Bali has long been one of the most popular destinations for bloggers, photographers, videographers, DJs, yoga instructors, and other creative professionals.
Many have worked with local businesses for years, creating content and promoting their services in the belief that unpaid work did not violate the conditions of a tourist visa.
However, in 2025–2026, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration (Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi) officially clarified its position and stepped up enforcement of tourist visa rules. Many common forms of collaboration—including sponsored content, barter arrangements, free portfolio shoots, and the publication of commercial content—may now be treated as visa violations, even if the foreign national received no monetary compensation.
When Working for Free Does Not Exempt You from Liability
Under Article 122(a) of Indonesian Law No. 6 of 2011, as amended, foreign nationals must use their visas strictly for the purpose for which they were issued. Tourist visas and Visas on Arrival (VoA) are intended exclusively for tourism and personal travel.
Immigration authorities emphasise that what matters is not the method of payment but the nature of the activity. If an activity is intended to promote services, build a portfolio, attract clients, or provide any other professional benefit, it may be classified as commercial regardless of whether any money was paid.
As an example, the authorities cite a makeup artist who did a model’s makeup free of charge for content to be posted on social media. Despite the lack of payment, this was deemed a violation because the content was used to promote professional services.
Who Is at Risk
The following groups are under particular scrutiny:
- bloggers and content creators who publish material on monetised platforms;
- photographers and videographers working with clients without the appropriate visa;
- DJs, musicians, and performers appearing in Indonesia;
- yoga instructors, fitness trainers, coaches, and retreat organisers;
- makeup artists, stylists, and other beauty professionals;
- brand ambassadors and people involved in barter arrangements with hotels, villas, restaurants, and other companies.
Immigration authorities are also paying particular attention to barter arrangements. Free accommodation, services, or goods provided in exchange for social media posts may also be regarded as commercial activity.
How Checks Are Conducted
The Directorate General of Immigration regularly monitors publicly available information, including social media, reviews reports from members of the public, and conducts checks when there are grounds to do so.
In recent years, foreign nationals have been deported for creating commercial content on tourist visas, organising retreats, conducting commercial photo shoots, and promoting businesses without the required permits. In many cases, social media posts prompted an investigation that subsequently uncovered visa violations.
Possible Consequences
Using a visa for a purpose other than the one for which it was issued can have serious consequences. The law provides for a fine of up to 500 million Indonesian rupiah or imprisonment for up to five years. Indonesian companies that engage foreign nationals without the necessary permits may also be fined.
In addition, a fine of 1 million Indonesian rupiah is charged for each day of a visa overstay. A prolonged overstay may result in detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entering Indonesia for a period ranging from several months to ten years.
How to Reduce the Risks
Before travelling, it is important to assess the nature of your activities objectively. If you plan to earn income, develop your personal brand, create commercial content, conduct shoots, organise events, or work with local businesses, a tourist visa is unlikely to be suitable.
Do not assume that working without payment or receiving payments through foreign bank accounts or in cryptocurrency will help you avoid liability. Immigration authorities assess the activity itself, not the method of payment.
Which Visas Are Suitable
Depending on the nature of the activity, the following may be suitable:
- Work KITAS;
- Investor KITAS;
- Artist KITAS;
- Remote Worker KITAS (E33G).
The right choice depends on the source of income, the working arrangement, and the grounds for staying in Indonesia.
If you are unsure which visa is suitable for your particular situation, it is best to seek advice before starting work. This can help you avoid violations, deportation, and an entry ban.
The specialists at Legal Indonesia can help you choose the right type of visa, prepare the documents, and complete the application in full compliance with Indonesian law.
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