Indonesia
Bali has become the world's most iconic digital nomad destination, offering an unbeatable combination of ultra-low living costs, vibrant coworking culture, and a spiritual lifestyle surrounded by rice terraces, volcanoes, and world-class surf. Indonesia's new remote worker visa makes staying long-term easier than ever.
Southeast AsiaPros
- Exceptionally low cost of living allows an extremely comfortable lifestyle on a modest budget, with private villas, daily meals out, and regular spa visits all affordable
- Bali's coworking scene is world-class, with dozens of purpose-built spaces in Canggu and Ubud offering fast internet, community events, and networking opportunities
- Rich cultural experiences including traditional Balinese ceremonies, yoga and wellness retreats, and access to some of the best surfing, diving, and hiking in Asia
- Warm tropical climate year-round with no cold season, plus easy weekend travel to other Indonesian islands and neighboring Southeast Asian countries
Cons
- Infrastructure outside Bali's main tourist areas is limited, with unreliable roads, frequent power outages, and traffic congestion that has no public transit solution
- Internet speeds are significantly slower and less reliable than Western standards, which can be frustrating for video-heavy remote work or large file transfers
- Healthcare quality is inconsistent; serious medical issues often require evacuation to Singapore or Bangkok, and travel medical insurance is essential
- Visa rules have historically been complex and frequently changing, with enforcement inconsistencies that create uncertainty for long-term residents
Cost of Living
Monthly estimates in USD for a single person. All figures are approximate.
| Expense | Indonesia | US Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, city center) | $600 | $1,800 | $1,200 |
| Rent (1BR, outside center) | $350 | $1,200 | $850 |
| Groceries | $200 | $400 | $200 |
| Dining out | $150 | $300 | $150 |
| Transportation | $40 | $200 | $160 |
| Internet | $25 | $70 | $45 |
| Healthcare | $50 | $450 | $400 |
| Total | $1,415 | $4,420 | $3,005/mo |
Visa Options for Americans
B211A Social/Cultural Visa
The most commonly used long-stay visa for digital nomads in Bali. Technically issued for social or cultural purposes, it is widely used by remote workers as a stepping stone while Indonesia's dedicated remote worker visa matures. Requires a local sponsor or visa agent.
- Cost
- $300 USD
- Processing time
- 3–10 business days
- Duration
- 60 days, extendable up to 180 days
- Family
- Each family member must apply for their own individual visa; there is no dependent category under the B211A.
Tips
- While officially a social visa, this is the de facto digital nomad visa in Bali and the one most commonly recommended by local visa agents
- Extensions are processed in 30-day increments at the local immigration office; a visa agent typically charges $30–$50 per extension and handles the paperwork
- You must leave and re-enter Indonesia to obtain a new B211A once your 180 days expire, though this can be as simple as a quick trip to Singapore or Malaysia
Official source · Last verified August 2026
E33G Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Worker KITAS)
Remote work OK Family eligibleIndonesia's dedicated remote worker visa, introduced to formalize the massive digital nomad presence in Bali. It grants a temporary stay permit (KITAS) for remote workers employed by foreign companies. Notably, income earned from outside Indonesia is not subject to local income tax under this visa.
- Cost
- $500 USD
- Processing time
- 2–4 weeks
- Duration
- 1 year, renewable for up to 5 years
- Family
- Spouse and dependent children can apply for dependent KITAS permits alongside the primary applicant.
Tips
- This visa exempts foreign-sourced income from Indonesian income tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly digital nomad visas in the world
- You must show proof of employment or contracts with companies outside Indonesia and a minimum annual income of approximately $60,000
- Health insurance with coverage in Indonesia is mandatory for the application; several international providers offer plans specifically designed for this visa
Official source · Last verified August 2026
Investor KITAS
Family eligibleA temporary residency permit for foreign investors who establish or invest in an Indonesian business. The minimum investment varies by sector and region but is generally accessible compared to European investor visas. Commonly used by expats opening businesses in Bali's hospitality and wellness sectors.
- Cost
- $1,500 USD
- Processing time
- 1–3 months
- Duration
- 1 year, renewable annually up to 5 years
- Path to residency
- Yes
- Family
- Spouse and dependent children can obtain dependent KITAS permits. Each family member requires a separate application.
Tips
- Foreign ownership restrictions apply in many sectors; a PT PMA (foreign-owned company) structure is required and a local legal firm should guide the setup
- Minimum investment requirements are IDR 10 billion (~$590,000 USD) for the company capitalization, but vary significantly by sector
- After holding a KITAS for 5 consecutive years with good standing, you may apply for a KITAP (permanent stay permit), though citizenship is extremely difficult for foreigners
Official source · Last verified August 2026
Retirement KITAS
Family eligibleIndonesia offers a retirement visa for foreigners aged 55 and older who wish to live in the country without working. It requires proof of pension or savings, health insurance, and the rental or ownership of housing meeting minimum value requirements. Popular among retirees settling in Bali.
- Cost
- $600 USD
- Processing time
- 1–2 months
- Duration
- 1 year, renewable annually
- Path to residency
- Yes
- Family
- Spouse can join on a dependent KITAS. The spouse does not need to meet the age requirement independently.
Tips
- You must be at least 55 years old and provide proof of a pension or savings of at least $1,500 per month to qualify
- The visa requires proof of renting or owning accommodation in Indonesia with a minimum value of approximately $35,000 per year for a rental
- Health insurance with Indonesian coverage is mandatory, and you must employ at least one Indonesian domestic worker (housekeeper, driver, or gardener) as a condition
Official source · Last verified August 2026
Healthcare
- System type
- Mixed Private/public
- Quality rating
- 3/5
- GP visit
- $15
- ER visit
- $40
- Dental cleaning
- $20
- English-speaking doctors
- Available in Bali and Jakarta at international clinics
You'll need health insurance as an expat. SafetyWing is popular with American expats — plans start around $45/month.
Tax Implications
- US tax treaty
- Yes
- Local income tax
- 5%–35% progressive
As a US citizen, you'll still file US taxes from abroad. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) lets you exclude up to ~$130,000 (2025 tax year) of foreign earned income. The US-Indonesia tax treaty may help avoid double taxation on certain income types.
This is not tax advice. Consult a tax professional who specializes in expat taxation.
Filing US taxes from abroad? MyExpatTaxes is built specifically for Americans overseas, or use Greenback Expat Tax Services if you want a CPA to handle everything.
American Expat Community
Estimated American expats: 30,000+ Americans
Key cities: Canggu (Bali), Ubud (Bali), Seminyak (Bali), Jakarta, Sanur (Bali)
Expat Resources
Planning your move to Indonesia?
Spend a month in Indonesia first. Find a short-term rental on Airbnb or book a longer hotel stay on Booking.com.
You'll need to transfer funds internationally. Wise offers the best exchange rates with low transparent fees.
You still owe Uncle Sam from abroad. MyExpatTaxes (DIY) or Greenback (full-service CPA) specialize in American expats.
A VPN keeps your US streaming services working abroad.
Need legal help with your move to Indonesia?
Tell us what you need and we'll connect you with the right attorney — whether that's someone in Indonesia for visa and residency paperwork, or a US-based expat specialist for tax and asset planning.
Free, no obligation. We'll reach out within a few business days.