Which Visa Do You Need To Work Remotely in Bali?
Working remotely and living in Bali is a dream that many have, and one which has become much more attainable in recent years. If you’d like to work remotely and live in Bali, then chances are you need to find the right visa to do so. In this guide, we’ll weigh up the options available when it comes to living and working online legally in Bali.
The presence of digital nomads can boost the economy in tourist areas and revive the hospitality industry
The Remote Worker KITAS (E33G):
The Remote Worker KITAS allows digital workers to live in Bali and earn income from overseas companies. It’s a relatively new visa which was introduced to give remote workers advantages over traditional visa options. Having this permit allows you to stay long-term in Bali, set up a bank account in Bali, rent a property long term, access priority immigration lanes, and register your own vehicle. This means your living situation would be significantly more stable than if you visited the island on a tourist visa.
Tourist Visas vs. Remote Worker Permits
In the past, many digital nomads relied on tourist visas. However, this practice isn’t actually legal if you’re working in Indonesia, even if you do so remotely for an overseas company. There are several limitations when it comes to tourist visas; they aren’t meant for workers, have short durations, require regular visa runs and don’t allow you to access local services. Furthermore, if you are found to be working whilst on a tourist visa, you could face legal issues, fines or deportation.
On the other hand, a Remote Worker KITAS offers several benefits. Being that it was designed to cater for remote workers, it will allow you to stay long term in Bali without the need for several visa runs per year. Usually, the duration of a Remote Worker KITAS is up to one year, making it a better choice for anyone looking to stay on the island longer term.
The sunset in Bali is one of the best in the world, and you can enjoy this almost everyday when living in Bali.
Understanding Work Relationships:
Something to keep in mind is the difference between working for an overseas company and working for an Indonesian business. Remote work could fall into one of two categories, each of which you would need a different visa for. Here’s how to know which visa you need:
You need a Remote Worker KITAS E33G if:
You get your income solely from abroad
You work with an overseas company
You don’t engage at all with local businesses
You need a Working KITAS E23 if:
You are involved with local businesses, even if you do so remotely, e.g. as a social media manager
You receive your income from an Indonesian bank account or company
For more information on getting a Working KITAS, please visit this page.
Getting Your Remote Worker KITAS:
To apply for a Remote Worker KITAS E33G, you'll need:
Passport with minimum 6 months validity
Proof of income of at least US$60,000 in the previous year
Valid employment contract with a company established outside Indonesia
Recent photograph
Typically, the process takes between 7-14 days, with an average of 10 days processing time.
Things to Consider When Working and Living in Bali:
Your Working Environment:
Most places in Bali have a fiber-optic connection with good enough speeds for video calls and data-heavy work. However, if you need to upgrade, you can contact your local internet provider. Similarly, you can go to one of the many co-working spaces the island has, as they are especially popular in both Ubud and Canggu. If you need to make video calls without interruptions, it's advisable to have a solution ready if there are power cuts, such as having a phone with a hotspot, and back up power.
Canggu Village in Badung Regency, Bali, has become a magnet for digital nomads from various countries. Canggu offers a relaxed lifestyle, easy access to technology, and a friendly community.
Plan Your Finances:
Although you can set up a bank account with a local bank, you will need to wait a while for them to process your application. As such, it’s a good idea to make arrangements with your home bank so that you have easy access to funds, as well as doing little research into the cost of living and make sure you’ll be able to cover your costs during your move and search for accommodation.
Tax Obligations:
Check your tax obligations back home to make sure they are all in order. In Indonesia, your tax liabilities are often determined by your physical presence here, meaning if you stay for longer than 183 days in the country, you may be liable to pay taxes here. It’s a good idea to consult with a tax professional to avoid issues.
If you’d like more information or to get started with your application, reach out to our team at Bali Solve via Whatsapp, or drop by our office in Pererenan. We’d love to assist you with the process and help you to realize your dream of living in Bali as a remote worker.
Written by Team Bali Solve
03 December 2024
