January 1st, 2022
Each and every year, Ecuador remains one of the best (most nominated/voted) places in the world for retirees to enjoy their retirement on a budget (not to mention having a great weather climate, plus the US dollar as its sole currency at that!). It is also one of the few countries in the world that allows you to enter with an automatic 90 day tourist visa that you receive on arrival to the country (i.e. no need to get a first time Tourist Visa before flying to Ecuador for retirees from North America, Europe, China or Australia/New Zealand).
Whilst visiting and you decide to stay longer you can apply for a further 90 day extension of the tourist visa which is called a Tourist Visa Extension. Always check with an Ecuadorian Immigration Attorney, as rules and regulations can change quite rapidly in Ecuador.
Senior Citizen Benefits in Ecuador
If you receive a pension which has a minimum income of $800 which you receive from a guaranteed lifetime pension (i.e. from Social Security, a State Pension/Teacher’s Pension or Lifetime Guaranteed Annuity), then you are eligible to apply for a 9-I Pensioner Visa. If you have a spouse or a dependent an extra $100 per month would be required to be received by you making the total $900 per month. Note as well with the Pensioner Visa (and if applicable to your situation) that you will also need to have $100 additional for each Dependent that is moving to Ecuador with you. The Pensioner visa will further entitle you to all of the associated senior retirement benefits in Ecuador for seniors.
Thus, if you are a senior citizen in Ecuador who is 65 years of age or older, and you are legally established in Ecuador as a senior citizen Resident, the following Ecuador retirement benefits will apply to you too:
· Access to reduced price health care and medication.
· 50% discounts in public and private transportation services.
· Discounts for special events, such as for movie tickets or sporting events. Discounted entry to galleries and theatre plays are provided as well, plus many are FREE in the city of Cuenca as well as in other cities of Ecuador too.
· Special tax exemptions.
· Exemption from notarial and registration fees in accordance with the law.
· Discounted electric, phone and water bills (i.e. utilities).
· 50% off round trip international flights from Ecuador. These are available through VARIOUS airlines.
· Plus, if you are a senior citizen in Ecuador, and you visit any airport, bank, supermarket, etc., then guess what?! You go straight past everyone else and take your place directly at the front of the line (or to a special dedicated line ONLY for seniors!).
Want to retire in Ecuador and get the benefits of all the other wise American/Canadian (and other nationality) retirees in Ecuador? Simply send an email to English speaking Ecuadorian Attorney Sara Chaca (principal office is located in Cuenca though Attorney Sara Chaca serves all Expats as per where to retire Ecuador that they wish), for which Sara is well known for replying to Expats about their retirement in Ecuador requirements in ALWAYS less than 24 hours (often in less than 24 MINUTES..) – plus on behalf of every Expat, Sara provides a complimentary consult as per all the Ecuador retirement benefits and the moving to Ecuador process:
Attorney Sara Chaca (email): sara@ecuadorvisas.com
US Phone Number: 1-800-655-1581
Website: www.ecuadorvisas.com
Sara Chaca (Attorney – Abogada) is a seasoned Ecuadorian Lawyer, who principally serves Expats in making their moves to Ecuador for Visa and Legal matter purposes, as her Expat clients begin their new lives here in her beautiful country. Sara resides in Cuenca with her family, and when not working, she enjoys spending time with her family in Cuenca’s majestic Cajas Mountains, including the many local parks & fairs of Cuenca, plus visiting the coast as well as many gem towns of Ecuador. Sara’s personal email address is sara@ecuadorvisas.com and her law office’s fully informative website is www.ecuadorvisas.com – her Ecuadorian cell phone number is 099-296-2065 and her Toll Free “800” phone number for US & Canadian callers is 1-(800)-655-1581. Sara has a less than 24 hour first response policy, in that if you email or call her, she WILL return your first email or first phone call in less than 24 hours (more typically in closer to 24 minutes!). Most importantly, all first time consultations with Expats for any type Visa or Legal matter(s) are always FREE OF CHARGE. VIEW ATTORNEY SARA CHACA’S SELF-PUBLISHED “KINDLE” BOOK ON MOVING TO ECUADOR, THAT’S AVAILABLE FOR YOUR PERUSAL ON AMAZON.COM HERE.