Getting There — Visa

Retirement (Pensionado) Visa — requires just $1,446/mo pension income (Social Security qualifies), no age minimum. 2-year temporary permit, then permanent residency after 21 months. Professional Visa — for remote workers or self-employed, requires $1,446/mo income proof. One of the lowest income thresholds in the world.

Cost of Living

60-70% less than US major cities — one of the cheapest countries on this list. Cuenca runs $1,200-1,800/mo for a couple including private healthcare. Uses the US dollar.

Key Fact

Ecuador uses the US dollar and has no currency exchange risk. The average US Social Security payment ($1,900/mo) comfortably exceeds the visa requirement and covers a good lifestyle. Cuenca has a massive American expat community with English-speaking services.