Bali Freelance Visa Service – Legal Support for Freelancers Living and Working in Bali
Bali has become one of the most sought-after destinations for freelancers, remote workers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs seeking a balance of tropical lifestyle and professional productivity. Whether you’re a designer, writer, developer, consultant, or remote employee, many foreigners dream of living legally in Bali while working online or independently. However, navigating the visa process as a freelancer in Indonesia can be complex without proper legal guidance.
At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in helping foreign freelancers understand and obtain the right visa to live and work in Bali legally and confidently. Our legal team provides expert freelance visa assistance tailored to your needs, ensuring compliance with Indonesian regulations.
Understanding the Freelance Visa in Bali
While Indonesia does not issue a visa titled “freelance visa,” there are legal pathways that can support freelance work in the country. The most appropriate visa type for freelancers depends on the nature of your work, income sources, and how long you plan to stay in Bali. At The Bali Lawyer, we assess your case and recommend the most suitable visa option to ensure legal residence and tax compliance.
Common visa options suitable for freelancers include:
B211A (Visit Visa): Often used for short-term stays, networking, market research, or professional activities without direct employment in Indonesia.
DTS (Digital Talent Stay Permit): A newer option tailored to digital professionals and remote workers.
KITAS (Limited Stay Permit): For longer-term residence, including investor, dependent, or working KITAS depending on your arrangement.
Who Needs a Freelance Visa in Bali?
If you’re working remotely for clients or companies based outside of Indonesia or generating income through online platforms while living in Bali, you need to make sure you’re staying within the legal boundaries. While Bali is known for its laid-back atmosphere, immigration rules are enforced seriously. Working without the proper visa can result in deportation, fines, or legal action.
You may need a freelance visa if:
You are a remote worker for a foreign company.
You are a digital entrepreneur or freelancer running a business online.
You provide consulting, design, development, or professional services remotely.
You earn an income from online platforms or clients outside Indonesia.
Even if you are not employed by an Indonesian entity, staying in Bali while working requires that you obtain a legal stay permit that aligns with Indonesian immigration law.
Legal Guidance from a Trusted Bali Law Firm
At The Bali Lawyer, our legal team is deeply experienced in Indonesian immigration and visa law. We support freelancers by:
Advising on the correct visa type based on your work and income structure.
Handling visa application and extension processes on your behalf.
Preparing all necessary documentation to meet immigration requirements.
Liaising with local authorities to ensure your status remains compliant.
Helping transition between visa types if your circumstances change.
We take care of the legal complexities so you can focus on living and working in Bali with peace of mind.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?
Our law firm is based in Bali, providing legal services exclusively for foreigners navigating Indonesia’s legal system. Our Bali freelance visa service is:
Professional and Reliable: We offer accurate, up-to-date legal advice from experienced immigration lawyers.
Tailored for Freelancers: We understand the freelance lifestyle and provide personalized solutions.
Comprehensive Support: From the first consultation to your visa renewal, we assist every step of the way.
Local Expertise: Our team is based in Bali, giving you on-the-ground support and insight into the current regulations and procedures.
We are committed to helping you achieve long-term, legal residence in Bali so you can build your life and career with confidence.
The Process of Getting a Freelance Visa
Initial Consultation: Our legal team will review your freelance activity, intended stay duration, and income sources.
Legal Assessment: Based on your profile, we’ll determine the visa option that fits your status and goals.
Documentation Preparation: We guide you through the paperwork and collect all necessary supporting documents.
Visa Application: We file and manage the visa application process, including interaction with immigration authorities.
Follow-Up and Updates: Our team provides updates on your visa status and handles any required clarifications.
Visa Issuance and Compliance: Once approved, we provide guidance on how to remain in full compliance with your visa type.
What You Cannot Do on a Freelance Visa
It is important to understand that even with a visa suitable for freelancers or digital nomads, you cannot:
Work for an Indonesian company without proper work authorization.
Receive direct income from clients based in Indonesia without a licensed business structure.
Offer services locally without a registered legal entity and relevant permits.
Violating these restrictions can result in serious legal consequences, including fines, deportation, and bans from re-entering Indonesia. At The Bali Lawyer, we help you stay within the legal boundaries while maximizing your ability to live and work freely in Bali.
Tax Considerations for Freelancers in Bali
Indonesia has strict tax residency rules. If you live in Bali for more than 183 days in a 12-month period, you may be considered a tax resident, even if your income is sourced abroad. This has important implications for your financial and legal responsibilities.
Our legal team provides:
Advice on tax residency status for foreigners.
Legal structuring options to reduce tax exposure.
Information on how to stay compliant with both Indonesian and international tax laws.
By planning your visa and stay duration strategically, you can optimize your legal and financial position while living in Bali.
Long-Term Stay Options for Freelancers
For freelancers planning to stay in Bali long-term, we offer assistance with more permanent legal structures, including:
Investor KITAS (for those investing in a local company or property)
Retirement KITAS (for eligible individuals over a certain age)
Establishing a PT PMA (foreign-owned company) to operate legally in Indonesia
Each option comes with its own set of legal requirements, and our team will help you choose the right path based on your needs.
Stay Compliant, Stay Confident
Freelancing in Bali is possible and legal—with the right visa and expert guidance. As the popularity of remote work grows, so does the importance of having a strong legal foundation. With the support of The Bali Lawyer, you can enjoy the freedom of the Bali lifestyle while ensuring you remain protected and compliant with Indonesian law.
Contact The Bali Lawyer
If you’re a freelancer planning to move to Bali or already living here and unsure about your visa status, contact The Bali Lawyer today. We offer full legal support for visa applications, renewals, compliance, and long-term stay planning. Our friendly and professional team is ready to help you make Bali your legal home base for remote work and personal growth.
The Bali Lawyer – Your Legal Partner for Freelancing in Bali
Let us handle the law, so you can focus on the life you’ve built.