Long-term Residency/Immigration Visa Options in Indonesia/Bali

Foreigners have multiple visa and permit options for long-term stays in Bali. Generally, travelers can apply for the following types of visas:

1. Visa-Free Entry
2. Visa on Arrival
3. Single Entry Visa
4. Multiple Entry Visa
5. Residence Permit (also known as ITAS or KITAS)

Each visa serves a specific purpose. In this article, we will focus on visas more suitable for long-term stays in Indonesia, namely the Single Entry Visa, Multiple Entry Visa, and Residence Permit (ITAS/KITAS).

It’s important to note that foreigners cannot use two visas simultaneously in Indonesia. If another visa is applied for and granted during the validity period of the first visa, the first visa will automatically become invalid.

Using Single or Multiple Entry Visas for Long-term Stays in Bali

Generally, foreigners planning to stay long-term in Bali or Indonesia have two visa options: Single Entry Visa and Multiple Entry Business Visa.

Single Entry Visa

The Single Entry Visa is a popular choice for medium to long-term stays in Bali. This visa allows foreigners to stay in Indonesia for up to 6 months. After this 6-month period ends, foreigners can apply for a new Single Entry Visa to extend their stay for another 6 months. This process can be repeated multiple times, but frequent applications may lead to increased scrutiny by immigration authorities.

The process of obtaining a single-entry visa is relatively straightforward and inexpensive. There are several types of single-entry visas, the most commonly used being:

• Social Cultural Single Entry Visa (Sosial Budaya Visa), typically sponsored by an Indonesian citizen, allowing foreigners to participate in social activities.
• Single Entry Business Visa, requiring sponsorship by an Indonesian company, permitting foreigners to attend business meetings.

In Bali, digital nomads often use single-entry visas for remote work. However, single-entry visas do not permit foreigners to work in Indonesia. If a foreigner is employed in Indonesia (working for an Indonesian company), they need a work permit and a residence permit (ITAS/KITAS).

Multiple Entry Visa

The multiple entry visa is primarily used for business purposes but can also be utilized for other reasons such as family visits, attending seminars, and cultural events. This visa is valid for 12 months, during which foreigners can stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days per visit. As a multiple entry visa, it allows foreigners to enter and exit Indonesia multiple times within its validity period.

The multiple entry visa is an excellent choice for foreigners planning to reside in Bali long-term but frequently traveling abroad. The multiple entry visa remains valid even after the foreigner leaves Indonesia, whereas a single-entry visa becomes invalid upon departure.

The multiple entry visa can only be sponsored by an Indonesian company. Similar to the single-entry visa, it does not permit foreigners to work in Indonesia.

Using a Residence Permit (ITAS/KITAS) for Long-Term Stay in Bali

The residence permit (ITAS/KITAS) is the best option for foreigners deciding to live in Bali for several years. The residence permit can be valid for up to two years (depending on the type) and can be extended domestically. Additionally, holders of the residence permit can obtain multiple re-entry permits, allowing them to freely enter and exit Indonesia without affecting the validity of their residence permit.

Types of Residence Permits

We will briefly introduce several types of residence permits:

1. Work Residence Permit, which allows foreigners to work and reside in Indonesia. Foreigners need to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower and a residence permit (ITAS/KITAS) from the immigration office. This is typically applied for by foreigners working in Indonesian companies.
2. Investment Residence Permit, applicable to foreigners who own shares in an Indonesian limited liability company (PMA). The investment residence permit offers several advantages. Firstly, it exempts the requirement to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower, saving up to $1,200 annually in government fees. Secondly, this permit is valid for two years, one year longer than other types of permits. Since foreigners only need to renew the permit every two years, it saves on processing fees.
3. Family Residence Permit, which requires an Indonesian spouse to sponsor the foreigner. With this type of residence permit, foreigners can reside in Indonesia long-term but cannot work. If employment is desired, a work permit must be obtained from the company they work for.
4. Retirement Residence Permit, available to foreigners aged 55 and above. This permit is sponsored by a company recognized by the Directorate General of Immigration. The retirement residence permit does not allow foreigners to work in Indonesia but permits them to enjoy their retirement in the country.

Further reading: Bali Long-term Stay/Tourist Visa Fee Adjustments

Choosing the right visa or residence permit can make your long-term stay in Bali smoother and more enjoyable. Based on your needs and circumstances, select the option that best suits you and enjoy your wonderful time in Bali!

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