For foreign nationals planning their golden years, Bali is an increasingly attractive retirement destination, supported by improved infrastructure and favorable visa regulations. This article serves as your comprehensive guide on securing the necessary retirement visa in Bali and preparing for your move.
We provide a detailed comparison of the three primary visa options: the standard Retirement KITAS (E33F) for those over 55 with proof of income, the Golden Visa (Silver Hair KITAS) (E33E) which requires a 50,000 USD deposit for a five-year stay, and the Second Home KITAS (E33), which is perfect for investors under 55 or those purchasing a high-value property.
Beyond the visa process, we offer crucial advice on selecting the right location, from the medically equipped Sanur to the newly popular areas near Uluwatu.
Furthermore, we also highlight the essential legal steps for a secure relocation. This includes mandatory due diligence to avoid property scams and securing the necessary local paperwork, such as your SKTT (civil registration) and local driving license (SIM), to ensure a smooth transition to your dream retirement in Indonesia.
At ILA Global Consulting, our extensive experience in Indonesian immigration law allows us to simplify this complex process for our clients. We possess a strong comprehension of the regulations, ensuring your visa needs are met efficiently and without hassle.
Our services have successfully assisted countless foreign visitors in Indonesia, ensuring problem-free, compliant stays.
Retirement Visa in Bali: What Are the Options?
1. Retirement Visa (KITAS) – E33F
The retirement visa is a stay permit valid from 6 months to 2 years and is renewable. This visa is open to people having a pension or proof of income of 3,000 USD or equivalent per month. This visa is perfect for people looking to retire in Indonesia.
Another criterion is to provide proof of residence in Indonesia (a lease agreement) if you are applying from Indonesia. People applying from outside Indonesia do not need to submit proof of residence or proof of employment for a maid.
This visa is open to people aged 55 or older. You can use this visa to move to Bali with your family, as it allows you to sponsor your spouse, children, and other family members.
Document Requirements:
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 (six) months;
- A picture of the applicant;
- A personal bank statement showing a minimum equivalent amount of 2,000 USD;
- Proof of income of a minimum equivalent amount of 3,000 USD per month;
- Life or Health Insurance;
- ID Maid if you apply while you are in Indonesia;
- Lease Agreement or proof of residence if you apply while you are in Indonesia.
2. Golden Visa for Retirement (Silver Hair KITAS) – E33E
The silver hair KITAS is a golden visa to attract retired people in Indonesia. The visa is valid for 5 years. This golden visa is perfect for people who are willing to stay long-term in Bali and are at least 60 years old. People can sponsor their family members with this visa, including their spouse, children, and other family members.
The applicant must deposit at least 50,000 USD into a bank account in a state-owned bank. This amount must be maintained throughout the validity of the visa.
The KITAS holder also needs proof of income of 3,000 USD per month. It can be a pension, business income, or other proof of source of income.
Document Requirements:
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 (six) months;
- A picture of the applicant;
- A personal bank statement showing a minimum equivalent amount of 2,000 USD;
- Proof of income of a minimum equivalent amount of 3,000 USD per month;
- Statement letter to deposit at least 50,000 USD into a bank account.
3. Golden Visa (Second Home KITAS) – E33
People looking to retire in Bali or to have a second home can also apply for the second-home visa. This visa is valid for 5 years and is granted to individuals who invest at least 1,000,000 USD in a villa or apartment in Indonesia.
The second option to be eligible is to deposit at least 130,000 USD in a state-owned bank in Indonesia during the validity period. People can apply for a 10-year visa after 2 years under the second-home visa.
This visa is perfect if the person retires before the age required for the Silver hair visa, or if you have already purchased a property in Bali or other regions of Indonesia that meets the requirements.
Document Requirements:
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 (six) months;
- A picture of the applicant;
- A personal bank statement showing a minimum equivalent amount of 2,000 USD;
- Proof of property purchase of 1,000,000 USD; or
- Statement letter to deposit at least 130,000 USD into a bank account.
Key Terms for Retirement Visas in Bali
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Stay Permit Validity | The duration for which the visa holder is legally permitted to reside in Indonesia varies from 6 months (E33F initial) to 5 years (E33E, E33). |
| Proof of Income | Mandatory documentation (pension, business income, etc.) showing financial capacity, set at a minimum of 3,000 USD per month for the E33F and E33E visas. |
| Sponsorship/Family | The provision that allows the primary visa holder to sponsor eligible family members (spouse, children, etc.) to live in Indonesia under the primary visa holder’s visa. |
| Proof of Residence (Onshore) | A requirement for the E33F visa if applying from within Indonesia, typically satisfied by a valid Lease Agreement or rental contract. |
Your Visa Process Made Easy with ILA
Indonesia offers many visa options, each with its own requirements, regulations, and duration. With more being issued by the government, it can be hard to keep track and choose the right one 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.
Where is the Best Location to Retire in Bali?
It isn’t easy to define which place is the best in Bali. Depending on what people like and the lifestyle they look for, there are many places to retire in Bali.
Most people in their golden age are looking to retire around Sanur and Ubud. Historically, those places are calmer than the lively Seminyak and Canggu.
However, generations are changing, and being over 60 doesn’t mean retiring to a quiet area. People enjoying their retirement are now looking at places near Uluwatu, Seseh, or even Canggu. The property market has evolved, and there are now great options available.
Sanur offers international-standard medical facilities and excellent infrastructure for people seeking medical assistance or routine check-ups.
How to Prepare for Your Relocation to Bali?
Once you have chosen the correct visa and location, there are several points to consider before relocating to Bali to ensure your move is safe and that you have all the proper paperwork.
1. Secure your villa with a secured contract and proper due diligence
Moving to Bali and choosing the right property is essential. However, Bali has some scams, so it is necessary to ensure the contract for renting your house is secure and that you will not have any trouble with the owner or the developer selling the villa.
Many developers are promoting villas and apartments to retirees or to those preparing for retirement. It is crucial to secure the contract for the villa’s development and to include clauses that protect you in the event of a delay or if the villa unfortunately lacks the required paperwork.
It is too familiar to see developers, real estate agents, or local people selling houses without the proper building permit. The government is now trying to clean up the market and ensure development is safe for investors and people looking to retire in Bali. Before investing in a property in Bali, we recommend:
- Ensuring the contract is safe and includes sufficient protective clauses.
- Conducting a proper due diligence check on the property.
- Confirming that the property has all necessary paperwork and that all building permits have been applied for and issued.
2. Get all your paperwork, such as SKTT, driving licence
Having the correct visa and securing your villa are the first steps of your installation in Bali. Once you have taken your first step in your new property, it is vital to conduct some administrative tasks and gather all necessary documents to live in Bali, such as:
- Getting your civil registration called SKTT. This document is required if you are looking to purchase a car or a motorbike. You will get your NIK (civil registration number), which will be used for several administrative procedures.
- Getting your driving licence is essential, since you will live and likely drive in Indonesia. The country recognizes the international driving licence, but it is, however, mandatory to obtain a local SIM (Driving licence) if you live in Bali.
Key Terms for Relocation and Legal Preparation in Bali
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Due Diligence (Property) | The crucial process of investigating and confirming a property’s legal status before renting or purchasing. This is necessary to avoid scams and ensure the contract is secure. |
| Secured Contract | A rental or purchase agreement that contains sufficient protective clauses to shield the retiree from risks like development delays, missing permits, or disputes with the owner/developer. |
| Building Permit (PBG) | The mandatory legal authorization is required for construction. Due diligence must confirm that the permit has been fully issued, not just applied for. |
| SKTT (Civil Registration) | Surat Keterangan Tempat Tinggal (Temporary Residential Registration). A required administrative document for long-term residents, essential for obtaining a local driving license and purchasing vehicles. |
| NIK (Civil Registration Number) | Nomor Induk Kependudukan. The unique national ID number provided through the SKTT is required for numerous subsequent administrative procedures in Indonesia. |
| Local SIM (Driving Licence) | Surat Izin Mengemudi. The local Indonesian driving license. While international SIM cards are recognized for tourists, a local SIM is mandatory for long-term residents in Bali. |
Ready to Secure Your Golden Years in Bali?
Choosing between the Retirement KITAS (E33F), the Silver Hair Golden Visa, and the Second Home KITAS involves complex decisions based on your age, financial assets, and long-term plans.
Furthermore, a successful relocation hinges on avoiding property scams and securing the correct local civil paperwork (SKTT and SIM).
Don’t let immigration complexity or legal oversight compromise your retirement dream. ILA Global Consulting specializes in navigating these precise regulations.
Schedule your free consultation with us now to ensure a seamless and compliant move to Bali.
