Bali forever? A complete guide to long-term relocation to the Indonesian paradise

Tropical climate, low cost of living and stunning nature attract thousands of foreigners to Bali. But how to live legally on the island for months and years? Let's look at the available options — from tourist visas to investment programs and citizenship.

Short-term and long-term visas

• Visa-free entry (only for citizens of ASEAN member states) for 30 days, not extendable.
• Visa on arrival (Visa on Arrival/e-VOA): available for residents of the CIS, USA and EU (in total for 92 countries) for $35 for 30 days with the possibility of extension. Maximum period — two months. Can be issued independently online or at the airport.
• Tourist visa (Visit visa/C1) is issued for 60 days with two extensions of 60 days each. Total period — up to 180 days, cost — $60. For residents of some countries a guarantor is required (usually resolved by applying through a travel agency).

Full set of documents for application includes: passport valid for more than 6 months, round-trip tickets, accommodation booking confirmation, insurance and a bank statement confirming available funds (from $2,000).

Important: these are single-entry visas, they are cancelled upon exit from the country.



Residence permits (KITAS)

Golden visa

Residence permit is issued for 5 or 10 years. Visa fee — from $800 to $1,600 upon issuance.

Grounds for application: investments in public company shares/government bonds from $350,000 (for a 10-year visa — from $700,000).

Establishing a company in Indonesia with issued capital (shares) or investment value of at least $2,500,000 (5 years) or $5,000,000 (10 years).

Digital nomad

A new popular direction in emigration matters. This type of residence permit suits those who work remotely and earn at least $60,000 per year. Under it you can stay in the country for 1 year, renewing the stay without restrictions.

Second Home

Available to those who commit to opening a deposit in an Indonesian bank from $130,000 or to purchasing real estate worth from $1,000,000. Length of stay — up to 5 years with the possibility of extension.

Retirement visa

Issued for up to 5 years with extension if you are over 55 years old and have more than $50,000 in the account and a total monthly income of more than $3,000.

Document package for golden visas: valid passport, CV (resume), financial documents confirming investments or income, certificates of no criminal record and no infectious diseases, medical insurance and bank statements.

Other types of visas and residence permits

Pre-investment visa — from 6 to 12 months, a guarantor confirming your intention to enter the country is required.

Family visa — 1–2 years with extension if you are officially married to an Indonesian citizen who acts as guarantor.

Educational visa — from 1 to 4 years with extension, issued for the period of study in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. Cost of issuance from $360 to $720. It is mandatory to have a guarantor in the form of an educational institution and proof of enrollment.

Citizenship

Naturalization requires 5 years of continuous residence in the country or 10 years with interruptions, knowledge of the Indonesian language at level A2, no criminal record and confirmation of legal income.

Important: Indonesia does not recognize dual citizenship. You will have to renounce the passport of your first country.

These are the main types of visas and residence permits for tourist visits and long-term residence in Bali. The choice depends on goals and opportunities, but moving to the island paradise is quite realistic for anyone who wants it.

Before deciding to apply for a visa, check official websites and the list of documents, consider tax and legal consequences and involve specialized professionals for complex cases.