One big perk of moving to Ecuador is for new residents to be able to bring their household belongings tax-free.
Under Ecuador law, any new arrival who just got their legal permanent residency visa, albeit a pensioner, investor or even a professional visa based off a college degree, can bring as much as one container of their personal goods tax-free one time after achieving residency. It could be as little as a few bags, doesnt matter.
And it’s actually easier to do than you think.
No pricey import agents needed in most non-complicated, normal cases.
My friend just did it in Canada, then stayed at my place last night.
Im talking about this week, in October of 2014.
All he did was go to the Ecuadorian consulate in Canada (where he’s originally from) and filled out a form, paid $50, waited about an hour and that was it, they then gave him everything he needed to pass his sh*t smoothly through customs upon arrival to Ecuador.
All they ask for in the consulate is the inventory list of what you are bringing. Proof of your residency (like your visa stamped into your passport and your Ecuadorian Cedula ID card.) And for new purchases they may ask for receipts, but it is not fully necessary as stated by my friend.
Upon arrival to the consulate in your home country just say you want the form to bring MENAJE DE CASA to Ecuador.
Then yesterday he arrived to Ecuador with his half dozen bags and big screen TV and on through he went, no taxes charged.
No problems.
Just remember you only have a specific time window after getting residency to be able to do this, so try to bring your stuff down within 6 months AFTER NOT BEFORE getting your residency visa!
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