E33G Remote Worker Visa Bali 2026: Real Cost & Timeline | Knowmads Bali

Yes, people are being approved for the E33G Remote Worker Visa in 2026. Approvals at Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Khusus TPI Ngurah Rai typically take 4–8 weeks. Immigration has asked for: employer letter, 3 months bank statements (min. $2,000/month), remote work contract, passport photos, and KITAS fee payment. Total agent cost via licensed services: IDR 8–15 million depending on complexity.

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The Reality of E33G Visas in Bali

Most people arrive in Bali with one of two assumptions: either that the E33G is hopelessly complicated and only available to well-connected expats, or that it's a simple online form they can sort in an afternoon. Both are wrong.

The E33G Remote Worker Visa (Visa Tenaga Kerja Asing — kategori E33G) is real, it is being granted in 2026, and the process is more accessible than it was even 18 months ago. But it is not forgiving of incomplete paperwork, and Indonesian immigration has zero obligation to explain why your application stalled.

Here is what newcomers consistently get wrong:

The employer letter must be specific. A generic "this person works remotely for us" note from HR will not pass. Immigration wants your job title, your monthly salary, a statement that you work outside Indonesia, your employment start date, and company letterhead with a wet signature or equivalent. Digital signatures from DocuSign have been accepted, but some officers still push back — bring a notarised copy.

Bank statements need to show regular income, not just a balance. A lump sum sitting in your account reads as savings, not salary. They want to see consistent monthly deposits that match what your employer letter claims.

Timing matters. The E33G is a stay permit, not a visa-on-arrival extension. You cannot apply for it retroactively once you've overstayed or converted from the wrong visa category. You need to enter on the correct basis first.

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Vetted Recommendations

Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Khusus TPI Ngurah Rai (Denpasar Immigration Office)

This is the primary immigration authority for all Bali-based visa and KITAS matters. Located near Ngurah Rai International Airport, it handles E33G applications, MERP (Multiple Exit Re-entry Permits), extensions, and sponsorship transfers. Walk-in queues can be brutal — arrive before 8:00 AM if attending in person. Most licensed agents submit on your behalf, which removes the need to queue yourself. The office is formally open Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00 WITA, though in practice submissions are processed through the early afternoon. Do not attend without a complete document set — missing a single page means a return visit.

Bali Expat Services (Licensed E33G Visa Agent, Seminyak)

One of the most cited licensed agents among the Canggu and Seminyak expat communities for E33G applications specifically. They handle document preparation, submission to Imigrasi Ngurah Rai, and follow-up on your behalf. As of early 2026, their quoted fees for a full E33G service package sit in the IDR 8–12 million range, depending on whether you need additional support with employer documentation. They are licensed, which matters — using unlicensed fixers creates legal exposure for you, not just the agent. Seminyak office; appointments recommended.

Canggu Cowork (Employer-of-Record Sponsorship Letters, Canggu)

For remote workers who are freelancers, contractors, or founders without a formal employer, Canggu Cowork has stepped into a genuine gap: they provide employer-of-record (EOR) sponsorship letters that satisfy the E33G employer documentation requirement. This is a legitimate service, not a workaround — EOR arrangements are recognised under Indonesian immigration practice. Their fee for the sponsorship letter package varies; confirm current pricing directly. They are based in Canggu and serve a predominantly digital nomad clientele. If you are self-employed and worried your documentation won't pass, this is worth a conversation before you start your application.

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Pro-Tips: What the Locals Know

• Get your documents apostilled before you arrive. Retroactive apostilling from Bali adds weeks and cost. Your employment contract and, where required, your degree certificate should be apostilled in your home country.
• IDR cash for government fees. The official KITAS fee payment at Imigrasi is cash, in rupiah. Bring more than you think you need; exchange rates at airport counters are poor.
• The 60-day tourist visa is not a safe buffer. Some applicants believe they can start the E33G process on a tourist visa and it will convert in time. It often does not. Speak to your agent before you book your flight to confirm entry visa category.
• WhatsApp is how this city runs. Licensed agents, Canggu Cowork, and even some immigration staff communicate via WhatsApp. If someone isn't responding to email, try messaging directly.
• Your NPWP (Indonesian tax number) may be requested. Not always required for E33G, but some officers ask for it. If you plan to stay long-term, register early.
• Document expiry dates matter more than you think. If your passport expires within 18 months, renew it first. Your KITAS validity cannot extend beyond your passport validity.
• Keep certified copies of everything. Imigrasi may retain originals. Keep scanned backups of every document before submission.

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A Conscious Note

Bali's immigration ecosystem — the agents, the EOR providers, the coworks — exists because a community of people decided to build something functional rather than wait for bureaucracy to catch up. When you work with licensed local businesses, you are participating in that ecosystem rather than extracting from it. Pay fair rates. Don't bargain with your visa agent the way you'd bargain at a market. Tip the office runner who queued for four hours on your behalf. If the community here has made your work-from-Bali life possible, find a way to give something back — whether that's hiring locally, mentoring, or simply spending at locally-owned businesses rather than chains. The visa is the beginning, not the whole story.

⚠️ Warning: Indonesian immigration regulations change with limited notice. Fees, required documents, and processing timelines listed here reflect conditions as of February 2026 but may have changed. Always verify current requirements directly with a licensed immigration consultant before submitting any application.

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Quick-Reference FAQ

Can I apply for the E33G Remote Worker Visa if I'm self-employed or a freelancer? Yes, but you need employer-of-record documentation. Services like Canggu Cowork can provide a sponsorship letter that satisfies the employer requirement for freelancers and contractors.

How long does E33G approval take at Imigrasi Ngurah Rai in 2026? Typically 4–8 weeks from complete document submission, assuming no requests for additional information. Complex cases or incomplete submissions can extend this to 10–12 weeks.

What is the real total cost of getting an E33G visa with an agent? Budget IDR 8–15 million for agent fees plus the official government KITAS fee (currently around IDR 1–2 million). Factor in apostilling, document translation, and travel for a realistic all-in cost closer to IDR 12–18 million depending on your starting situation.