Retiring to Ecuador in 2025: Your Guide to the Jubilado Visa
For North Americans dreaming of an affordable, high-quality retirement in a country that offers both adventure and modern comforts, the Ecuadorian Jubilado (Pensioner) Visa is the “golden ticket.” It’s the most common, straightforward, and secure path to residency, specifically designed for retirees who have a stable, lifetime income from a recognized source, like Social Security.
This visa is the key to unlocking a new life in a city like Cuenca. But before you start packing, it’s essential to understand the single most important part of the application: the financial requirement.
This number is not arbitrary; it changes annually. The law ties it directly to the sueldo básico (the unified basic wage) of an Ecuadorian worker. Here are the hard numbers you need to know for 2025:
- Ecuador’s Basic Wage (2025): $470 per month.
- Jubilado Requirement: The visa requires proof of a lifetime income equal to three times the basic wage.
- Minimum Income (Primary Applicant): $1,410 per month ($470 x 3).
- Dependents: You must add an additional $250 per month for each dependent (e.g., a spouse or child) included on your application.
This income must be from a guaranteed, lifetime source. The most common and easily accepted document is a benefits letter from the U.S. Social Security Administration. A government pension (such as a military or teacher’s pension) or a qualifying lifetime annuity also works. This is what makes the Jubilado visa unique—it’s based on your status as a pensioner.
What if My Income Isn’t a Pension? (Alternative Visas)
If you’re an “early retiree” or your income comes from other sources, like 401(k) withdrawals, investments, rental properties, or a remote job, you do not qualify for the Jubilado visa.
But don’t worry—Ecuador has other, very similar visas designed for you.
- Rentista Visa (Investor/Recurring Income Visa): This is the best option for those with non-pension income. It has the exact same $1,410/month income requirement, but it can be from “recurring income” from investments, rental properties, or other non-pension sources. You will need to prove this income is stable and will continue for the duration of your visa.
- Real-Estate Investor Visa: This visa allows you to qualify by purchasing property. The minimum required title value (not necessarily the commercial price) is tied to 100 times the basic wage. For 2025, that means a property with a title value of at least $47,000 ($470 x 100). (Note: The title value, or avalúo catastral, is often much lower than the sales price. Because of this, many immigration advisors suggest buying a property with a sales price closer to $100,000 to ensure the title value meets the minimum). This is an incredibly low threshold to gain residency through investment.
The Process: From Temporary to Permanent
The Jubilado visa (and the other visas mentioned) is a two-year temporary residency permit. This is your first step. It grants you the legal right to live, work (if you choose), and open bank accounts in Ecuador.
After you have successfully held this temporary visa for 21 months, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. This is the ultimate goal. To qualify, you must not have been out of the country for more in 90 days total during your first 21 months.
Once you become a permanent resident, you are free to travel as you please (within generous limits) and will never have to re-qualify your income again.
The Perks: Tercera Edad (Senior) Benefits
This is where the financial picture gets even better. Once you are an official resident (temporary or permanent) and are over 65, you qualify for Ecuador’s celebrated Tercera Edad (Third Age, or senior) benefits. This is a major perk that further lowers the already-low cost of living. These benefits grant you:
- 50% off many basic services, including your monthly utilities (electricity and water).
- 50% off public transport (including buses and the Cuenca tram) and tickets for movies, concerts, and sporting events.
- 5Example Response: 50% off national and international airfare on flights originating in Ecuador. (This is a huge, tangible benefit that can save you thousands on trips back home).
- A refund of your 12% IVA (sales tax) on many purchases, up to a certain monthly limit.
Is the $1,410 Requirement Attainable?
For the vast majority of North American retirees, the answer is a resounding “yes.” This minimum income is well below the average US Social Security benefit. In 2024, the average monthly benefit for a retired couple in the US was around $2,900—well over the $1,660 ($1,410 + $250) required for a couple in Ecuador.
This makes the visa accessible to the average North American retiree, not just the wealthy. In fact, some sources note that a frugal couple in Cuenca can live on just $800-$1,000/month. Those seeking a more “elevated” lifestyle with more dining out and travel only need about $1,500/month. This means the visa requirement itself is often enough to live on comfortably, and the Tercera Edad benefits only add to your savings.
This guide to your retirement visa is sponsored by smilehealthecuador.com. Getting your visa is the first official step to your new life. It’s the document that proves you’re a resident. The second step? Getting a smile that shows you’re happy to be here! Once you’ve got your cédula (your new ID), celebrate by visiting the team at smilehealthecuador.com in Cuenca. They’re experts in treating expats and can give you a world-class smile to show off in your new permanent resident ID photo!
