Ecuador's National Assembly Debates New Digital Nomad Visa Category

Ecuador may soon roll out the welcome mat for the world's growing legion of remote workers. A bill currently making its way through the National Assembly would create a dedicated digital nomad visa, giving location-independent professionals a clear and straightforward path to legal residency.

What the Bill Proposes

The legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Lucia Fernandez, lays out a framework designed to be both accessible and practical:

• Income threshold: Applicants must demonstrate at least $1,500 per month in foreign-sourced income
• Health insurance: Valid international or Ecuadorian coverage is mandatory
• Visa duration: Two years, with an option to renew
• Tax treatment: Foreign-sourced income would be exempt from Ecuadorian income tax for the first two years

The tax exemption is a significant sweetener. It mirrors approaches taken by other countries that have successfully attracted digital nomads, recognizing that the economic benefit comes through local spending on housing, food, transportation, and services rather than through income taxation.

Where the Bill Stands

The proposal cleared its first committee reading and is expected to come before the full Assembly for a vote in March. If approved, the government aims to begin accepting applications as early as July 2026.

How Digital Nomads Get By Today

Without a dedicated visa, remote workers currently in Ecuador typically rely on one of three existing categories:

• Professional visa: Requires proof of professional qualifications or a work contract
• Investor visa: Requires a minimum $45,000 investment (effective March 2026)
• Rentista visa: Requires documented fixed income of at least $1,375 per month

Each of these options involves hurdles that a purpose-built digital nomad visa would eliminate.

Joining a Regional Trend

Ecuador would be joining a growing list of Latin American nations that have created digital nomad visa programs, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Mexico. With its low cost of living, diverse geography, and reliable internet in major cities, Ecuador is well-positioned to compete for this mobile workforce.