For many, moving to Bali is a dream. But how do you turn a holiday into a full life on the island? The team at Legal Indonesia, experts in legal and immigration matters in Indonesia, shares a step-by-step guide on how to relocate to Bali without breaking laws and wasting time on bureaucracy.
1. First—Go on a Holiday, but Wisely
To understand if Bali is truly for you, first arrive with a tourist visa. The simplest option is the VOA (Visa on Arrival), which is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30. This is enough time to explore the island, choose an area to live, check housing prices, and make initial contacts.
If you're already planning to stay longer, it's better to apply for a C1/C2 series visa (formerly B211A), for example:
C1 (Tourist Single Entry Visitor Visa) — can be processed through agencies or independently.
C2 (Business Single Entry Visa) — for business trips (meetings, conferences, market research, etc.), without the right to work in Indonesia.
2. I Want to Stay Long-term: What Are the Options
For those who decide they want to live in Bali for six months or longer, consider:
* Working KITAS — if you are officially employed or start a business.
* Investor KITAS — when opening a company in your name.
* Spouse KITAS — if you are legally married to an Indonesian citizen.
* Retirement KITAS — for those over 55 years old.
* Remote Worker Visa (E33G) — for remote work for a foreign company from Indonesia.
Each visa requires certain documents, a sponsor, and in the case of working and investor KITAS, the presence of a registered company.
3. Work and Business in Bali: Legally and Beneficially
Working quietly on a tourist visa is not an option. The Indonesian immigration service conducts regular checks, and the consequences can be serious—from deportation to entry bans.
Legal options:
* Open your own company (PT PMA) and work as an investor.
* Obtain a work visa KITAS through an employer.
* Work remotely for a foreign company on a long-term visa (e.g., business visa), without providing services to clients in Indonesia—this is a gray area but acceptable with proper legal interpretation.
4. Family, Children, and Schools
Living in Bali with the family is comfortable. There are international schools, kindergartens, clinics, clubs, and Russian-speaking communities. Children can obtain a dependent KITAS, and a spouse can obtain a spouse KITAS or a similar family reunification visa.
5. Taxes and Finances: What to Remember
Many newcomers forget: if you live in a country for more than 183 days a year, you automatically become a tax resident of Indonesia. This entails obligations to file tax returns and potential payment of taxes on global income.
The right solution is to consult an accountant or lawyer in advance. At Legal Indonesia, we provide tax consultations, maintain accounts, and help avoid mistakes.
6. Housing, Insurance, Daily Life
Renting accommodation in Bali is affordable and varied—from simple guest houses to villas with pools. Be sure to sign a rental agreement, especially for long-term stays.
Insurance is a must. Without it, costs are high, especially if you need serious medical services. Both local and international insurance policies are suitable.
So, How to Start?
In brief:
1. Arrive with a tourist visa or C1/B211 visa.
2. Decide to stay—and choose the right KITAS.
3. Set up a company or find a sponsor.
4. Resolve tax matters.
5. Build your life: housing, school, insurance, social networks.
At Legal Indonesia, we assist at all stages—from the first visa to full legal residence in Bali.
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