Bali Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Bali has long been a favourite destination for travellers seeking sun, culture, and natural beauty. In recent years, it has also become a hotspot for digital nomads, who want to combine working with the opportunity to live in an inspiring, affordable location.

To support this growing community, Indonesia has introduced visa options tailored specifically for remote professionals. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about the Bali Digital Nomad Visa, including eligibility, benefits, application process, and important legal considerations, so you can make the most of your time working from this vibrant island.

The Bali Digital Nomad Visa is designed to allow remote workers to live in Bali whilst working for overseas employers or running foreign-based businesses. It’s part of the Indonesian government’s efforts to attract skilled foreign professionals to the country and boost the local economy with long-term stays.

The Remote Worker KITAS / Visa E33G allows you to live in Bali, or anywhere else in Indonesia – KITAS stands for Kartu Ijin Tinggal Terbatas, which is a temporary residency stay permit card. Successful applicants will be able to live in Indonesia for up to one year.

An alternative is the C-Type Visit Visa 211A. This visa allows foreigners to live in Bali/Indonesia for between two to six months. During this time, you will not be able to work for an Indonesian company – you will only be able to work for a foreign company.

The E33G visa is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who earn their income exclusively from sources outside Indonesia. To be eligible, applicants must be employed by a foreign company, run a business registered abroad, or work as freelancers with international clients. There is a minimum annual income requirement of $60,000 USD, and applicants must show proof of funds with a bank balance of at least $2,000 USD over the past three months. In addition, they need to provide evidence of accommodation in Indonesia, have a passport valid for at least 18 months with three blank pages, hold valid international health insurance covering their stay, and generally have a clean criminal record.

Alternatively, the eligibility criteria for the C-Type Visa are similar: applicants must work for foreign companies, run businesses outside Indonesia, or freelance internationally, provide proof of funds with a minimum bank balance of $2,000 USD, have a passport valid for at least 12 months if staying six months (or six months for shorter stays), and show evidence of onward travel with a return or onward flight ticket.

It is important to note that citizens of certain countries, including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Guinea, Israel, Kosovo, Liberia, Nigeria, North Korea, and Somalia, will be not eligible to apply for these visas. Both visa options are intended for digital nomads working remotely for non-Indonesian entities and prohibit employment or business activities within Indonesia itself. Applicants must meet the financial and documentation requirements to qualify.

Bali offers a unique combination of lifestyle, culture, and infrastructure that makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads. One of the main benefits is the relatively low cost of living, which allows remote workers to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with many Western cities. The island boasts a vibrant community of like-minded professionals, which offers excellent opportunities for networking, collaboration, and socialising.

The natural beauty of Bali is another major draw – it boasts stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, and tropical landscapes that all provide a relaxing environment away from the stresses of urban life. The island also has a growing number of coworking spaces and cafés with reliable internet, which cater specifically to the needs of remote workers.

People living in Bali enjoy a healthy work-life balance, thanks to the warm climate and diverse recreational activities, which include surfing, yoga, and hiking. Plus, Bali has a rich cultural heritage and welcoming local community which add to the experience and allow digital nomads to immerse themselves in Balinese traditions and festivals.

To apply for the E33G Remote Worker Visa, you’ll first need to gather the required documents, which include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a recent passport-sized photo meeting ICAO standards, an employment contract from a foreign company, proof of annual income of at least $60,000 USD, and a bank statement showing a minimum balance of $2,000 USD over the past three months. A CV and travel itinerary can also support your application but are optional.

The application itself will be completed online via Indonesia’s official immigration portal, where you can fill in your personal details, choose the E33G visa type under “Professional or Employment,” and upload all the necessary documents. Once submitted, you’ll need to pay the visa and processing fees, which typically amount to $150 USD and IDR 2,700,000 (about $180 USD), respectively. Payment will be made through the local payment system SIMPONI, and some applicants might require local assistance as international credit cards are not always accepted.

After submission and payment, the visa application typically takes 7 to 14 working days to process. Once it’s approved, you’ll receive an e-Visa that must be used to enter Indonesia within 90 days. Once you get to Bali, you’ll need to visit the local immigration office to obtain a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) and a Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP), which will allow you to leave and return to Indonesia during your stay. Biometric data will also be collected at this stage.

It is important to note that the E33G visa only permits remote work for foreign employers, and it’s prohibited to work for Indonesian companies or earn local income. In addition, if you stay in Indonesia for more than 183 days within a 12-month period, you might become a tax resident, which will involves tax obligations under Indonesian law. Also, there is currently no dependent visa available for family members under this scheme. Many applicants choose to work with local visa agencies in Bali to help navigate the process and ensure all requirements are met.

Although the Bali Digital Nomad Visa allows remote work for foreign companies, Indonesia’s tax authorities consider anyone staying in the country for more than 183 days within a 12-month period as a tax resident. This means you could be liable for Indonesian income tax on your global earnings, so it’s essential to monitor the length of your stay carefully.

Foreign income earned while working remotely for non-Indonesian clients is generally not taxed by Indonesia unless you become a tax resident. However, tax regulations can be complex and subject to change, so it can be best to consult with a tax professional who is familiar with Indonesian law to ensure you remain compliant.

Legally, digital nomads must not engage in local employment or business activities under the terms of the digital nomad visa. Any work done must be exclusively for foreign employers or clients outside Indonesia. If you violate these rules, you could face fines, visa revocation, or even deportation.

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