Tom & Mia Chen
Remote Workers · Canggu, Bali · Published December 10, 2025
The tourist visa won't cut it for long stays. Here's every legal visa option for living in Bali in 2026 - B211A, ITAS, Second Home Visa, and the one most nomads are now using.
Bali is arguably the world's most appealing place to live as a remote worker. It's also the most legally complicated. Indonesia's immigration rules change regularly and the line between 'tourist who works remotely' and 'person working illegally in Indonesia' is genuinely blurry in 2026. Here's the current state of play.
Every year, thousands of expats in Bali operate in a legal grey area using tourism visas. In 2025, enforcement increased significantly. This guide covers the fully legal options only.
Option 1: B211A Visa on Arrival (Short-Term)
Available on arrival for 30 days, extendable once to 60 days. Maximum stay: 60 days. Not suitable for long-term residence - immigration now flags repeated short-stay visitors attempting visa runs.
- Cost: ~$35 on arrival, ~$35 extension
- Total maximum stay: 60 days
- Suitable for: Short visits only
Option 2: ITAS - Temporary Stay Permit
The most practical long-term option for most expats. Requires a sponsor in Indonesia. Issued for 1–2 years, renewable. Several reputable legal services now offer sponsored ITAS for remote workers at scale.
The ITAS Process
- Find a reputable ITAS sponsor service (search 'ITAS Bali sponsor 2026')
- Submit documents: passport, sponsor letter, insurance, background check
- Pay the service fee ($800–1,200/year all-in)
- Attend in-person biometrics appointment in Bali
- Receive your ITAS card within 2–4 weeks
- Cost: $800–1,200/year
- Duration: 1–2 years, renewable
- Key benefit: Legal residence, local bank account eligibility, zero visa anxiety
Option 3: Second Home Visa
Launched in 2022 for wealthy long-stay residents. Requires proof of $130,000+ in a foreign bank account. Excellent for retirees and passive income earners who want maximum legal clarity.
- Admin fee: $1,000 non-refundable
- Duration: 5 years, extendable to 10
- Asset requirement: $130,000+ in foreign bank
- Work permitted: No - passive income or retirement only
What Most Nomads Actually Do in 2026
The sponsored ITAS through a legitimate agent. The route is now well-established and widely used. It gives you a proper residence permit, allows you to open a local BCA or Mandiri bank account, and removes visa anxiety entirely.
Bali is worth getting the legal status right. The ITAS costs less than one month's rent in most Western cities, removes all visa anxiety, and lets you actually live there - not just visit.
Topics covered