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Head to head

Antigua and Barbuda vs Ecuador: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Ecuador has the lower entry bar: €1,245 per month versus €3,860 for Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Only Ecuador offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Antigua and Barbuda — no personal income tax; Ecuador — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Antigua and Barbuda NDR and the Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista).
Criteria Antigua and Barbuda NDR Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista)
Minimum income / month €3,860 €1,245 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 2 years 2 years
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 2 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment No personal income tax Special tax regime (Residencia fiscal temporal (temporary tax-residency regime for new residents))
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €1,390 ≈ €276 (better)
Where to apply Online Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time 1–2 weeks 1–16 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Antigua and Barbuda NDR →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista) →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Antigua and Barbuda → Insurance for Ecuador →

Sources