo, ~21mo to PR, dual

General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.

Health insurance in Ecuador

The dream is the easy part. Make sure you’re covered from day one: compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes, no obligation.

Moving your belongings too? Get up to 5 free quotes from international movers → Sending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates →

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Your first steps to Ecuador

Ecuador – Visas

Ecuador opens its doors to the vast majority of international visitors without requiring a visa in advance, permitting…

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Ecuador – Residency

Ecuador provides foreign nationals with a straightforward and comparatively accessible path to long-term settlement. The system operates in…

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Fresh from Ecuador

Latest articles

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You won’t be the first

Real people who made the move

Jessica Fay, Quito

Hello! My name is Jessica Fay and my family and I left our home in Texas to explore…

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Luca Lamanna, Quito

Who are you? My name is Luca Lamanna, I’m a 25-year-old Canadian living in South America.I teach English…

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Elliott Segelbaum, Cuenca

Who are you?My name is Elliott Segelbaum.I’m 46 years old, and I retired at 40 from computer programming…

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Jim Santos, Salinas

Who are you? My name is Jim Santos, I’m a retired computer and networking professional, now earning some…

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Keith & Tina Paul, Cuenca

Who are you? We are Keith & Tina Paul. Early retirees who believed there’s so much more to…

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The complete picture

Ecuador moving guide

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Ecuador – Air Travel

Ecuador may be one of South America’s smaller nations, but its remarkable geographical diversity — encompassing Andean highlands,…

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Ecuador – Banking

Ecuador’s banking sector welcomes foreign residents, operates entirely in US dollars, and falls under the oversight of the…

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Ecuador – Buses and Trams

Buses form the backbone of public transport in Ecuador, with a sprawling network that encompasses everything from modern…

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Ecuador – Buying Property

Foreign nationals are entitled to purchase and hold property in Ecuador on exactly the same basis as Ecuadorian…

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Ecuador – Car Rental

Hiring a car in Ecuador offers an excellent way to discover everything the country has to offer, from…

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Ecuador – Citizenship

Ecuador ranks among the more welcoming countries in South America when it comes to obtaining citizenship. Foreign nationals…

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Ecuador – Cost of Living

Ecuador is a country located in South America known for its diverse landscape and rich culture. The cost…

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Ecuador – Cost of Living

Ecuador is widely considered one of South America’s most budget-friendly destinations for foreign residents, with everyday expenses running…

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Ecuador – Cycling

Ecuador presents a genuinely multifaceted cycling landscape: a lively culture of sport and recreational riding exists alongside an…

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