Travel Tips

Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador: how to apply?

This article contains all the information about the Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador. How to apply, how to connect to the internet, and more.

March 8, 2023

In this article

4.6 /5

Highly rated Based on +36.000 customer reviews on Trustpilot

+1M Trusted worldwide Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted Holafly

Unlimited data Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations

Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees

Buy my eSIM

Plans that may interest you

For many people, being able to work wherever they want and travel at the same time is their perfect lifestyle. One of the inconveniences they usually have to face is getting a Visa and/or a work permit in different countries. If you are traveling to Ecuador, you won’t have to worry about this because this country has its own Digital Nomad Visa.

That’s the reason why if you are looking for a comfortable destination, Ecuador may be the perfect option. If you are interested in this visa, continue reading this article, where you will find all the information needed about the Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador, how to apply, how to connect to the internet, and so much more.

eSIM for Ecuador

>>Buy an eSIM for Ecuador<< Get 5% OFF. Code: MYESIMNOW5

In this article

To whom is this visa aimed?

The Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador is aimed at those who work remotely and want to live in Ecuador for the long run. They are usually known as digital nomads, and this group of people has grown thanks to the COVID-19 situation.

This visa is perfect for you if you want to change your scenery and want to work in a new country. Also, it is an excellent option if you would like to stay in Ecuador for a long time and get a visa that lets you work and live in the country. It is very important to know that this visa does not let you work for local companies in Ecuador or the other people in Ecuador.

How does the Digital Nomad Visa work?

The Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador is an excellent opportunity for those who want to legally work and live in the country for a long time. To get this visa, it is necessary to follow a step-by-step application process that includes providing certain documentation and information.

It is important to tell you that the Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador is different from the tourist visa. The tourist visa only lets visitors stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days, while the Digital Nomad Visa is valid for up to one year. Also, Digital Nomad Visa holders can legally work in Ecuador, while tourist visa holders are not allowed to work.

To get the Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador, applicants must complete an application form and provide certain documents such as a passport, proof of income, and medical insurance. Applicants are also required to register on the official page of the Ecuador virtual consulate. The application process can take several weeks or months, so it is important to begin beforehand. Once you have all this ready, you can enjoy some of the advantages of living in Ecuador, such as:

Advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador

It lets digital nomads legally work and live in Ecuador for an extended period (up to one year).
It offers a unique opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle of Ecuador while working remotely.
It lets you renew the visa after the first year if you want to stay in the country.
Ecuador is an affordable country compared to other destinations for digital nomads, which means that living costs and daily expenses are cheap.
Increased productivity.
Strengthen your communication skills.

Disadvantages of the Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador

The application process can take several weeks or even months, which means that you have to plan it with anticipation.
The visa only lets you work for foreign employers or companies that do not operate in Ecuador, which may limit job opportunities.
The visa must be renewed at the end of the first year if you want to stay in Ecuador, which implies additional paperwork and costs.

Who can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador?

Any adult with a proof of employment and sufficient income who wants to live in this country and has no criminal record of any kind.

Requirements to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador

Web portal of the Ecuadorian Consulate.

To carry out the application process for the new Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador, it is necessary to know that the entire process is mostly done online, through the official page of the Ecuadorian consulate. On this page, you can find the application form. Remember to register on the Ecuadorian consulate page to be able to send the following requirements:

Updated color photo in JPG format with a white background where you appear from the shoulders up.
Valid passport with a validity period of at least 6 months.
An original criminal record certificate.
Valid proof of the source of your income through employment letters that certify your current employment status or bank statements.
Payment of the fee set by the Ecuadorian Chancellery.
Proof of income of at least $1,275 in the last 3 months or $15,300 per year.

How long does the Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador last?

One of the main advantages of the Visa for Digital Nomads in Ecuador is that with it, you can stay in this country for up to a period of 12 renewable months. This means that you can stay up to 2 years working and legally living in Ecuador.

Why is Ecuador one of the best destinations for Digital Nomads?

Quito, one of the best destinations in Ecuador.

Ecuador has become a great destination for Digital Nomads because of its warm weather, culture, wonderful landscapes, and low cost of living. Also, the growing community of Digital Nomads has improved the infrastructure for remote work, with many cafés, and coworking spaces that offer high-speed internet service and a warm fraternity of Digital Nomads.

Accessible cost of living

One of the main advantages of living in Ecuador is the low cost of living. This country is known for having one of the most stable economies of all Latin America, which means that daily costs like food, accommodation and transportation are lower than in other destinations.

Digital nomads can also take advantage of great prices in restaurants, bars, and shops, which means they can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without having to worry about a high cost of living. Low living costs also let digital nomads save money while working online, giving them the freedom to travel and explore Ecuador and other nearby destinations like Colombia.

Great digital infrastructure

Another advantage of living in Ecuador as a digital nomad is the cultural and natural wealth of the country. Ecuador has a wide variety of natural landscapes, including mountains, jungles, beaches, and islands, which means there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Also, Ecuador’s culture is rich and diverse, with a long history of art, music, and literature that catches the attention of many travelers around the world.

How do digital nomads connect to the internet in Ecuador?

If you are a digital nomad, you may know that having a stable and fast internet connection is something you need all the time during your trip. Fortunately, there are many ways to connect to the internet in the country. Digital nomads can choose a local SIM card, a cellular data plan, a Pocket WiFi, or an eSIM card with cellular data. Each of these options has different advantages and disadvantages, but there is no doubt that the best option is the eSIM card for Ecuador.

eSIM card with mobile data for Ecuador

Get your Holafly eSIM card at the Holafly store.

If you are looking for a comfortable, reliable, and accessible option, the eSIM card is the best alternative. It will let you enjoy a high-speed connection without having to worry about buying a local SIM or finding free WiFi networks.

The Holafly eSIM card for Ecuador offers a great data plan at a reasonable price, which makes it an accessible and easy way to connect to the internet during your trip. The coverage is great too because it connects to the network of Otecel S.A., one of the best operators carriers in the country.

SIM card to have the internet in Ecuador

SIM card Claro, one of the mobile operators in Ecuador. Source: Claro.

Another popular option to connect to the internet is by buying a local SIM card. This will let you enjoy the internet connection and connect to the local networks. SIM cards are easy to find in different stores that offer cellular services, or in drugstores and supermarkets. Nonetheless, it may be not the most practical option, since you have to change the SIM card every time you travel to a different country. The stores that offer this product are easy to find near the airport or malls.

Pocket WiFi to have the internet in Ecuador

Another option is to connect to the internet with a Pocket WiFi. This device will let you enjoy an internet connection wherever you go. However, it is a very expensive alternative if you compare it with the SIM or eSIM cards, and it does not have the greatest internet coverage.

Other countries with Digital Nomad Visa

Ecuador is not the only country that offers this Visa. Many other destinations started offering this type of Visa, to let digital nomads live and work in the country. And they are the following: