Start Here — Which Option Fits Your Plan?
Every move to Bali starts with choosing the right visa. The best option depends on how long you want to stay, whether you’ll be working online, and if you plan to invest or bring your family. Use the guide below to see which path fits your situation:
1. Work remotely for a non-Indonesian employer
- You have a job or freelance clients overseas
- You earn at least USD 60,000/year
Remote Worker KITAS (E33G) — 1-year stay, renewable, lets you live in Bali while working online for companies abroad.
2. Try Bali for up to 6 months
- You want to test the waters before committing
- You don’t need to work for Indonesian clients
B211A Visit Visa — single-entry, valid for 60 days with extensions up to ~6 months.
3. Stay for a few weeks
- You’re visiting for 30–60 days
- You don’t plan to work
Visa on Arrival (VOA / e-VOA) — simple, low-cost option for tourists and short-term stays.
4. Live long-term in Bali without working
- You have significant savings or property plans
- You want a 5–10 year stay
Second Home Visa — long-term residency for high-net-worth individuals; requires proof of funds or property purchase.
5. Invest or build a company
- You’re an entrepreneur or investor with capital
- You want a 5–10 year visa with benefits
Golden Visa — residency for investors and company founders meeting set thresholds.
Quick Comparison — What You Can and Can’t Do
Use this table to compare the main Bali visa options side by side. Click the links to see detailed guides for each.
| Visa Type | Stay Length | What You Can Do | What You Can’t Do | Typical Use Case | Family Options | Gov. Fee (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote Worker KITAS (E33G) | 1 year, renewable | Live in Bali Work online for overseas employer/clients | Work for Indonesian clients Earn local income | Digital nomads with steady remote income | Dependants allowed | ~USD 1,000+ |
| B211A Visit Visa | 60 days + extensions up to ~6 months | Stay in Bali for medium term Attend business meetings | Any form of work (online or local) | “Test the waters” stay Extended travel | No dependant option | ~USD 300–400 |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA/e-VOA) | 30 days + 30 day extension (max 60 days) | Short visits Tourism and leisure | Work of any kind Public speaking or events | Short-term visitors / 1–2 month trial | No dependant option | ~USD 35–50 |
| Second Home Visa | 5 or 10 years | Live long-term in Bali Bring family members | Work or earn local income | High-net-worth individuals Retirement-style stay | Dependants allowed | Deposit USD 130k OR property commitment USD 1m |
| Golden Visa | 5 or 10 years | Residency tied to investment Company setup | Anything outside agreed investment scope | Entrepreneurs / investors with capital | Dependants allowed | From USD 2.5m+ investment |
Remote Worker KITAS (E33G) at a Glance
The Remote Worker KITAS is designed for digital nomads and remote employees who earn their income outside Indonesia.
- Duration: 1 year, renewable
- Eligibility: Must show overseas employment or client contracts and income of at least ~USD 60,000/year
- What you can do: Live in Bali, work online for overseas clients/employer
- What you can’t do: Work for Indonesian businesses, receive local income, sell goods/services locally
- Family: Dependants can apply under the same sponsorship
Full guide: Remote Worker KITAS (E33G) →
B211A Visit Visa — for Test-Stays up to ~6 Months
The B211A is a single-entry visit visa that allows you to stay longer than a tourist visa but without the rights to work.
- Duration: 60 days, extendable up to around 180 days
- Best for: Remote workers who want to try Bali before committing to KITAS, or long-term visitors
- Restrictions: Cannot work online for overseas clients while in Indonesia (officially classified as visit visa)
- Notes: Must apply before entry, often via an agent
Full guide: B211A Visit Visa →
e-VOA / VOA — Short Stays & Simple Entry
For stays up to 60 days, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) or electronic VOA (e-VOA) is the simplest option.
- Duration: 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days
- Best for: Tourists and digital nomads staying under 2 months
- What you can’t do: Work of any kind, including online, or public speaking/paid events
- Apply: At airport or online before arrival
Second Home Visa — Long Stays for High-Net-Worth Individuals
The Second Home Visa is designed for individuals who want to reside in Bali long-term without employment.
- Duration: 5 or 10 years
- Requirements: Proof of US$130,000 deposit in a state-owned Indonesian bank or commitment to purchase property valued at US$1 million within 90 days of arrival
- What you can do: Live in Bali, bring dependants
- What you can’t do: Work or earn local income
Full guide: Second Home Visa →
Golden Visa — For Significant Investors & Company Founders
Indonesia’s Golden Visa grants residency to foreign investors and entrepreneurs who meet certain investment thresholds.
- Duration: 5 or 10 years
- Requirements: Investment of USD 2.5m+ (varies by route: individual investor, company founder, or other pathways)
- Best for: Entrepreneurs planning to establish a business presence in Indonesia
- Benefits: Long stay without repeated extensions, family eligibility, prestige route
Entry Requirements You’ll Still Need to Complete
No matter which visa you choose, there are entry formalities to keep in mind:
- Bali Tourist Levy: All foreign visitors pay IDR 150,000 (about USD 10) per entry via the Love Bali portal or at entry points
- All Indonesia e-Customs Declaration: Digital form required from October 2025 before arrival
- Health checks: Proof of insurance is often recommended, though not always mandatory
- Arrival tips: Always check your visa status at immigration on arrival
Tax Residency & Compliance
Visas and taxes are linked. Even if you’re only working for overseas clients, you may become an Indonesian tax resident if:
- You stay more than 183 days in a rolling 12-month period
- OR you show “intention to reside” (e.g., family relocation, rental contracts, KITAS)
As a tax resident, you’re liable for worldwide income in Indonesia. Seek professional advice before committing to long stays.
Learn more about Tax Residency in Bali →
Bring Your Family
Some visas, such as the Remote Worker KITAS, Second Home, and Golden Visa, allow you to sponsor family dependants (spouse, children). Tourist visas (VOA, B211A) do not.
FAQs
Is it legal to work remotely in Bali?
Yes, if you’re employed by or contracted to an overseas company, the Remote Worker KITAS (E33G) is designed for that. It does not allow Indonesian-sourced income or local employment.
Can I work online on a VOA or B211A?
No. VOA/e-VOA and the B211A Visit Visa are visit categories and don’t authorise work. Choose the E33G if you intend to work remotely from Bali.
How long can I stay on a B211A?
Typically 60 days on arrival with the option to extend in increments (up to around six months). Check the latest rules and your issuing authority’s conditions in the full B211A guide.
What’s the difference between KITAS and ITAS?
ITAS is the limited stay permit; KITAS is the physical/ID card associated with that permit. Most guides (and people) say “KITAS” when referring to the overall status.
How long is a VOA/e-VOA valid?
VOA/e-VOA is typically valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days (no work permitted).
Who should consider the Second Home Visa?
Individuals who want to live in Bali long-term without working. It requires proof of significant funds or qualifying property. Read the requirements in the Second Home Visa guide.
Who is the Golden Visa for?
Entrepreneurs and investors who meet specific investment thresholds and want a 5–10 year stay. Start with the Golden Visa guide.
Will I become an Indonesian tax resident?
Possibly—common triggers include spending ~183 days in Indonesia within 12 months or demonstrating an intention to reside (e.g., KITAS, family move). Get professional advice and see our Tax Residency guide.
Can my partner and children join me?
Yes on certain visas (e.g., Remote Worker KITAS, Second Home, Golden Visa) via dependant categories. Tourist visas (VOA, B211A) don’t include dependants.
Do I have to pay the Bali tourist levy?
Yes, most visitors pay a small provincial levy on entry.
Can I switch from a visit visa to a KITAS while in Indonesia?
In many cases a conversion is possible via an authorised agent, but rules and processing vary. Consult an immigration partner and review the steps in the relevant visa guide before you travel.
How long does visa processing take?
Processing times vary by visa type, application channel, and season. Allow extra time for document checks and payment confirmations; each sub-guide includes typical timelines and requirements.
Sources
- Indonesia e-Visa (official) — Remote Worker (general info) & policy FAQs.
- Indonesia e-Visa (official) — e-VOA info & restrictions.
- Embassy B211A page (durations/extensions).
- Indonesia e-Visa (official) — Second Home doc commitments & general page.
- Imigrasi press release — Golden Visa thresholds & benefits.
- LoveBali (official) — Tourist levy amount & FAQs.
- Directorate General of Taxes — Tax residency (183-day/intention).
