Bali Visa & Immigration Laws 2025: What You Need to Know
Bali continues to attract global visitors, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and long-term residents with its tropical beauty, cultural richness, and business opportunities. But to legally live, work, or invest in Bali, it is essential to understand Indonesia’s visa and immigration laws—especially as new regulations have come into effect in 2025.
At The Bali Lawyer, we are a trusted law service based in Bali, dedicated to guiding foreigners through the legal landscape of Indonesian immigration. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a remote worker, or someone planning to relocate, this comprehensive 2025 guide covers everything you need to know about staying legally in Bali.
Why Understanding Bali’s Visa System Is Critical
Overstaying your visa, working without the proper permit, or failing to register with immigration can lead to fines, deportation, or even bans from re-entry. As Bali becomes more regulated and digitalized, it’s more important than ever to stay updated on visa requirements and immigration policies.
The Indonesian government has introduced new visa categories, digital processes, and updated stay permit options to manage the increasing foreign population and to support legitimate activities such as tourism, investment, retirement, and remote work.
Types of Visas Available in Bali in 2025
1. Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Ideal for short-term travel, leisure, or visiting friends and family. This visa allows for a stay of up to 60 days and is extendable once for another 60 days.
Key details:
Issued online before arrival (e-Visa) or on arrival (VOA) for eligible countries
Not valid for employment or business activities
Requires onward travel documentation and accommodation proof
Tourist visas are strictly for non-commercial visits.
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The VOA is one of the most popular options for travelers from eligible countries visiting Bali for tourism, business meetings, or conferences.
Details include:
Valid for 30 days
Can be extended once for another 30 days
Available at Ngurah Rai International Airport and other major ports of entry
Must apply for an extension before the first 30 days expire
Failure to extend in time results in overstay penalties.
3. B211A Visit Visa (Social, Cultural, Business, or Remote Work)
The B211A visa is a multi-purpose single-entry visa that is gaining popularity in 2025, especially among remote workers, business investors, and those staying for cultural exchanges.
Features:
Valid for 60 days
Extendable up to 180 days total
Can be used for digital nomads, volunteering, business scouting, or social visits
Requires sponsorship from an Indonesian entity or legal agent
Remote workers and online professionals often choose this visa while exploring long-term options.
4. Multiple Entry Business Visa (D212)
This visa allows multiple entries for business-related activities (not employment) over the span of 12 months.
Key points:
Valid for 1 year
Each stay is limited to 60 days per visit
Must not engage in work for an Indonesian company
Requires a business sponsor based in Indonesia
Great for businesspeople who frequently visit Bali or manage operations without employment contracts.
Long-Term Stay Permits in Bali (ITAS/KITAS)
For those looking to live in Bali long-term, the Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS) or Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) is required. As of 2025, the most common types include:
1. Retirement KITAS
Designed for foreigners aged 60 and above who want to retire in Bali.
Requirements:
Minimum age: 60
Proof of income or pension
Rental agreement for accommodation
Local sponsor and domestic insurance
No work allowed under this visa
Retirees enjoy a peaceful lifestyle and affordable living under this visa class.
2. Investor KITAS
For individuals investing in a legal Indonesian company (PT PMA) and serving as shareholders or directors.
Benefits:
Allows long-term stay and multiple re-entries
Valid for 1-2 years and extendable
Can be used for managing business operations
No minimum number of work hours required
Investor KITAS is essential for foreign entrepreneurs operating legally in Bali.
3. Working KITAS
Issued to foreigners employed by an Indonesian company.
Highlights:
Must have a valid employment contract
Requires company sponsorship and work permit (IMTA)
Can be issued for various sectors (tourism, tech, education, etc.)
Renewable annually
Foreign employees and technical experts often require this visa for legal employment.
4. Family KITAS
Dependents (spouse, children) of KITAS holders can apply for a family stay permit.
Conditions:
No working rights
Valid as long as the primary KITAS holder remains in legal status
Requires marriage and/or birth certificates
It enables foreign families to live together in Bali legally.
New in 2025: Digital Nomad Visa Pilot Program
In 2025, the Indonesian government is expanding a Digital Nomad Visa program to cater to the rising number of remote workers choosing Bali. Although still in a limited phase, the program offers:
Stay up to 1 year
No local income tax (if foreign-sourced income only)
Requires proof of steady remote income
No local employment or investment allowed
Must not engage in business transactions within Indonesia
This visa is expected to become a game-changer for freelancers and online entrepreneurs seeking long-term, legal residence in Bali.
Visa Extensions and Overstay Penalties
Understanding visa extension procedures is essential to avoid legal issues.
Tourist Visa & VOA: Extendable once, must apply before expiry
B211A Visa: Extendable monthly up to 180 days total
KITAS: Renewable annually or bi-annually depending on type
Overstay penalties in 2025 are IDR 1,000,000 per day. Overstaying beyond 60 days is a criminal offense and may result in deportation or being blacklisted.
Always monitor your visa validity and begin extension processes early with professional assistance.
Immigration Reporting Requirements
All foreigners staying in Bali long-term must comply with local immigration regulations, including:
Registration of address with the local civil registry
Police reports (STM) for security and local tracking
Periodic check-ins for KITAS holders
Sponsorship updates if changing employment or investment entities
The Bali Lawyer helps manage all documentation and compliance on your behalf, ensuring your stay remains uninterrupted.
How to Choose the Right Visa for Your Purpose
Before entering Indonesia, define your purpose of stay clearly. Your visa type must align with your actual activities.
| Purpose | Recommended Visa |
|---|---|
| Short holiday | VOA or Tourist Visa |
| Remote work (short-term) | B211A |
| Retire in Bali | Retirement KITAS |
| Manage or invest in a business | Investor KITAS (via PT PMA) |
| Work legally | Working KITAS |
| Frequent business visits | Multiple Entry Business Visa |
| Join family | Family KITAS |
The Bali Lawyer provides full assessments to recommend the best visa pathway based on your situation and long-term plans.
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
Working under a tourist visa
Not extending in time
Using the wrong visa for their activities
Failing to register local address
Trusting unlicensed visa agents
Ignoring tax obligations or overstay penalties
Avoiding these mistakes is easy when you work with a professional, legally certified team like The Bali Lawyer.
Why Work with The Bali Lawyer
As Bali’s legal and visa landscape evolves in 2025, foreigners need trusted legal support more than ever. At The Bali Lawyer, we offer:
Complete visa processing
KITAS applications (all types)
PT PMA company setup and investment licensing
Immigration registration and reporting
Overstay resolution and appeals
Multilingual support and transparent communication
We act as your official sponsor, legal advisor, and compliance partner—all from one trusted law firm based in Bali.
Stay Legal, Protected, and Peaceful in Bali
Understanding and following Bali’s visa and immigration laws is essential to enjoying your stay, operating a business, or building a new life in Indonesia. With updated visa options in 2025, it’s easier than ever to stay legally, but only if you follow the rules and work with experienced legal professionals.
Whether you need a short-term visa or a full relocation solution, The Bali Lawyer is here to help.