Direct answer: To apply for the CIE under the real-estate category, the 2026 form requires a consolidated minimum investment of USD 200,000 or the equivalent, registry identification of the properties, and at least 30% of the declared amount already paid. The applicant declares a commercial, corporate or economic purpose and undertakes to report changes in assets to SUACE within a maximum of 90 days.
What the form actually requires
The sworn declaration asks for the finca or matrícula (registry number), cadastral data, location, area, title or contract, and the notary's details. More than one property may make up the amount, provided they are all identified and the consolidated total reaches the minimum. The “monto total abonado” (total amount already paid) field must represent at least 30% of the declared sum.
This corrects a common misconception: informally reserving a USD 200,000 apartment or showing an appraisal is not enough. The contract, payments and registry status must form a coherent dossier for SUACE.
Economic use, not a personal home
The official text states that the properties will not be used for a private residence, the applicant's own housing use, or a strictly family character. Buying only the home where the applicant intends to live does not automatically satisfy the category.
Before promising a traditional rental, short-term rental, office, rural project or other use, the applicant must confirm whether the specific arrangement is accepted and whether licenses, condominium rules, zoning and taxation allow the activity. “Investment property” describes an economic purpose; it does not remove the need for legal due diligence.
Due diligence before transferring capital
- Confirm ownership, the chain of title, the registry number and cadastral data.
- Research liens, litigation, usufructs, prior commitments and debts.
- Verify the seller's authority and the form of signing.
- Define in writing the economic purpose and the documentation for the CIE.
- Make significant payments conditional on an independent review of the documents.
- Keep bank records connecting the source of funds, buyer and seller.
What happens next
The form requires reporting to SUACE's registration and verification unit, within a maximum of 90 days, any change to the declared real-estate assets, personal documents or contact details. Selling, replacing or reorganizing the asset without reviewing the CIE can therefore create inconsistency.
Do not invent a “universal three-year rule.” The MIC's official communication expressly sets two years for financial instruments, while the real-estate category is governed by the CIE and the signed declaration. The reliable answer on selling should come in writing for the specific file.
Residency and financial return are different analyses
Immigration acceptance does not prove that the property is well priced, will be occupied, or will be easy to resell. Profitability must consider vacancy, condominium fees, maintenance, brokerage, taxes, currency and local liquidity. The professional who structures the residency should not be the only source for the economic assessment of the asset.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the property as my residence?
The category form excludes a private residence, the applicant's own housing use, or strictly family use. The economic purpose must be verifiable.
Do I need to pay the USD 200,000 before applying?
The form asks for a consolidated minimum of USD 200,000 and states that the amount already paid must represent at least 30% of the declared amount.
Can I combine two properties?
The form allows identifying more than two properties in an annex. All must form a verifiable dossier and reach the consolidated minimum.
Primary sources
Conditions can change. Always verify the current form and fee before filing or transferring funds.