Bottom line: If you want to live long-term in Bali, the two most practical options are: ① Single Entry Visa (Sosial Budaya): Allows stays of up to 6 months, renewable multiple times—most popular among digital nomads, but you cannot work in Indonesia; ② Stay Permit ITAS/KITAS: Requires a work permit, suitable for those employed by an Indonesian company. For long-term settlement or immigration, you’ll need an investment-based Golden Visa. These three visa types cannot be held simultaneously—applying for a new one automatically invalidates the old one.
Foreigners can choose from several visa and permit options for long-term stays in Bali. Generally, international travelers can apply for the following types of visas:
- Visa-Free Entry
- Visa on Arrival
- Single Entry Visa
- Multiple Entry Visa
- Stay Permit (also known as ITAS or KITAS)
Each visa serves a specific purpose. In this article, we’ll focus on visas better suited for long-term stays in Indonesia: Single Entry Visa, Multiple Entry Visa, and Stay Permit (ITAS/KITAS).
It’s important to note that foreigners cannot hold two visas simultaneously in Indonesia. If you apply for and receive a new visa while your first one is still valid, the first visa will be automatically invalidated.
Long-Term Stay in Bali Using Single or Multiple Entry Visas
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 mid-to-long-term stays in Bali. This visa allows foreigners to reside 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 stricter scrutiny from immigration authorities.
Obtaining a single-entry visa is relatively straightforward and affordable. There are several types of single-entry visas, with the most common 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 an Indonesian company as a sponsor, permitting foreigners to attend business meetings.
In Bali, digital nomads often use the single-entry visa to work remotely. However, the single-entry visa does not permit foreigners to work in Indonesia. If a foreigner works in Indonesia (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 serve other needs 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 a good option for foreigners who plan to live in Bali long-term but frequently travel abroad. It remains valid even after leaving 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.
Long-Term Stay in Bali with a Residence Permit (ITAS/KITAS)
The residence permit (ITAS/KITAS) is the best choice for foreigners who decide to live in Bali for several years. It can be valid for up to two years (depending on the permit type) and allows for extensions within the country. Additionally, holders of a residence permit can obtain a multiple re-entry permit, enabling them to freely enter and leave Indonesia without affecting the validity of their residence permit.
Types of Stay Permits
Here’s a quick overview of the main types of stay permits:
- Work Stay Permit – Allows foreigners to work and live in Indonesia. Foreigners need a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower and a stay permit (ITAS/KITAS) from immigration. This is typically for those employed by an Indonesian company.
- Investment Stay Permit – For foreigners holding shares in an Indonesian limited liability company (PMA). This permit offers some advantages. First, it waives the requirement for a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower, saving up to USD$1,200 in government fees annually. Second, it is valid for two years—one year longer than other permit types—so you only need to renew every two years, saving on processing fees.
- Family Stay Permit – Requires an Indonesian spouse to sponsor the foreigner. With this permit, you can live in Indonesia long-term but cannot work. If you need to work, you must obtain a work permit from your employer.
- Retirement Stay Permit – For foreigners aged 55 and above. This permit is sponsored by a company recognized by the Directorate General of Immigration. It does not allow you to work in Indonesia, only to enjoy your retirement here.
Further reading: Bali Long-Stay/Tourist Visa Fee Adjustments
Choosing the right visa or stay permit can make your long-term stay in Bali smoother and more enjoyable. Based on your needs and circumstances, pick the option that suits you best and savor your wonderful time in Bali!
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