Pros and cons of immigration to Ecuador

Pros and cons of living in Ecuador

Life in Ecuador for Russians brings with it both advantages and disadvantages.

Among the main advantages it is customary to highlight:

Having an Ecuadorian passport allows visa-free access to many countries of the world;
possibility of obtaining dual citizenship;
to move to permanent residence, you need to spend no more than 3 years - loyal migration legislation;
the local population is distinguished by its friendliness, affability and responsiveness;
American dollars are the national currency of Ecuador;
The national language is Spanish, the distinctive feature of which is its ease of learning. Mastering it will allow you to communicate freely in other countries of the world;
excellent conditions for starting your own business;
affordable cost of residential real estate;
average life expectancy – 75 years;
decent quality of medical services;
climate – warm weather throughout the year;
a huge number of vegetables and fruits offered by sellers at affordable prices;
measured lifestyle;
good ecology - many retirees from other countries move to Ecuador;
beautiful landscapes;
excellent quality television and telephone communications at affordable prices;
variety of cuisine - seafood is available to all segments of the population.

Russians in Ecuador note the following disadvantages:

significant distance from Russia and Europe in particular, which is accompanied by expensive air tickets;
constant unstable political situation in the country, which affects the economy;
the presence of corruption at all levels of the state executive branch;
minimum level of development of social protection of the population;
increased crime rate - a well-developed mafia network, which is directly related to drug trafficking;
small salaries. Many earn the minimum wage of $380;
there is a difference in mentality, which makes adaptation quite difficult;
polluted streets;
low level of population safety, which is directly related to the possibility of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions with all the ensuing consequences;
the level of education is low.

Despite the presence of disadvantages, there are more advantages, which is why many Russians do not experience difficulties in adaptation.
According to statistics, you can feel like you belong in Ecuador after one year of continuous residence. You can start a business in Ecuador with as little as $350, but staying afloat is difficult because you need to be guaranteed to pay employees a minimum wage of $380.
Many Russians are engaged in selling flowers or food, but it all depends on preferences.

Worker (labor) immigration

Before making the final decision to move to Ecuador, it would be better to get to know the country, which can be done perfectly with the help of a 12-IX work visa, issued for 6 months with the right to extend twice.

In Ecuador, Russians are paid higher wages than local residents, since Russian education is highly valued in the country.

A salary of 400 dollars will allow you to live comfortably for a month; with a salary of more than 2000 dollars you can afford to rent a large house and even hire a housekeeper.

Most often, visitors to Ecuador, taking advantage of the market freedom of this country, prefer to open their own business. The most sought after destinations in Ecuador include:

Real estate. Since housing prices in Ecuador allow you to buy a good apartment for $25,000, then by renting it out year-round, you will have a constant income. Ecuador is a tourist country; there will be more than enough people willing to rent an apartment.
Internet cafe. Very popular establishments in Ecuador, allowing you to earn an income from 500 to 1000 dollars monthly.
Cars. The Russian labor market is held in high esteem by Ecuadorians, as is the Russian auto industry, which is why Russian cars sell well.
Services sector. A chain of hotels or restaurants will be in demand among both local residents and tourists.
Agriculture. The country's climate allows for the cultivation of flowers, bananas and other tropical fruits and vegetables.

Employment in Ecuador has its pros and cons. The advantages include:

work experience abroad;
prospects for starting your own business;
language practice.

Cons include:

low wages;
corruption;
low level of social security.

The main vacancies for Russians to work in Ecuador include:

engineers - $3,000 per month;
doctors - from $2,000 per month;
veterinarians - $2,000 per month;
programmers - from $3,000 per month;
teachers (especially English) - $6,000 per month;
bank employees - $600 per month.

Important. The hiring process will be more difficult if you do not speak Spanish.

Since Ecuador is a tourist country, it abounds in seasonal work:

maids;
waiters;
cleaners;
cooks;
workers in agriculture.

Unfortunately, despite the hard work required to perform the above types of work, it is paid very poorly.

Permission to perform any type of work is provided by professional and work visas. The first is issued according to existing educational documents (12-IX), the second - in the presence of an official invitation from the employer (10-IV).

Working without permission is prohibited, but in this case you have an alternative as freelancing or remote work.

Work (labor) visas are issued if you have the following documents:

International passport.
Visa application form (filled out in English or Spanish).
2 color photos (3.5 by 4.5 mm).
Bank statement (minimum $1,000).
Employment contract.
Diploma of education.

To find a job in Ecuador, we recommend using thematic websites and forums. Vacancies in large companies should be checked on their official websites. To find a job, use sites such as:

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Working in Ecuador is the best way to adapt to new conditions, since being in a team of local residents allows you to better understand both the cultural characteristics of the local people and the core values of the country.

Reviews from Russians about life in Ecuador

Numerous reviews from Russian migrants confirm the benefits of moving to Ecuador for permanent residence. Particular attention is paid to the quality of medical services, which is at a high level. Many specialists communicate fluently in English, which is why there are no difficulties in understanding each other.

If you wish, you can use the services:

private clinic - the average cost of visiting any specialist is $20;
state medical institution - an appointment costs an average of $15. The disadvantage is the need to stand in a huge line. In addition, you need to make an appointment in advance (as a rule, everything is booked a month in advance).

In addition, Russian migrants note:

friendly attitude - friends can be found almost everywhere: in public transport, on the beach;
readiness to provide assistance at any moment;
affordable food prices.

Many people consider the disadvantage of renting real estate, which directly depends on the region of residence. On average, the monthly budget for a family of 2 people should be at least $700, otherwise there is a need to infringe on yourself in some way.

Obtaining Ecuadorian citizenship in 2021

The country's authorities are interested in the influx of specialists and wealthy people who are ready to invest in its economy. Despite the fact that the bureaucracy is not much inferior to the Russian one, extremely simple rules have been developed on how to obtain Ecuadorian citizenship.

Required documents

Those who plan to stay there when leaving for this South American country should take with them:

international passport;
passport;
birth certificate;
diplomas and other educational documents;
certificate of good conduct;
Marriage certificate.

Depending on the reasons for emigration, documents confirming financial solvency, purchase of real estate, and a contract with an employer may also be required. If they are not in Spanish, a translation with an apostille is required.

Peculiarities

When deciding to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of legal residence in Ecuador, it is advisable to consider the existing features of residence. To avoid misunderstandings, it is advisable to consider each area separately, based on the feedback from migrants who have settled in.

Attitude of the local population

The population of Ecuador is quite kind, sympathetic and at the same time lazy people. Their level of optionality is off the charts. There is an unspoken rule - “Ecuadorian hour”. This implies a standard principle - for example, if a meeting was scheduled for 2 o'clock in the afternoon, you need to arrive at it at 3 o'clock. It is quite normal for indigenous people to be 2-3 hours late, and no apology will follow. If there was a promise to do everything planned tomorrow, you need to start from a period of a week - this is at least. If you constantly remind about what was promised, then you can wait forever - it’s better to be patient.

The security level is at the same level as in the rest of Latin America. Without exception, all dangers are directly related to drug trafficking. However, if the migrant has nothing to do with him, you can sleep peacefully. You can be robbed, as in any other country, on the beach, threatening with a firearm, or you can simply snatch a purse while passing by on a motorcycle.

It's very rare to see drunk people. This is largely due to the indigenous people drinking beer from shot glasses and vodka with ice. Russians are treated the same as locals - if a person is friendly, a similar reaction will follow.

Cost of living for a visitor

The cost of residential real estate directly depends on several factors:

economic situation in the country;
region of residence;
real estate agent's integrity.

The average cost of rental housing per month is:

$250 – in the center. For this money you can count on 2 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms with toilets and a spacious living room with a kitchen, in addition to a patio and balcony;
1 thousand dollars - a fully furnished house, which is located on the first line to the ocean;
$450 – furnished houses.

The possibility of obtaining a mortgage is provided. The conditions are standard and not much different from those offered by Russian banks.

In general, accommodation is inexpensive. If you drive a car from one city to another, you can see houses that look like Russian provincial areas. Moreover, every resident always smiles, regardless of their age.

The average cost is:

taxi – 1 dollar;
fried fish – $2;
fresh fish - for 30 pcs. about 2 dollars;
gasoline - no more than $2 per gallon;
hairdresser services – regardless of gender, $3;
1 cylinder of gas, which is enough for 2-3 months – 2 dollars.

The average budget, taking into account a child’s attendance at a private educational institution, is $800.

Reviews of local cuisine

The indigenous people are very fond of:

cold seafood dishes - fish, shrimp, etc.;
fish soup - in any variation;
boiled rice with fish, meat or lentils - huge portions are preferred.

If a migrant doesn’t like fish, there’s nothing wrong with that – local chefs in cafes and restaurants always listen to the opinions of visitors. In addition, in supermarkets and at the market you can always find the most optimal food set for yourself.

Local souvenirs, which are made by almost every Ecuadorian, deserve special attention. Their abundance allows you to purchase anything you want as a gift for your family and friends, of excellent quality and at affordable prices.

Features of obtaining a visa and its advantages

For emigration to Ecuador from Russia to be successful, our compatriots do not need to obtain a visa. It is enough to have a valid internal civil document. You also don't have to pay anything. As soon as the Russian arrives at the airport, he is asked to fill out a short questionnaire. Next comes the automatic acquisition of a tourist visa to Ecuador, which remains valid for a three-month period.

In some cases, for enhanced control of visitors, the authorities only allow a visa that allows you to stay in Ecuador for no more than 2 months. But tourists have the opportunity to stay here longer than the specified time. They can extend their stay in the country by a month. This is available to them completely free of charge.

If you want to stay here even longer, in this case you will have to go to the migration police, having good reason. But even if continued presence in Ecuador is approved, the traveler will have to pay a fee of $10.

Note! Emigration to Ecuador excludes the possibility of running a business or finding a job in the first years of your stay in the country.

If you ignore the above rule, you may be sent to jail for a month. For those who plan to go to work here, a special type of visa is provided. It is long-term in nature. Or rather, there are neither more nor few of them, but as many as 50! Let's list the most common ones:

A special visa for those who do not want to open their own business or work. Such a document can be drawn up by investors and securities holders. The same goes for property owners. After living in Ecuador for 3 years and investing $1,400 plus $400 for each person who came with the tourist, the latter acquires the status of a full citizen of the country. But throughout all these years he should not continue to work, keep business records, and so on. The only thing he has the right to is to withdraw interest from the deposit. After acquiring the status of a citizen of Ecuador, all these restrictions are lifted.
A special type of permit intended for people who want to open their own business in the country. A person has all civil rights except the right to vote in elections. He also cannot get a job for the next three years. A person will be required to invest $1,000 upon arrival in the country. Also, over the course of 3 months, he will need to donate $20,000 to the development of the economy of Ecuador. All this time he must remain in the country.
A special visa for people who have been invited by their potential employers and have entered into contracts. The document also applies to co-owners of companies in Ecuador. Over the next three years, a citizen does not have the right to run his own business or work for any other company. If the contract is terminated within the specified time, the visa will also be cancelled.
A visa that is valid for 6 months and allows a person to work temporarily. After the specified period has passed, it must be re-registered. You can do this a maximum of two times. This permit is suitable for people who plan to come to Ecuador for an initial acquaintance with this state and further decision-making. In six months you can quite understand for yourself whether it is worth staying permanently or considering other options.
Special visa for people with refugee status. Issued for one year. Provides the opportunity for temporary employment, registration of your own business, unhindered entry and exit from the territory of the state. After 12 months it can be reissued.

According to reviews from people who have tried to stay in Ecuador, the easiest way to come here is as a refugee. In this case, minimum costs are assumed and there is no need to provide employment documents. The traveler arrives in the country and after 2 weeks he is invited for an interview. And after three months he is given refugee status. After another 2 years, he can claim the title of a full citizen of Ecuador.