You chose Cuenca.
We help you make it home.
Roots don't happen 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's where Cuenca Roots comes in. We handle everything the fine print doesn't prepare you for: your Ecuador residency visa, your rental contract, your local bank account, your first doctor's appointment, all in a language you fully understand.
We've helped dozens of people put down roots here. Real roots. The kind that mean you stop being a visitor and start belonging.
Everything you need,
all in one place
Visa & Residency Guidance
The people behind your relocation
Not a call center. Not a directory. Two people who live here, know the system, and have helped dozens of expats settle into life in Cuenca, Ecuador.
Michael Germaim
Fanny Farah
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 15-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. We walk you through both in your fre
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. 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 $800/month), the investor visa (for property purchase or bank deposit), and the professional visa. During your free consultation we assess which Ecuador residency visa fits your specific situation.
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 is a sworn translator registered with the MREMH and an ATA member. 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.
