For non-residents · 100% remote
Ecuador's SAS places no nationality or residency requirements on shareholders. A foreigner can own 100% of an Ecuadorian company — incorporated remotely with an apostilled power of attorney, with a tax ID issued on your passport.
Nexo handles the entire process end to end: 7-15 business days from first call to a fully registered, RUC-active company.
No nationality restrictions — you can be the sole shareholder, personally or through a foreign holding company.
Shareholders don't need to live in Ecuador. Incorporate with an apostilled power of attorney, without traveling.
The SAS has no legally required minimum share capital.
Ecuador uses the US dollar — no currency exchange risk on your investment.
The tax authority (SRI) accepts your passport to issue the company's RUC. No Ecuadorian ID needed.
Dividends can be remitted abroad, subject to applicable withholdings.
| Document | When it's required |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Always — primary ID for non-residents |
| Apostilled power of attorney | If you won't sign in person in Ecuador |
| Parent company documents, apostilled and translated | If the shareholder is a foreign legal entity |
| Email address and phone number | Always — for registration with the regulator (SCVS) |
Not required: investor visa, criminal background check, or an Ecuadorian bank account before incorporation.
Video call or email: corporate structure, share capital, business purpose, and legal representation.
We provide the model document for you to notarize and apostille in your home country.
Customized drafting — the SAS uses a private document, no public notary needed.
Name reservation, company registration, and corporate file number.
Registered with the SRI using your passport, plus guidance for opening a corporate bank account.
All corporate documents delivered in digital and physical format.
Total timeline: 7-15 business days — the main variable is how fast the apostilled power of attorney is issued in your home country.
Cross-border payments from an Ecuadorian company — dividends, royalties, fees — may be subject to the tax on capital outflows (ISD). Nexo works with the Santacruz & Santacruz law firm to structure the most tax-efficient setup for non-resident investors before the company is formed. Read more in our full guide for foreign founders.
Yes. There are no restrictions on full foreign ownership of a SAS. You can be the sole shareholder and hold 100% of the shares, personally or through a foreign holding company.
No. Residency is not required and the entire process can be completed remotely with a notarized, apostilled power of attorney. You never need to set foot in the country.
No. A bank account is only needed once the company starts operating and invoicing. We guide you through opening it after incorporation.
Yes. A foreign legal entity can be a shareholder — you'll need its incorporation documents, apostilled and translated into Spanish if applicable.
Typically 7 to 15 business days from the initial consultation to a fully active company with a tax ID (RUC), depending mostly on how quickly the apostille is obtained in your home country.
No. No investor visa, criminal background check, or prior Ecuadorian bank account is required at the incorporation stage.
Free initial consultation — no commitment required. We reply in English.
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