Moving to Bali
Digital nomad paradise, one of the lowest costs of living in Asia, breathtaking tropical nature
Read the guideFactsheet: Bali
Bali is an Indonesian island of 4.3 million inhabitants, world-renowned for its terraced rice fields, Hindu temples, beaches, and surfing. But since the 2010s, it has become the global capital of digital nomads: a community estimated at over 80,000 expatriates and remote workers, attracted by rock-bottom rents, an unbeatable cost of living, and an incomparable tropical lifestyle. For anyone seeking adventure, freedom, and sunshine, Bali represents a unique opportunity, provided you understand its administrative complexities and practical limitations.
Why choose Bali?
Bali combines rare assets: an ultra-competitive cost of living, spectacular tropical nature, a massive international community, and a unique creative energy. This cocktail attracts thousands of people every year (freelancers, creators, entrepreneurs, families) seeking a better life without sacrificing their comfort level. Here are the six main reasons Bali deserves your attention.
Live comfortably for 1,200 to 2,000 EUR/month, with a private pool villa, scooter, restaurants, and activities. A Parisian budget affords a lifestyle three times better.
Terraced rice fields, volcanoes, surf beaches, waterfalls, and lush jungle. One of the most beautiful natural environments in Asia, accessible within minutes by scooter.
Over 80,000 expatriates and digital nomads. Near-daily networking events, dozens of coworking spaces, a hyperactive social scene in Canggu and Ubud.
Temperatures between 26 and 32C all year. Dry season from April to October is ideal. Sunshine, pools, and the ocean are part of daily life, not just vacations.
Delicious and healthy Balinese cuisine, smoothie and healthy food culture, tropical fruit markets, vegetarian and raw food restaurants among the best in the world.
Yoga in the morning, coworking in the afternoon, surfing at sunset. Bali invented the digital nomad lifestyle before the term even existed, and keeps perfecting it every year.
Visa & Residence
Indonesia is known for the complexity of its immigration rules, which change regularly. No stable digital nomad visa exists yet, but several options allow legal stays on the island ranging from 30 days to 5 years. The choice depends on your budget, desired length of stay, and professional activities.
VOA, Visa on Arrival (30 days)
The Visa on Arrival allows a 30-day stay in Indonesia, renewable once (60 days total). It is obtained directly at the airport. Ideal for a first test stay or a short tourist visit.
B211A Visa, Social/Cultural Visa (~6 months)
The B211A visa is the favorite option for nomads who want to stay 5 to 6 months in Bali. It is obtained through a local agent (sponsor), allows 4 renewals of 30 days each beyond the initial 60 days. The process is simple but must go through an accredited agent.
Second Home Visa (5 years)
Launched in 2022, the Second Home Visa targets affluent expatriates looking to settle permanently in Indonesia. It requires a deposit or investment proving assets of at least 2 billion IDR (~$130,000), but offers unmatched administrative stability in return: 5 years renewable, option to bring family.
KITAS, Temporary Stay Permit 1-2 years
The KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is Indonesia's temporary residence permit. It requires a sponsor, either a local employer or an investor through a PT PMA company. Note: with a work KITAS, you become in principle liable for tax on your worldwide income in Indonesia.
Cost of living
Bali is one of the most affordable destinations in the world for a Western-quality standard of living. The gap is estimated at 55 to 60% cheaper than Paris overall. A monthly budget of 1,500 EUR allows you to rent a villa with a private pool, eat healthily, have a scooter and fiber connection, and fully enjoy the island. This is a decisive advantage for nomads and freelancers paid in euros or dollars.
Estimated monthly budget: 1,200 - 2,000 EUR/month
📊 Taxation
Indonesian taxation for foreigners is one of the most favorable in Southeast Asia, provided you understand the rules. The key element: without an active work KITAS, a foreign digital nomad is only taxed on Indonesian-source income, and since they generally have none, they are in practice not taxed in Indonesia. The France-Indonesia tax treaty of 1979 avoids double taxation.
🚀 For entrepreneurs
The entrepreneurial reality in Bali is more complex than it appears. Setting up a local structure (PT PMA) is legally possible for foreigners, but involves a high minimum capital, lengthy formalities, and a mandatory local partnership requirement in many sectors. The solution adopted by the vast majority of expatriate nomads and entrepreneurs is to remain freelancers through a foreign entity (Estonian, Georgian, British, or French) and work from Bali with a renewed B211A visa.
❤️ Healthcare
Healthcare is the main point of vigilance for any expatriate in Bali. Routine care (minor injuries, infections, simple fractures, stitches) is well handled in international private clinics. However, for complex surgeries, serious illnesses, or life-threatening emergencies, medical evacuation to Singapore (about 1.5 hours by air) is often the only truly reliable option. This is why international health insurance with repatriation coverage is absolutely essential.
Where to live
Bali is an island of many faces. Each area offers a radically different atmosphere and lifestyle, and your choice of neighborhood will shape your entire experience. Most expats choose their base according to their priorities: surf and networking in Canggu, calm and culture in Ubud, luxury living in Seminyak, or family-friendly tranquility in Sanur.
Drawbacks to know
Mount Agung is active. Bali sits on the Ring of Fire: earthquakes, eruptions, and tsunami risks are part of local reality. Be informed about evacuation procedures.
Canggu and Seminyak are regularly paralyzed by traffic jams, especially in high season. Scooter riding is dangerous and accidents involving tourists are very common.
No stable digital nomad visa in 2026. Rules change, renewals are cumbersome, and a misstep can lead to overstay with fines or deportation. Stay informed about regulatory changes.
For any serious case, evacuation to Singapore is necessary. Without repatriation insurance, a serious accident can cost tens of thousands of euros. There is no social security accessible to foreigners.
From November to March, stifling humid heat, torrential rains, flooding in low-lying areas, and increased mosquitoes. The island is less pleasant and power and internet outages are more frequent.
Indonesian legislation is extremely harsh on drugs: possession can lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Scrupulously respect local laws and Balinese religious customs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Bali for an expatriate?
Which visa should you choose to settle in Bali?
Can you legally work in Bali as a remote worker?
Is safety a concern in Bali?
Which health insurance to choose for Bali?
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