Taxation, political situation, and weather, Bali expats have their own reasons to move to Bali for a few months or long term. In the last few years, thousands of people have relocated to Bali to start a new journey, launch a new business or invest in properties. Moving to Bali requires preparing for travel. This guide goes through the steps to prepare for visas, tax residences, and different administrative tasks before and after moving to Bali.
What to do before moving to Bali
Preparing for the trip is crucial to not end in Bali with unfortunate circumstances and surprises. Bali is easy to travel as a tourist with a Visa on Arrival but can be difficult to understand when it comes to expatriation.
Which visa to expatriate in Bali
Indonesia has a wide range of visas when it comes to expatriation. Most expats initially apply for the C1 Visa (B211), but it is not cost-effective. Expats must extend it every 60 days and leave the country or use a bridging visa for extensions. Immigration requires a KITAS to grant residency status. You can obtain this stay permit after securing a visa from immigration, which authorizes stays longer than 180 days.
Immigration in Bali grants this type of visa for different kinds of people:
- Investor in a company (Investor KITAS)
- Retirement KITAS for retired people
- Second home KITAS for people investing in a premium property or depositing 130 000 USD in an Indonesian bank account
- Remote worker KITAS (E33G) for the digital nomad or remote worker
- Dependent and family KITAS for the family member of a KITAS holder
- Working KITAS for workers sponsored by a company in Indonesia
The visa can be applied for from the applicant’s country of origin. We recommend applying before coming to Indonesia to avoid flying out of the country or going through complicated procedures. The timeline to apply usually takes 5 working days.
Also read: Obtaining Residence Permit In Bali (2024 Complete Guide)
Where to live in Bali and how to find a property
Bali has several expats with different lifestyle conditions. Everyone can find its perfect fit depending on the family situation and the budget. Areas like Umalas, Berawa, and Kerobokan are mostly appreciated by families with a budget allowing them to rent a property monthly or annually. The price per month usually starts around 2,000 USD to 3,000 USD per month. This area is close to the most reputable International school in Bali. Other areas after Canggu or Tombak Bayu are more appreciated by families with a lower budget but are still close to some of the best schools. Regardless of location, living in Bali allows expats to immerse themselves in Bali culture while enjoying a lifestyle tailored to their needs.
Here are some of the areas and types of facilities expats can find:
| Areas | Budget | Facilities |
| Umalas Kerobokan | ++++ | School Restaurant Nightlife Central and close to all areas |
| Canggu Perereanan | ++++ | School Restaurant Nightlife Central and close to all areas Despite the comment, Canggu has no traffic. The traffic is to go there. |
| Tombak Bayu | +++ | A bit further than the others, this area is close but involved to go through the traffic |
| Uluwatu | ++ | This area is close to the best beaches. Unfortunately, there is no school yet for long for families. Nightlife is poor, and the facilities are limited. This area is booming and should change in the future |
| Seseh, Cemagi | ++ | Surrounded by rice fields, this area is convenient to live in but is far from any facilities. It is a solution for the one looking for a lower budget. |
| Kedungu | ++ | Some promoters are trying to attract people to this area due to cheap land acquisition. This area is far from everything and has no facilities. Families going there will need to move somewhere else after the kids grow. |
| Ubud | ++ | Beautiful surrounding Restaurant Groceries Poor nightlife The centre of cultural Balinese life, Ubud is a beautiful place to live. |
Finding a property in Bali might be difficult in the long term since a lot of properties are oriented to the tourism market. However, it is possible to lease a long-term property or purchase land under a company (PT PMA) and build your own villa. Some websites or Facebook (marketplace) offer a range of villas in each area. We recommend contacting the person directly and opening a discussion. Other property agents offer some properties as well by taking a commission on it.
Your visa process made easy with ILA
Indonesia has so many visas to choose from, each with its own requirements, regulations, and duration. With more constantly being issued by the government, it can be hard to keep track and choose one that is right for you.
With the help of ILA, you can be sure that you’ll get the best visa for your needs as quickly and efficiently as possible without having to worry about any missing documents.
Whether you’re looking for an Investor KITAS, Working KITAS, Second Home Visa, Spouse KITAS, Multiple Entry Business Visa or Remote Worker Visa, we can help make the process efficient and smooth.
Schedule a free consultation today or learn more about the different visa options.
What to do After Moving to Bali
Once you enter Bali with your visa, you get the KITAS (stay permit). After receiving the KITAS and moving to your house, some administrative actions are necessary to perform
SKTT
Register your SKTT through the Banjar after applying at the police station. Update your SKTT if you change your address in Bali and also update your KITAS.
NPWP, EFIN and Personal Tax
The personal tax has to be filed every year between January and March 31st following the civil year. In order to fill out the tax report, the KITAS holder needs to obtain an NPWP (tax number) and EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number) through the tax office.
Bank account opening in Bali
KITAS holders can open bank accounts in Indonesia. Some banks provide a multicurrency account with a Mastercard or Visa Card.
Driving licence in Bali
Foreigners can drive in Indonesia using an international driving license. However, KITAS holders must get a SIM C for motorbikes and a SIM A for cars. ILA assists with this process.
Insurance and Social Security
KITAS holders can find brokers in Indonesia or at the bank to insure their house, health or any belongings. International companies such as Allianz operate in Indonesia or AXA in partnership with Mandiri.
Renew the KITAS
Foreigners need to renew their KITAS before their expiration date. The renewal can be handled inside the country. After 5 years under the same sponsorship, KITAS holders can apply for a KITAP valid for 5 years.
What if you want to open a business in Bali
Moving to Bali excites your imagination and your entrepreneurial spirit. Foreigners are allowed to open a company in Bali in most business sectors. The type of company is called PT PMA and can be set up before you come to Indonesia in order to get an investor KITAS valid for 2 years.
Coming to Bali can be the beginning of a new journey, so contact ILA to learn more about how to move to Bali alone or with your family.
