Bali Visas & KITAS for Families: A Simple Guide (2025)
Q: "What Visa do I need to stay in Bali?"
It depends how long you're staying and what you're doing while you're here.
Just visiting?
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): You get 30 days, and you can extend it once for another 30. So max: 60 days. Super easy.
- B211A (Social/Business visa): Valid for 60 days, and you can extend it up to 180 days total. Great for a longer chill.
Planning to stay longer or live here?
Then you're looking at a KITAS, which is kind of like a long-stay permit. Here are the main types:
- Work KITAS: You'll need an employer in Indonesia to sponsor you. You must have this to legally work here.
- Investor KITAS: Planning to start a business or open a company (PT PMA)? This one's for you.
- Retirement KITAS: If you're 55+ and meet the financial criteria, you're eligible for this.
- Family KITAS: For spouses or kids joining a KITAS holder.
- Second Home Visa (10 years): Requires a bunch of money ( 2 billion IDR in an Indo bank), but you can stay a long time.
Note: Kids staying long-term also need a visa. They're covered under the Family KITAS. Tip: A "Digital Nomad Visa" is in the works, but not a thing yet. Most remote workers use the B211A or Investor KITAS.
How do I actually get a KITAS?
Here's how it usually goes:
- Figure out which one fits your situation.
- Find a sponsor - employer, spouse, or a company you create.
- Apply through an agent or go direct to the immigration office.
- Wait for approval, pay the fees.
- Get your shiny new e-KITAS (it's all digital now).
Processing takes 2-4 weeks depending on the type and your agent.
Can you recommend someone to help with all this?
Yes! These folks are trusted by the community and actually get stuff done:
Visa Agents:
- BaliViza - Popular, responsive, and do it all: baliviza.com
- Emerhub - Business setup + visas (we've used them): emerhub.com/bali/ | Whatsapp: +6281236599997
- BaliSolve - Friendly, Pererenan-based: balisolve.com | Whatsapp: +6281237726811
- Visa4Bali - Based in Jimbaran, helpful for KITAS: Whatsapp: +6287862273133
- Bali Legals - Full legal support, including SKTT (required after KITAS): balilegals.com
BaliVisas - They handle pretty much everything:
- Balivisas.com
- Offshore visas (if you're applying from outside Indo)
- Visa extensions (for when you want to hang out in Bali a little longer)
- KITAS + Company Set-Up (great if you're settling in or starting something here)
You can reach them on these numbers:
- Offshore Visa: Whatsapp: +62816772262
- Visa Extensions: Whatsapp: +628197873379
- KITAS & Business Setup: Whatsapp: +628196020195
- General WhatsApp: Whatsapp: +628197873379
Want to DIY? You can also go straight to:
Denpasar Immigration Office
- JI. D.I. Panjaitan No.3, Denpasar imigrasi.go.id humas@imigrasi.go.id
How much does a KITAS cost?
Here's a ballpark based on type + agent:
- Work KITAS: IDR 10-15 million/year
- Investor KITAS: IDR 15-20 million for 2 years
- Retirement KITAS: IDR 12-18 million/year
- Family KITAS: Around IDR 8-12 million/year
Note: These prices include agent fees. Fast-tracking or legal extras might cost more.
I need a document translated for immigration stuff. Help? No worries. Try this sworn translator service: balilanguageassistance.com
Quick Visa Q&A
Can I extend a VOA?
Yep, once. Adds 30 more days. Use an agent or go to immigration.
Can I work with a Business Visa?
Nope. You can do meetings, but no actual "working." You'll need a Work KITAS for that. Note: Freelancing is illegal if you work in Indonesia unless you have a work permit (IMTA). What if I overstay my visa? You'll pay IDR 1 million per day. Overstay too long and they might blacklist you. Not fun.
Do my kids need a visa too?
Yes - they can be included in a Family KITAS.
How early should I start extending my visa?
10 days before it expires is a safe window. Still not sure where to start? Ping one of the agents above, or drop by Denpasar Imigrasi and ask questions. People are usually helpful.
Tip: Bali's visa rules can change quickly — always double-check with a pro before making long-term plans. Save this guide. Screenshot it. Share it with a new arrival. Visa stuff might not be sexy, but it'll keep you stress-free and smiling on the island.
Q: "What do I need to know about Tax & Accounting in Bali?"
If you're planning to stay in Bali long-term, you'll want to get familiar with the local tax system. It's all about registering properly and staying on top of your obligations. Here's a simple breakdown:
Getting Registered for Tax in Indonesia
If you're here for 183+ days per year, you might be considered a tax resident. That means you'll need to get yourself sorted with tax registration. It's not as complicated as it sounds - here's what you need to do:
- Get an NPWP (Taxpayer Identification Number) from the local tax office.
- Register your business (if you have one) with the Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes.
- Submit your documents, including your passport/KITAS, business licenses, and proof of address.
Tip: It's a good idea to work with a tax consultant. They'll help you stay compliant and take care of the details.
Recommended Tax Service Providers
Here are some trusted names that the community recommends for tax registration and ongoing compliance:
Rendra Prihayudi - Tax accounting services.
Emerhub - Great for business and tax consultancy. They know how to help with market entry and corporate services.
- Whatsapp: +6283619348343
- bali@emerhub.com
- Emerhub Website
LetsMoveIndonesia - They specialize in helping with relocation and tax matters.
- Whatsapp: +6281292600590 | letsmoveindonesia.com
- info@letsmoveindonesia.com
- LetsMoveIndonesia Website
Tax Indo Bali - Specializes in expat tax solutions.
KJPP Bali Consulting - They offer legal and tax advisory services.
- Whatsapp: +6287800672536 | penilaianaset.co.id/valuation-advisory-services-bali/
- kipp.sdr@penilaianaset.co.id
- KJPP Bali Website
How Much Tax Will You Pay?
If you're a foreigner with a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit), you'll be subject to Indonesia's personal income tax system. Here's how it works:
- Tax Residents (those living in Indonesia for more than 183 days in a year) are taxed on their worldwide income.
- Under the Omnibus Law, if you have specific expertise, you may only be taxed on Indonesian-sourced income for the first four years.
Here's a quick look at the progressive tax rates:
- Up to 60 million IDR: 5%
- 60 million to 250 million IDR: 15%
- 250 million to 500 million IDR: 25%
- 500 million to 5 billion IDR: 30%
- Over 5 billion IDR: 35%
Tip: Make sure to keep track of your income and expenses. The tax rates are progressive, so it's good to plan ahead.
A Few More Things to Keep in Mind
- If you're a non-resident, the tax rate on Indonesian-sourced income is 20%. But if your home country has a Double Tax Agreement with Indonesia, you might get a reduced rate.
- Employers are responsible for withholding tax from employees' salaries and paying it to the government each month.
- Employees need to have an NPWP and file their tax return by March 31 of the following year.
Final Tip:
Tax can be tricky, so it's a great idea to get in touch with a professional who understands the system. They'll help you navigate the rules and ensure you're following the law. Plus, it'll save you time and stress in the long run.