Short, practical guidance on what the Second Home Visa aims to cover, typical documents, costs, common pitfalls and next steps so you can plan a longer stay in Bali with confidence.
Last updated: 6 Oct 2025 · General information only.
Step-by-step plan
- Check basic eligibility: confirm you meet age, income and background expectations. Use an immigration consultant for a pre-check if unsure.
- Decide your ideal timeline: apply from overseas or convert a current visa in Indonesia. Timelines and processing routes may differ.
- Compile documents (list below). Start with a valid passport and up-to-date police records where required.
- Arrange required insurance and medicals. Some programmes require comprehensive international health cover.
- Submit application via an authorised Indonesian immigration channel or sponsor, track progress and be ready to respond to requests quickly.
- Make arrival plans: register with local immigration, open a local bank account if needed and confirm address registration.
- Review tax residency rules: extended stay may trigger tax residency; consult a tax adviser about your home-country filing obligations and Indonesian rules.
- Plan renewals and exit strategy: long-stay visas often have periodic reporting or renewals, note dates and fees well in advance.
Documents & requirements (typical)
Requirements vary by scheme and applicant profile. Below are commonly requested items, confirm the exact list with authorities or your agent.
- Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining and blank pages.
- Completed visa application form supplied by immigration or sponsor.
- Passport-sized photos (specification may vary).
- Proof of stable income or sufficient funds (bank statements, pension letters, employment contract). Typical documentation shows ongoing, verifiable income.
- Police clearance / criminal record check from country of residence (certified and sometimes apostilled).
- Medical certificate or health report; some programmes require specific tests or a doctor’s note.
- Comprehensive health insurance covering Indonesia for the visa duration; check minimum coverage limits if stated.
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, property ownership or long-term reservation).
- Sponsor letter or local guarantor documents if required by the scheme.
- Payment receipts for application and agent fees.
Note: Some long-stay schemes may expect higher proof-of-funds thresholds or property ownership. Confirm eligibility criteria before committing to medicals or notarisation costs.
Costs & budget notes
Costs vary widely depending on route, agent fees and whether you apply from overseas. The table below shows typical ranges to budget for.
| Item | Typical cost (USD, indicative) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government application fee | $200–$1,200 | Varies by visa type; confirm the exact fee. |
| Licensed immigration agent | $500–$2,500 | Optional but common for long-stay applications. |
| Medical checks & police certificates | $50–$400 | Depends on country and whether apostilles are needed. |
| International health insurance | $300–$2,000/year | Depends on age, coverage and provider. |
| Local registration, stamps & renewals | $50–$600 per year | Ongoing administrative costs for reporting/renewal. |
Budget tip: add a contingency of 10–20% for unexpected requests (extra documents, translation, travel for appointments).
Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- Assuming the same rules apply to all long-stay visas, check the specific Second Home criteria carefully.
- Waiting until the last minute to collect police checks or apostilles, these can take weeks.
- Using an unlicensed agent; always request licence details and references; confirm fees in writing.
- Underestimating health insurance limits; ensure your policy meets any stated minimums and covers repatriation if needed.
- Ignoring tax residency implications; extended stays can create tax obligations; get professional advice.
- Not keeping originals organised; immigration often asks for original documents at arrival or registration.
- Skipping local registration steps after arrival; failure to register can trigger fines or complications with renewals.
FAQs
Q: Who should consider the Second Home Visa?
A: People planning multi‑year stays who prefer a residence-style visa over frequent short-term renewals: retirees, long-term remote workers and people with stable income. Confirm your eligibility with immigration as schemes differ.
Q: How long does processing usually take?
A: Processing times vary widely with the route and whether you apply from overseas or inside Indonesia. Expect from a few weeks to several months; plan backup travel and confirm timing with your agent.
Q: Will I become a tax resident if I use this visa?
A: Extended physical presence can trigger Indonesian tax residency. Tax rules are complex — consult a tax adviser for your personal situation and home-country obligations.
Q: Can I work while on a Second Home Visa?
A: Work rights depend on the visa terms. Some long-stay visas explicitly prohibit local employment. If you plan to work for Indonesian entities, seek specific legal advice or a work permit route.
Q: Do I need to buy property to qualify?
A: Not necessarily. Some routes accept rental agreements or proof of long-term accommodation. Property ownership can be helpful for some applications but is not universally required. Confirm requirements locally.
Q: Can family members be included?
A: Many long-stay visas allow family dependants, but documentation and fees for each person apply. Check dependent criteria and age limits before applying.