Moving to Ecuador: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Ecuador: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 6 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Ecuador the top income tax rate is 37%, dividends are taxed at up to 14% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Ecuador you need at least 183 days a year (More than 183 days in year (or in 12 months across 2 years), or centre of economic interests). The typical route is Rentista or Investor temporary residence: Rentista: passive income ≥3 SBU (~US$1,450/mo); Investor: ≥100 SBU (~US$48k) in deposit/property/shares; health insurance There are 6 open residence programmes in Ecuador — see the list below.
Living there
Quito has a temperate oceanic climate with winter highs around 19 °C and summer highs around 21 °C. The economy grew +3.2% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 2% for 2026. Its passport opens about 87 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Gang war; govt-declared 'internal armed conflict'; record homicides 2025, slight fall 2026.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 37% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 14% |
| Corporate tax | 25% |
| Skatterättslig hemvist | efter 183 dagar — More than 183 days in year (or in 12 months across 2 years), or centre of economic interests |
| Er väg | Rentista or Investor temporary residence — Rentista: passive income ≥3 SBU (~US$1,450/mo); Investor: ≥100 SBU (~US$48k) in deposit/property/shares; health insurance |
| Pass | visumfritt eller vid ankomst till 87 länder |
| Economic growth | +3.2% (2025), forecast 2% (2026) |
| Klimattyp | temperate oceanic · 19° / 21° (Quito) |
| Krig & konflikter | unrest — Gang war; govt-declared 'internal armed conflict'; record homicides 2025, slight fall 2026 |
| Alla naturrisker | 7.8/10 |
| Bankernas styrka | 3.5/10 · B- |
| Äganderättsskydd | 3.5/10 |
| Varma bostäder på vintern | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in Ecuador
- Temporary Residence – Rentista — Inkomst / år CHF 13'900 · open · 2026-10
- Temporary Residence – Retiree (Jubilado) — Inkomst / år CHF 13'900 · open · 2026-10
- Temporary Residence – Investor — Investering CHF 38'600 · open · 2026-10
- Temporary Residence – Digital Nomad — Inkomst / år CHF 13'900 · open · 2026-10
- Temporary Residence – Worker / Professional — employment · open · 2026-10
- Temporary Residence – Dependant (Amparo) — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Ecuador to become tax resident?
efter 183 dagar. More than 183 days in year (or in 12 months across 2 years), or centre of economic interests Also resident if not resident elsewhere and stays longer in Ecuador than anywhere else
How much tax will I pay in Ecuador?
In Ecuador the top income tax rate is 37%, dividends are taxed at up to 14% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Ecuador offer?
Temporary Residence – Rentista; Temporary Residence – Retiree (Jubilado); Temporary Residence – Investor (CHF 38'600); Temporary Residence – Digital Nomad; Temporary Residence – Worker / Professional
What is the usual way to move to Ecuador?
Rentista or Investor temporary residence. Rentista: passive income ≥3 SBU (~US$1,450/mo); Investor: ≥100 SBU (~US$48k) in deposit/property/shares; health insurance
Compare with nearby countries
Argentina · Belize · Bolivia · Brazil · Canada · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Rep. · El Salvador · Guatemala
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