Investor Residence in Ecuador in 2026

Ecuador's Visa de residencia temporal inversionista covers lawful investments used for productive or commercial activity and can also support qualifying legal-representative, proxy or administrative roles described by the official procedure.

Qualifying investment bases

The official route lists several alternatives, including:

  • a qualifying deposit, policy or certificate with a term of at least 730 days, for at least 100 SBU;
  • Ecuador real estate owned by the applicant with a value of at least 100 SBU;
  • shares or participation in an Ecuador company of at least 100 SBU, properly registered with the Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros;
  • specified current investment, delegated-management or administrative contracts with the Ecuadorian State.

For 2026 the SBU is USD 482, so 100 SBU equals USD 48,200 as a current arithmetic reference. The controlling test remains 100 SBU, so the dollar equivalent should be recalculated for the filing year.

Founder distinction

Incorporating or owning an Ecuador company is not by itself proof that the immigration threshold has been satisfied. The official investor category requires one of its qualifying investment bases and supporting evidence. A founder who will personally provide services may also need to compare Autonomous Professional / Services Residence or Professional / Technician Residence.

Duration and travel feature

The official procedure states two years of temporary residence and says this investor visa has no time limit on stays abroad and allows multiple admissions. Applicants should still verify current rules before relying on that feature for permanent-residence planning because settlement eligibility has separate continuity requirements.

See the Ecuador immigration hub, entrepreneur visas, methodology and legal disclaimer.

Official sources: Gob.ec — Investor residence; Ministerio del Trabajo — 2026 SBU.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Ecuador