Ab. Cristina Guarderas
Head of the Labor Department
Dear Friends and Clients:
The Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) launched on May 21, 2024 the initiative "Afiliados Seguros desde el Exterior" (Expatriate Insured Affiliates Program). The purpose of this initiative is to allow Ecuadorians living abroad to opt for voluntary affiliation and access its benefits.
Below is a summary of the main proposals of this new program::
Prerequisites
Requirements include the following:
Not be a retiree of IESS or retired from ISSFA or ISSPOL.
Be of legal age in Ecuador (18 years old).
Not have any outstanding obligations or arrears with the IESS.
Minimum Amount
The minimum contribution is 17.6% of a single basic salary (USD $460), or USD $80.96.
Program Benefits
The benefits provided by the program are as follows:
Health insurance: Full coverage in the national territory.
Retirement Pension: For old age, disability and invalidity.
Mortgage Loans: Access to home financing.
Funeral Assistance: Financial support for funeral expenses.
Life Insurance or Montepío: Protection for the member's family.
Health Insurance for Minors: Members' children under the age of 18 have access to health coverage without additional payments.
Extension of coverage: For partners or cohabitants available with an additional payment of 3.41% of the value of the main contribution.
International agreements
Members can benefit from the international agreements that the IESS has with several countries, allowing them to obtain a joint retirement in their country of residence. These agreements are in force with:
Spain
Peru
Colombia
Chile
Venezuela
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
El Salvador
Paraguay
Portugal
Uruguay
Access to affiliation
To access the "Affiliados Seguros desde el Exterior" program, interested parties can go to the official IESS website. The option "Affiliated Services Abroad" is located in the upper right corner, just below "Join Now". It is also possible to access directly through the following link: Affiliation from Abroad.
This IESS program makes it easier for Ecuadorians abroad to maintain their social security and have access to benefits that are crucial for their well-being and that of their families. Do not hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity and secure your future today.
For more information and advice on IESS affiliation from abroad, do not hesitate to contact us.