Retire in Ecuador
To retire in Ecuador most people use the Jubilado visa: a monthly pension from abroad of 3 basic wages, $1,446 in 2026. Prices run at about 44% of the US.
What it takes, what it costs, and where retirees settle, from Ecuador's law and official data. Checked on Oct 8, 2026.
- Retiree visa
- From $1,446/mo A retirement pension paid monthly from abroad, certified by the paying institution, of at …. Human Mobility Regulation; Human Mobility Law; Acuerdo MDT-2025-195. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
- Price level
- ~44% of the US Household consumption, 2025. World Bank. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
- Tax on a foreign pension
- Up to 37% Income from abroad is taxed. PwC Tax Summaries. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
- Travel advisory
- Level 2 of 4 Exercise Increased Caution. US State Department. Updated Aug 17, 2026.
- Health spending
- $509/person Per year; US $13,473. World Bank. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
- US tax treaty
- None No income tax treaty with the US. IRS. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
Do you qualify?
The Jubilado visa is a temporary residence visa for anyone with a monthly retirement pension from abroad of at least 3 times Ecuador's basic unified wage: $1,446 a month in 2026. It lasts up to 2 years, can be renewed, and after 21 months in a row as a resident you can apply for permanent residence.
Jubilado visa: documents and feesRetiring in Ecuador, topic by topic
Visa
Jubilado visa requirements
Documents, government fees and the other routes to residency.
Healthcare
Healthcare for retirees
The hospitals retirees use, what insurance covers, and Medicare abroad.
Money
Banking, pensions and tax
How US, UK and Canadian pensions reach a local bank, and what you report at home.
Budget
Cost of living
Official prices and a budget built from your own rent.
What it costs
Household prices in Ecuador run at about 44% of US levels. Rent is the line nobody publishes officially, so the cost of living page builds your budget from your own rent; food starts from the official basket.
Build your budgetOfficial basic basket, food and drink, household of 4, August 2026
INEC. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Where retirees settle
Cuenca
- Capital of Azuay, about 362,000 people (2022)
- 2,550 m above sea level
- Hospital Universitario del Río
Quito
- Capital, about 1.76 million people (2022)
- 2,850 m above sea level
- Hospital Metropolitano, JCI accredited
Cotacachi
- Imbabura Province, about 10,500 people (2022)
- 2,418 m above sea level
Salinas
- Santa Elena Province, about 35,000 people (2022)
- On the Pacific coast, 8 m above sea level
Wikidata; Hospital del Río; Hospital Metropolitano. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Ecuador compared
More guides on Ecuador
Visiting Ecuador first
Most people spend a few weeks in Ecuador before they apply for anything. Two things to sort out for that trip:
Kiwi.com
Flights to Ecuador
Compare routes and dates before a scouting trip.
Airalo
eSIM for Ecuador
Mobile data from the day you land, without a local SIM.
Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you. How this works.
Retiring in Ecuador: questions
Can I retire in Ecuador on Social Security alone?
Yes, if it pays at least $1,446 a month: a state pension paid for life meets the Jubilado rule. A comfortable life usually needs more; build a budget from your own rent on the cost of living page.
Is Ecuador safe for retirees?
The US State Department rates Ecuador Level 2, exercise increased caution.
Do I pay tax in Ecuador on my pension?
Yes, as a rule. Ecuador taxes residents on income from abroad at 0% to 37%, with the first $12,208 a year at 0% and a credit for tax already paid abroad. Ask the tax authority (SRI) how your own pension is treated before you move. US citizens still file a US return.
How do I retire in Ecuador?
Most retirees use the Jubilado temporary residence visa: a monthly pension from abroad of at least $1,446 in 2026, health insurance valid in Ecuador, a $50 application fee and a $270 visa fee. After 21 months you can apply for permanent residence.
Where do retirees live in Ecuador?
Mostly Cuenca, at 2,550 m; Quito, the capital, at 2,850 m; Cotacachi, a small town at 2,418 m; and Salinas on the Pacific coast.
What discounts do retirees get in Ecuador?
Everyone aged 65 or over in Ecuador, foreigners included, gets 50% off transport fares and event tickets, free museums, and 50% off basic electricity, water, landline and mobile plans, plus half-price visa fees.
