Every year, many yoga instructors are drawn to Bali because of its vibrant wellness scene and the opportunity to build a career there.
If you’re thinking about doing the same, you're likely asking two fundamental questions: Can I make a good living? And how do I do it legally?
This article answers both. We'll cover the financial realities of living on the island and the legal pathways for working here compliantly.
How Much You Can Earn as a Yoga Teacher in Bali
Before planning your move, it’s important to have a realistic picture of the finances involved. As a yoga teacher, your monthly income in Bali can range from $1000 to $3,000+ USD, depending on experience, certifications, and number of classes you are teaching.
However, it's important to understand a key reality of the Bali yoga market. A sustainable living is rarely made from teaching regular studio classes alone. The most successful and highest-earning instructors in Bali operate more like entrepreneurs. They build their income through a combination of ventures such as:
- High-end private clients
- Hosting their own yoga retreats
- Leading Yoga Teacher Trainings (YTTs), which can earn a lead teacher $3,000 - $4,000 USD for a single 25-day training.
Your income is also heavily influenced by your location. Urban hubs like Canggu usually pay more than rural areas. Moreover, your business skills, especially your ability to market yourself and build a personal brand, will also play a crucial role in how much you earn.
Recommended Reading: How to organize a retreat in Bali
Cost of Living in Bali for as a Yoga Teacher
A key part of planning your move to Bali is understanding the cost of living. While Bali can be very affordable, your monthly expenses will depend heavily on the lifestyle you choose.
- Living on a Budget: This typically means eating at local restaurants (warungs) and renting a room in a guesthouse or homestay. With this approach, you can expect your monthly costs to be in the range of USD 600 to $900.
- A Comfortable Lifestyle: This typically costs between USD 1,000 and $1,800 per month. This budget allows for a small private apartment, a mix of eating at both local and international restaurants, and more room for social activities.
- High-End Expat Lifestyle: With private villa, frequenting upscale restaurants, and premium services, costs can easily exceed USD 2,500 per month.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what to expect for a single person:
| Spending category | Estimated monthly cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 250-400 (guesthouse/homestay) |
| food | 150-250 (local warung) |
| transport | 60-100 (rent of scooter and fuel) |
| Utilities | $50 – $200 (electricity, water) |
| Internet | $20 – $60 (local SIM, Wi-Fi) |
| Health Insurance | If you have a work permit, a BPJS will cover |
| Visa/ KITAS/ Work permit | $50 – $150 (budgeted annually) |
| Social/ Wellness | $100 – $200 (gym/yoga classes) |
| Discretionary | $300+ (shopping, weekend trips) |
Legal pathway to work as Yoga Teacher in Bali
Before you can legally earn money as a yoga teacher in Bali, you must hold a valid work permit (IMTA).
Under the Ministry of Manpower regulations (Decree No. 228 of 2019), the official job title you will be sponsored under is typically Athletic Coach, as this category covers roles in recreation and entertainment. Your work permit will clearly indicate your job position.
Bear in mind that teaching yoga on any other type of visa (like a tourist visa or an investor visa) is illegal and can lead to deportation.
How to Get Your Work Permit as a Yoga Teacher
To get a work permit in Bali, you need a legally registered Indonesian company to act as your sponsor. This leaves you with two main approaches: finding an established company to hire and sponsor you, or creating your own legal setup to sponsor yourself.
Path 1: Get Hired by a Yoga Studio (Most Common)
The most common route is to be sponsored by an established yoga center or hotel. The studio handles the application process for your work permit and KITAS.
To find a job at a yoga center, you can use online platforms like YogaTrade or join social media groups such as "Yoga Jobs Around The World" and local Bali expat or yoga community groups.
However, if you are already in Bali, a very effective approach is to network in person by visiting studios and attending wellness events.
Path 2: Work as an Independent Teacher
If you want to work for yourself, you need to sponsor your own work permit.
- Set Up Your Own Company (PT PMA): You can register a foreign-owned company (PT PMA) to build your own yoga brand. This gives you full control but involves a more complex and costly setup.
Recommended reading: Setting up a PT PMA in Indonesia - Use an Employer of Record (EOR): A simpler alternative is to be employed by an Employer of Record company. The EOR acts as your legal sponsor, handling all the paperwork for your work permit and KITAS. This allows you to work independently and legally without setting up your own company.
If you are unsure which option might be best for you, you can request a no-obligation consultation from our experts in Bali.
Work KITAS/IMTA Application Process & Estimated Timelines
The entire application process for IMTA and KITAS typically takes approximately 8 weeks. However, express services can significantly shorten these timelines, with visa issuance potentially taking 3-4 weeks and KITAS conversion 2-3 days after arrival.
Note that you should not be a holder of other Indonesian visas when applying for this process.
Here are the main stages of the Work KITAS and estimated timeline for each stage:
| Stage | Timeline | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RPTKA Approval (Employment Plan) | 2 weeks | The sponsoring employer submits an application to the Ministry of Manpower to justify the use of foreign labor. |
| IMTA Notification & DPKK Fee Payment | 2 weeks | After RPTKA approval, the Work Permit (IMTA) notification is issued, and the DPKK fee of USD 1,200 per year is paid. |
| Electronic Working Visa (VITAS/e-Visa) | 1.5 weeks | An application is made for your temporary stay visa, which allows you to enter Indonesia for the purpose of work. |
| KITAS Issuance & Civil Registration | 1-2 weeks after arrival | Upon arrival in Indonesia, your VITAS is converted into a stay permit (KITAS). You must then complete civil registration for your tax card and other local registrations. |
Important Rules for Staying Compliant in Bali
Once you are legally set up, you must follow these rules to avoid any legal trouble:
- Do Not Work on the Wrong Visa. It is illegal to offer yoga classes if you hold any visa other than the correct work permit (e.g., a Tourist Visa, Investor Visa, or Visa on Arrival). Your work permit must also state the correct job position.
- Do Not Collect Payments as an Individual. If you are sponsored by a studio, that company must be the one to collect all payments from students. If you are collecting payments from students, you must do so only through your PT PMA.
- Taxes on Your Income: As a legal worker in Indonesia, you are required to pay income tax on the salary you receive. Your sponsor (the studio, EOR, or your own PT PMA) will handle the necessary registrations and ensure tax payments.
How Emerhub Can Help
To ensure a smooth stay in Bali, it's essential to have your legal and administrative setup handled correctly from the beginning.
Emerhub’s team in Bali specializes in handling the entire process for you. Whether you decide to set up your own PT PMA company to build a business or need guidance on securing the correct work permit through a local sponsor, our experts will manage all the legal paperwork.
Fill out the form below to get in touch with our local experts.