Crafting the Perfect 'Proof of Income' Letter for Ecuador's Digital Nomad Visa: A Template and Expert Guide

Navigating Ecuadorian immigration law can be complex, and for those seeking the Digital Nomad Visa, the 'proof of income' letter is the most critical component of the application. This isn't just a formality; it's a legal declaration that proves to the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility) that you have the financial stability to reside in Ecuador without becoming a public charge.

As an immigration expert based in Ecuador, I’ve seen countless applications hinge on the quality of this single document. The Digital Nomad Visa, officially a subcategory of the Temporary Resident Visa for Remote Work (Visa de Residencia Temporal para Nómada Digital), is governed by the Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana (LOMH) and regulated by subsequent ministerial agreements, most notably Acuerdo Ministerial No. 000008 of January 2023.

This guide provides an expert-level breakdown of the requirements, a compliant template, and insider tips to avoid common pitfalls that can derail an application.

Understanding the Core Financial Requirement

The heart of the Digital Nomad Visa is proving sufficient, stable income from a foreign source. The law is explicit and non-negotiable on this point.

Key Legal and Financial Points:

• The Income Threshold: The law requires applicants to demonstrate a consistent monthly income of at least three (3) Salarios Básicos Unificados (SBU). For 2024, the SBU is $460 USD, making the minimum required monthly income $1,380 USD. This is a common and critical point of failure; many applicants mistakenly believe the requirement is only one SBU.
• Source of Income: Your income must originate from remote work for a company, clients, or a business located entirely outside of Ecuador. This is stipulated under Artículo 60, numeral 8 of the LOMH. Any income from Ecuadorian sources does not qualify for this visa type.
• Consistency is Key: Immigration officials scrutinize your financial history for stability. They are looking for a reliable pattern of income over several months, not a single large deposit.

The 'Proof of Income' Letter: Your Financial Affidavit

Think of this letter as a formal narrative that explains and contextualizes your supporting financial documents. It must be clear, professional, and irrefutable.

For freelancers with multiple clients, the most robust approach is a Declaración Juramentada (Sworn Statement). This is a self-drafted letter that you sign in front of an Ecuadorian Notary Public (Notario Público). This act of notarization gives the document significant legal weight and is far more persuasive than a simple, unsigned letter.

For remote employees of a single company, a formal letter from your employer on official letterhead is the standard and is highly effective.

Crafting Your 'Proof of Income' Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: The Header and Salutation

• Your Information: Full legal name, passport number, current address, and contact details.
• Date: The date the letter is signed.
• Recipient: Address it to the specific immigration office processing your application. If applying within Ecuador, use: "Señores/as, Coordinación Zonal [Number], Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana." For example, the office serving Cuenca is Coordinación Zonal 6. If applying from a consulate abroad, address it to the specific consulate.

Step 2: Introduction and Purpose

State your full name, nationality, and explicitly mention that the letter supports your application for the Visa de Residencia Temporal para Nómada Digital.

Step 3: Detailing Your Remote Work

This is the core of your declaration. Be precise.

• Nature of Work: Describe your profession (e.g., "I am a freelance Senior UX Designer," "I am a full-time remote employee for XYZ Corp, working as a Cybersecurity Analyst").
• Employer/Client Information:
  • For Employees: State your employer's full legal name, registered address, and website. Mention your title and the permanent remote nature of your position.
  • For Freelancers: State that you provide professional services to various international clients. You can briefly mention the industries you serve (e.g., "tech startups in North America," "marketing agencies in Europe").
• Source of Funds: Emphasize that 100% of your professional income is derived from services rendered to entities located outside of Ecuador.

Step 4: Quantifying Your Income (The Crucial Part)

Precision is non-negotiable here.

• Average Monthly Income: State your average monthly income in USD, ensuring it is above the $1,380 USD threshold.
• Method of Calculation: Explain how you arrived at this figure. Reference your evidence directly. For example: "My average monthly income, calculated over the preceding six months, is [e.g., $4,500 USD]. This is evidenced by the attached official bank statements, which show consistent deposits corresponding to my employment/client invoices."
• Currency: Always state income in USD, Ecuador's official currency.

Step 5: Commitment to Financial Self-Sufficiency

Reiterate your understanding of the visa's conditions.

• "I am financially self-sufficient and possess stable, ongoing resources to support myself during my entire residency in Ecuador."
• "My income ensures I will not become a public charge or require state assistance."

Step 6: Closing and Signature

• Closing: "Atentamente," or "Respetuosamente,"
• Signature: Your handwritten signature (if a physical document) or a legally valid electronic signature.
• Your Typed Full Name and Passport Number:

Essential Supporting Documents: The Non-Negotiable Evidence

Your letter is an empty claim without pristine documentation.

1. Bank Statements:

   • Requirement: Official statements from the last six (6) months.
   • Hyper-Specific Tip: Do not submit simple online printouts. Request official, stamped statements directly from your bank. Immigration officials in Cuenca are known to reject screenshots or basic web exports. Beyond showing income deposits, a healthy ending balance each month demonstrates greater financial stability and is viewed very favorably.

2. Contracts or Employment Letters:

   • For Employees: A formal, signed letter on company letterhead confirming your remote status, position, start date, and monthly or annual salary.
   • For Freelancers: Copies of signed contracts or master service agreements with your main clients. These should outline payment terms and scope of work.

3. Invoices (for Freelancers): Copies of invoices from the last six months that correspond to the deposits in your bank statements.

4. Official Translations:

   • Hyper-Specific Tip: This is one of the most common and costly mistakes. Any required document not in Spanish (including your apostilled background check) must be translated in Ecuador by a translator recognized by the Consejo de la Judicatura or at an Ecuadorian consulate abroad. A certified translation from your home country will almost certainly be rejected, forcing you to pay for the service again and delaying your application.

Common Expat Pitfalls to Avoid

• Miscalculating the Income: Using the 1x SBU figure ($460) instead of the correct 3x SBU ($1,380). This leads to an automatic denial.
• Unverifiable Income: Showing large, sporadic cash deposits or income from platforms like Venmo or PayPal without corresponding invoices or contracts.
• Improper Translations: Submitting documents with translations done by a non-recognized entity (see tip above).
• Outdated Background Check: Your apostilled criminal background check is typically only valid for 180 days from its date of issuance. Ensure it's recent when you submit your application.
• Forgetting Fees: The visa process involves two separate government fees (aranceles): $50 for the application and, upon approval, $400 for the visa issuance. These are non-refundable.

Template: 'Proof of Income' Letter (Declaración Juramentada Style)

[Your Full Name] [Your Current Address] [Passport Number] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

[Date]

Señores/as Coordinación Zonal 6 Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana Cuenca, Ecuador

Asunto: Declaración de Ingresos para la Solicitud de Visa de Residencia Temporal – Nómada Digital

Yo, [Your Full Name], de nacionalidad [Your Nationality], portador del pasaporte número [Your Passport Number], por medio de la presente declaro bajo juramento lo siguiente en apoyo a mi solicitud para la Visa de Residencia Temporal para Nómada Digital:

Soy un/a profesional en el campo de [Your Profession, e.g., Desarrollo de Software, Marketing Digital], y genero la totalidad de mis ingresos a través de trabajo remoto para empresas y clientes domiciliados exclusivamente fuera de la República del Ecuador. Mis servicios consisten en [Briefly describe your work, e.g., la gestión de campañas publicitarias para clientes en los Estados Unidos y Canadá].

Mi ingreso mensual promedio, calculado sobre la base de los últimos seis (6) meses, es de [Your Average Monthly Income in USD, e.g., $4,200.00 USD]. Este monto excede el requisito mínimo legal de tres (3) Salarios Básicos Unificados, que para el año 2024 corresponde a $1,380.00 USD.

Dicha estabilidad financiera se corrobora con la siguiente documentación adjunta:

• Estados de cuenta bancarios oficiales de los últimos seis (6) meses de mi cuenta en [Name of Your Bank], que reflejan los depósitos regulares correspondientes a mi actividad profesional.
• Contratos de servicios vigentes con mis clientes internacionales / o Carta de Empleo de [Company Name] que certifica mi cargo, remuneración y modalidad de trabajo remoto.
• Copias de facturas emitidas a mis clientes internacionales, las cuales se corresponden con los ingresos acreditados en mis estados de cuenta.

Declaro que soy financieramente autosuficiente y poseo los medios necesarios para solventar mi estadía en Ecuador sin requerir asistencia de fondos públicos. Mi actividad laboral remota continuará de manera ininterrumpida durante mi residencia en el país.

Agradezco su tiempo y la consideración de mi solicitud.

Atentamente,

(Handwritten Signature)

[Your Typed Full Name] Pasaporte No.: [Your Passport Number]

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⚠️ Legal Alert: When to Consult an Attorney

While this guide is comprehensive, Ecuadorian immigration law is subject to interpretation by individual officials and periodic changes. If your financial situation is complex (e.g., income from a self-owned foreign corporation, reliance on investment dividends, or variable project-based earnings), it is imperative to consult with a qualified Ecuadorian immigration attorney. A small investment in expert advice can prevent costly rejections and months of delays.

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Final Pre-Submission Checklist

• [ ] Income Threshold Verified? My average monthly income is over $1,380 USD.
• [ ] Income Source Verified? All income is clearly from outside Ecuador.
• [ ] Six Months of Official Bank Statements? They are stamped, official copies, not web printouts.
• [ ] Contracts/Employment Letter Present? They are signed and corroborate my income claims.
• [ ] Invoices Provided (if Freelancer)? They match deposits on my bank statements.
• [ ] Correct Translations Attached? All non-Spanish documents have been translated by a court-recognized Ecuadorian translator.
• [ ] Apostilled Background Check? It is valid (less than 180 days old).
• [ ] Valid Passport? Valid for at least six months from the application date.
• [ ] Fees Prepared? I have the $50 for application and am prepared for the $400 issuance fee upon approval.

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