First, I'm mightly appreciative of the comments thus far. As I begin my exploration, I'm not thrilled by the prices at Supermaxi (seem right up there with Honolulu) or the center-right new government (Peru just dodged a bullet), both of which, among many others, are factors in my decision-making.
I don't think this is top secret, as it is contained in a reply to my GV inquiry:
"Documents needed:
The client will need to provide an FBI background check, a State police report, and a verification letter proving a guaranteed pension.
The FBI background police report fee is $53.95, and the State police report charges between $20-$50, depending upon each state. These fees are paid directly by the client with a credit card, check or money order.
In the United States, our office in Connecticut charges $140 per apostilled document, plus a one-time courier fee of $70. If the client wishes to apostille their own documents, we can provide the necessary forms and instructions."
Peru and Colombia both require apostille of SSA benefit. I don't see it here. I know for a fact that the FBI fee is $18.00, and that's what Interpol charges in Peru. I know there's an international apostille service, and I checked prices for AZ @ $75.00 for benefit letter...don't know about police reports. In fairness, they further state as follows: "If the client wishes to apostille their own documents, we can provide the necessary forms and instructions."
"Fee $1,550 - Where does your money go?
$ 450.00 Government filing fee
$ 250.00 Translation fees and Ecuadorian Notarizations of all documents
$ 150.00 Cedula ID processing that includes government fees
$ 120.00 Other fees, immigration movement record, immigration forms, and local transportation
$ 580.00 Gringo Visas service fee"
When all is said and done, we're taking $2000 American to walk in the front door (add another $1000 just stumbling around for a month to get oriented), but I can't "pick up" my visa at a US consulate. I'm vaccinated, but with delta on the rise, I won't even take a bus to the grocery store in Tucson. Why not "pick up" the visa in country? And we're talking mid-2022 in any case. Seems the covid curve is low in Ecuador, but so is the vaccination rate.
Not a well-heeled investor, do speak and read Spanish, but short on patience.
So, the more you know, the worse it gets, and I'm not even sure of the travel restrictions. What about health insurance just to get off the plane; it's mandatory in Colombia, and for me, the "Assist Card" would add up to $2400 right off the bat. PCR test? They don't say anything about the practical matters.
More to chew on, but I might look into one or two of the abogado suggestions.
