Many people come to Bali on vacation, but fall in love with the island and want to stay for a long time. However, a long-term stay in Bali requires careful preparation: obtaining a visa, choosing accommodation, organizing your life and understanding local laws.
In this checklist, we will analyze the key steps that will help you adapt and make Bali your second home.
Visa issue: how to legally live in Bali?
One of the main questions when moving is what visa to legally stay in the country. Let’s consider the main options:
✔ B211 (social visa) – up to 6 months, suitable for a test drive of life on the island.
✔ D12 (multiple-entry visa for 1 or 2 years) – ideal for long-term residence without frequent extensions. Allows you to stay in Indonesia for up to 180 days per entry.
✔ KITAS (work visa) – if you have a job in Indonesia or your own business.
✔ Investor KITAS – if you are investing in real estate or starting a company.
✔ Digital Nomad Visa (expected in 2024-2025) – it may give remote workers more opportunities.
💡 Advice: Do not violate the visa regime – fines and deportation are very strict here.
Choosing a home: rent or buy?
🏡 Rent:
✔ Long-term rent (1+ year) is cheaper than short-term.
✔ Cost: from $400 for an apartment, from $800-2000 for a villa.
✔ It is better to sign a contract through an agency and check the documents.
🏠 Purchase:
✔ Only leasehold for 25-30 years is available for foreigners.
✔ Prices for villas from $100,000 and up.
✔ Be sure to conduct a legal check before buying.
How to organize your life?
📌 Transport:
✔ A bike is the main form of transport. Rent is $50-80 per month.
✔ A car is more expensive, but more convenient for families.
📌 Medicine:
✔ The best clinics: BIMC, Siloam, Kasih Ibu.
✔ Insurance is mandatory – without it, medicine is expensive.
📌 Education for children:
✔ International schools: Green School, Montessori, Dyatmika.
✔ Tuition – from $5,000 per year.
Work and business in Bali
✔ A great place for freelancers and online entrepreneurs.
✔ You can open a PT PMA (foreign company).
✔ You can officially work only with KITAS.
💡 Tip: If you plan to negotiate, look for partners or engage in investments, it is most convenient to get a multiple-entry D12 visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days per entry and can be extended without leaving.
Conclusion
Bali is a great place to live, but you need to approach the move consciously. Make sure you have legal status (visa), housing, a financial cushion and an understanding of local laws.
💡 Planning a move? Come for 1-2 months and test the island before making a final decision!