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Bali offers several visa options for digital nomads including tourist visas, business visas, and long-stay permits like the B211A and KITAS. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a long-term stay while working remotely, there’s a visa type to match your needs.
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With its low cost of living, strong internet availability, and relaxed lifestyle, Bali has become a top destination for remote workers. Cafes across the island are well-equipped for digital work, making it easy to stay productive while enjoying the surroundings.
This Pacific Prime guide looks at the different visas available for digital nomads, how much the visa costs, and how long it takes to get the visa processed.
Best Visa Types for Digital Nomads in Bali
Bali’s B211a visa is ideal for digital nomads, and you can choose to apply for a 60-day (with an option to extend) or 180-day visa. Note that this is a single-entry visa, so if you leave the country, you will need to reapply for the visa to re-enter the country.
If you are planning to move to Bali and make it your new workplace, understanding the different visas and their costs can help you plan your move more efficiently.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of digital nomad visas for Bali.
Short-Stay Tourist Visa for Bali
For a short stay, a tourist visa is ideal for digital nomads. Bali’s tourist visa is the most common visa and is issued upon arrival. This visa is valid for 30 days and is granted for free for most European countries, USA, UK, Australia, and more.
However, this visa is non-extendable and is issued only for tourism purposes, which also means you cannot do any kind of work while you stay in Bali on a tourist visa.
Tourist Visa Processing Time in Bali
Most tourist visas are issued on a visa-on-arrival basis and the visa issuance process takes approximately 5 minutes. However, wait times can vary depending on the time of day and season. If you are traveling during the tourist season, be prepared to wait in line for a visa on arrival.
B211A Social Cultural Visa for Remote Workers in Bali
If you are planning to stay in Bali for a longer period of time, the B211A visa is ideal. This visa is also popular among digital nomads as it offers a 60 day stay with the option to extend four times for an additional 30 days each time.
In total, you can extend the B211A visa for about 180 days. However, you will need an Indonesian sponsor to apply for this visa. You can have a local friend, family member, or visa agency submit a letter to the Immigration Office stating the purpose of your visit.
Note that the B211A visa doesn’t allow formal work, but many digital nomads on this visa still continue to work for overseas clients or companies.
Cost of the B211A Visa in Bali
The cost of B211A visa is IDR 2,000,000, or USD $134.
Business Visa Application Timeline
The processing time for this type of visa depends on the local immigration office. So, be sure to get in touch with the local embassy to find out the processing time.
Bali Business Visa for Remote Workers
For those planning to conduct any kind of business in Bali, you will need to obtain a business visa. For example, if you need to attend a meeting, seminar or workshop, a business visa would be ideal. Most digital nomads working for a foreign company in Bali are on a business visa.
However, a business visa does not allow you to work, but only allows you to stay for up to 60 days (non-renewable). To apply for a business visa, you need an invitation from an Indonesian company or government agency.
Business Visa Fees in Bali
A business visa costs about IDR 1,500,000, or USD $100.
Business Visa Application Timeline
The processing time to get a business visa is different from one embassy to another. Check with your local embassy for accurate timelines.
KITAS Permit for Long-Term Stays in Bali
If you are planning to work legally in Indonesia or Bali or are planning to stay for a long period of time, then you should apply for a KITAS/Temporary Stay Permit. Note that this visa takes time and is a long process to apply for.
An Indonesian company must sponsor you for this visa, which is issued for 1 year. You can renew the visa annually for up to 5 years. With a KITAS visa, you can open a local bank account and obtain a local driver’s license.
KITAS Permit Costs
A KITAS or temporary stay permit costs about IDR 21,000,000 (Including stay permit and entry permit fees) for a temporary stay permit, or USD $1,400.
How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Bali
You can apply for a visa at the nearest Indonesian embassy in your home country. Keep in mind that each embassy has its own processing times and required documents. Be sure to check their official websites or contact the embassy for the most accurate information.
Note that visa regulations in Indonesia are frequently updated and fines for overstaying visas are quite high. It’s a good idea to check for the latest information and follow Indonesian immigration laws to avoid any trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you apply for a digital nomad visa?
Digital nomads can apply for a visa that allows them to live and work in Bali for 5 years. Currently, a B211a visa allows you to stay and work in the country for 60 days (non-renewable). However, Bali offers many visas suitable for remote workers.
Is Bali expensive for digital nomads?
Bali offers an affordable cost of living and is ideal for digital nomads looking for a tropical getaway. You can also find plenty of cafes to work from and housing to suit your needs and budget.
Conclusion
From tourist visas to temporary residence permits, Bali offers several types of visas suitable for digital nomads. Be sure to check for specific requirements before applying, but if nothing else works, you can always rely on the tourist visa on arrival.
Bali has wonderful places to stay for expats, if not there are some ideal places in Asia for expats to move to.
It is also crucial that you have comprehensive travel or international health insurance while you are moving to another country. Without health insurance, you will have to pay a significant amount out of pocket for various treatment plans.
Pacific Prime can help you find the right insurance plan that fits your budget and needs. Contact one of Pacific Prime’s insurance experts today for a FREE quote!
To learn more, please read our blog posts Is Bali Safe to Travel? and Living in Bali Pros and Cons.
