How to Get a Visa for Working and Vacationing in Bali? A Digital Nomad Guide to Bali

Bottom line: Indonesia does not have a true digital nomad visa. Currently viable options are: short-term use of a tourist visa (VoA/e-VOA, valid for 30 days with one extension) to work remotely for an overseas employer (you cannot be employed by an Indonesian company); for long-term stays, only the high-barrier “Second Home” visa (requiring a frozen deposit of IDR 2 billion, roughly USD$65,000) or the “Golden Visa” (requiring a minimum investment of USD$2.5 million) are available. The most popular areas for digital nomads are, in order, Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Sanur, with plenty of coworking space options.

Bali, a beloved travel destination known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and serene atmosphere, draws countless visitors. However, with the rise of remote work, more and more people hope to vacation and work simultaneously in this slice of paradise. Fortunately, Bali offers several options for enjoying your time here while staying productive.

Confirm Visa and Legal Requirements

If you plan to work in Bali, you need to ensure your visa and legal requirements are in order. Indonesia offers various types of visas, and if you intend to work in Bali, it’s best to obtain the appropriate one. You should also familiarize yourself with Indonesia’s laws regarding remote work to ensure your activities are legal.

No one wants to be an overstayer or violate visa terms, so let’s break down your visa options for remote work in Indonesia:

Reference: Latest FAQ on Indonesia Bali Visa Changes

Is There a Remote Worker Visa for Bali?

Although Indonesian government officials have long been exploring the possibility of a remote worker visa, they ultimately launched the “Second Home” visa last year.

Although the ‘Second Home’ visa is valid for 5 or 10 years, its strict requirements make it a bit too far-fetched for most remote workers. The most extreme condition is that you must have at least 2 billion Indonesian Rupiah (approximately USD$129,000) 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 an Indonesian company or provide commercial services locally.

The ‘Golden Visa’ for Investors

Launched on September 3rd, Indonesia’s ‘Golden Visa’ program aims to attract foreign investment and stimulate the local economy. This program requires a minimum investment of USD$2.5 million for a minimum stay of 5 years. Applicants can obtain residency for 5 to 10 years. Individual applicants who invest USD$2.5 million and establish a company will receive a 5-year residency, while increasing the investment to USD$5 million extends the residency to 10 years.

For applications under a corporate name, the minimum investment is USD$25 million, granting directors and assigned personnel a 5-year residency. If the company doubles the investment, the residency period also increases to 10 years.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

Now that we’ve sorted out the visa, let’s find a place to settle down! Many hotels, resorts, and guesthouses offer excellent amenities, including stable Wi-Fi connections, comfortable work areas, and a quiet environment. Make sure your accommodation meets your work needs while also providing a relaxing and leisurely atmosphere.

So, what are the most popular areas in Bali for remote workers? Here are the top digital nomad spots in Bali:

• Ubud
• Canggu
• Seminyak
• Sanur

Finding Coworking Spaces

Bali has many coworking spaces that provide a professional work environment for remote workers. You can rent a desk or office, connect with other workers, and share inspiration. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other people working in Bali and expand your social circle.

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 has 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, modern environment with ergonomic chairs, standing desks, meeting rooms, and private offices. It also features a café, pool, and rooftop terrace. You can join events, workshops, and social opportunities with other members.

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

Biliq Coworking Space: Located in Seminyak, this coworking space features a cozy, 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 this Canggu Guide

Sanur Area:

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

Livit Hub: Located in Sanur, this coworking space provides 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 your own meals or order from nearby restaurants. You can enjoy perks like gym membership discounts, visa assistance, and health insurance plans.

What makes Sanur so special? Check out the Sanur Guide

Check Your Internet Connection

If you like working from home, a reliable internet connection is essential. Some areas in Bali may have poor reception, so make sure your accommodation offers stable Wi-Fi. You can ask hotels or guesthouses in advance about internet speed and reliability.

Explore Local Culture and Entertainment

Don’t forget to explore Bali’s local culture and entertainment during your downtime. Bali is rich in cultural activities, cuisine, and natural landscapes—perfect for enjoying during breaks.

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

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Practical Life Tips

You’ve sorted out work, accommodation, and visas. Now let’s talk about the practical side—how to manage daily life?

Transportation: Rent a scooter: Renting a scooter in Bali is relatively cheap and easy (but remember, you must have an international driver’s license). You’ll see many people riding without helmets, but never forget to wear yours. Police are cracking down on helmetless riding, and more importantly, Bali’s roads can be dangerous—wearing a helmet is key to staying safe.

Use ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek: These apps are convenient and easy to use for booking cars, 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.

Hail a taxi: Some taxi drivers in Bali may refuse to use the meter or claim it’s “broken” to negotiate a higher fixed price. If possible, stick with Blue Bird taxis—they are the most reliable, and their drivers always use the meter.

Stay connected: Buy a local SIM card for the most affordable data plans and reliable coverage. Telkomsel and XL are the two best mobile network providers in Bali. Additionally, it’s worth spending a little on a VPN service for use on public Wi-Fi networks, as some websites are inaccessible in Indonesia—a VPN helps bypass internet censorship.

Health and safety: While Bali has many excellent medical facilities, make sure you have adequate travel health insurance for overseas coverage in case of emergencies requiring treatment abroad. It’s also important to note emergency contact numbers and reputable hospitals in Bali.

Learn the language: Although many Indonesians in Bali speak good English, we recommend learning a bit of Indonesian—it will make it easier to make friends, get around, and enjoy meals at local eateries, which are often cheap and delicious. We mostly speak Indonesian in Bali!

Respect local culture and laws: There are countless stories of foreigners in Bali getting into trouble for disrespecting local culture or breaking local laws. When you’re on someone else’s land, respect their culture and laws.

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