The Bali Residency Guide 2026: Second Home Visa, Golden Visa, and the Digital Nomad Option

Three visa pathways, real numbers, honest timelines. Everything the official websites don't explain clearly.

The landscape in plain English

Indonesia offers several ways to live in Bali legally as a foreign national. The right option depends on three things: how long you want to stay, how much capital you have, and whether you are working remotely or not. This guide covers the three main pathways in 2026 the Second Home Visa, the Golden Visa, and the E33G Remote Worker Visa and who each one is actually suited for.

One thing to be clear about upfront: there is no single visa called a 'Bali visa', but for simplicity, when people refer to a Bali visa they generally mean the Indonesian residency pathways available to foreigners wanting to live in Bali. Here are the three main options.

The Second Home Visa

Launched in late 2022, the Second Home Visa is Indonesia's long-term residency option for high-net-worth foreign nationals who want to make Indonesia their base.

Who it is for: investors, retirees, and financially established individuals who want long-term stability without the annual renewal cycle.

Key facts:

• Allows stays of up to 10 years with no annual renewal requirement 

• Financial requirement: proof of approximately $132,900 USD in savings or investments, held in an Indonesian bank account 

• Family members including spouses, children, and parents can obtain long-term visas under the same arrangement 

• Does not automatically include a work permit for local employment

The honest caveat: the Second Home Visa was designed specifically for investors, travelers, and retirement tourists rather than working digital nomads. The $130,000 capital requirement puts it out of reach for most remote workers and younger professionals. 

The Golden Visa

The Golden Visa targets foreign investors, corporate executives, and individuals with high net worth or specialized expertise. It allows for a 5 or 10 year stay, depending on the level of investment or qualification. 

Who it is for: serious investors, business owners, and senior professionals in strategic sectors.

Key facts:

• Individual investors must make significant financial investments in Indonesia, such as IDR 2 billion or more in government bonds, shares, or company capital 

• Corporate investors, business owners, and professionals in technology, health, or renewable energy may also qualify

• 5 or 10 year stay depending on investment level

• Strongest long-term option for those with genuine investment intent in Indonesia

This is the visa most relevant to the IFC story. As Bali develops as a financial centre, the Golden Visa is likely to become the default pathway for family offices and fund managers looking to establish a long-term presence on the island.

The E33G Remote Worker Visa

Introduced in 2024, the E33G Remote Worker Visa is designed for remote professionals who want to live in Bali while working for companies or clients based outside Indonesia. It grants up to 12 months in Bali and is the main legal route for remote work in Indonesia. 

Who it is for: remote employees, freelancers, consultants, and online business owners earning income from outside Indonesia.

Key facts:

• Minimum annual income requirement of approximately $60,000 USD 

• Typically processed within 5 to 10 working days 

• Valid health insurance required for the duration of stay

• Income must come entirely from outside Indonesia, no local clients or employers permitted

• Issued as a limited stay permit (KITAS), classifying the holder as a temporary resident

Working remotely in Bali on a tourist visa is illegal. This is worth stating clearly because many people do it. The E33G exists precisely to give remote workers a clean legal pathway.

Which visa is right for you

The decision is straightforward once you know your situation:

If you are a remote worker earning above $60,000 USD annually and want to stay up to a year: the E33G is your route.

It is the most accessible option and the one designed for how most people actually live and work in Bali today.

If you have significant capital, want long-term stability, and are not planning to work locally: the Second Home Visa gives you up to 10 years with minimal renewal complexity.

If you are an investor, fund manager, or senior professional in a strategic sector: the Golden Visa is the most appropriate pathway and the one most likely to align with the IFC ecosystem as it develops.

What is still unclear

Indonesia's visa framework for foreign professionals is still evolving. The E33G is relatively new, enforcement varies, and the rules around what remote workers can and cannot do in practice remain somewhat grey. The safest approach is always to use a registered visa agent and ensure your documentation is clean before you arrive.

We will continue tracking any regulatory changes as the IFC framework develops.

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