-
Andi Refandi
Andi serves as a Senior Account Executive on Emerhub’s global team.
Planning a new life in Bali? Behind the familiar postcard imagery of palm-fringed coasts and rice terraces lies a tropical hub where you can build your career and experience a unique island lifestyle.
Whether you’re seeking a coastal retreat, a remote work haven, or a fresh start, moving to Bali comes with exciting opportunities. But before you book a one-way flight to the island, you need to carefully plan out the logistics as well as the associated bureaucracy for relocating.
This guide explores the essential milestones for foreigners to move to Bali. We’ll cover key considerations and preparations for expats, from securing the right residency permits to finding a community that aligns with your long-term vision for life on the island.
Essential Considerations When Preparing for Your Move to Bali
Bali’s popularity with expats today stems from its unique blend of modern infrastructure and traditional island culture. For many expats, the move represents a “lifestyle haul.” On average, if you’re relocating from hubs like Sydney, London, or San Francisco, you can reduce your monthly overhead by 30% to 50%.
This margin allows for an immediate lifestyle upgrade, including a private two-bedroom villa and full-time domestic support. Let’s break down how this works.
1. Cost of Living in Bali in 2026
Like in any other destination, your financial reality in Bali essentially depends on your lifestyle choices. While local markets remain affordable, expat-centric areas now see a shift toward mid-to-high-range pricing.
If you’re looking to maintain a comfortable lifestyle with a private pool villa, regular dining outs, and reliable health coverage, you should plan your finances accordingly. Most expats find that their monthly expenses typically fall into the following ranges:
- Single Professionals: Expect to budget $2,500 – $3,500 USD per month for a modern villa, dining out, and coworking amenities.
- Families: Monthly costs typically start at $5,000 USD, largely driven by international school fees and larger housing requirements.
The following table represents an average monthly breakdown for a couple or a small family living in a mid-range, 2-bedroom villa in expat-centric areas like Pererenan, Uluwatu, or Sanur. For a cost breakdown for digital nomads, check out our complete guide here.
| Expense Category | Monthly Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing (1–2 BR Villa) | $800 – $3,500+ |
| Utilities & Internet | $80 – $150 |
| Food (Local/Western Mix) | $250 – $600 |
| Transport (Motorbike + Fuel) | $50 – $120 |
| Health Insurance | $80 – $200 |
| Coworking & Cafes | $100 – $350 |
| SIM Card & Data | $15 – $30 |
| Miscellaneous (Visa/Personal) | $200 – $300 |
| Total Estimate | $3,500 – $5,800 |
2. Where do expats live in Bali?
Your daily experience in Bali will be largely defined by the neighborhood you choose. Below are some of the most popular locations in Bali among expats today:
| Neighborhood | Vibe & Ideal Resident |
|---|---|
| Canggu & Pererenan | The island’s social engine. Canggu is the epicenter of networking and startup energy. Pererenan acts as its more refined sibling– where the villas are newer, rice fields are still in view, and the crowd enjoys a quieter pace than the nearby nightlife scenes. |
| Uluwatu (The Bukit) | Known for dramatic limestone cliffs and world-class surf breaks, this area attracts those who prefer the rugged outdoors over commercial convenience. It is a community built around sunset sessions with a spread-out, coastal layout. |
| Ubud | The cultural heartland of the island. Trading the beach for the jungle, Ubud is for the creatives and holistic seekers. Offers a slower, contemplative pace defined by traditional arts, sustainability, and a pervasive sense of greenery. |
| Sanur | An established enclave. Often called “Old Bali,” Sanur is defined by swimmable, reef-protected beaches and a walkable seven-kilometer boardwalk. It remains popular with families and retirees seeking stability and a gentle East Coast vibe. |
If you’re looking to settle down in locations where you plan to invest or establish businesses, visit our guide to the Best Areas to Invest in Bali. You can also consult our local advisors for a tailored breakdown aligned with your needs. Schedule a free consultation here.
3. Establishing banking and financial security
Establishing a reliable financial base is a crucial step in your relocation. While many expats rely on international “neo-banks” like Wise or Revolut for initial expenses, long-term residency requires a more secure local setup. This makes a local IDR account essential for managing daily life efficiently, from paying household staff and utilities to handling large transfers for villa leases without exorbitant conversion fees.
In Bali, BCA (Bank Central Asia) and Bank Mandiri are popular choices for expats due to their extensive ATM networks and sophisticated mobile banking apps. These apps facilitate “QRIS” payments, a standardized QR code system used everywhere from high-end boutiques to local warungs. It essentially allows you to live virtually cashless.
To open an account, you will typically need your passport and a valid KITAS. However, some branches may allow limited accounts with a simple visit visa and a local sponsor.
Strategically, it is best to maintain an international account for receiving foreign income and a local account for your monthly Indonesian expenses. This minimizes your exposure to currency volatility.
4. Insurance and Medical Infrastructure in Bali
Today, medical care in Bali is led by the Bali International Hospital (BIH) in Sanur. Developed alongside the Mayo Clinic, this facility offers specialized services previously only available in Singapore. For primary care and emergencies, institutions like Bali International Medical Center (BIMC) and Siloam Hospitals remain the top choices for expats. They provide multilingual staff and direct-billing agreements with most international insurers.
If you are moving on a Work or Investor KITAS, enrollment in the national insurance scheme (BPJS) is mandatory. While BPJS is excellent for basic care, most expats supplement it with a private international policy.
This ensures access to premium wards and covers medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia for life-threatening emergencies. For minor ailments like “Bali Belly,” a network of 24-hour clinics provides fast, affordable service across all main hubs.
Securing a reliable local sponsor helps to anchor your legal status in Bali, especially if you plan to work on the island. Emerhub acts as your on-the-ground partner, managing sponsorship and administrative requirements. Reach out to our advisors today.
Choosing the Right Stay Permit for Your Move to Bali
Choosing the correct permit is the most important legal requirement for your entry into Bali. Indonesia offers several pathways depending on your professional status and intended length of stay. Below, we break down all the available options in 2026.
Short-Term Visas for Non-Residents
Short-term visas are ideal for scouting trips, attending business meetings, or evaluating neighborhoods and schools before committing to a full move. These options allow you to experience the island first-hand with minimal administrative commitment.
| Permit Type | Purpose | Duration | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-VoA (Visa on Arrival) | Tourism, family visits, or short business meetings. | 30 – 60 days | Online application; passport valid for 6+ months; return/onward ticket. |
| B211A (Visit Visa) | Extended scouting, business talks, or social visits. | 60 – 180 days | Single entry; requires a local sponsor for extensions; proof of $2,000 in funds. |
| D1/D2 (Multiple Entry) | Frequent business or family travel over 12 months. | 60 days per stay | Valid for 1 or 2 years; requires local sponsorship; mandatory exit every 60 days. |
Work Permits for Employment and Business in Bali
If your goal is to transition from visitor to a “contributor” in the local economy, a work-authorized permit is a legal necessity. These are specifically designed for those hired by Indonesian firms or entrepreneurs looking to manage their own local enterprise and hire a domestic team.
| Permit Type | Purpose | Duration | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote Worker (E33G / Digital Nomad Visa) | Legally live in Bali while working for foreign clients. | 1 year | Proof of $60k annual income and employment contract from outside Indonesia. |
| Working KITAS (E23) | Full-time employment with a local entity. | 6 – 12 Months | Multiple entry; sponsorship by an Indonesian PT PMA or PT; job offer, and education certificates. |
| Investor KITAS | Managing and owning shares in your own company. | 1 – 2 Years | Multiple entry; shareholder in a PT PMA; minimum investment/share value met. |
Long-Term Stay Permits for Residency
These residency programs are designed for those making Bali their primary home, whether you are a remote professional, a high-net-worth investor, or relocating with your entire family. All types of stay permits allow multiple entries and are renewable depending on specific requirements.
| Permit Type | Purpose | Duration | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retirement KITAS | Long-term residence for seniors. | 1 – 5 years | Aged 60+; 1-year visa, or 5 years (extendable), proof of stable funds/pension; domestic helper contract. |
| Dependent KITAS | Bringing spouses and children to live in Bali. | Linked to primary KITAS holder | Marriage or birth certificates; sponsored by the primary KITAS holder. |
| Student KITAS (E30A) | Enrollment in international schools or universities. | 1 – 2 years | Letter of Acceptance from a registered educational institution. |
| Golden Visa | Maximum long-term stability and priority entry. | 5 – 10 years | $350k – $700k in government bonds or bank deposits; no local employment needed. |
How to Move to Bali as an Expat
Most newcomers spend their first few months on the ground, testing neighborhoods and schools on a visit visa while setting up the essential foundations of island life– local banking, health coverage, and securing a lease for your home. Once the foundation of your day-to-day is settled, the priority then moves to applying for the long-term permits (KITAS) that support your professional or family goals.
Emerhub Bali specializes in helping expats relocate and settle down on the island with full local compliance– whether for digital nomads, business owners, or retirees. With over 14 years of experience, our local advisors are well attuned to the most nuanced preferences and needs. We can manage your visa and KITAS applications, handle your tax registrations and filings, along with additional corporate compliance if you plan to establish a business in Bali.
Talk to our advisors about your relocation plans today! Fill out the form below for a free consultation, and we’ll reach out to you with tailored insights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Expat Life in Bali
If you reside in Indonesia for more than 183 days in a 12-month period, you are generally classified as a domestic tax resident. This status requires you to file an annual tax return (SPT) and report worldwide income.
However, you may also qualify for a 4-year exemption. Foreign experts in specific fields (like tech, engineering, or research) may apply to be taxed only on Indonesian-sourced income for their first 4 years of residency.
Additionally, if you operate a business through a PT PMA (foreign-owned company), your entity is subject to corporate income tax and mandatory VAT (PPN) reporting once revenue thresholds are met.
Indonesia does not grant automatic permanent residency to most foreigners. However, long-term residence is possible through renewable permits such as the KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) or Retirement KITAS.
Permanent Stay (KITAP) may be obtained after holding a KITAS for several consecutive years, subject to eligibility requirements. In practice, many expats maintain long-term stability through successive renewals of work, investment, or family-sponsored permits.
More recently, Indonesia’s Golden Visa program has introduced a streamlined pathway to 5- and 10-year residency for individuals who meet specific capital investment thresholds.
Under Indonesia’s “Positive Investment List” (Presidential Regulation No. 10/2021), most sectors are 100% open to foreign ownership through a PT PMA (foreign-owned company).
However, specific activities are reserved for local MSMEs or require mandatory local partnerships. This primarily includes villa rentals with fewer than five rooms (KBLI 55193), low-star hotels, and traditional tourism services like local tour guiding and small-scale retail.
Strategic sectors like “heritage” industries (e.g., traditional medicine or geographically-indicated coffee) and large-scale agriculture often involve localized licensing or specific partnership mandates to protect the Balinese economic ecosystem.
Foreigners cannot personally own Freehold land (Hak Milik) in Indonesia. However, property can be secured legally through Hak Pakai (Right to Use) or Hak Guna Bangunan (Right to Build), either via a long-term personal lease or via a foreign-owned company (PT PMA).
These registered titles can provide security for up to 80 years (subject to extensions) and allow you to legally own the building, while the underlying land rights are held under the approved title structure.
