Ecuador is launching a digital nomad visa that will offer remote workers the opportunity to live low-cost authentic experiences.
The country promises visa holders a good quality of life with little budget, combined with authentic travel experiences.
Ecuador is worldwide famous for its breathtaking natural assets, including the Galapagos Islands, the imposing peaks of the Andes, the biodiversity of the Amazon, and the national reserves and beaches of the Pacific Coast.
With the introduction of the new digital nomad visa (the “Rentista for Remote Work visa”), remote workers will be allowed to maintain legal residence for up to two years in the country.
Speaking at the World Travel Market in London last week, Niels Olsen, Ecuador’s tourism minister, said that the Covid-19 pandemic was an opportunity for his country to rethink the tourism sector. He also promised that Ecuador delivers “authentic and genuine” experiences.
The pandemic allowed us to rethink tourism and opportunities.
Niels Olsen, Ecuador’s tourism minister
He added that Ecuador boasts great infrastructure and connectivity, with a cost of living significantly lower than in the United Kingdom.
We have great infrastructure and connectivity and the cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK.
Niels Olsen, Ecuador’s tourism minister
Remote workers who decide to work in Ecuador will have several options. Major cities such as Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil have plenty of co-working spaces, as well as strong Wifi connectivity.
Visa Requirements
In order to apply for Ecuador’s digital nomad visa, you must:
- Demonstrate income from a foreign source of at least €1,266 per month
- Provide proof that you work remotely for a company or person abroad. You can also apply if you are the owner of a company or company registered and domiciled abroad
- Have health insurance coverage
Additionally, all applicants must have a valid passport, a clean police record, and they will be willing to pay a processing fee of €460.
The visa is open to residents of most countries. Find the complete list of countries prepared by the Ministry of Tourism here.
Applications are not permitted from Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, North Korea, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Philippines, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Remote workers can apply via Ecuador’s virtual consulate, available here. The process takes between two and four months.
