Visa for Digital Nomads Traveling to Bali
From tourist visas to business visas, Bali offers different types of visas for expats and digital nomads. Bali is a popular country for digital nomads and expats, and in recent years, the Bali government has introduced new visas to attract more digital nomads.
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The affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, delicious food, and easy lifestyle make Bali the ideal location for digital nomads. You will also be pleased to know that almost all cafes in Bali offer good internet, making it easy to work from anywhere on the island.
This Pacific Prime guide looks at the different visas available for digital nomads, how much the visa costs, and how long it takes to get the visa processed.
What Visa Should Digital Nomads Apply for Working Out of Bali?
Bali’s B211a visa is ideal for digital nomads, and you can choose to apply for a 60-day (with an option to extend) or 180-day visa. Note that this is a single-entry visa, so if you leave the country, you will need to reapply for the visa to re-enter the country.
If you are planning to move to Bali and make it your new workplace, understanding the different visas and their costs can help you plan your move more efficiently.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of digital nomad visas for Bali.
Tourist Visa for Digital Nomads in Bali
For a short stay, a tourist visa is ideal for digital nomads. Bali’s tourist visa is the most common visa and is issued upon arrival. This visa is valid for 30 days and is granted for free for most European countries, USA, UK, Australia, and more.
However, this visa is non-extendable and is issued only for tourism purposes, which also means you cannot do any kind of work while you stay in Bali on a tourist visa.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Tourist Visa for Digital Nomads?
Most tourist visas are issued on a visa-on-arrival basis and the visa issuance process takes approximately 5 minutes. However, wait times can vary depending on the time of day and season. If you are traveling during the tourist season, be prepared to wait in line for a visa on arrival.
Bali Social Cultural Visa (B211A) for Digital Nomads
If you are planning to stay in Bali for a longer period of time, the B211A visa is ideal. This visa is also popular among digital nomads as it offers a 60 day stay with the option to extend four times for an additional 30 days each time.
In total, you can extend the B211A visa for about 180 days. However, you will need an Indonesian sponsor to apply for this visa. You can have a local friend, family member, or visa agency submit a letter to the Immigration Office stating the purpose of your visit.
Note that the B211A visa doesn’t allow formal work, but many digital nomads on this visa still continue to work for overseas clients or companies.
What is the cost of the Social Cultural Visa B311A Visa?
The cost of B211A visa is IDR 2,000,000, or USD $134.
How long does it Take to Get a Social Cultural Visa?
The processing time for this type of visa depends on the local immigration office. So, be sure to get in touch with the local embassy to find out the processing time.
Business Visa for Digital Nomads in Bali
For those planning to conduct any kind of business in Bali, you will need to obtain a business visa. For example, if you need to attend a meeting, seminar or workshop, a business visa would be ideal. Most digital nomads working for a foreign company in Bali are on a business visa.
However, a business visa does not allow you to work, but only allows you to stay for up to 60 days (non-renewable). To apply for a business visa, you need an invitation from an Indonesian company or government agency.
What is the Cost of a Business Visa?
A business visa costs about IDR 1,500,000, or USD $100.
How long Does it Take to Get a Business Visa?
The processing time to get a business visa is different from one embassy to another. Check with your local embassy for accurate timelines.
KITAS or Temporary Stay Permit
If you are planning to work legally in Indonesia or Bali or are planning to stay for a long period of time, then you should apply for a KITAS/Temporary Stay Permit. Note that this visa takes time and is a long process to apply for.
An Indonesian company must sponsor you for this visa, which is issued for 1 year. You can renew the visa annually for up to 5 years. With a KITAS visa, you can open a local bank account and obtain a local driver’s license.
What is the Cost of a KITAS or Temporary Stay Permit?
A KITAS or temporary stay permit costs about IDR 21,000,000 (Including stay permit and entry permit fees) for a temporary stay permit, or USD $1,400.
Applying for a Bali Visa for Digital Nomads
You can apply for a visa at the nearest Indonesian embassy in your home country. Keep in mind that each embassy has its own processing times and required documents. Be sure to check their official websites or contact the embassy for the most accurate information.
Note that visa regulations in Indonesia are frequently updated and fines for overstaying visas are quite high. It’s a good idea to check for the latest information and follow Indonesian immigration laws to avoid any trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you apply for a digital nomad visa?
Digital nomads can apply for a visa that allows them to live and work in Bali for 5 years. Currently, a B211a visa allows you to stay and work in the country for 60 days (non-renewable). However, Bali offers many visas suitable for remote workers.
Is Bali expensive for digital nomads?
Bali offers an affordable cost of living and is ideal for digital nomads looking for a tropical getaway. You can also find plenty of cafes to work from and housing to suit your needs and budget.
Conclusion
From tourist visas to temporary residence permits, Bali offers several types of visas suitable for digital nomads. Be sure to check for specific requirements before applying, but if nothing else works, you can always rely on the tourist visa on arrival.
Bali has wonderful places to stay for expats, if not there are some ideal places in Asia for expats to move to.
It is also crucial that you have comprehensive travel or international health insurance while you are moving to another country. Without health insurance, you will have to pay a significant amount out of pocket for various treatment plans.
Pacific Prime can help you find the right insurance plan that fits your budget and needs. Contact one of Pacific Prime’s insurance experts today for a FREE quote!
To learn more, please read our blog posts Is Bali Safe to Travel? and Living in Bali Pros and Cons.
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