Ecuador Retirement Visa (Jubilado) — Complete 2026 Guide

The Jubilado Visa: Ecuador's Welcome Mat for Retirees

Ecuador's Jubilado (retirement) visa is specifically designed for foreign retirees who receive pension or social security income. It's one of the most accessible retirement visas in the Western Hemisphere, and it's the pathway most American retirees use to establish legal residency in Ecuador.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Jubilado visa in 2026 — from income requirements to the final cedula (residency card) in your hand.

Income Requirement

The Jubilado visa requires proof of pension or social security income equal to at least 3x Ecuador's SBU (Salario Basico Unificado).

For 2026:

• SBU = $482/month
• Required income = $1,446/month ($482 x 3)
• Annual equivalent = $17,352/year

This income must come from:

• U.S. Social Security retirement benefits
• Government pensions (military, federal, state, local)
• Private pension plans
• Annuity payments from retirement accounts (in some cases)

What counts: The income must be verifiable, recurring, and from a recognized pension or social security source. A Social Security benefit statement showing $1,446+ per month is the cleanest way to qualify.

What doesn't count: Investment income, rental income, savings accounts, 401(k) balances (unless converted to an annuity), or part-time work income generally do not qualify on their own for the Jubilado category.

Spouse/dependent: Your spouse can be included on your visa application as a dependent. The income requirement increases by $241 (0.5x SBU) per dependent. So for a couple, you need approximately $1,687/month in qualifying income.

Required Documents

Gathering documents is the most time-consuming part of the process. Here's the complete list for 2026:

From the United States

1. Passport — Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date. You'll need clear copies of the bio page and any Ecuador entry stamps.

2. FBI Background Check — Obtained through the FBI's Identity History Summary (channeler or direct). Must be recent (within 6 months of application).

3. Social Security Benefit Verification Letter — Request from SSA (ssa.gov or your local office). Must show your monthly benefit amount. This is your proof of income.

4. Marriage Certificate — If applying with a spouse. Must be a certified copy from the issuing state.

5. Birth Certificate — Certified copy from the issuing state.

Apostille Requirements

Every U.S.-issued document must be apostilled. An apostille is an international certification that authenticates the document for use in foreign countries (under the Hague Convention).

• FBI background check → Apostilled by the U.S. Department of State
• Social Security letter → Apostilled by the U.S. Department of State
• Birth certificate → Apostilled by the Secretary of State of the issuing state
• Marriage certificate → Apostilled by the Secretary of State of the issuing state

Apostille timeline: The U.S. Department of State currently takes 4–8 weeks for apostilles by mail, or you can use an expediting service (additional cost). State-level apostilles typically take 1–3 weeks.

Translation

All documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Ecuador. This is typically handled after you arrive or by your visa service provider. Translation costs run $20–$50 per document.

In Ecuador

6. Passport entry stamp — You must enter Ecuador legally (typically on a tourist visa/entry stamp).

7. Health insurance proof — Evidence of IESS enrollment or private health insurance valid in Ecuador.

8. Passport-sized photos — Digital format, white background, meeting Ecuador's specifications.

9. Ecuador address — Proof of where you'll be living (rental contract or utility bill).

10. Application forms — Completed online through Ecuador's immigration portal.

The Application Process — Step by Step

Step 1: Gather and Authenticate Documents (2–3 Months Before Travel)

Start early. The apostille process alone can take 4–8 weeks.

1. Request your FBI background check
2. Request your Social Security benefit verification letter
3. Obtain certified copies of birth and marriage certificates
4. Submit all documents for apostille (federal to Dept. of State; state to Secretary of State)
5. Organize everything in a folder — you'll need originals and copies

Step 2: Enter Ecuador (Day 1)

Fly to Ecuador and enter on your passport. Americans receive an automatic 90-day tourist visa stamp. This gives you time to complete the in-country process.

Step 3: Get Documents Translated (Week 1–2)

Have all apostilled documents translated into Spanish by a certified translator. Your lawyer or visa service can recommend translators.

Step 4: Open the Online Application

Ecuador uses an online immigration system (MREMH portal) to initiate visa applications. You'll create an account, upload documents, and pay the initial application fee.

Step 5: Submit to Immigration (Variable Timeline)

After uploading documents online, you'll receive an appointment at the immigration office (Cancilleria or regional office). At this appointment:

• Present all original documents and translations
• Provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo)
• Pay applicable fees
• Receive a provisional visa (in many cases)

Step 6: Wait for Approval (30–60+ Days)

Processing times vary. The official timeline is 30 business days, but in practice it can take 45–90 days. During this period:

• Your application is reviewed by immigration officials
• They may request additional documents or clarification
• You should remain in Ecuador (or have a plan for re-entry if you leave)

Step 7: Receive Your Visa and Cedula

Once approved:

1. Your visa is stamped in your passport
2. You register with the Civil Registry (Registro Civil)
3. You receive your cedula de identidad — your Ecuadorian residency card
4. You're now a legal resident of Ecuador

Step 8: Enroll in IESS

With your cedula in hand, enroll in the IESS (social security/healthcare) system. This is mandatory for visa holders and costs approximately $88/month for retirees.

Costs

These costs are per applicant, though some fees (like lawyer/service fees) may cover a couple applying together.

Timeline Overview

Pro tip: Many retirees start their document gathering 3–4 months before they plan to travel. This front-loads the slow part (apostilles) so you can move quickly once you arrive in Ecuador.

Renewal and Permanent Residency

Visa Renewal

The Jubilado visa is initially issued for 2 years. After that:

• You must renew before expiration
• Renewal requires updated documents (current income verification, background check)
• Renewal fees are similar to initial application fees
• The process is generally faster and simpler than the initial application

Path to Permanent Residency

After 21 consecutive months of legal temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency:

• Does not expire (though you must renew your cedula periodically)
• Allows unlimited time in and out of Ecuador
• Removes the need to re-verify income annually
• Is a prerequisite for citizenship (if desired)

Path to Citizenship

After 3 years of legal residency (temporary + permanent), you can apply for Ecuadorian citizenship. Ecuador allows dual citizenship, so you would not need to renounce your U.S. citizenship.

Common Questions

Can I work on a Jubilado visa?

Yes. Ecuador's visa categories generally allow visa holders to work, start businesses, or engage in economic activities. However, most retirees don't come to Ecuador to work — they come to enjoy retirement.

What if my Social Security is below $1,446/month?

If your individual Social Security benefit is below the threshold, you have several options:

• Combine with spouse's income — Both partners' benefits can count toward the total
• Other pension sources — Military pensions, government pensions, or private pensions can supplement
• Consider the Professional visa or Investor visa — Alternative visa categories with different requirements
• Consult a visa specialist — Services like EcuaPass can evaluate your specific situation and identify the best visa pathway

Do I need to be 65 to get the Jubilado visa?

No. There is no age requirement. You need to receive qualifying pension or social security income. Some Americans who retire early at 62 (with reduced Social Security benefits) may qualify if their benefit meets the income threshold.

Can I leave Ecuador after getting the visa?

Yes, but there are limits during your temporary residency period. Generally, you should not be out of Ecuador for more than 90 consecutive days during your first two years, and your total time outside Ecuador should not exceed a set threshold. Once you have permanent residency, these restrictions ease significantly.

What happens if I get denied?

Denials are uncommon for straightforward Jubilado applications where the income requirement is clearly met. Common reasons for issues include:

• Documents that have expired (older than 6 months)
• Missing apostilles or incorrect authentication
• Income that doesn't clearly come from a qualifying pension source
• Criminal background issues

If denied, you can usually address the issue and reapply.

Why Many Retirees Use a Visa Service

The Jubilado visa process is navigable on your own, especially if you're comfortable with bureaucracy, speak some Spanish, and have patience for government systems. Many retirees do handle it independently.

However, a significant number choose to work with a visa service for several reasons:

• Document preparation: Ensuring every apostille, translation, and form meets current requirements
• Immigration office navigation: Someone who knows the system and speaks the language
• Timeline management: Keeping the process moving and handling follow-ups
• Stress reduction: The peace of mind of having an expert manage the most bureaucratic part of your move

EcuaPass specializes in helping American retirees navigate Ecuador's visa process from start to finish — from document preparation through final cedula delivery. If you'd rather focus on finding your new apartment and exploring your new city than sitting in immigration offices, it's worth considering.

Next Steps

1. Check your Social Security benefit amount at ssa.gov. If it's above $1,446/month (or $1,687 for a couple), you likely qualify.
2. Request your FBI background check — this takes the longest, so start here.
3. Begin the apostille process for all U.S. documents.
4. Set a target arrival date in Ecuador — ideally 3–4 months after you start gathering documents.
5. Read our moving checklist for a month-by-month planning timeline.
6. Consider professional help — whether it's a local lawyer or a service like EcuaPass, having expert guidance on your visa application can save weeks of frustration.

The Jubilado visa is your gateway to legal residency in Ecuador. The process requires patience and organization, but thousands of Americans complete it successfully every year. With the right preparation, you'll have your cedula in hand within a few months — and a new life to start living.