Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

Planning Timeline: 6–12 months before moving

Last Verified: June 2026

Don't Start With the Visa

Most articles about moving to Ecuador begin with residency visas, background checks, and piles of paperwork.

I think that's backwards.

Before you collect a single document, spend a dollar on an apostille, or hire an immigration attorney, you need to answer one question:

Is Ecuador actually where you want to live?

That sounds obvious, but I've met people who spent months preparing paperwork before they'd spent more than a long weekend in the country.

Don't be that person.

Why Ecuador?

There isn't one answer.

Some people come for the lower cost of living.

Others come for the weather.

Some want affordable healthcare.

Some are escaping expensive cities.

Others simply want a slower pace of life.

For us, it was a combination of all of those things.

The important part is understanding why you're moving.

Every country has tradeoffs.

Ecuador is no different.

This isn't a vacation destination anymore.

You're evaluating where you're going to build your life.

Spend Time Here Before You Commit

If you're serious about relocating, don't come for four or five days.

Spend at least two weeks here.

Personally, I'd recommend a month if your schedule allows.

Don't treat it like a vacation.

Pretend you already live here.

Go grocery shopping.

Cook meals.

Take taxis.

Ride the bus.

Visit hospitals.

Get your medication from the pharmacy (its ok, you don't need a prescription)

Go to a shopping mall.

Walk neighborhoods during the day and at night.

Work from a coffee shop.

See how long everyday errands actually take.

Living somewhere is very different from vacationing there.

Explore More Than One Region

One of Ecuador's greatest strengths is its diversity.

Within a relatively small country you can experience:

• The Andes
• The Pacific Coast
• The Amazon
• Colonial cities
• Beach communities
• Small villages
• Large metropolitan areas

Don't assume Ecuador equals one city.

Visit several.

You may be surprised which one feels like home.

Mountains or Coast?

One thing many people underestimate is how different life can be depending on where you choose to live.

The Andes

Cities like Cuenca and Quito sit at high elevation.

That gives them beautiful spring-like weather year-round, but it also means altitude.

Not everyone adjusts easily.

Some people need several days.

Others need weeks.

A small percentage of people never fully adapt.

If you're considering living in the Andes, spend enough time there to see how your body responds before making a permanent decision.

The Coast

Life along Ecuador's coast is very different.

You'll generally find a slower pace of life, warmer weather, and beautiful beaches.

The tradeoff is that many coastal communities offer fewer services, fewer healthcare options, and less infrastructure than larger Andean cities.

There are exceptions.

One costal city with reasonable balance is Manta.

It has many of the advantages of coastal living while still offering modern shopping, quality healthcare, excellent restaurants, reliable fiber internet, and an international airport. It's become an increasingly attractive option for retirees and remote workers. (Rewire Abroad)

The airport is International with daily flights to Panama and to the capital Quito

If You Work Remotely, Test the Internet

As a software engineer, this one is important to me.

Don't assume the internet is good because someone on Facebook said it was.

Test it.

Run speed tests from the Airbnb you're considering.

Join a Zoom meeting.

Upload a large file.

Download a software update.

If you're planning to work remotely, your internet connection is just as important as your apartment.

Fortunately, internet infrastructure in Ecuador has improved dramatically over the past few years, with fiber available in many urban areas and surprisingly good connectivity in places that might surprise you. (DataReportal – Global Digital Insights)

Think About Your Lifestyle

Ask yourself some honest questions.

Do you enjoy cooler weather?

Would you rather live near the ocean?

Do you need fast internet?

Will you own a car?

How important is walkability?

Are you comfortable with a slower pace of bureaucracy?

Can you tolerate occasional power or internet outages?

None of these answers are right or wrong.

They're simply part of deciding whether Ecuador fits your life.

Understand the Financial Side

Before moving anywhere internationally, understand the tax implications.

One of Ecuador's attractions is its treatment of foreign-source income.

During my own residency process, I was told by two Ecuadorian attorneys that Ecuador generally does not tax income earned from foreign sources.

That was an important factor in my planning.

Don't rely on my understanding—or anyone else's blog—for tax advice.

Tax laws change.

Your home country's tax obligations continue to matter.

Spend the money to speak with professionals before making life-changing financial decisions.

Safety

Let's talk about the elephant in the room.

Yes, Ecuador has experienced an increase in violence related to organized crime and drug trafficking over the past several years.

You should take that seriously.

You should also keep it in perspective.

Crime is highly regional, and your day-to-day experience can vary dramatically depending on where you choose to live.

The same common-sense precautions you'd use in many cities around the world apply here:

• Know your neighborhoods.
• Don't flash expensive jewelry or electronics.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Listen to locals.
• Talk with long-term expats.
• Most important, Don't work for the drug gangs, and don't steel from the gangs

One of the goals of your exploratory trip is deciding whether you feel comfortable living here.

Spanish

Ecuador is not an English speaking country. In the large Andes cities you will find English. But it is not common. I know ex-pats who live here and never learned Spanish. But they need support. It is best if you learn some Spanish before you come here. And embrace learning more when you are here. If you expect English, you will probably be disappointed.

Learn About the Healthcare System

If healthcare is important to you—and eventually it becomes important to everyone—schedule time during your exploratory trip to learn how the system works.

Visit hospitals.

Talk with expats.

Understand what private insurance costs.

Find out how prescriptions work.

Don't wait until after you've moved.

We'll cover Ecuador's healthcare system in much greater detail later in this guide.

Rent Before You Buy

This is one piece of advice you'll hear from almost every long-term expat.

I agree with it.

Even if you're convinced you've found your forever city, rent first.

Neighborhoods feel very different after you've lived in them for several months.

Give yourself time to learn the city before making a significant investment.

This is common and good advice. Although we know many people who dove into buying first, and are very happy. Ecuador allows full ownership of property to ex-pats. And those that buy are generally happy.

Talk to People Who Already Live Here

One of the best things we did was ask questions.

Lots of them.

Talk with expats.

Talk with Ecuadorians.

Talk with business owners.

Talk with retirees.

You'll learn far more from conversations than from YouTube highlight reels.

My Recommendation

Here's exactly what I would do if I were starting over.

Spend three or four weeks in Ecuador.

Visit multiple cities.

Experience both the Andes and the coast.

Test the internet.

Visit grocery stores.

Ride public transportation.

Tour hospitals.

Rent an Airbnb instead of staying in a resort.

Live as though you've already moved here.

At the end of the trip, ask yourself one question:

If I got on the airplane tomorrow and flew home, would I already be thinking about coming back?

If the answer is yes...

Congratulations.

You've probably found your next home.

What's Next?

Now the real work begins.

In Part 1 we'll plan your move to Ecuador.

We'll cover:

• Understanding Temporary Residency and the path to Permanent Residency
• Choosing the right residency visa
• Why I chose the Professional Visa
• Hiring an immigration attorney
• Registering your university degree
• Apostilles
• Background checks
• Building a realistic timeline
• Preparing everything before you board the plane

We'll do it in the order I wish someone had explained it to me before I started the process.