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, 30 days extendable once) to work remotely for an overseas employer (not allowed to be employed by an Indonesian company); long-term only the high-barrier ‘Second Home’ visa (requiring 2 billion Indonesian rupiah, about USD$129,000 in frozen deposits) or the ‘Golden Visa’ starting from a $2.5 million investment. The most popular areas for digital nomads are Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Sanur, with plenty of coworking space options.
Bali, a popular travel destination with beautiful beaches, rich culture, and a serene atmosphere, attracts countless visitors. However, with the rise of remote work, more and more people want to vacation and work simultaneously in this paradise. Fortunately, Bali offers several options for you to enjoy 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 has different types of visas, and if you plan to work in Bali, it’s best to obtain the appropriate one. You should also understand Indonesia’s legal terms regarding remote work to ensure your work is lawful.
No one wants to be an illegal visa holder, so let’s break down your visa options for remote work in Indonesia:
Please refer to: Latest Indonesia Bali Visa Update FAQ
Is There a Remote Worker Visa for Bali?
Although Indonesian government officials have long been studying 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
Just launched on September 3, 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 period of 5 years. Applicants can obtain residency for 5 to 10 years. Individual applicants who invest USD$2.5 million and set up a company will receive 5 years of residency, while if the investment amount increases to USD$5 million, the residency period extends to 10 years.
For applications under a corporate name, the minimum investment is USD$25 million, allowing directors and assigned personnel to obtain 5 years of residency. If the company doubles the investment amount, 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 facilities, including stable Wi-Fi connections, comfortable work areas, and a quiet environment. Make sure your accommodation can meet 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 recommended 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 various 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: Situated 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 the 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 various community activities and programs to learn new skills and meet new people.
Livit Hub: Situated 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 enjoy 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 their internet speed and reliability.
Explore Local Culture and Entertainment
Beyond work, don’t forget to explore Bali’s local culture and entertainment. The island is rich with vibrant cultural activities, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes—perfect for enjoying during your downtime.
Bali is an incredible place to blend vacation and remote work. As long as you follow local laws and regulations, ensure a stable internet connection, and strike 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 of things—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.
Using Ride-Hailing Apps like Grab and Gojek: These apps are convenient and easy to use, allowing you to book cars and motorcycle taxis, as well as order food delivery. However, due to pressure from local taxi companies, these services may not be available at certain island attractions or remote areas.
Taking Taxis: Some taxi drivers in Bali may refuse to use the meter or claim it’s ‘broken’ to negotiate a higher fixed price. Whenever possible, use Blue Bird taxis—they are the most reliable, and their drivers always use the meter.
Staying 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 to use when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, and to bypass Indonesia’s internet censorship, as some websites are inaccessible there.
Health and Safety: While Bali has many excellent medical facilities, you should ensure 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.
Learning the Language: Although many Indonesians living in Bali speak English well, 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 almost always speak Indonesian in Bali!
Respecting 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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Want to see the complete beginner’s guide? Click here to read the ‘2026 Bali Ultimate Travel Guide’ to get everything sorted before you go.
