Moving to Bali: Digital Nomad and Retiree Relocation Guide

Bali has long been one of the world's most popular destinations for long-term expats, digital nomads, and retirees. The combination of tropical beauty, warm culture, affordable cost of living, and a thriving international community has made it a perennial favourite. As of 2026, Indonesia has formalised visa routes that make long-term legal stays genuinely accessible — an important development given the historically murky legal landscape for foreigners staying beyond tourist visas.

Visa Options for Long-Term Stay in Bali

Visa on Arrival (VoA). UK nationals can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival on arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar (approximately USD 35 as of 2026). Can be extended once at the local immigration office for another 30 days. Total maximum: 60 days. Not suitable for long-term stays.

B211A Social/Cultural Visa. Historically the "social visa" has been used for longer stays. Typically valid for 60 days with up to four extensions, giving a maximum of approximately six months. Requires a sponsor (can be arranged through a visa agent). Used by many Bali expats as a bridge; more oversight in recent years.

Second Home Visa (E33G). Introduced in 2022. Valid for five or ten years. Requirements: a deposit of at least IDR 2 billion (approximately USD 130,000 as of 2026) in an Indonesian bank account, maintained for the duration of the visa. No employment in Indonesia. One of the most accessible long-term visas for retirees and passive income holders with capital. The deposit must be in an Indonesian bank — coordinate this carefully before applying.

Digital Nomad Visa (G211). Indonesia launched a formal Digital Nomad Visa scheme, allowing those working remotely for overseas employers or running an overseas business to live in Bali and Indonesia legally. Valid for up to 12 months; no Indonesian income tax applies provided your income is entirely foreign-sourced and you do not work with Indonesian clients. Requirements as of 2026: no active Indonesian income, valid passport, health insurance, and an approved application. One of the first such schemes in the region.

KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit). The primary residency permit for those sponsored by an Indonesian employer or company. More complex to obtain independently; typically requires an Indonesian company sponsorship. Some entrepreneurs use PT PMA (foreign-owned company) structures to obtain a KITAS, but this requires investment capital and local legal expertise.

Retirement Visa (KITAP/KITAS). Indonesia has a retirement visa scheme for those aged 55+ with a minimum monthly income of USD 1,500. Valid for one year, renewable. Requires proof of income (pension, investment income), health insurance, and accommodation.

Indonesian Tax — Important Considerations

Indonesia taxes residents on worldwide income. You are considered an Indonesian tax resident if you reside in Indonesia for more than 183 days in a 12-month period, or if you intend to reside in Indonesia.

For Digital Nomad Visa holders who do not work for Indonesian clients and maintain no Indonesian income, a specific tax arrangement applies: you are exempt from Indonesian income tax on your overseas income during the visa period.

For longer-term residents who are Indonesian tax residents, the progressive income tax rates (5–35%) apply to worldwide income. Indonesia's tax administration has been modernising but is still complex for foreigners. Working with a qualified Indonesian tax adviser (known as a konsultan pajak) is essential.

The UK and Indonesia have a double taxation agreement (signed in 1993 and in force since 1994), which allocates taxing rights and provides relief mechanisms for income that would otherwise be taxed in both countries — for example UK rental income. The treaty's provisions should be applied carefully alongside Indonesian domestic rules, and cross-border advice is important.

Property and Ownership

Foreigners cannot own freehold (Hak Milik) land in Indonesia. The practical options are:

• Hak Pakai (Right to Use): A 30-year right to use land, renewable for a further 20 years, then again for another 30 years. Can be held directly by foreign nationals for residential property. The most legally straightforward route for foreign property ownership.
• Leasehold (Hak Sewa): Commonly used; typical terms of 25–30 years. Legally straightforward but the property reverts at lease end unless renewed.
• PT PMA company structure: A foreign-owned Indonesian company can hold freehold land. Requires investment capital minimums; significant set-up cost and ongoing administration. Used by those making substantial property investments.

Nominal arrangements (putting land in an Indonesian nominee's name) are widely practised but legally risky — not recognised as valid under Indonesian law and carries the risk of disputes.

Always use a qualified Indonesian notary (Notaris) and an experienced property lawyer for any land or property transaction.

Banking

Opening an Indonesian bank account requires a valid stay permit (not just a visa on arrival). With a KITAS or Second Home Visa, the main options are:

• BCA (Bank Central Asia) — the most popular bank with the expat community; excellent app and ATM network; English-language service in main branches.
• BRI, Mandiri, BNI — state-owned banks; widely accessible.
• CIMB Niaga — good digital banking; linked to Malaysian parent.
• HSBC Indonesia — limited presence; better for higher-value accounts.

Wise and Revolut cards are widely used for day-to-day spending and minimising foreign transaction costs. Many expats use a combination: a local Indonesian account for rent and utilities, and an international card for most other spending.

Healthcare

Bali's healthcare infrastructure is adequate for routine care in Denpasar and the tourist areas, and improving in quality. For serious medical emergencies, medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia is the standard approach.

• BIMC Hospital (Kuta and Nusa Dua) — the most expat-used hospital; Australian-standard in its main facilities; reasonable English-language service.
• Siloam Hospitals Bali — a growing chain with reasonable standard.
• Kasih Ibu Hospital — used by local expats; more affordable.

International medical evacuation insurance is essential for Bali-based expats — the standard of care for complex conditions does not yet match Singapore or Australia. IPMI plans from providers like Cigna Global, AXA, Allianz Care, or BUPA Global typically cost GBP 1,500–4,000 per year depending on age and plan.

BPJS Kesehatan (Indonesian national health insurance) is technically available to legal residents and covers a wide network of clinics and hospitals, but language and bureaucratic barriers make it less practical for most Western expats.

Cost of Living

Bali is among the most affordable destinations in South-East Asia for a comfortable Western standard of living. As of 2026:

• A two-bedroom villa with pool in Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud: IDR 15–35 million per month (approximately £700–1,650).
• A basic local meal: IDR 25,000–50,000 (£1.20–£2.40).
• A Western restaurant meal with drinks for two: IDR 300,000–700,000 (£14–33).
• Monthly utilities (electricity, water, internet): IDR 1.5–3 million (£70–140).
• Domestic help (cleaner, driver): IDR 2–4 million per month (£95–190).

A couple can live very comfortably in Bali on £2,000–3,000 per month including accommodation, eating out regularly, and reasonable travel. Those on lower budgets can live well on less.

Popular Expat Areas in Bali

• Canggu — the digital nomad capital; beach, cafés, co-working spaces; very international; prices have risen significantly.
• Seminyak — upmarket, restaurants, beach clubs, villa living; popular with those seeking more comfort.
• Ubud — inland, rice terraces, arts and culture; more spiritual community; increasingly popular with remote workers.
• Sanur — quieter, more established; good for families and retirees.
• Nusa Dua and Jimbaran — resort areas; quieter, more expensive for property.

Practical Daily Life

• Internet: Good fibre broadband in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud; less reliable in more rural areas. Mobile internet (Telkomsel, XL) works well as backup.
• Traffic: Denpasar and South Bali have extremely heavy traffic. Scooters are the local transport norm; car hire with a driver is a practical alternative for those not comfortable on two wheels. International driving permit required.
• Water: Tap water is not drinkable; bottled or filtered water is the standard.
• Earthquake and volcano risk: Bali is seismically active; Mount Agung has had significant eruptions. Standard considerations for earthquake preparedness apply.
• Rainy season: November to March. Humidity is high year-round; the dry season (April to October) is preferred by most expats.

How Global Investments Can Help

Bali's appeal is lifestyle-driven, and the financial planning for Bali-based expats tends to focus on maintaining wealth structure offshore — property investment, investment portfolio management, and UK tax obligations for those retaining UK income or assets. Global Investments advises Bali-based clients on offshore wealth management, international investment structuring, and the coordination of UK financial affairs. If you are considering Bali as a long-term or semi-permanent base, speak to our team.

This guide is for general information only. Tax rules, visa requirements, and regulations in Indonesia change frequently. Always seek professional legal and financial advice tailored to your circumstances before making relocation or investment decisions. Investments can fall as well as rise in value.