Bali Long-Term Stay & Retirement Visas – Rules and Requirements for Expats

Bali has become one of the most popular destinations for expatriates seeking long-term residency or retirement in Indonesia. The island’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and relaxed lifestyle make it an attractive choice for foreigners looking to live abroad. However, staying in Bali legally for an extended period requires understanding and complying with Indonesia’s immigration rules.

At The Bali Lawyer, a trusted law service based in Bali, we specialize in guiding foreigners through the process of obtaining long-term stay and retirement visas. This comprehensive guide explains the rules, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and legal considerations for living in Bali on a long-term or retirement basis.

Understanding Long-Term Stay and Retirement Visas in Bali

Indonesia offers specific visas that allow foreigners to reside in the country for extended periods. The most common options for long-term stays include:

  1. KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) – For work, retirement, investment, or family purposes.

  2. Retirement KITAS – Specifically for foreigners aged 55 and above who wish to retire in Bali.

  3. KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) – For long-term residents, often after consecutive KITAS renewals.

Each visa type has unique requirements and benefits. Choosing the correct visa is essential to ensure legal compliance and a smooth stay in Bali.

Eligibility Rules for Long-Term Stay in Bali

Foreigners intending to reside in Bali long-term must meet specific eligibility criteria depending on the type of visa:

1. KITAS for Work or Investment

  • Sponsored by an Indonesian company or PT PMA (foreign investment company).

  • Foreigners must have a valid passport with sufficient validity.

  • Employers or sponsors must provide legal documentation such as IMTA (Work Permit).

2. Retirement KITAS

  • Age requirement: 55 years or older.

  • Proof of income or pension sufficient to support living expenses in Bali.

  • Health insurance coverage valid in Indonesia.

  • Proof of accommodation, either owned or rented, in Bali.

  • Commitment to not engage in active employment or commercial activities in Indonesia.

3. Dependent KITAS

  • For spouses and children of KITAS holders.

  • Tied to the primary visa holder’s status and duration.

Requirements for Retirement KITAS

The Retirement KITAS is one of the most popular long-term visa options for expats. Key requirements include:

  1. Age Requirement

    • Applicants must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

  2. Financial Requirements

    • Proof of sufficient funds to support living expenses, usually in the form of a bank statement or pension letter.

  3. Health Insurance

    • Comprehensive medical coverage valid in Indonesia.

  4. Accommodation Proof

    • Rental agreement, hotel booking, or property ownership documents in Bali.

  5. Sponsorship

    • A local agent, company, or family member must act as the sponsor for the visa.

  6. No Work Clause

    • Retirement KITAS holders are not allowed to work or engage in business activities in Bali.

Applying for Long-Term Stay or Retirement Visas

Obtaining a KITAS or Retirement KITAS involves several steps to ensure compliance with Indonesian immigration laws:

Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Visa Type

  • Assess whether you qualify for a work, investment, retirement, or dependent KITAS.

  • Consult legal experts to ensure the correct visa selection based on your situation.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Common documents include:

  • Valid passport

  • Recent passport-sized photographs

  • Sponsor letters

  • Proof of accommodation

  • Proof of financial capability (for retirement KITAS)

  • Health insurance coverage

  • Employment or investment documents (if applicable)

Step 3: Apply for an Entry Visa

  • Foreigners may enter Indonesia on a Visa on Arrival, Social-Cultural Visa, or Business Visa, depending on the purpose, before converting to KITAS.

Step 4: Submit KITAS Application to Immigration Office

  • Applications are submitted to the Indonesian Immigration Office along with notarized supporting documents.

  • Biometric data collection and verification are conducted during the application process.

Step 5: Receive KITAS Approval and Card

  • Upon approval, the foreigner receives a KITAS card, which serves as proof of legal residency in Indonesia.

Step 6: Renewal and Compliance

  • KITAS visas are typically valid for 6–12 months and must be renewed annually.

  • Retirement KITAS can be extended for multiple years, provided eligibility criteria continue to be met.

KITAP – Permanent Residency in Bali

Foreigners who have held a KITAS consecutively for five years may apply for a KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit). The KITAP provides long-term residency benefits:

  • Valid for five years and renewable indefinitely.

  • Allows dependents to obtain permanent residency as well.

  • Provides more flexibility and stability for long-term living in Bali.

Eligibility for KITAP requires continuous compliance with Indonesian immigration laws, proof of financial stability, and a clean legal record.

Legal Considerations for Long-Term Stay and Retirement in Bali

  • Compliance with Immigration Laws: Overstaying a KITAS can result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans.

  • Health Insurance Requirements: Proper medical coverage is mandatory for retirement KITAS holders.

  • Financial Proof: Immigration authorities require evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay.

  • Dependents and Family: Dependent visas are tied to the primary visa holder and must be managed carefully.

  • No Employment Clause: Retirement KITAS holders cannot work or conduct business in Indonesia.

Benefits of Long-Term Stay and Retirement Visas in Bali

  1. Legal Residency

    • Long-term visas allow foreigners to reside in Bali legally for extended periods.

  2. Access to Services

    • KITAS holders can open bank accounts, register for health insurance, and obtain local driver’s licenses.

  3. Family Inclusion

    • Dependents can obtain KITAS visas tied to the primary visa holder’s status.

  4. Pathway to Permanent Residency

    • Consecutive KITAS renewals can lead to a KITAP, offering stability for long-term living in Bali.

  5. Peace of Mind

    • Legal compliance ensures no risk of overstaying or fines, allowing a relaxed retirement or extended stay.

The Role of The Bali Lawyer

At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in guiding foreigners through the process of obtaining long-term stay and retirement visas in Bali. Our services include:

  • Assessing eligibility and determining the appropriate visa type.

  • Preparing and notarizing required documents.

  • Liaising with immigration authorities to ensure timely processing.

  • Assisting with dependent visas for spouses and children.

  • Managing annual KITAS renewals and compliance requirements.

Our expertise ensures a smooth application process, minimizes delays, and guarantees full compliance with Indonesian immigration law.

Tips for Expats Applying for Long-Term Stay or Retirement in Bali

  1. Start Early

    • Begin the application process well in advance to account for processing times.

  2. Ensure Complete Documentation

    • Submit all required documents, including proof of accommodation, financial capability, and health insurance.

  3. Choose the Correct Visa Type

    • Misidentifying your visa type can lead to legal issues and delays.

  4. Work with a Legal Expert

    • Professional guidance ensures accuracy, compliance, and a hassle-free process.

  5. Stay Updated on Regulations

    • Immigration rules may change, so keeping informed ensures your visa remains valid.

 

Living in Bali long-term or retiring on the island requires a proper understanding of Indonesian visa regulations. Foreigners must comply with rules for KITAS and retirement KITAS to ensure legal residency. The process involves determining eligibility, preparing documents, obtaining sponsorship, submitting applications, and maintaining compliance through renewals.

Working with a professional legal service like The Bali Lawyer ensures that every step of the long-term stay or retirement visa process is handled efficiently and legally. From eligibility assessment to document preparation, submission, and renewal, our team provides full support for expats seeking a secure and comfortable life in Bali.

Contact The Bali Lawyer today to obtain expert guidance on long-term stay and retirement visas, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant experience in Bali.