You chose Cuenca.
We help you make it home.
Taking one of the most difficult and courageous steps most of us ever take: to leave all that’s familiar behind, to create a new life in a new country. That’s no small thing! And for the moment, you are “a stranger in a strange land”.
Roots don’t grow overnight. We're here for the whole journey
You've done the hard part: you chose Cuenca. You saw something here that most people miss, the pace, the culture, the cost of living, the quality of life. Now you need to make it work.
That is where Cuenca Roots comes in. Cuenca Roots, a multi-service company, was established to ease your transition to life in Ecuador, to ‘hold your hand’ as much or as little as you need or want. We handle everything the fine print doesn't prepare you for: your Ecuador residency visa, your rental contract, your local bank account, your doctor's appointment, all in a language you fully understand.
We are here to help you put down roots. Real roots. The kind that mean you stop being a visitor and start belonging.
You can count on top-notch service from us.
Everything you need,
all in one place
Replacing an expired or lost cédula
The people behind your relocation
Michael Germain, MBA – Intl. Mgmt.
Fanny Farah, BA
From visitor to local
We'll get you there
Questions we hear before the first call.
Can't find your answer here? Book a free 20 minute call, no pressure, no commitment.
Do I need a visa to live in Cuenca permanently?
Most English-speaking expats pursue either an Ecuador retirement visa (pensioner visa) or an investor visa. The right option depends on your income, assets, and plans. There are other visa options that we can explore together to arrive at the one that is right for you.
How long can I stay in Ecuador without a visa?
Citizens from most countries can enter Ecuador without a visa and stay for 90 days. You can extend for an additional 90 days at a cost of $160.67 (1/3 monthly minimum wage). If you come from a Mercosur member country, you can stay for up to 180 days.
What are the different types of Ecuador residency visas?
Ecuador offers several residency visa options for expats. The most common are the retirement visa for those receiving a pension of at least $1,446/month (3 X minimum monthly wage).
What documents can you translate and certify?
We handle certified translations for all document types accepted by Ecuadorian institutions: civil status documents, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, ID documents.
Are your certified translations accepted by Ecuadorian institutions?
Yes, Michael Germain has been approved as an Expert Translator for the Judiciary. Certified translations delivered by Cuenca Roots are accepted by immigration offices, notaries, universities, and financial institutions across Ecuador.
Do I need to speak Spanish to live well in Cuenca, Ecuador?
Not at all, and that’s exactly why we exist. Many expats live full, comfortable lives in Cuenca without speaking Spanish. We handle every interaction where language is a barrier, from your first residency appointment to your everyday banking.
Where are you based? Can I meet in person?
We are based in Cuenca, Ecuador. We offer in-person meetings and remote consultations via video call for expats still planning their move from abroad.
