We live in a rapidly evolving society, and it is possible that many of the habits we formed during the early lockdown of 2020 will be adopted by the post-pandemic world. Over the past couple of years, a wave of digital nomads has undoubtedly been generated by the expansion of remote employment.

It is high time to apply for the Ecuador digital nomad visa if you are a remote worker looking for a tropical lifestyle. This visa, which is formally known as the Rentista for Remote Work Visa, is great for digital nomads and remote professionals who want a change of scenery. 

Not so long ago, the digital nomads residing in Ecuador were required to apply for a tourist visa. Thus, they were allowed to enjoy their stay for six months. However, with this visa, the applicants will have the opportunity to live in the country for up to two years.

You must meet the following eligibility criteria while applying for a digital nomad visa.

• You must earn a living outside of the nation in which you seek to reside by working remotely as an employee, business owner, or freelancer.
• You must have made at least USD 1,275 per month for the previous three months, or USD 15,300 overall, to qualify.
• The Ministry of Tourism has concluded that citizens of these 183 countries are eligible for the visa.
• To qualify, you will need to demonstrate three times your base pay. For instance, if one basic income is 425 USD in 2022, your required monthly payment is 1,275 USD.

You must arrange the following documents while applying for a digital nomad visa.

• You must have a passport that is good for at least six more months.
• Show that you have health insurance with coverage in Ecuador that is tailored specifically for digital nomads who work remotely.
• Request your local police department's clean criminal record.
• Present your employment contract, which details your role and attests to your authorization to work overseas.
• Clearly demonstrate how your income will continue over the upcoming two years.
• If you have dependents joining you in the country, you must arrange their respective documents.

The process of application is simple and can be taken out both online and offline. But before getting into that, you must arrange the necessary documents. You have 30 days from the time the electronic visa is issued to provide the original paperwork to the immigration office. If you don't, your visa will probably be revoked.

Visa Processing Time
The digital nomad visa to Ecuador is usually processed in 2-3 months. It can take longer, so you should be mindful of when to apply for the visa.

How to Apply
Follow these steps while applying for the visa.

• Arrange the required documents. You may even contact the consulate to make sure you have all the documents.
• Fill out the visa form and submit it online or to the nearest embassy.
• You may have to attend a visa appointment.
• Wait for the approval.

Duration
For two years, digital nomads can temporarily dwell in Ecuador through this visa. It gives foreign nationals the choice to live and work in Ecuador without the need for local sponsorship. The visa is especially for those who operate a business, work for, or supply services to a person or organization outside of Ecuador.

Fees
First of all, a digital nomad visa to Ecuador costs 50 USD as an application fee. It is non-refundable and every applicant is supposed to pay. Apart from that, you are required to pay an additional 400 USD after the visa is approved.

Initially, the visa is good for two years. It can be extended for an equal amount of time before the expiration. Moreover, it also leads to permanent residence after you have stayed in the country for 21 years.

Do digital nomads need to pay taxes while in Ecuador?
Foreign nationals in Ecuador are subject to domestic income tax. Foreign-sourced income is not subject to taxation. This is the situation with digital nomads, who typically work remotely from wherever they choose to remain for clients or businesses located throughout the world.

How much earning do you need to be eligible for a digital nomad visa for Ecuador?
The applicants must show three times their base pay in order to be considered. Considering that one basic income in 2022 would be $425, the required monthly wage would be $1,275.

Can this visa lead to permanent residence?
Yes, you are eligible for permanent residence after 21 years of stay in the country.