Visa & Residency
Q:Do I need a visa to live in Ecuador?
US citizens get 90 days visa-free. For residency, apply for temporary (investor, pensionado, or professional) or permanent visa.
Q:What's the investment visa?
$40K+ in Ecuador bank, or $25K+ in approved real estate.
Q:How long to citizenship?
3 years continuous residency (one of the fastest).
Cost of Living
Q:How much do I need to live comfortably?
$1,200-2,000/month. Quito: $1,500-2,000. Cuenca: $1,200-1,800.
Q:Is Ecuador expensive?
Very affordable — 50-60% cheaper than US. Best value in South America.
Q:How much is rent?
Cuenca: $300-600/1BR. Quito: $400-800/1BR.
Healthcare
Q:Is healthcare good?
Good — ranked 65th globally. Public system (IESS) available, private is affordable ($20-50/visit).
Q:Do I need health insurance?
Required for residency. Private: $30-80/month.