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Head to head

Ecuador vs Spain: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Ecuador has the lower entry bar: €1,245 per month versus €2,442 for Spain.
  • Spain grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 24), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista) and the Spain DNV.
Criteria Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista) Spain DNV
Minimum income / month €1,245 (better) €2,442
Income basis Salary / employment contract Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 2 years 3 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes Yes
Path to citizenship Via permanent residence Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Limited
Tax treatment Special tax regime (Residencia fiscal temporal (temporary tax-residency regime for new residents)) Special tax regime (Régimen especial para trabajadores desplazados a territorio español (art. 93 LIRPF, 'Beckham regime') – optional)
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €276 ≈ €73.26 (better)
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country, Online Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time 1–16 weeks 2–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista) →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Spain DNV →

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 Ecuador → Insurance for Spain →

Sources