Thanks to the new B211a Digital Nomad Visa, Bali is a great option for a long stay, up to six months, while working remotely legally during the stay. However, to stay up to five years you’ll need $130,000 in the bank for Indonesia’s new “Second Home” visa.
Latest Updates on the Bali Digital Nomad Visa: Finalized, but not valid for 5 years, only 6 months as the “B211a Business Visa”
- The new 6 month Indonesian digital nomad visa has been finalized (B211a visa) and officially allows for remote workers to work legally in Bali and throughout Indonesia
- The new visa regulations, for the 6 month B211a DN visa, allow remote workers to work in Indonesia if the hiring company or client is not located in Indonesia
- Nomads in Indonesia for less than 183 are not classified as tax residents so paying taxes on their earnings is not required.
- The average price for Bali’s digital nomad visa via an agent is 10 Million IDR ($645 USD) including the cost of visa extension.
- The B211a 6 month visa is executed as an initial 60 day visa, extendable twice for 60 days per extension, totaling a potential 180 day stay in Indonesia per visit
- Plans for Indonesia’s potential 5 year digital nomad visa have been cancelled completely in favor of the 5 year second home visa (Source: MPG Consultants, Smart Advisory solutions, Indonesian Immigration)
- This Indonesian Digital Nomad, the B211a for business, is not a multiple entry visa, meaning you will have to renew the visa every time you leave the country, with a maximum stay of 6 months per trip
Bottom Line: The 6 month B211a visa (Business Visa) is the best visa for long stays in Bali without lots of cash
Table of Contents
- Bali Digital Nomad Visa (B211a 6 Month Visa for Business) Details
- What’s different between the Indonesia digital nomad visas and other 6-month visas?
- Do you have to pay taxes as a digital nomad in Bali?
- The Nuance of “Digital Nomad Visas”: Any visa will do, with the right circumstances
- Why choose Bali and the Indonesian digital nomad visa
- Clearing up the Rumors: The fabled 5 Year Bali Digital Nomad Visa is officially cancelled
- The New 5 Year Second Home Visa is Official
- The Other Visas Available for Entering Bali, Indonesia
- Bali Visa FAQs
- Sources
Bali, and Indonesia’s, visa system and immigration laws are a murky landscape that are difficult to navigate as a long term traveler, and especially as a remote worker aiming to enjoy the best of the digital nomad life on the Island of the Gods.”
The Bali expat visa plight was made worse by rampant rumors of a digital nomad visa for Bali, vigilant immigration enforcement of illegal workers, and costly stay fees, long stayers – digital nomads, pensioners, and “second home” owners – have been eagerly waiting resolution of rumors that started in 2018 around the digital nomad visa and second home visa.
Luckily, the Indonesian government has finally penned and published all of the in-process visa regulations and everyone can finally settle down and make their permanent plans.
The Indonesian government has officially cancelled plans for the 5 year digital nomad visa, and officially instated the 6 month digital nomad visa (B211a) that clearly permits remote work while Indonesia. If DNs stay only 6 months or less, they will be exempt from paying any Indonesian income taxes.
Additionally, the Indonesian government has finalized regulations on the Second Home Visa, valid for 5 years or 10 years.
However, not all of those wanting to stay on Bali are Digital Nomads, and many foreigners, nomads or otherwise, would love to stay longer, but are prohibited by visa stay length restrictions. For those that want to stay in Indonesia longer than a couple years, the newly approved Indonesian Second home visa with 5 year and 10 year lengths and goes into effect December 2022, and is a great option.
With a $130,000 deposit or purchase of a luxury home, or hiring the service of a guarantor (through a visa agency) you can easily secure eligibility for Bali’s second home visa and confirm Bali as home for the next 5 or 10 years.
As a long time, guest on Bali, in between global travel stints, I’ve had the unfortunate pleasure of navigating Bali’s visa system – from my first visa on arrival, to overstays, to finally securing a stay permit – as a digital nomad and traveler.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your visa – digital nomad visa, second home visa, and other great options – to use between your own work stints and travels.
Read on to discover the most up to date information and everything you need to know about Bali’s digital nomad visa and the Indonesian 5 year second home visa.
Bali Digital Nomad Visa (B211a 6 Month Visa for Business) Details
- Price: 10 Million IDR /$650 USD (average, include visa agent service)
- Income Requirements: Proof of $2,000 USD in a bank account
- Taxes: No tax liability for stays under 183 days, stays beyond 183 days can only pay taxes if they possess a KITAS and Indonesian tax ID number (NPWP) (Click here to read more on why you will not have to pay taxes on a B211a visa)
- Length of Stay: 6 months total allotted via 60 day initial stay plus 2 opportunities for 60 day extensions
- How to apply for a B211a Digital Nomad Visa: Apply for a B211a visa via Indonesia’s eVisa online portal, or by hiring a visa agent service
- Renewal process: Must depart Bali to renew the visa for an additional 6 months. Applicants can renew via the same process as the initial application, eVisa portal or via a visa agent.
- Requirements
- Valid passport, with at least 1 year of validity remaining
- Proof of funds of $2000
- Proof of a return flight departing Indonesia
- Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with proof
- Suggested “Visa Run” Locations between visas: Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka
- Countries that are not eligible for B211a: Afghanistan, Guinea, Israel, Kamerun, Liberia, Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, and Sri Lanka
Being Clear: This is an Indonesian Digital Nomad Visa, not just a Bali digital nomad visa, which allows you to travel domestically throughout Indonesia without restrictions
Bali is a hotspot for travel in the country of Indonesia, if not the hotspot, so it makes sense that the new Indonesian visa targeting digital nomads is commonly referred to as the “Bali Digital Nomad Visa.”
Rest assured that the B211a 6 month visa for business, is an Indonesian visa, allowing you to travel freely between Indonesia’s 17,500+ islands by boat, plane, or even a swim if you wish.
What’s different between the Indonesia digital nomad visas and other 6-month visas?
Prior to the new B211a regulation changes in 2022, that permits digital nomads to work remotely on the 6 month B211a visa, Indonesia already had a 6 month visa available, referred to as the B211a “Social Visa”. So, what’s the difference between the old 6 month “social visas” and the new digital nomad visa (B211a for Business)?
Not much.
Price (4.3 Million IDR for initial visa plus 2.6 Million IDR per extension), processes, and length of stay are the same between the old and new visas.
The only difference between the old and new 6 month visa options is this…
The Indonesian government now explicitly permits foreigners to perform remote work while in Indonesia, without penalty.
This small change makes a big difference for digital nomads that wish to live and work in Indonesia
Do you have to pay taxes as a digital nomad in Bali?
Paying income taxes in Bali is only a requirement after stay 183 days or more in Bali in a single year and become a tax resident of Indonesia. So, for most digital nomads staying in Bali for a 6 month stay, they will not incur a tax obligation.
But, what about if you stay on Bali longer than 183 days on multiple B211a visas in a single year?
Technically, you would be liable to pay taxes – but – you will not be able to.
To pay income taxes in Indonesia, you must have an Indonesian tax identification number (NPWP) which a person can only obtain if they have a temporary resident permit (2 year KITAS visa) or a permanent resident permit (5 year KITAP). This means that anyone on a B211a visa, Visa on arrival, or a 1 year business visa wouldn’t be able to pay Indonesian income taxes if they tried.
The bottom line: Only KITAS/ITAS and KITAP/ITAP holders are able to pay income taxes in Indonesia in the current tax system structure.
The Nuance of “Digital Nomad Visas”: Any visa will do, with the right circumstances
With all the talk of laws previously prohibiting remote work, fairly expensive fees (at ~$100 per month), and what could be considered a shorter than optimal stay at only 6 months – you may be wondering if the hassle of this, or any other, digital nomad visa is worth it, for you – which is a great question you should ask before spending your hard earned money.
The best visas for digital nomads aren’t necessarily “digital nomad visas” because “digital nomad visa” is branding and marketing planned by immigration and tourism departments to attract digital nomads – which is not necessarily bad.
In reality, a digital nomad friendly visa is any visa that allows a long stay, minimal hassle in getting the visa, easy/extension/renewal/return to the country, legally allows remote work, and comes with minimal tax implications.
To properly weigh your options of best visas for you as nomading remote worker, be sure check out our list of 50+ perfect visa options for digital nomads.
- As of November 2022, thanks to Indonesian Immigration regulation changes, the 6 month B211a Business Visa is Bali and Indonesia’s digital nomad visa
- Secondarily, the 1 year investor KITAS is the next best visa option for digital nomads aspiring to stay in, and work from, Bali
- Lastly, the 5 year second home visa is a good option for digital nomads that want to base in and work from Bali long term
The Truth: Do you Need a Digital Nomad Visa for Indonesia?
If you are nomad’ing at a fast pace, for less than 6 months, a visa on arrival with an extension and a quick trip out may be easier and carries no tax implications. The Visa on Arrival costs 500,000 IDR (~$33 AUD) for the initial 30 day stay and 800,000 IDR ($52 USD) for a visa a facilitated extension, totaling 1.3 Million IDR (~$84 USD) for a 2 month stay.
If you wish to stay in Indonesia longer, visa runs to Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, or Vietnam are recommended as they are fantastic destinations with cheap flights and easy visas.
- Denpasar to Kuala Lampur, Malaysia: ~$66
- Denpasar Bali to Bangkok, Thailand: ~$70 USD
- Denpasar to Manila, Philippines: ~$62
- Denpasar to Ho Chi Minh City: ~$62
If you’ve already visited the “Banana Pancake Trail” staples and are craving more culture, consider these more adventurous destinations nearby with cheap flights, relative to the experience.
- New Delhi, India: $165
- Tokyo, Japan: $168
- Hong Kong: $120
- Taipei City, Taiwan: $144
- Mandalay, Myanmar: $120
- Colombo, Sri Lanka: $175
- Seoul, South Korea: $168
Why choose Bali and the Indonesian digital nomad visa
In our 2021 research of the most popular destinations for digital nomads, Bali ranked in the top 10 easily thanks to beaches, eclectic and stylish coffee shops and coworking spaces, low cost of living, great weather, and amenities that digital nomads love.
But, with rising accommodation prices and overcrowded tourism zones, is Bali still a good option for nomads looking for a base?
As a digital nomad that is currently based in Bali, I wholeheartedly believe yes, Bali is a fantastic place to base, with the right plan and expectations.
Bali’s beaches and the warm waters of the Indian ocean are unmatched for surfing and SCUBA diving among budget destinations
In the class of international island vacation hotspots that overdeliver on luxury and Ibiza style beach clubs and have plenty of adventure activities – among Hawaii, Fiji, Maldives, etc.- Bali is still the cheapest, with the Thai islands being a close comparable
Bali’s quality of life (aside from traffic) is still very high, and cost of living can be extremely low, if you apply a little self-control.
Co working spaces and cafes with high speed internet abound throughout the island to accommodate remote workers add up to a near perfect digital nomad life.
What you should know to make the Bali experience the potential dream, not the dightmare…
- Avoid the classic DN hubs (Canggu, Uluwatu), now tourist hubs, to save on accommodation and avoid the chaos
- Consider exploring the Bali islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan) and elsewhere in Bali (Amed, Bedugul, Sidemen, etc.) to find more authenticity and less tourist pricing
How to apply for a Bali Digital Nomad visa, or other visa
The B211a “digital nomad” visa is currently available with 2 application options:
- The eVisa Process completed by you, online
- Processed via an agent – personally, I only recommend MPG Consulting, Bali Business consulting
Application Process for the B211a eVisa
Step 1: Gather the required documents
- Copies of require passport pages (Cover, Picture/Identification Page, Biometrics Page, and Signature Page)
- Passport Photo (4×6 inches)
- Bank Statement (if applying on your own) showing minimum $2,000 USD equivalent in the acccount
- Ticket for departure from Indonesia prior to end of visa
- Certificate of Full Vaccination Against COVID-19 in English
Step 2: Visit the official Indonesia Immigration website to apply for the visa
The official Indonesian Immigration site is available at https://visa-online.imigrasi.go.id/index.xhtml
Step 3: Pay the required fee
Step 4: Wait for the email approving you
Expect to receive the visa approval by email, and for the process to take 7 to 14 business days.
Note that once your visa is approved you must enter Indonesia within 90 days of the approval or your visa will become invalid. Then, your visa period starts the day you enter Indonesia
Recommended Visa Agencies
If you don’t feel like hassling with the online visa process, there are plenty of visa agencies on Bali ready to help you. However, be sure to only use visa agents recommended by someone you know and trust that has had a history of good experiences with their agent. The visa agency industry on Bali is notoriously one of the most corrupt, with unlicensed people claiming to be visa agents and using back channel contacts to get visas for high fees, but known to disappear if you have any issues with immigration.
Instead, ensure you are using a professional agency with a proven track record that stays up to date on the latest immigrations, abides by them careful, and will show up to help if Indonesian immigration ever questions your visa situation.
The only two visa agencies in Bali I recommend are MPG Consulting and Bali Business Consulting. I have used both agencies for over 1 year and can confidently say they are of the most professional and reliable in Bali.
Clearing up the Rumors: The fabled 5 Year Bali Digital Nomad Visa is officially cancelled in place of the 5 year “Second Home” visa
The Digital Nomad visa was supposed to be structured like the d212 1 year multiple entry business visa, but as a 5 year multiple entry visa to Indonesia, that is currently available (Source: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/en/visa-kunjungan-beberapa-kali-perjalanan-d212/). Since my first arrival on Bali in 2017, long term travelers and digital nomads alike whispered word that Indonesia would “soon” create a visa that allowed long stayers to remain on Bali for 5+ years.
The rumors continued as conversations in the Indonesian government more fervently considered the idea, going as high as talks between the Indonesian Ministry of Immigration, Indonesia’s president “Jokowi,” and Bali’s director of tourism, considering the possible economic benefits of allowing digital nomads to stay in Indonesia without taking Indonesian jobs and essentially “importing cash” to spend. Discussions included potentially adding legislation to the 2020 Omnibus legislation and potential independent legislation in 2022, before finally ending with a compromise altering existing visas (B211a visa) and finalizing an alternative 5 year visa targeting luxury home owners and high spenders (the “Second Home Visa”).
The final result is the plans for a 5 year digital nomad visa have officially been cancelled, and the existing 6 month B211a visa restrictions have been altered to allow for remote work without the previous penalties.
As an alternative for long stayers, the 5 year second home visa and 10 year second home visas go into effect in December 2022, carrying a requirement of proof of 2 Billion IDR / $130,000 USD equivalent in an Indonesian bank account or Hak Pakai ownership of a luxury property
What you should know: There is a lot of speculation about visas, so don’t wait or plan
After 5+ years of the expat and digital nomad communities holding their breath in anticipation of a dream visa for staying on Bali, the takeaway is – don’t wait, plan your situation according to the situation now.
5 Year Second Home Visa
If you intend to stay on Bali more than a year without leaving, you should heavily consider the new second home visa, also known as the “Second Home ITAS/ITAP”
The 5 year second home visa aims to target higher net worth individuals that wish to live full or part time on Bali and only work remotely. If you wish to live on Bali for longer than 2 years, and do not wish to go through hassle of opening and managing a company in Indonesia, the Indonesian Second Home Visa is the best option for you.
Latest Updates on Indonesia Second Home Visa for 5 Years and 10 Years
- The Indonesian 5 year second home visa has been finalized and is tied for DN’s second best option for staying longer than 6 months (tied with a correctly structured KITAS), but targets high net worth foreign nationals
- The Indonesian 10 year second home visa has been finalized as well
- The 5 year second home visa will cost 12,000,000 IDR ($775 USD) processed directly through immigration, agent price TBD (Source: Indonesian Imigrasi)
- Indonesia now has a “second home visa” allowing a 5 year stay, but requiring a 2 Billion IDR (~$130,000 USD) deposit into an Indonesian bank account – but a guarantor service may be used in place of the required deposit
- Indonesia’s retirement visa has been replaced by the “Second Home,” and all retirees are required to convert within 90 days
Second Home Visa Requirements and Info
Price: 12 Million IDR (~$775) for initial application, 3.5 Million IDR for dependent applications (husband/wife/child/spouse/parent)
Financial and Income Requirements: “2 Billion Indonesian Rupiah (~$130,000) in a state-owned Indonesian bank account, which must not be pledged as collateral or diverted for any other purpose for the entire stay in Indonesia. The Indonesian government can and may demand a letter as proof to check that the balance is still in the bank, at any time. The pledged balance cannot be in a foreign bank account.
…or…
A certificate of ownership (“Hak Pakai” / Freehold for freestanding properties and “Hak Milik Atas Satuan Rumah Susun / Freehold for apartments”) of property in the “luxury” category.
Previously enacted regulation defines a “luxury property” as a house valued at minimum 5 Billion Indonesian Rupiah or an apartment valued at 2 Billion Indonesian Rupiah.
Other Requirements: Passport, valid for at least 3 years, resume
Sources:
- https://www.imigrasi.go.id/id/biaya-keimigrasian/
- https://kanimbatam.kemenkumham.go.id/preview_file/2292-1666745318/Surat_Edaran_Nomor_IMI-0740_GR_01_01_Tahun_2022pdf
The Indonesia second home visa goes into effect on Dec 24, 2022
A Full List of the Visas Available for Entering Bali, Indonesia
Bali has plenty of other visa options. Here are the options you should know about
- 60 Day Visa on Arrival (30 days + 30 days extension) (No Work Permitted)
- 6 Month B211a Social Visa and Business (Digital Nomad) Visa (Remote Work Permitted)
- Artist and Performer’s visa (Work permitted, as dictated in visa application)
- 1 Year Multiple Entry Business Visa (60 day maximum per visit) (Business meetings and investment research permitted) – VKBP D212 Visa
- 5 Year Second Home Visa (Second Home ITAP) (No Work Permitted)
Other Bali Visa Options
60 day Visa On Arrival Essential Information: The Temporary Visa
With the simple process (just arrive and pay) and the laxed and flexible extension (simply hire an agent to handle the process for you) the visa on arrival, or normal tourist visa. The 60 day “VOA” is the most flexible and temporary visa option for Indonesia, and a great option if you want to visit Bali for the first time, or if you want to base in Bali and travel elsewhere.
- Length: 60 days total, via 30 days initial stay plus 30 day extension
- Price: 500,000 IDR (~$32) paid on arrival plus ~800,000 IDR (~$40) for 30 day extension
- Notes: This visa does not permit work, remotely or in Indonesia
- Eligible Countries: South Africa, Albania, The United States of America, Andorra, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Netherland, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Czech, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Philippines, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, The United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, South Korea, Croatia, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Mexico, Egypt, Monaco, Myanmar, Norway, Oman, Palestine, France, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, New Zealand, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, China, Tunisia, Turkey, The United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, The Vatican, Vietnam, Jordan, Yunani,
- Data Source: Indonesian Immigration – https://imigrasi.go.id/en/visa-kunjungan-saat-kedatangan/
6 Month B211A Visa
(Click here to jump to more information at the top of the article)
- Option 1: B211a Social and Cultural visa (6 Months)
- Price: 10 Million IDR (~$600 USD)
- Requirements: Proof of $2,000, full vaccination certificate, passport valid for 1 year
- Not multiple entry
- Option 2: B211a Digital Nomad Visa (6 Months)
- Price: 10 Million IDR (~$600 USD)
- Requirements: Proof of $2,000, full vaccination certificate, passport valid for 1 year
- Not multiple entry
- Length of Stay: 6 months via a 60 day initial stay permit and 2 additional extensions for 60 days each, totaling a potential 180 day stay
- Purposes Allowed: Tourism, social, business discussion and research, remote work, transit
- Notes: This visa (B211a for business) does allow remote work for clients/companies not in Indonesia, but does not allow work, sales, or service provision to any entity in Indonesia
- Data Sources: Indonesian Immigration https://www.imigrasi.go.id/en/visa-kunjungan-satu-kali-perjalanan-b211a/
- Also available: B211c for journalism and filmmaking: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/en/visa-kunjungan-satu-kali-perjalanan-b211c/
1 Year Multiple Entry “Business Visa” B211B and D212 Visa (Active)
The D212 business Visa does not allow working in Indonesia but does allow business related discussions and research. This Visa is a multiple entry Visa that allows stays for a maximum of 60 days, with no limit to the number of visits per year. There is no additional fee per entry.
- Source: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/id/2022/11/22/siaran-pers-bidik-pebisnis-global-dan-investor-asing-berkelas-imigrasi-uji-coba-kebijakan-multiple-entry-visa/
Investor KITAS (2 year temporary resident permit)
For those who wish to stay in Bali a while, but won’t quite meet the requirements (and deposit minimum) for the second home visa, a 1 year or 2 year investor KITAS – done in a proper way – may be an option for you.
An investor KITAS is a 2 year temporary resident permit granted to directors that own at least 10% of a PT PMA (foreign owned Indonesia company) or are commissioners for such a company. Not that the minimum invested capital required by the Indonesian Investment Board is 10 Billion IDR ($700,000 USD) which can then be use as capital to invest and use in Indonesia – allowing you to operate your company in Indonesia.
With 9 other business partners, each contributing $70,000 USD, you can all take your investment and build profit producing companies as you see fit and in accordance with Indonesian law.
Not only does an investor KITAS allow you to stay in the country for 2 years at a time with multiple entry privileges, it additionally allows you to perform director level work within your company and within the approved business sectors based on your company’s business licenses and deed of establishment.
After 5 years of maintaining an Investor KITAS in good standing you are eligible to apply for a 5 year KITAP (5 year permanent resident permit).
Note: Beware that there are many sketchy and untrustworthy “agents” aiming to take advantage of foreigners by starting PMAs incorrectly and not enforcing appropriate regulations. Avoid these companies like a plague – and aim for only legal and advisory firms that provide legal and tax consulting in addition to PT PMA establishment.
For most individuals that wish to stay in Indonesia for the long term, an Investor KITAS will be the best option – however, I recommend consulting a good legal and tax advisory team before starting a PT PMA.
The only legal advisor I recommend for establishing a PT PMA (foreign owned Indonesian company) is Michael Budgoll at Smart Advisory Solutions legal and accounting firm – you can contact Michael via Whatsapp at +6287840258332 if you have any tax or PT PMA related questions.
COVID-19 Requirements in Bali and Indonesia
Latest COVID-19 requirement updates 🡪
For any offshore visa to be approved, Bali currently requires a certificate showing full vaccination
- https://www.imigrasi.go.id/id/covid19/covid19-1/
Bali Visa FAQs
Does Bali have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Bali and Indonesia do have a digital nomad visa, officially labeled the B211a allowing a 6 month stay on Bali and permitting digital nomads to work remotely while exempting them from Indonesian income taxes
What can you do while in Bali on a B211a visa
- Remote work
- Attend trainings
- Attend meanings
- Check up on investments in Bali that you own
What are you not allowed to do while in Bali on a B211a visa
Work for any entity (person or company) on Bali or sell anything to anyone on Bali. Doing so will set you up for immigration fines (I’ve seen 30,000,000 IDR/~$2200 as the average) as well as deportation.
What are you not allowed to do while in Bali on a B211a visa
Work for any entity (person or company) on Bali or sell anything to anyone on Bali. Doing so will set you up for immigration fines (I’ve seen 30,000,000 IDR/~$2200 as the average) as well as deportation.
Why a short stay and basing elsewhere (and skipping the digital nomad visa) may be better for most traveler’s
- The quality of life is high and Bali is a great place to be, but Bali is much better for vacation than work. Most savvy new nomads prefer to work in Thailand and party in Bali to max out how well and enjoyably they do both.
- Cost of living is rising and low cost options are decreasing as the Bali landscape changes
- The exception – if you are investing, or buying property in Bali that secures a high quality of life, low cost lifestyle
- Anecdote – my friends that relaxed are being screwed by the Canggu rental market, and unexpected rising costs are causing lots of pain
- Note: Most digital nomads work in bursts, and don’t fully use the amenities and niceties (surf, parties, upbeat nightlife) that Bali is known for. Consider shorter “funner” and explorative stints on Bali, and base out of other great DN cities for work, focus, and productivity stints.
Do DNs in Bali have to pay taxes
Digital nomads staying less than 183 days a year do not become tax residents and do not have to pay Indonesian income taxes.
Technically, once you are in Indonesia for more than 183 days, or express the intention to stay more than 183 days (as with a KITAS), you are liable to file taxes in Indonesia – however – the Indonesian tax system does not accommodate filing taxes unless you are temporary resident, holding a KITAS or KITAP and eligible for an Indonesian tax ID number (NPWP), and B211 and D212 visa holders are not eligible. Meaning digital nomads on 6 month and 1 year visas have no way of filing taxes, so the requirement to file taxes in Indonesian can’t be enforced for individuals on B211a or D212 visas.
How much is the Bali Digital Nomad visa?
The Bali Digital Nomad Visa currently costs 10 Million IDR (~$645 USD) for a 6 month stay of 60 days plus 2 visa extensions of 60 days.
Do I need a visa to work remotely in Bali?
Yes, you need the B211a business visa to work remotely on Bali. Indonesia’s immigration laws prohibiting working, in Bali or remotely for a company or client outside of Bali, unless on the correct visa. The B211a business visa, also known as the B211a digital nomad visa does permit this.
How can I get Bali digital nomad visa?
You can obtain the B211a visa for Indonesia via the eVisa process on the immigration website available at https://visa-online.imigrasi.go.id/ or by contacting a visa agent in Bali about obtaining an offshore B211a visa.
How can I get 5 year digital nomad visa in Bali?
The Indonesian government cancelled plans for a 5 year digital nomad visa and at current are only offering the 6 month B211a digital nomad visa and the 5 year second home visa. Both visas can be obtained via the eVisa process or facilitated by application through a visa agent in Bali
How long can a digital nomad stay in Bali?
How long a digital nomad can stay in Bali is dictated by the visa they choose. Currently, stay lengths appropriate for digital nomads are allowed for 60 days, 180 days, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years, depending on the chosen visa.
Can I work remotely in Bali?
As of November 2022, digital nomads on the B211a digital nomad visa in Indonesia are legally permitted to work remotely for a company or client not based in Bali.
A note on sources…
Note on Sources: All data in this article has been verified via the Indonesian Immigration office, trusted active visa agents and trusted legal and tax advisors that consult businesses and entrepreneurs on Bali. Latest updates: November,2022
Sources
- MPG Consulting advisors
- Smart Advisory Solutions legal and tax advisors
- Indonesian Immigration Homepage | e-Visa: https://visa-online.imigrasi.go.id/
- Indonesian Immigration Visa Pricing Homepage | https://www.imigrasi.go.id/id/biaya-keimigrasian/
Pertinent Indonesian Immigration Laws
- Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 29 of 2021 on Visa and Stay Permit
- Minister of Finance Regulation Number 9/PMK.02/2022 on Non-Tax State Revenue on Type and Tariff of Immigration Services in the Ministry of Law and Human Rights
- Circular Letter of Acting Director General of Immigration Number IMI-0549.GR.01.01 of 2022 on Immigration Facilitation to Support Sustainable Tourism during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Other Great Articles in the Moving to Bali Series
- Moving to Bali: A Complete Guide
- The Bali Digital Nomad Visa: A complete guide
- 73 Awesome Cafes in Canggu
- The Best Bali Coworking Spaces
- Things to do in Canggu
- The Best Sunset Points on Gili Trawangan
- Buying a House in Bali
- Buying Land in Bali
- Building in Bali
- How much does it cost to build a villa in Bali?
- Bali villa design and planning process
Other Great Nomad, Travel, and Expat Lifestyle Articles
- Moving to Malaysia: A Complete Guide
- The Ultimate Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa Guide
- Thailand Visa Exemption Essentials: What to know before your trip to Thailand
- The 51 Best Digital Nomad Jobs among Successful Nomads
- 9 Epic South America Backpacking Routes
- Backpacking the World…2 Weeks at a Time
- Is Geoarbitrage for You? An Ultimate Guide to Living Better for Cheaper as a as a Nomad
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.