How to Obtain a Visa to Work While Vacationing in Bali? A Digital Nomad Guide to Bali

Bali, a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches, rich culture, and serene atmosphere, attracts countless visitors. However, with the rise of remote work, more and more people are hoping to both vacation and work in this paradise-like place. Fortunately, Bali offers some options for you to enjoy your time here while maintaining work efficiency.

Confirm Visa and Legal Requirements

If you plan to work in Bali, you need to ensure that your visa and legal requirements are legitimate. Indonesia has various types of visas, and it’s best to obtain the appropriate one if you plan to work in Bali. You should also familiarize yourself with Indonesia’s legal provisions regarding remote work to ensure your work is legal.

No one wants to be an illegal visa holder, so let’s explain your visa options for remote work in Indonesia:

Please refer to: Latest FAQ on Visa Changes for Entering Bali, Indonesia

Does Bali Have a Remote Worker Visa?

Although Indonesian government officials have long been studying the possibility of a remote worker visa, they finally introduced the ‘Second Home’ visa last year.

While the ‘Second Home’ visa is valid for 5 or 10 years, its stringent requirements make it somewhat inaccessible for most remote workers. The most exaggerated condition is that you must have at least 2 billion Indonesian Rupiah (approximately USD$130,000) in an Indonesian bank account under your name as proof of funds, which cannot be touched. This visa also does not allow you to legally work for Indonesian companies or provide commercial services locally.

The “Golden Visa” for Investors

On September 3rd, the Indonesian government launched the “Golden Visa” program aimed at attracting foreign investment and stimulating the local economy. This program requires a minimum investment of $2.5 million for a minimum period of 5 years. Applicants can obtain residency rights ranging from 5 to 10 years. Individual investors who invest $2.5 million and establish a company will receive a 5-year residency, while those who increase their investment to $5 million can extend their residency to 10 years.

For corporate applications, the minimum investment requirement is $25 million, with directors and designated personnel eligible for a 5-year residency. If the corporation doubles its investment, the residency period can also be extended to 10 years.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

Now that we’ve sorted out the visa, let’s find a place to stay! Many hotels, resorts, and guesthouses offer comprehensive facilities, including stable Wi-Fi connections, comfortable workspaces, and quiet environments. Ensure your accommodation meets your work needs while providing a relaxing and leisurely atmosphere.

So, what are the most popular areas in Bali for remote workers? Here are Bali’s most favored regions for digital nomads:

• Ubud
• Canggu
• Seminyak
• Sanur

Finding Co-working Spaces

Bali boasts numerous co-working spaces that offer a professional environment for remote workers. You can rent desks or offices, interact with other workers, and share inspiration. This is also a great opportunity to meet other professionals working in Bali and expand your social network.

Here are some highly-rated options:

Canggu Area:

Dojo Bali: Located in Canggu, this coworking space offers comfortable work areas, a café, and an outdoor pool. It features reliable internet and a vibrant digital nomad community. You can also find various coliving options nearby.

Outpost Bali Coworking: With three locations in Canggu and Ubud, this coworking space provides a spacious and modern environment equipped with ergonomic chairs, standing desks, meeting rooms, and private offices. It also includes a café, swimming pool, and rooftop terrace. You can participate in various events, workshops, and networking opportunities with other members.

Tropical Nomad: Situated in Canggu, this coworking space offers a tropical vibe with wooden furniture, plants, and hammocks. It features fast internet, air conditioning, free coffee and tea, and a small kitchen. It also has a pool table, board games, and books for entertainment.

Biliq Coworking Space: Located in Seminyak, this coworking space boasts a comfortable and stylish design with natural light and greenery. It offers high-speed internet, Skype rooms, lockers, and printing facilities. There’s also a rooftop lounge where you can relax and socialize.

Why is Canggu so popular? Check out the Canggu Guide for more insights.

Sanur Area:

Kumpul Coworking Space: Located in Sanur, this coworking space provides a friendly collaborative atmosphere with fast internet, comfortable desks and chairs, meeting rooms, and event spaces. You can join various community activities and programs to learn new skills and meet new people.

Livit Hub: Situated in Sanur, this coworking space offers a comfortable and creative environment with fast internet, ergonomic furniture, Skype rooms, meeting rooms, and private offices. It also has a small kitchen where you can cook or order from nearby restaurants. You can enjoy various perks like gym membership discounts, visa assistance, and health insurance plans.

What makes Sanur special? Take a look at the Sanur Guide for more details.

Confirming Internet Connection

If you enjoy working from home, a reliable internet connection is crucial. Some areas in Bali may have spotty network reception, so it’s important to ensure stable Wi-Fi when choosing accommodations. You can inquire in advance with hotels or guesthouses about internet speed and reliability.

Exploring Local Culture and Entertainment

Don’t forget to explore Bali’s local culture and entertainment activities during your downtime. Bali offers a rich variety of cultural events, cuisine, and natural landscapes that you can enjoy and experience during your breaks.

Bali is an excellent destination for combining vacation and remote work. As long as you adhere to local laws and regulations, ensure a stable internet connection, and find a balance between work and leisure, you can create unforgettable and unique experiences on this beautiful island.

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Practical Life Tips

You’ve arranged your work, accommodations, and visa. Now, let’s talk about practical matters—how to manage daily life.

Transportation: Rent a scooter: Renting a scooter in Bali is relatively cheap and straightforward (but remember, ‘you must have an international driver’s license’). You’ll definitely see many people on the road without helmets, but don’t forget to wear yours. Police are cracking down on helmetless riding, but more importantly, Bali’s roads can be dangerous, and wearing a helmet is one way to protect yourself.

Using Ride-Hailing Apps like Grab and Gojek: These apps are convenient and easy to use for booking rides, motorcycle taxis, and ordering food delivery. However, due to pressure from local taxi companies, these services may not be available at certain island attractions or remote areas.

Taxis: Some taxi drivers in Bali may refuse to use the meter or claim it’s ‘broken’ to negotiate higher fares. Whenever possible, opt for Blue Bird taxis, as their drivers always use the meter and are the most reliable.

Staying Connected: Purchase a local SIM card for the most affordable internet plans and reliable coverage. Telkomsel and XL are the two best mobile network providers in Bali. Additionally, investing in a VPN service is worthwhile for connecting to public Wi-Fi networks and bypassing Indonesia’s internet censorship, which blocks access to certain websites.

Health and Safety: While Bali has many excellent medical facilities, it’s crucial to ensure you have adequate travel health insurance that covers overseas treatment in emergencies. It’s also important to note down emergency contact numbers and reputable hospitals in Bali.

Learning the Language: Although many Indonesians in Bali speak English well, we recommend learning some basic Indonesian phrases. This will make it easier to make friends, navigate around, and enjoy meals at local restaurants frequented by Indonesians, which are often affordable and delicious. We mostly speak Indonesian in Bali!

Respecting Local Culture and Laws: There are numerous stories of foreigners getting into trouble in Bali for disrespecting local culture or breaking laws. When in someone else’s country, always respect their cultural norms and legal regulations.