Immigration to Bali: complete guide for expats and travelers

Bali has evolved from a tropical escape into one of Asia’s most desirable hubs for long-term living, investment, and business relocation.

From digital nomads and entrepreneurs to retirees and families, thousands of foreigners are choosing the island not just for its beauty — but for its lifestyle, opportunity, and community.

This 2025 guide breaks down everything you need to know about immigration to Bali — from visa types and residency options to business setup and long-term pathways.

Immigration to Bali 2025

Category	Key Info
Authority	Directorate General of Immigration (Imigrasi)
Main Long-Term Visas	KITAS (Investor, Working, Digital Nomad, Retirement, Family)
Short-Term Options	e-Visa on Arrival (E-VoA), Business Visa (B211A)
Permanent Residency	KITAP (5 years, renewable)
Tax Residency	183+ days/year
Processing Time	2–6 weeks (depending on visa type)

Why Move to Bali

Bali is no longer just a postcard-perfect destination — it has become one of the most attractive places in Asia for long-term living, remote work, and investment. The island blends a relaxed tropical lifestyle with real-world opportunity, making it equally appealing for young entrepreneurs, families, and retirees.

Here’s why more people than ever are choosing to call Bali home:

1. Affordable and Comfortable Lifestyle
   Bali offers a level of comfort that often costs a fraction of what you’d pay in Western cities.
   You can rent a private villa with a pool for the price of a studio apartment in Europe, dine out daily, and still maintain savings. Services such as cleaning, maintenance, and personal transport are easily accessible and affordable.
   Average cost of living for expats: $1,500–2,000/month — including rent, dining, and local travel.
2. Warm Climate and Year-Round Sunshine
   Bali’s tropical climate offers sunshine nearly 300 days a year.
   The island has only two seasons — wet and dry — but even during the rainy months, mornings are often clear, and the landscape becomes lush and green.
   It’s an environment that naturally supports health, energy, and outdoor living — perfect for yoga, surfing, or just working with an ocean view.
   Many long-term residents say the island’s climate has improved their quality of life more than any other factor.
3. Strong Tourism and Property Markets
   Tourism is the backbone of Bali’s economy — and one of the reasons its real estate market is so dynamic.
   Visitor numbers reached 5 million in 2024 and continue to grow, supporting short-term rental demand and long-term property appreciation.
   From luxury villas in Uluwatu to eco-resorts in Ubud, investors see Bali as one of Southeast Asia’s most reliable markets for ROI.
   Average property ROI ranges from 8–12% annually in well-managed villa projects.
4. Fast-Growing Digital and Wellness Industries
   Bali has become a magnet for digital nomads, startups, and wellness entrepreneurs.
   Neighborhoods like Canggu and Pererenan host co-working hubs, tech studios, and global creative communities.
   Meanwhile, Ubud remains a center for yoga, holistic health, and retreat tourism.
   This unique combination of digital innovation and wellness culture makes Bali one of the few places in the world where business and balance coexist.
   It’s not uncommon to see investors mixing property ventures with wellness or remote-work facilities — co-living, co-working, or retreat spaces.
5. Simplified Visa Process — E-Visa 2.0
   Indonesia’s immigration system has become dramatically more efficient.
   The new E-Visa 2.0 platform allows foreigners to apply for most long-term visas (KITAS, Investor, or Digital Nomad) fully online, without embassy visits.
   Approval often takes 7–10 working days, and renewals can be processed digitally.
   This modernization has made relocating to Bali easier and safer — reducing dependence on informal agents and paperwork delays.

In short: Bali combines lifestyle, opportunity, and legality like no other island in Asia. Whether you’re seeking lower living costs, year-round sunshine, or a thriving investment environment — Bali in 2025 is a place where your personal and professional life can grow in balance.

Entry and Short-Term Stay

1. Tourist Visa / e-Visa on Arrival (E-VoA)

• Valid for 30 days, extendable to 60 days.
• Apply online via molina.imigrasi.go.id.

2. Business Visa (B211A)

• Valid for 60–180 days.
• Ideal for property scouting or market research.
• Does not grant work rights.

These visas are great for exploration, but not for long-term living or business operations.

Long-Term Stay — KITAS Visa Options

Indonesia’s main residence permit is the KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) — a temporary stay visa available in several categories:

Type	Duration	Work Rights	Ideal For
Investor KITAS	1–2 years	Yes	Business owners & investors
Working KITAS	6–12 months	Yes	Employees of Indonesian companies
Digital Nomad Visa	Up to 5 years	No	Remote workers earning abroad
Retirement KITAS	1 year (renewable)	No	Retirees 55+
Family KITAS	1–2 years	No	Dependents of KITAS holders

Investor and Digital Nomad KITAS are currently the most popular among expats and entrepreneurs relocating to Bali.

Which Visa Fits You

Profile	Recommended Visa	Key Benefit	Work Rights	Tax Status
Entrepreneur / Investor	Investor KITAS	Full business rights via PT PMA	Yes	Resident (183+ days)
Remote Worker	Digital Nomad Visa	Stay up to 5 years tax-free	No	Non-resident (foreign income only)
Retiree (55+)	Retirement KITAS	Simple annual renewal	No	Resident
Employee	Working KITAS	Employer sponsorship	Yes	Resident
Family Member	Family KITAS	Dependent stay	No	Non-resident

This simple overview helps you choose the right path based on your goals and visa eligibility.

Digital Nomad Visa in Practice

The Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2023, allows foreigners earning income from abroad to stay tax-free for up to five years — a major draw for remote professionals and freelancers who want to base themselves legally in Bali.

This visa is part of Indonesia’s effort to attract the global “work-from-anywhere” community while maintaining a clear tax and legal framework.

From KITAS to KITAP — Permanent Residency

After holding a KITAS for three consecutive years, you can apply for KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) — Indonesia’s 5-year permanent residence permit.

KITAP Benefits:

• No annual renewals
• Easier banking and property leasing
• Simpler healthcare access
• Eligible for local financing
• Available for investors, retirees, and foreign spouses of Indonesian citizens.

Investor Immigration — Business and Property Pathway

For investors and entrepreneurs, the most efficient immigration route is through a PT PMA (foreign-owned company).

This structure provides both business legality and residency rights under the Investor KITAS.

Benefit	Description
Legal business ownership	100% foreign ownership in most sectors
Work rights included	No separate work permit (IMTA) required
Renewable residency	1–2 years, renewable indefinitely
Path to KITAP	Eligible after 3 years of continuous stay
Property access	Ability to lease and manage real estate legally

Investor immigration combines business opportunity with lifestyle freedom — the ideal setup for those investing in Bali’s property and hospitality sectors.

Family and Retirement Options

Family KITAS — for spouses and dependents of KITAS holders.
Allows residence but no paid work.

Retirement KITAS — for foreigners aged 55+, requiring:

• Proof of income or pension ($1,500/month minimum)
• Health insurance
• Long-term accommodation contract

Both visas can transition to KITAP after three years of renewals.

Taxes and Residency

Category	Rule	Note
Tax Residency	183+ days/year in Indonesia	Global income may apply
Corporate Tax (PT PMA)	22%	Deductible business expenses allowed
Personal Income Tax	5–35%	Progressive rate for residents
Digital Nomad Visa	0%	Offshore income only

Proper tax planning ensures compliance and optimizes your ROI — especially for PT PMA owners.

Penalties to Avoid — Stay Compliant

Violation	Fine	Risk
Overstaying visa	1,000,000 IDR/day	Deportation
Working without KITAS	Up to 500 million IDR fine	Blacklisting
Fake or unlicensed agents	Criminal liability	Visa cancellation
Missed renewals	Late penalties	Processing delays

Always verify your sponsor and agent. DDA Real Estate works only with licensed legal partners.

Future of Immigration in Indonesia

The Indonesian government is actively modernizing its immigration framework:

• Digital Nomad Visa extended up to 5 years.
• E-Visa 2.0 with biometric ID verification.
• Streamlined KITAS-to-KITAP conversion.
• Simplified business and investor immigration under Omnibus Law.

Bali is positioning itself as Southeast Asia’s leading lifestyle migration hub — where legality and lifestyle go hand in hand.

Useful materials: Buying Property in Bali as a Foreigner, Company Formation on Bali | KITAS, The Pros and Cons of Off-Plan Property Investments in Bali.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I move to Bali without a job?
  Yes — via Investor, Retirement, or Digital Nomad visas.
• How long can I stay on a tourist visa?
  Up to 60 days with one extension.
• Can foreigners own property in Bali?
  Only through leasehold or PT PMA ownership structures.
• When can I apply for permanent residency (KITAP)?
  After three consecutive years of holding KITAS.

DDA Real Estate Assistance

DDA Real Estate helps clients relocate and invest in Bali legally and confidently:

• PT PMA setup and Investor KITAS processing
• Digital Nomad and Family visa applications
• Tax, banking, and compliance support
• Real estate purchase and lease consulting

From visas to villas — we make relocation to Bali simple, transparent, and sustainable.