Bali Visa Options for Long-Term Stay in 2026: Every Path to Living in Bali Legally

If you are thinking about moving to Bali for the long haul, the first thing you need to figure out is which visa actually lets you stay legally. I have lived in Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia on and off for over a decade now, and I can tell you from experience that the visa situation in Indonesia has changed dramatically over the past few years. There are more options than ever, but each one comes with different costs, requirements, and trade-offs. On Ecommerce Paradise, I help people build location-independent businesses through high-ticket dropshipping, and one of the biggest questions I get from my students and clients is how to actually set up their life overseas once the business is running. This guide breaks down every Bali visa option for long-term stay in 2026 so you can pick the right path for your situation.

Whether you are a remote worker, a business owner, a retiree, or an investor, Indonesia now has a specific visa category for you. The key is understanding what each one costs, how long it lasts, what it allows you to do, and what paperwork you need to pull together before you apply. I am going to walk through all of them, compare them side by side, and share the practical tips that most visa guides leave out.

Quick Comparison: Bali Long-Term Visa Options at a Glance

Visa Type	Duration	Estimated Cost	Work Allowed?	Best For
Visa on Arrival (VOA/eVOA)	30 days (extend to 60)	$35 + $35 extension	No	Short trips, scouting
B211A Social/Cultural Visa	60 days (extend to 180)	$250-$400 total	No	Extended stays, exploring
E33G Remote Worker Visa	1 year (renewable once)	$530-$1,600	Yes (remote only)	Digital nomads, remote employees
Second Home Visa	5-10 years	$126,000+ deposit	Remote work OK	Wealthy long-term residents
Golden Visa (E28C)	5-10 years	$350,000-$700,000+	Yes	High-net-worth investors
Investor KITAS	1 year (renewable)	$1,000-$2,000/year	Yes (own business)	Business owners with PT PMA
Retirement KITAS	1 year (renewable)	$800-$1,500/year	No	Retirees 55+

Visa on Arrival: The Starting Point for Most Visitors

The Visa on Arrival is how most people first experience Bali. You pay IDR 500,000 (about $35 USD) either at the airport on arrival or ahead of time through the official eVOA portal. It gives you 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at a cost of about $35 more.

I always recommend applying for the eVOA online before you fly. It saves time at the airport, lets you skip the sometimes long VOA counter lines, and makes starting an extension easier if you decide to stay longer. Since mid-2025, extensions require an in-person visit to an immigration office in Bali for biometrics, so plan for that if you are thinking about the full 60 days.

Every visitor to Bali also pays a one-time IDR 150,000 (about $10 USD) tourism levy on top of the visa fee. You can pay this online before arrival through the official Love Bali system.

The VOA is great for a scouting trip before you commit to a longer stay. If you are still figuring out whether Bali is the right fit, spending 30 to 60 days on a VOA while you explore neighborhoods, check out coworking spaces, and get a feel for the cost of living is the smartest play. Just keep in mind that the VOA does not legally permit any form of work, including remote work for foreign employers.

B211A Social/Cultural Visa: The Budget Long-Stay Option

The B211A is a single-entry visa that gives you 60 days with the option to extend up to 180 days total (three 60-day extensions). Total cost runs about $250 to $400 depending on whether you process it yourself or use a visa agent. You need a local Indonesian sponsor, proof of at least $2,000 in your bank account, and a return or onward flight booking.

This used to be the go-to visa for digital nomads before Indonesia introduced the dedicated remote worker visa. A lot of people still use it because it is cheaper and does not require income proof. However, the B211A technically does not permit any work at all. If immigration catches you working remotely on this visa, you could face deportation. Is it commonly enforced? Honestly, not really. But the risk exists, and with the E33G now available, there is a legitimate option that actually covers you.

The B211A makes the most sense for people who are genuinely coming to Bali for cultural or social purposes, or for those who want to spend a few months exploring before committing to a longer-term visa. If you are running a high-ticket dropshipping business or any other remote business, I would strongly recommend the E33G instead.

E33G Remote Worker Visa: The Digital Nomad Sweet Spot

This is the visa that changed the game for remote workers and digital nomads in Bali. Indonesia launched the E33G specifically for foreigners who work remotely for non-Indonesian employers or run their own businesses outside of Indonesia. It gives you a full year of legal residence, renewable for one additional year.

Here is what you need to qualify. You must earn at least $60,000 per year (or show equivalent savings). You need proof of employment or business ownership outside of Indonesia. You must have health insurance that covers Indonesia, and you need to submit a clean criminal background check. Processing takes about 7 to 14 business days.

Cost-wise, self-processing runs about $530 to $700, while using an agent bumps it up to $1,100 to $1,600. I would honestly recommend using a reputable agent for your first time. The paperwork can be confusing, and a good agent handles the immigration office visits, document translations, and follow-ups so you can focus on running your business.

The E33G is the clear winner for most of my students and clients. If you are earning over $60K from your high-ticket dropshipping store and want to live in Bali legally with peace of mind, this is the one. One important detail: you are not allowed to take on local Indonesian clients or employment. Your income must come from outside Indonesia.

Before you apply, make sure you have health insurance that covers Indonesia. SafetyWing and similar nomad insurance providers offer plans that meet the E33G requirements at a fraction of what traditional expat insurance costs.

Want to build a location-independent income that qualifies you for the E33G visa? Grab my free beginner guide to high-ticket dropshipping →

Second Home Visa: For Those With Serious Capital

The Second Home Visa is Indonesia’s option for wealthy foreigners who want to live in the country long-term without starting a business. It grants a 5-year stay (renewable for another 5 years, potentially up to 10 total) and comes with some serious financial requirements.

You need to deposit approximately IDR 2 billion (about $126,000 USD) in an Indonesian state bank, or purchase property of equivalent value. The deposit must remain in the bank for the duration of the visa. You can withdraw it when you leave Indonesia, but it is essentially locked up while you are there.

The Second Home Visa does not explicitly grant a work permit, but remote work for foreign companies is generally allowed under the same logic as the E33G. You just cannot take local employment or serve Indonesian clients. For high-net-worth individuals who want simplicity and a long runway without annual renewals, this visa makes sense. For most digital nomads and business owners, the E33G is more practical and far less capital-intensive.

If you are considering this route, use Wise for the international bank transfer. The exchange rate markups from traditional banks can cost you thousands on a transfer this size.

Golden Visa (E28C): The Investor Route

Indonesia’s Golden Visa program launched in 2024 and targets high-net-worth investors. The minimum investment thresholds are $350,000 for a 5-year visa or $700,000 for a 10-year visa. Property purchases qualify at $1,000,000 or more (apartments only, not standalone villas on Hak Milik land).

Application fees are relatively modest compared to the investment: about $800 for the 5-year and $1,200 for the 10-year. The visa covers you and your immediate family, and there are no language, education, or employment requirements. Corporate investors face higher thresholds, starting at $25 million for the 5-year option.

There is also a diaspora category for former Indonesian citizens and their descendants, with a lower investment threshold of $30,000 in government bonds or publicly listed shares. And in early 2026, Indonesia launched the Global Citizen Initiative with a lighter income requirement of just $1,500 per month for qualifying diaspora members.

For most online business owners and digital nomads, the Golden Visa is overkill. But if you are at a stage where you are looking to diversify your investments internationally and want a guaranteed long-term base in Southeast Asia, it is worth considering. Indonesia’s property market, particularly in Bali, has shown strong appreciation over the past several years.

KITAS: Residence Permits for Business Owners and Retirees

KITAS stands for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, which translates to Limited Stay Permit Card. There are several types of KITAS, but the two most relevant for long-term Bali residents are the Investor KITAS and the Retirement KITAS.

Investor KITAS

The Investor KITAS is for foreigners who want to own and operate a business in Indonesia through a PT PMA (foreign-owned company). This is the route if you want to serve Indonesian clients, hire local staff, or build a business that operates within Indonesia. Requirements include a minimum paid-up capital of IDR 10 billion (approximately $650,000), a valid investment plan filed with BKPM (Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board), and proof of business activity.

Annual renewal costs run about $1,000 to $2,000 depending on your agent and the complexity of your business structure. After five years on a KITAS, you can apply for a KITAP (permanent stay permit).

Most dropshipping business owners do not need an Investor KITAS because their business operates outside Indonesia. But if you are thinking about expanding into local markets or starting a Bali-based business, this is the legal path to do it.

Retirement KITAS

Available to anyone 55 and older, the Retirement KITAS requires proof of at least $3,000 per month in income, a $2,000 bank balance, health insurance, and a local accommodation address. You also need to employ a local Indonesian worker (a house helper, driver, or similar). Cost is about IDR 13 million (approximately $800) per year.

The Retirement KITAS does not permit any work, including remote work. It is purely for retirees who want to enjoy Bali’s low cost of living and warm climate. If you are interested in the broader retirement picture, I have a detailed guide on the best countries to retire cheaply.

Tax Implications: What Bali Residents Need to Know

Indonesia’s tax rules for foreigners are straightforward in principle but can get complicated in practice. The 183-day rule is the key threshold: if you spend 183 days or more in Indonesia within a 12-month period, you become an Indonesian tax resident and are subject to Indonesian income tax on your worldwide income.

Non-residents (under 183 days) pay a flat 20% withholding tax on Indonesian-sourced income only. If your income comes entirely from outside Indonesia (which is the case for most remote workers and dropshipping business owners), and you stay under 183 days, you generally do not owe Indonesian income tax.

For E33G visa holders who stay the full year, the situation is different. You are technically a tax resident, and Indonesia can tax your worldwide income. However, enforcement on foreign-sourced income for remote workers has been inconsistent. The smart move is to structure your business properly before you go. That means having a solid business formation setup with a US LLC, a registered agent, and a virtual mailbox back home.

I tell all my clients: get your business structure locked down before you leave the US. Form your LLC in a tax-friendly state like Wyoming or South Dakota using a service like Bizee, and keep a US business address with a virtual mailbox service so your business maintains a domestic presence. This is not just about taxes. It is about banking, payment processing, supplier relationships, and legal protection.

Need help setting up the legal foundation before your move? Book a coaching session and I will walk you through the whole process →

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Bali Visa

Here is how I think about it based on the hundreds of conversations I have had with my students, clients, and fellow digital nomads who live or have lived in Bali.

If you are just testing the waters and want to see if Bali is for you, start with the Visa on Arrival. Spend 30 to 60 days exploring, checking out neighborhoods like Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, and Seminyak. Use that time to visit coworking spaces, talk to other expats, and get a feel for the daily rhythm. Pack light and follow my digital nomad packing list so you are not weighed down.

If you are a remote worker or online business owner earning over $60K per year and you want to stay for a year or more, the E33G is the obvious choice. It is legal, relatively affordable, and specifically designed for your situation. Before you apply, make sure your health insurance meets the requirements and your business banking is set up to handle international transactions smoothly.

If you are retired and 55 or older, the Retirement KITAS gives you a straightforward path to long-term residency at a very low cost. Indonesia’s cost of living compared to the US is remarkably favorable, especially in Bali.

If you have significant capital to invest and want a multi-year visa with minimal hassle, the Second Home Visa or Golden Visa gives you the longest runway. These are set-and-forget options for people who do not want to deal with annual renewals.

Essential Tools for Living in Bali as a Remote Worker

Once you have your visa sorted, there are a few tools and services that make life in Bali dramatically easier. I use most of these myself and recommend them to everyone who asks.

For international money transfers and everyday spending, Wise is the gold standard. Their exchange rates are close to the mid-market rate, and you can hold and convert between multiple currencies. This saves a fortune compared to using traditional banks for transfers to your Indonesian bank account.

A good VPN is non-negotiable. Some US banking sites, streaming services, and business tools either block or behave differently when accessed from Indonesian IP addresses. I have a full comparison in my best VPNs for digital nomads guide.

For phone service, Google Fi works well in Bali and lets you keep your US number active while abroad. I wrote a detailed walkthrough on how to set up Google Fi for business use while traveling.

Keep a virtual mailbox back in the US for your business mail. Your LLC registered agent needs a physical address, and you will still get important documents from banks, the IRS, and state agencies. A virtual mailbox scans everything and lets you manage it from your laptop in Bali.

Finally, travel insurance is required for the E33G and honestly a smart idea regardless of which visa you hold. Bali’s private hospitals are good, but costs can add up fast if something serious happens. Having coverage gives you peace of mind.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I have seen people make the same mistakes over and over when it comes to Bali visas, so let me save you the headache.

First, do not overstay your visa. Indonesia takes overstays seriously, and the fines are about IDR 1,000,000 ($65) per day. Beyond 60 days overstay, you face detention, deportation, and a potential ban on re-entry. It is not worth it when there are so many legal visa options available.

Second, do not work on a tourist visa or B211A and assume nobody will notice. While enforcement has historically been lax, Indonesia has been tightening up. Immigration officers do check social media and can ask questions at the border. The E33G exists specifically to solve this problem.

Third, do not wait until you arrive in Bali to figure out your visa strategy. Plan ahead. Some visas require documents that take weeks to prepare, like notarized criminal background checks or apostilled business registration certificates. If you need a checklist, I put together a complete moving abroad checklist that covers everything.

Fourth, do not forget about your US business obligations. Just because you are living in Bali does not mean your LLC, registered agent, and state compliance filings go away. Use Northwest Registered Agent to keep your registered agent active and your filings current while you are overseas.

Fifth, do not cheap out on a visa agent. A bad agent can lose your passport, miss deadlines, or give you incorrect advice that leads to problems with immigration. Ask other expats for recommendations, read reviews, and make sure whoever you hire is licensed.

Visa Runs and Extensions: The Practical Reality

Even with a long-term visa, you may need to leave Indonesia briefly for certain renewals or to switch visa types. The most common visa run destinations from Bali are Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Round-trip flights are cheap ($100 to $300) and these cities have Indonesian embassies where you can apply for new visas if needed.

For VOA holders who want to stay longer than 60 days without switching to a different visa type, the visa run is the standard approach. Fly to Singapore for a weekend, re-enter Bali, and get a fresh 30-day VOA. Plenty of people do this for months, but it is not ideal. The flights, accommodation, and time add up. If you are planning to stay more than three months, investing in an E33G or B211A is almost always more cost-effective.

If you already know you want to become a digital nomad and build a business that supports this lifestyle, check out my complete guide to becoming a digital nomad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely in Bali on a tourist visa?
Technically, no. The Visa on Arrival and B211A Social/Cultural Visa do not permit any work, including remote work for foreign employers. The E33G Remote Worker Visa is the legal option for digital nomads and remote employees. While enforcement has been inconsistent, the risk of deportation exists, and the E33G is affordable enough that there is no good reason to take that chance.

How much does the cheapest long-term Bali visa cost?
The B211A Social/Cultural Visa is the cheapest option for stays up to 180 days, costing about $250 to $400 total including extensions. For stays over six months, the E33G Remote Worker Visa starts at about $530 when self-processed. The Retirement KITAS runs about $800 per year for those who qualify.

Do I need to pay Indonesian taxes if I live in Bali?
If you spend 183 days or more in Indonesia within a 12-month period, you are considered an Indonesian tax resident and may owe tax on your worldwide income. If you stay under 183 days, only Indonesian-sourced income is taxable. Consult with a tax professional who specializes in expat taxation before making any decisions. Structure your business through a US LLC and keep good records.

What happens if I overstay my Bali visa?
Overstay fines are approximately IDR 1,000,000 (about $65 USD) per day. If you overstay by more than 60 days, you face detention, deportation, and a potential re-entry ban. Indonesia has been enforcing overstay penalties more strictly in recent years, so always track your visa expiration date and plan extensions or exits well in advance.

Can I convert a Visa on Arrival to an E33G Remote Worker Visa while in Bali?
Yes, in most cases you can apply for the E33G from within Indonesia while on a valid VOA or B211A. You will need to submit your documents through the official Indonesian immigration portal or through a licensed visa agent. Processing takes 7 to 14 business days. Having your documents prepared before arrival speeds up the process significantly.

Final Thoughts

Bali in 2026 offers more legitimate visa options for long-term residents than at any point in its history. The E33G Remote Worker Visa is the standout option for digital nomads and online business owners, giving you a legal, affordable path to spending a full year (or two) on the island. For retirees, investors, and those with significant capital, the Retirement KITAS, Second Home Visa, and Golden Visa provide even longer-term stability.

The biggest mistake I see people make is not planning ahead. Get your business formation handled, lock down your insurance, set up your virtual mailbox and registered agent, and have your visa documents ready before you book that flight. Do the preparation now and you will spend your time in Bali building your business and enjoying the lifestyle instead of scrambling to fix legal and administrative problems.

If you need help getting your high-ticket dropshipping business off the ground before you make the move, or if you want a done-for-you store that generates the kind of income that qualifies you for the E33G, I am here to help.

Ready to build a location-independent business that funds your life in Bali? Check out my done-for-you turnkey store build service →

I wish you guys the best of luck out there. Take care.

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Trevor Fenner

Trevor Fenner is an ecommerce entrepreneur and the founder of Ecommerce Paradise, a platform focused on helping entrepreneurs build and scale profitable high-ticket ecommerce and dropshipping businesses. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Trevor specializes in high-ticket dropshipping strategy, niche and product selection, supplier recruiting and onboarding, Google & Bing Shopping ads, ecommerce SEO, and systems-driven automation and scaling. Through Ecommerce Paradise, he provides free education via in-depth guides like How to Start High-Ticket Dropshipping, advanced training through the High-Ticket Dropshipping Masterclass, and fully done-for-you turnkey ecommerce services for entrepreneurs who want a faster, more hands-off path to growth. Trevor is known for emphasizing sustainable, real-world ecommerce models over hype-driven tactics, helping store owners build scalable, sellable, and location-independent brands.