Bali Digital Nomad Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Bali is a backpacker's paradise. With stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, tropical weather, and a huge expat community, Bali is a fantastic introduction to Southeast Asia, and as close to paradise as you're likely to find.

No wonder, then, that Bali and the country it's part of, Indonesia, have become massively popular with nomads and remote workers.

Introduced in 2024, the E33g visa is the dedicated digital nomad visa for Bali and for Indonesia as a whole. However, there are several options besides this new visa for those who can work in Bali remote or online, including the old C-type visa.

In this Bali digital nomad visa guide, we'll explore the different work visa options available and discuss how you can apply for the Bali digital nomad visa. We'll also explore whether Bali is the right place for your next digital nomad adventure.

Let's go!

What is the Bali Digital Nomad Visa?

The Bali digital nomad visa, officially known as the E33g, is a long-term visa option that allows remote workers to live in Bali while working for a foreign employer or operating their own online business. Unlike traditional tourist visas, which typically allow for a stay of 30 to 60 days, the digital nomad visa is designed for extended stays. With the Bali remote worker visa, you can stay for up to one year and work for foreign companies. You can also leave and return to the country within that year, so you can explore more of Asia and beyond.

There is one major drawback, though. The E33g visa is not open to freelancers and entrepreneurs. To get this digital nomad visa in Bali, you have to have existing contracts with employers to be able to live in Indonesia.

Benefits of the Bali Digital Nomad Visa

• Longer Stay: The digital nomad visa allows for an extended stay in Bali, often up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. This is ideal for those who want to establish a more permanent base in the region.

• Access to Resources: Bali is home to numerous coworking spaces, networking events, and a vibrant community of travelers from around the world, making it easier for digital nomads to connect and collaborate.

• Cost of Living: Compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in Bali is relatively low, allowing digital nomads to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

• Cultural Experience: Living in Bali offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture, cuisine, and lifestyle, enriching the overall experience of being a digital nomad.

  
  

Eligibility Requirements for the Bali Digital Nomad Visa

The devil is always in the details. As tempting as it may be to get your Bali remote work visa and run off to live in Indonesia, you need to know the rules first. Make sure you're eligible by going through this checklist:

• Proof of Employment: Applicants must provide evidence of employment with a foreign company. 

• Minimum Income Requirement: Despite Bali having a relatively low cost of living, the minimum income threshold to apply for the E33g is a hefty USD$60,000. You'll need to be able to prove you make that much to get the digital nomad visa.

• Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance coverage that is recognized in Indonesia may be required.

• No Criminal Record: Applicants may need to provide a police clearance certificate to demonstrate that they do not have a criminal history.

• Valid Passport: A passport with at least six months of validity remaining is typically required for visa applications.

• Non-eligible Countries: The E33g visa is not open to citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Guinea, Israel, Kosovo, Liberia, Nigeria, North Korea, or Somalia.

  
  

Application Process for the Bali Digital Nomad Visa

You can start to apply for a Bali work visa from outside the country. The online visa application guides you through the process.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying for the digital nomad visa, gather all the documents you're going to need, including:

• Valid passport

• Proof of employment or business ownership

• Bank statements demonstrating minimum income. These must go back at least 3 months, but may need to go back 3 years.

• Health insurance policy details

• Police clearance certificate

• Work contracts. You need to be able to prove that you have a contract in place with a non-Indonesian company.

  
  

All documents should be in English.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Once all documents are prepared, complete the visa application form. This form can typically be obtained online or through the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate. 

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the appropriate Indonesian authority, either online or in person at the embassy or consulate.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Upon submission, applicants will need to pay a visa processing fee. It costs USD$150, and you won't get your online visa approval until you have paid the fee.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

After applying, there will be a waiting period for processing. Wait times vary depending on how busy the immigration department is, but you can often get approval in seven days.

Step 6: Receive Your Visa

Once approved, the digital nomad visa will be issued, allowing you to enter Indonesia for the duration specified in your visa. 

You'll also get a KITAS, which stands for Kartu Ijin Tinggal Terbatas and is a temporary residency stay permit card. It functions as a form of ID, proving you have the right to live in the country. Bring it with you any time to leave Indonesia.

Tips for Digital Nomads in Bali

Bali has so much to offer, from scenic beauty to rich culture, and infrastructure that makes it a hotspot for digital nomads. These tips can help make your stay in Bali easier and more enjoyable.

• Find a Suitable Accommodation: Look for housing options that cater to digital nomads, such as villas or apartments with reliable internet access.

• Join Coworking Spaces: Utilize coworking spaces to meet other professionals, network, and enjoy a productive work environment.

• Embrace the Culture: Take time to explore Bali’s rich culture, attend local festivals, and try traditional cuisine to fully experience what the island has to offer.

• Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced lifestyle by staying active, eating well, and taking care of your mental health while adapting to a new environment. Bali has tons of outdoor activities, from hiking to scuba diving, and these can help you stay in shape.

• Network with Other Nomads: Join online groups or local meetups to connect with fellow digital nomads, share experiences, and gain insights into life in Bali.

  
  

Challenges of Living as a Digital Nomad in Bali

While Bali offers many advantages for digital nomads, there can also be challenges. Some common issues include:

• Internet Connectivity: Although many areas in Bali have good internet access, connectivity can be unreliable in some remote locations.

• Visa Regulations: Staying up to date with visa regulations and requirements can be complex and may require ongoing attention.

• Work-Life Balance: The temptations of Bali’s beautiful environment can sometimes make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

  
  

Types of Visa Options Available

The E33g remote worker visa is suitable for digital nomads who already have a job and a contract with a foreign company, but if that doesn't apply to you, there are other visa options that can help you visit Bali for longer. 

• B211A Visa: This is a single-entry visa that allows you to stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days, and the visa can be extended twice. Note that this visa is specifically for tourism, so you are not allowed to work in any way.

• C Visa: These visas can be for tourism purposes only, for cultural exchange, or sometimes to do business in Indonesia. Depending on which visa you get, you may be able to work remotely from Bali on a C visa, but you will have to demonstrate that you have a legitimate business purpose for being there.

  
  

Tax Considerations for Digital Nomads

Indonesia only considers you a tax resident if you live in the country for more than 183 days/6 months. So if you move to Bali for less than six months, you won't need to pay taxes in the country. If you stay longer, including up to one year on the E33g visa, you'll have to understand your tax situation.

You'll see lots of people online saying that Indonesia does not tax foreign income, but that's not exactly true. If you stay in the country for more than six months, you will need to apply for an NPWP personal tax number and declare your worldwide income on your tax return. If that income is already taxed in another country that has a tax treaty with Indonesia, then you won't have to pay any tax while you live in Bali.

Indonesia has some tax incentives for people who have lived in the country for less than four years, so you may be able to apply for a tax exemption while working in Bali. However, this depends on your situation and is not guaranteed.

The best thing to do is to consult an Indonesian tax specialist to get clarity.

Work in Indonesia with a Bali Digital Nomad Visa

Bali offers an attractive digital nomad destination for those looking to embrace a lifestyle of travel and remote work. With the introduction of the Bali digital nomad visa, it has become easier for digital nomads to stay in Bali, work remotely, and enjoy the unique experiences that Indonesia has to offer.

Bali's relatively high minimum income requirement and ineligibility for freelancers are the major downsides here. But if you make the required income working on a contract with a company outside of Indonesia, Bali could be your next top digital nomad home base.

FAQs

How long can you stay in Bali as a digital nomad?

Bali's E33g remote worker visa lets you stay in Indonesia for one year. This remote worker visa allows you to reside in Bali and work for foreign companies for as long as your visa is valid.

What is the minimum income to live in Bali?

You need to make around US$60,000 per year to qualify for a one-year E33g visa.

Is Bali tax-free for digital nomads?

You don't have to pay tax in Bali if you stay for less than 183 days in one year. If you stay longer than that, you will have to apply for a tax exemption that is offered to new residents.

Can you live off $1000 a month in Bali?

Bali's cost of living is low compared to Western countries. If you're frugal, it is possible to live off around US$1000 per month here. However, you'll be able to enjoy much more of this digital nomad hotspot if you make more, and you'll need to make at least US$60,000 per year to qualify for the E33g digital nomad visa.