Bali Digital Nomad Visa – The Complete Beginner’s Guide

Bali Digital Nomad Visa – The Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you dream of working remotely from palm-lined beaches instead of a cubicle, Bali’s Digital Nomad Visa could make that happen. This visa lets you legally stay and work online for foreign clients or companies while living on one of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands. It’s designed to help remote workers enjoy a tropical lifestyle without violating immigration or tax rules.

At a glance:

• Legal one-year stay for remote workers earning abroad

• No local income tax for short stays

• Affordable cost of living and strong Wi-Fi infrastructure

• Ideal for freelancers or remote employees

Understanding the Visa Types (E33G vs. B211A)

There are two main routes for digital nomads working remotely from Bali. Choosing the right one depends on how long you plan to stay and your employment setup.

1. E33G Remote Worker Visa

This is the official Digital Nomad Visa introduced in 2024. It allows remote employees (contracted with foreign companies) to work from Bali for up to one year, renewable annually.

• Best for: Full-time employees or contractors for overseas companies.

• Length: 12 months, renewable.

• Tax: Exempt from Indonesian income tax if earnings come from abroad.

• Perks: Can bring immediate family members, multi-entry permit.

2. B211A Business Visa

A flexible option for short-term digital nomads or freelancers testing life in Bali.

• Best for: Freelancers and short-term visitors.

• Length: Up to 180 days (60 days + two extensions).

• Tax: Income earned abroad not taxed.

• Restriction: Single-entry—if you leave Indonesia, your visa expires.

There's also the Second Home Visa allowing stays up to ten years, but it requires proof of assets worth USD 130,000, making it impractical for most digital nomads.

Note on 5-Year Digital Nomad Visa: The Indonesian government announced plans for a 5-year digital nomad visa in 2022, but as of November 2025, this visa type has not yet been implemented. The E33G (1 year) and B211A (180 days) remain the only available options for remote workers. Check official Indonesian immigration sources for updates.

Eligibility & Required Documents

Before applying, verify that you meet all the requirements. These conditions ensure applicants are financially stable and genuinely work for overseas clients.

Basic Eligibility

IMPORTANT - Employment Requirements by Visa Type:

E33G Remote Worker Visa:

• MUST be employed by a company registered outside Indonesia
• MUST have formal employment contract
• Freelancers and independent contractors WITHOUT employment contracts CANNOT apply for E33G

B211A Business Visa:

• Freelancers working for international clients CAN apply
• Self-employed and contractors accepted
• No formal employment contract required

Additional Requirements (both visas):

• Minimum annual income: USD 60,000.

• Bank statement showing at least USD 2,000 balance for the last three months.

• Valid passport (minimum six months validity).

• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or rental agreement).

Required Documents Checklist

• Passport (color scan, minimum six months validity)

• Passport photo (white background, 4x6 cm)

• Employment proof (contract, company letter, invoices for freelancers)

• Bank statements (past 3 months)

• Proof of annual income (payslips, tax statement, or letter from employer)

• Accommodation proof (booking or rental agreement)

• Travel insurance (optional but recommended)

All documents should be in English and saved as PDF or JPEG files under 2MB each. Common rejection reasons include unclear scans, inconsistent bank balances, or expired passports.

Step-by-Step Application Process

You’ll apply online through Indonesia’s official immigration system. Follow these steps carefully to avoid delays.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Scan every required document clearly. Double-check that your passport meets the validity period.

Step 2: Register on the e-Visa Portal

Visit https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/ — Indonesia’s official e-visa portal. Create an account, fill out personal details, and upload all documents.

Step 3: Submit Your Application & Pay Fee

After submitting, you’ll receive payment instructions.

• Payment:

  • E33G visa: IDR 10,000,000 (~$630-650 total including KITAS permit)
  • B211A visa: ~$150-205 (base application only; extensions cost extra)

  Important: For E33G offshore applications, you'll first receive a single-entry e-visa. After arriving in Indonesia, you must complete the KITAS registration process (called "Alih Status Keimigrasian") which confirms your temporary residence status. This step is mandatory and included in the total visa cost.

  Processing time: Typically 7–10 business days (some applicants report up to 14 days during peak holiday periods).

• Processing time: Typically 7–10 business days.
  You’ll get an official approval letter via email once verified.

Step 4: Enter Indonesia

You must enter within 90 days of approval. Show your visa document at the airport for stamping.

Step 5: Apply for KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit)

Once in Bali, register for your KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) online. This confirms your legal stay permit.

Step 6: Renewal (Optional)

Renew before your visa expires through the same portal. Prepare updated bank statements and employment proof again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Based on Real Applicant Experiences)

Using expired passport photos

• Why this matters: Immigration strictly requires photos taken within the last 6 months (4x6 cm, white background)
• Fix: Take new photos specifically for this application, don't reuse old passport photos

Uploading documents over 2MB size

• Why this matters: The immigration portal automatically rejects large files without clear error messages
• Fix: Compress PDFs using online tools (ilovepdf.com, smallpdf.com) before uploading. Scan documents at 150 DPI, not 300 DPI

Submitting incomplete income proof

• Common mistake: Only providing bank statements without payslips or employment contract
• Fix: Prepare all three types: (1) Employment contract showing remote work arrangement, (2) Recent payslips totaling $60,000/year, (3) Bank statements for 3 months

Waiting too long to renew

• Why this matters: Extension process takes 30+ days. If your visa expires during processing, you'll face overstay penalties (IDR 1,000,000 per day - that's ~$63/day)
• Fix: Start renewal/extension process at least 45-60 days before expiration date. Set multiple calendar reminders

Misunderstanding "single entry" for B211A

• Real scenario: A digital nomad flew to Singapore for a weekend trip, thinking they could return to Bali on the same visa. Their B211A was automatically terminated upon exiting Indonesia
• Fix: If you have B211A and need to travel regionally, either (1) plan all trips AFTER your 180 days expire, or (2) convert to E33G visa first (if eligible)

Not keeping multiple copies of documents

• Why this matters: Some immigration officers request printed visa approval, others accept digital copies. WiFi may not work when you need it
• Fix: Save PDF to phone AND cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) + print 2 physical copies (keep one in carry-on, one in checked luggage)

Applying with less than 18 months passport validity

• Why this matters: Indonesia requires 18 months validity for E33G (6 months for B211A), but many applicants miss this
• Fix: Renew your passport BEFORE starting visa application if it expires within 18 months

Using unreliable visa agents

• Red flags: No physical office address, only WhatsApp contact, demands full payment upfront, "too good to be true" pricing
• Fix: Check Facebook groups "Bali Digital Nomad Visa" for recommended agents with verified reviews. Expect to pay $100-200 agent fee on top of official visa costs

Visa Fees, Duration & Renewal

Fees include processing and system verification. Renewals require submission of updated financial documents.

*Note: E33G renewal policy is still evolving (visa launched April 2024). Some sources indicate the visa may not be renewable and requires reapplication. Verify current regulations with Indonesian immigration before planning multi-year stay.

Cost Breakdown:

• Visa fee: IDR 7,000,000 (~$430)
• KITAS permit fee: IDR 2,700,000 (~$165)
• Processing: ~7-10 business days
• Total: ~IDR 10,000,000 ($630-650)

Note: If using visa agent, expect total costs of $780-1,180 depending on service level (offshore vs onshore processing).

Example Calculation:
If you plan a one-year stay under E33G, expect about $1,130 total visa fees, plus living costs (~$1,000/month).

Budgeting Tip: Allocate about $15,000–$17,000/year to cover visa, rent, and daily needs comfortably.

Rules, Benefits & Limitations

Allowed Activities

• Work remotely for overseas companies or clients.

• Attend business meetings without paid participation.

• Bring spouse or children under dependent status.

Prohibited Activities

• Earning income from Indonesian companies.

• Selling goods or services locally.

• Working for Indonesian employers.

Tax Benefits

Indonesia’s remote worker arrangement exempts foreign income from local tax if you don’t exceed 183 days of stay in a tax year.
Longer stays may require registration for an NPWP (Indonesian tax ID).

Short Answer: If your clients or employer are abroad, you won’t pay Indonesian income tax.

Legal Recognition

With the E33G visa, you’re officially recognized as a remote worker, protecting you from fines or deportation for working online during your stay.

Living in Bali as a Digital Nomad

Bali offers a balance between affordability, productivity, and nature. Here’s what typical living looks like:

• Monthly budget:

• Living in Bali as a Digital Nomad: 2025 Reality Check

  Monthly Budget Breakdown (Updated November 2025):

  Note: Bali's cost of living has increased significantly since 2023, especially in popular areas like Canggu and Seminyak.

  Budget Lifestyle ($800-1,200/month):

  • Private room in shared villa: $350-500
  • Local food (warungs): $150-200
  • Scooter rental: $50-70
  • Coworking day passes: $50-80
  • SIM card/mobile data: $15-25
  • Activities & entertainment: $100-150
  • Total: $800-1,200

  Mid-Range Lifestyle ($1,500-2,500/month):

  • Studio or 1-bedroom villa: $700-1,000
  • Mix of local and western food: $400-600
  • Scooter + occasional Grab: $100-150
  • Coworking membership: $100-150
  • Mobile + backup internet: $30-50
  • Gym, activities, travel: $200-400
  • Total: $1,530-2,350

  Comfortable/Luxury ($3,000+/month):

  • Modern 2-bedroom villa with pool: $1,500-2,500
  • Restaurants and healthy cafes: $800-1,200
  • Car rental or daily Grab: $200-300
  • Premium coworking: $150-200
  • High-speed internet setup: $50-100
  • Frequent travel, activities: $500+
  • Total: $3,200-4,300+

  Popular Areas for Digital Nomads:

  Canggu - The Digital Nomad Capital

  • Vibe: Trendy, young crowd (25-40), surf culture, buzzing social scene
  • Internet speed: 50-100 Mbps in most cafes and coworking spaces
  • Coworking options: Dojo Bali, Tropical Nomad, Outpost, The Loft, BWork
  • Accommodation: $500-1,200/month for decent villa
  • Downsides: Very crowded, terrible traffic, rising prices, can feel like "digital nomad zoo"
  • Best for: First-timers, social butterflies, surfers, people who want active nightlife

  Ubud - The Peaceful Retreat

  • Vibe: Spiritual, wellness-focused, yoga retreats, surrounded by rice fields
  • Internet speed: 30-60 Mbps in town center; can be spotty in rural villas
  • Coworking options: Hubud, Outpost Ubud, Zin Coworking
  • Accommodation: $400-900/month
  • Downsides: Very humid, lots of mosquitoes, 45+ minutes from beach, limited nightlife
  • Best for: Writers, developers, yogis, people seeking focus and nature

  Seminyak - The Upscale Option

  • Vibe: Sophisticated, beach clubs, fine dining, upscale shopping
  • Internet speed: 50-80 Mbps, generally reliable
  • Coworking: Limited dedicated spaces, most work from high-end cafes
  • Accommodation: $800-2,000/month
  • Downsides: Expensive, very touristy, less authentic Balinese culture
  • Best for: Business travelers, higher budgets, people who want comfort and convenience

  Sanur - The Quiet Alternative

  • Vibe: Relaxed, older crowd, families, quiet beaches
  • Internet speed: 40-70 Mbps
  • Coworking: Few options, mostly work from cafes or home
  • Accommodation: $500-1,000/month (better value than Canggu)
  • Best for: Remote workers seeking peace, less party scene

  Staying Connected: Internet & Mobile Data

  Reliable internet is CRITICAL for remote work. Here are your options:

  1. Local SIM Cards at Airport or Official Stores:

     • Telkomsel (best coverage, most reliable): ~ IDR 150,000-300,000 (~$10-20) for 20-50GB per month ~ Best 4G/5G coverage even in rural areas
     • XL Axiata (good value): ~ IDR 100,000-150,000 (~$6-10) for 30-50GB ~ Good in cities, spotty in rural areas
     • Indosat (budget option): ~ IDR 80,000-120,000 (~$5-8) for 25-40GB ~ Adequate for cities, weaker in villages

     Where to buy: Airport arrivals (convenient but sometimes crowded), Grapari Telkomsel stores, XL Center stores (bring passport for registration)

  2. eSIM for International Travelers:

     • Activate BEFORE departure - skip airport SIM card lines
     • the bitjoy offers Indonesia eSIM plans starting from $4.50 for 1GB
     • Ideal for: ~ First week while you get settled ~ Backup internet when primary SIM runs out ~ Island hopping (Nusa Penida, Gili Islands, Lombok) ~ Business calls/2FA when traveling between countries
     • Pro: Instant activation, no physical SIM swap needed
     • Con: Usually more expensive per GB than local SIM for long-term

  3. Portable WiFi Device:

     • Daily rental: ~IDR 50,000/day (~$3) from airport or online
     • Buy device: IDR 800,000-1,500,000 (~$50-95)
     • Best for: Teams, multiple devices, unreliable villa WiFi

  Villa/Accommodation Internet Tips:

  • ALWAYS ask for WiFi speed test screenshot before booking long-term
  • Minimum acceptable: 20 Mbps download for video calls
  • Ideal: 50+ Mbps for stable Zoom/Teams calls
  • Have backup plan (mobile hotspot) for important meetings
  • Some villas advertise "high-speed WiFi" but share single connection among 6+ rooms

  Pro Tips for Staying Connected:

  • Get Telkomsel as your primary SIM (best coverage for exploring Bali)
  • Keep eSIM as backup for emergencies and travel
  • Test your villa WiFi during a video call BEFORE signing long-term contract
  • Join "Digital Nomads Bali" Facebook group for real-time internet updates
  • Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) before going to rural areas
  • If doing important client calls, book coworking space day pass for guaranteed internet

  Coworking & Cafe Culture:

  • Most cafes expect you to order food/drinks if working (IDR 50,000-100,000 minimum)
  • Coworking day pass: IDR 100,000-200,000 (~$6-13)
  • Monthly membership: IDR 1,500,000-2,500,000 (~$95-160)
  • AC, reliable power outlets, fast internet are standard in coworking spaces
  • Popular cafe chains: Revolver, Sensorium, Kynd Community, Motion Cafe

  Health & Safety: Health insurance is NOT mandatory for visa, but HIGHLY recommended.

  • Hospital bills for serious incidents: $5,000-15,000+
  • Medical evacuation to Singapore: $50,000-100,000
  • Options: ~ SafetyWing: ~$45/month, designed for nomads, covers 185+ countries ~ World Nomads: ~$50-80/month, better coverage for adventure activities ~ Cigna Global: ~$100-150/month, premium coverage ~ Local Indonesian insurance: Cheaper but limited English support

  Common health issues in Bali:

  • Bali belly (food poisoning): Very common, prepare probiotics
  • Dengue fever: Mosquito-borne, use repellent, sleep under net
  • Scooter accidents: #1 cause of hospital visits - wear helmet, drive cautiously
  • Skin infections from humidity: Keep wounds clean and dry

• Popular Areas:

  • Canggu: Trendy, surf culture, packed with coworking cafes.

  • Ubud: Peaceful, surrounded by rice fields, yoga retreats.

  • Seminyak: Upscale nightlife and beach clubs.

• Internet speeds: 30–100 Mbps in most coworking spots.

• SIM/eSIM options: Local providers like Telkomsel or XL Axiata offer excellent coverage.

• Health insurance: Highly recommended; common plan costs $40–$50/month.

Preparing for Your Move

Before landing in Bali, make sure you’ve checked off essential tasks:

1. Book long-stay accommodation or rental villa.

2. Set up remote banking and payment methods.

3. Activate international SIM/eSIM plan.

4. Backup passport, documents to cloud storage.

5. Join expat groups or coworking communities online.

6. Bring digital and paper copies of your visa approval.

FAQ – Common Questions Answered

Can freelancers apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, under the B211A Business Visa, freelancers working for international clients can apply.

Can I apply while in Indonesia?

No. Applications must be submitted from outside Indonesia before entry.

Does this visa allow me to work for Indonesian companies?

No. Income must come entirely from foreign clients or employers.

What is KITAS and why do I need it?

KITAS is a Temporary Stay Permit confirming your residency status. You’ll register online after arrival to make your visa valid.

Do I have to pay taxes in Indonesia?

Not if your income originates abroad and you stay less than 183 days per year.

Can I bring my family?

E33G visa holders can include dependents such as spouse or children.

How long does processing take?

Generally 7–10 business days after payment confirmation.

Which nationalities are restricted?

Citizens from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Guinea, Israel, Kosovo, Liberia, Nigeria, North Korea, and Somalia currently cannot apply.

Is health insurance mandatory?

Not legally required but highly advised for medical emergencies or travel illness.

Can I apply for E33G if I'm already in Bali on a tourist visa?

Yes, BUT only if you entered on C1/B211A visa (not Visa on Arrival). The process is called "mutasi permit" or "alih status" (changing immigration status). You CANNOT convert from VOA to E33G - you must exit Indonesia and apply offshore in that case.

What if my employer won't provide an employment contract?

For E33G, a formal employment contract is mandatory - no exceptions. If you're a contractor or freelancer without a traditional employment contract, you must use the B211A visa instead (maximum 180 days). Some nomads have their clients create a simple "service agreement" that looks like an employment contract, but this is risky if immigration scrutinizes the document.

Can I leave Bali and return during my E33G visa period?

Yes. E33G is a multiple-entry visa, so you can travel to Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. and return to Indonesia without issues. Your visa remains valid as long as you return before it expires. In contrast, B211A is single-entry only - exiting Indonesia automatically terminates your B211A visa.

Do I need to report to immigration regularly while in Bali?

No regular reporting is required for E33G or B211A visa holders. However, if you change your address within Bali (move to different villa or area), you should notify your visa sponsor/agent. Some agents require this, others don't enforce it strictly.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstay penalty is IDR 1,000,000 (~$63 USD) PER DAY. After 60 days of overstay, you face deportation, banned from re-entering Indonesia (ban length varies: 6 months to 5 years), and possible detention. Immigration occasionally does spot checks at coworking spaces and accommodations. Set multiple calendar reminders for your expiration date - this is not something to be casual about.

Can I work for Indonesian clients while on digital nomad visa?

Legally, absolutely not. Your visa explicitly prohibits earning income from Indonesian sources. Practically, some nomads do accept small projects from Indonesian clients, but you risk deportation if caught. Immigration has been known to check coworking spaces and request to see work contracts and client communications. The risk vs. reward is poor - don't do it.

What's the best time to apply for the visa?

Apply 6-8 weeks before your intended travel date. This gives buffer time for potential delays or document issues. Avoid applying during Indonesian public holidays: 
- Nyepi (Balinese New Year) - March
- Eid al-Fitr - late March/April
- Indonesian Independence Day - August 17
- Christmas/New Year - late December

Processing can slow to 14-21 days during these periods.

Can I extend my B211A beyond 180 days?

No. B211A allows maximum 180 days total (initial 60 days + two 60-day extensions). After that, you must exit Indonesia and apply for a new visa if you want to return. You cannot convert B211A to E33G while in Indonesia UNLESS you exit and re-enter on a new visa. Some nomads do "visa runs" to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, then immediately reapply for B211A, but this is a gray area and immigration may question frequent repeat applications.

If my visa application is rejected, can I reapply?

Yes, you can reapply immediately after fixing the issues that caused rejection. Common rejection reasons:
1. Incomplete or unclear documents
2. Bank balance inconsistent across 3 months
3. Passport validity less than required (18 months for E33G, 12 months for B211A)
4. Employment contract doesn't clearly state "remote work arrangement"

Note that visa fees are non-refundable even if rejected. Using a reputable visa agent ($100-200 extra) can help avoid rejections since they pre-screen your documents.

Can I bring my pet to Bali on this visa?

The digital nomad visa does not cover pet importation. Bringing pets to Indonesia requires:
- Separate import permit (takes 2-4 weeks)
- Health certificates from home country
- Rabies vaccination records (must be 30+ days old, less than 1 year old)
- Microchip registration
- Possible quarantine period
- Veterinary inspection upon arrival

This process is complicated and expensive ($500-1,500+). Many nomads leave pets at home or choose other countries with easier pet import rules.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Two main visa options: E33G (long-term) and B211A (short-term).

• Eligibility: Must earn foreign income ≥ USD 60,000/year with proof of savings ≥ USD 2,000.

• Application: Entirely online via Indonesia’s e-visa portal.

• Duration: 6–12 months with possible renewal.

• Tax benefit: Foreign income remains tax-free under residency limits.

• Lifestyle: Affordable cost of living, strong digital infrastructure, warm local culture.

If you’re serious about combining remote work with island living, start preparing documents early and apply through the official portal. Bali remains a paradise that truly welcomes the modern digital workforce — blending work, travel, and life balance all in one place.

Read more:

What to Pack for Bali: Essential Packing List for First-Time Travelers

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