Source: Directorate General of Immigration Indonesia (imigrasi.go.id) and UK Gov Indonesia travel advice. Indonesia's immigration regulations change frequently — verify current requirements before applying.
Introduced under Ministerial Regulation No. 22 of 2023 (updated No. 11 of 2024). Allows foreign nationals and family members to live in Indonesia for 5 to 10 years without employment or business sponsorship. Two eligibility routes: (1) Fund deposit — minimum USD 130,000 held in an Indonesian state-owned bank in your own name; or (2) Property investment — purchase of residential property meeting minimum value thresholds. Does not allow working for Indonesian companies. Primarily used by retirees, high-net-worth individuals and those wanting a tropical long-term base. Note: the E33B visa type is a separate category for global talent collaborating with government institutions — it is not the same as the Second Home Visa.
Requirements change — verify current thresholds at evisa.imigrasi.go.id (official Indonesian immigration e-visa portal) before applying.
The standard long-term residency permit for those employed by Indonesian entities or sponsored through other approved routes (investor, retiree, family). Requires an Indonesian sponsor and is employer or sponsor-tied. Valid 1–2 years, renewable. Most expatriates on traditional employment packages use this route. Your employer or sponsor's immigration agent handles the application.
Single-entry 60-day visa extendable four times (up to 180 days in country). Used by some remote workers doing short to medium stays. Cannot be used to work for Indonesian clients. The most flexible short-stay option before committing to a longer-term visa.
UK nationals can enter Indonesia visa-free for 30 days (non-extendable) or obtain a Visa on Arrival for 30 days (extendable once for another 30 days). Not for long-term stays — using tourist entry repeatedly as a long-term strategy is increasingly scrutinised at Indonesian immigration.
Working remotely in Indonesia on a tourist/visa-on-arrival entry is technically illegal. Enforcement has increased in Bali particularly since 2023. If you are working in Indonesia, use the appropriate visa. The Second Home Visa (E33B) is the correct route for most remote workers.
Opening a local bank account in Indonesia requires a KITAS or long-term visa — you cannot open one on a tourist visa or visa-on-arrival. Most Bali-based digital nomads rely on Wise and other international cards for day-to-day spending rather than a local account.
The most popular bank for expats with a KITAS. Reliable ATM network, reasonable online banking, widely accepted. Requires valid KITAS, passport, and NPWP (tax registration number). Some branches more foreigner-friendly than others — branches in Seminyak, Canggu and SCBD Jakarta tend to have experience with expat accounts.
State-owned banks with wide branch and ATM networks. Useful if your employer banks with these. Both serve expats with KITAS though process can be slower.
The practical reality for most Bali-based remote workers: a Wise multi-currency account and card handles 90% of needs. IDR is supported for ATM withdrawals. Wise ATMs work well across Bali — OCBC and BCA ATMs accept Wise cards consistently. Avoid money changers using your card.
Private hospitals in Bali (BIMC, Siloam, BROS) and Jakarta are adequate for most needs. Serious cases often require medical evacuation to Singapore, which is expensive without insurance. International health insurance is essential — this is not optional in Indonesia.
Telkomsel and XL Axiata are the main networks in Bali. Telkomsel has better rural coverage. Local SIMs are cheap and easy to buy at minimarkets (Indomaret, Alfamart) — you'll need your passport. Data plans are very affordable. A physical SIM is usually better value than eSIM for longer stays given how cheap local data is.
Indonesia eSIM plans from around $5 for 3GB. Useful to have data sorted before landing — particularly useful if arriving at night when minimarkets for SIM cards may have limited stock.
Get a Indonesia eSIM from Airalo (AD)Indicative figures. Bali figures shown — Canggu/Seminyak are more expensive than Ubud or Canggu outskirts. Jakarta is roughly comparable. Figures in GBP at April 2026 rates.
Bali costs have risen significantly since 2020. Canggu in particular is now expensive by regional standards. Eating at warungs (local restaurants) keeps costs very low. Annual villa rental contracts are significantly cheaper than monthly. A scooter is essentially required for Bali — public transport is minimal outside Denpasar.
There's a gap between arriving in a new country and getting long-term health insurance sorted. Travel insurance covers you in that window — and for trips back home, visits to neighbouring countries, and activity-based incidents that IPMI doesn't always cover. It's not a substitute for proper expat health cover but it fills the gap.
Designed specifically for travellers and new expats. Covers emergency medical, trip cancellation, adventure activities and personal liability. Available to residents of most countries. Get a quote online in minutes — cover can start immediately.
Travel insurance is not a substitute for international private medical insurance for long-term residents. See our health insurance comparison →
Most people moving abroad ship less than they expect and buy more locally than they planned. That said, some things are worth shipping — clothes for all climates, specialist equipment, sentimental items. Get multiple quotes before committing.
International removals by sea and air. Door-to-door service covering most of our destination countries. Competitive for partial loads. Quote online.
Get a removals quote (AD)Before booking a container, price up buying equivalent items at your destination. In Thailand and Malaysia, furniture and electronics are often cheaper locally. In UAE and Singapore, not so much. Ship what you can't replace, buy the rest.
A hire car is useful for your first weeks while you're finding your feet, viewing apartments and getting oriented. Longer term you'll work out whether you need your own vehicle — until then, hiring gives flexibility without commitment.
Compares rates from local and international car hire companies. Usually cheaper than booking direct. Includes free cancellation options on most bookings. Book in advance for best rates.
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