If you’re dreaming of working remotely from paradise, Bali is probably high on your list. But before you book that one-way ticket, it’s crucial to know exactly how long you can stay in Bali as a digital nomad—and what the consequences are if you overstay your visa.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know in plain language, from visa types and stay limits to what happens if you go beyond them.
Also read: Is Bali Good for Digital Nomads? A Guide to Remote Work in Paradise
So, How Long Can You Stay in Bali as a Digital Nomad?
Bali welcomes digital nomads—but under very specific visa conditions. The most suitable option is the Remote Worker E33G Visa.
According to the Directorate General of Immigration of Indonesia, digital nomads using this visa can:
- Stay in Bali for up to 1 year
- Leave and re-enter Indonesia within the visa period
- Work remotely for an overseas employer only
- Engage in tourism or visit family and friends
💡 Important: You are not allowed to receive any income from Indonesian companies or individuals. That means no freelancing for locals, running events, selling goods, or taking paid gigs—even if it’s “just a one-off.”
Also read: Is It Legal to Be a Digital Nomad in Bali?
Requirements to Qualify for the 1-Year Stay
To be eligible for a 1-year digital nomad stay in Bali, you’ll need to prove the following:
- A valid passport (at least 6 months left)
- Proof of income: You must earn at least USD $60,000 per year
- A bank statement showing at least USD $2,000 in the last 3 months
- An employment contract with a foreign (non-Indonesian) company
- A clear travel itinerary
- Recent photograph and a curriculum vitae
This is all part of Indonesia’s push to attract legitimate remote workers, while protecting local employment laws and immigration policy.
What Happens If You Overstay?
Here’s where things can get serious. Overstaying your visa—even accidentally—has legal consequences under UU No. 6/2011 on Immigration (UU Keimigrasian).
If You Overstay Less Than 60 Days:
You’ll be fined IDR 1,000,000 (around USD $65) per day. You must pay this at the immigration office before exiting the country.
If You Overstay More Than 60 Days:
You face:
- Immediate deportation
- Entry ban (usually 6 months or more)
- Potential detention at the Immigration Detention Center (Ruang Detensi Imigrasi)
- Legal action, depending on the nature of your stay
In these cases, you won’t just pay a fine—you may be held while deportation is processed, which can take days or even weeks. The cost of deportation will be charged to you or your guarantor, and if unpaid, it could fall to your embassy or consulate.
Also read: What Happens if You Overstay Visa in Indonesia?
“Any foreigner found violating immigration laws or disrupting public order can be detained and deported,” — Achmad Nur Saleh, Directorate General of Immigration
A Quick Note on Tax Residency
If you stay in Bali more than 183 days in a 12-month period, you may be considered a tax resident of Indonesia. That means you could be liable for taxes on your worldwide income—even if you work for a company based abroad.
If your stay is under 183 days, you generally avoid Indonesian tax residency—but it’s still smart to talk to a tax advisor before settling in long-term.
Also read: Digital Nomad Tax in Bali: What You Need to Know
Final Tips for Digital Nomads in Bali
- Don’t assume a tourist visa is enough. Tourist visas only allow 30-60 days, not valid for remote work.
- Apply for the correct visa before arrival to avoid re-application hassles.
- Track your entry and exit dates closely. Set calendar reminders.
- Don’t risk overstaying—even one day can cost you.
TL;DR: How Long Can You Stay?
| Visa Type | Stay Duration | Can You Work Remotely? | Can You Earn from Indonesia? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa (e-ITAS) | Up to 1 Year | ✅ Yes, for foreign employer | ❌ No |
| Tourist Visa | 30-60 Days | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Always check with the official Indonesian Immigration website for the latest visa rules and updates.
Bali is a dream spot for digital nomads—but only if you play by the rules. You can stay for up to one year on the right visa, but overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and bans.
If you’re serious about working remotely in paradise, make sure you secure the proper documents, follow immigration law, and avoid anything that could jeopardize your stay.
For hassle-free legal registration, you can rely on InvestinAsia’s Indonesia Remote work E33G Visa/KITAS Application Service.
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References:
Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Second Home & Remote Worker Visa. eVisa Indonesia. Retrieved from https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/front/faq/e076131c-0d39-469b-afaf-75fc66aff923
Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I TPI Yogyakarta. (2023). Bagaimana Cara Imigrasi Menangani WNA yang Overstay dan Akan Dideportasi? Begini Penjelasannya. Retrieved from https://jogja.imigrasi.go.id/bagaimana-cara-imigrasi-menangani-wna-yang-overstay-dan-akan-dideportasi-begini-penjelasannya/
