Ecuador at a glance
| Residency | Jubilado · 3x basic wage (~USD 1,446/mo) |
|---|---|
| Currency | U.S. dollar · Since 2000 |
| VA presence | None · FMP reimbursement |
| Time zone | UTC-5 · Galápagos UTC-6 |
| Cost of living | Roughly USD 1,200–1,800 a month. |
| Money · language · time | U.S. dollar · Spanish · UTC-5 |
Entering Ecuador
90 days in any 12-month period, extendable with a visa.
Long-stay and retirement visas
- Temporary Resident Jubilado: a foreign pension of at least 3 times Ecuador's basic wage (about USD 1,446/month in 2026). Military retired pay qualifies. Some practitioners report VA disability qualifying when certified as lifetime income.
VA care and benefits in Ecuador
No VA facilities. Foreign Medical Program reimbursement. Ecuador is on VA's international direct deposit list.
Vets in Ecuador are already in the group
Ask about visas, hospitals and FMP claims from people who've done it there.
Healthcare
Good private hospitals in Cuenca (Hospital del Río, Monte Sinaí), Quito and Guayaquil. Residents can join IESS voluntarily.
Where veterans live
- Cuenca: Large expat base, spring climate, at 2,500 m altitude.
- Cotacachi: Small Andean town.
- Vilcabamba: Rural valley.
- Quito: Capital, U.S. Embassy.
Cost of living and property
Roughly USD 1,200–1,800 a month. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, and health insurance is extra.
Ownership allowed. Border and coastal security zones need approval.
Watch out for
Gang violence rose sharply from 2024 to 2026, especially on the coast (Guayaquil, Esmeraldas). Check the advisory before choosing a city.
Veteran organizations
American Legion Department of Latin America lists posts in Ecuador. See all veteran organizations abroad.
Common questions
Does Ecuador accept military pensions for residency?
Yes. The jubilado visa accepts foreign pensions of at least 3 times the basic wage, about USD 1,446 a month in 2026.
Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.
