Moving to Bali
A step-by-step guide for people who actually plan to stay in Bali, Indonesia. Not a vacation itinerary.
Monthly cost
$1,284
solo, city centre
Livability
64/100
decent
Safety
74/100
Fine. Just keep your wits about you
PR timeline
5 yrs
citizenship: 10y
How to move to Bali
Visas, residency, and the paperwork you can't avoid
Indonesia Second Home Visa
Bring a lawyerDuration: 5 or 10 years
Deposit of ~$130,000 USD in Indonesian bank. Not cheap, but it's Bali.
Visa difficulty by nationality
5 years
to permanent residency
10 years
to citizenship
⚠️ Requires Bahasa Indonesia proficiency and renouncing all other citizenships.
Work permit accessibility: moderate
What it costs to move to Bali
First-month sticker shock, decoded
Day-one setup cost
$1,082
1-bed, city centre / mo
Cheaper than 58% of 124 cities
$3,348
3-bed, city centre / mo
Monthly burn (solo)
$1,284/moRent + groceries + transport + utilities. No avocado toast budget.
Housing friction
Easy1–7 days, walk-in or online
- •Passport sufficient (KITAS for long-term)
- •1–3 months' deposit depending on term
- •Abundant villas and apartments
- •Foreigners cannot own land — lease only
First month in Bali
The to-do list nobody gives you at the airport
- ☐
Apply for Indonesia Second Home Visa
5 or 10 years. Deposit of ~$130,000 USD in Indonesian bank. Not cheap, but it's Bali.
- ☐
Open a local bank account
Bring a Indonesian-speaking friend or prepare for mime-based banking
- ☐
Get a local SIM card
~$6/mo for 10GB+
- ☐
Find an apartment
Expect 1–7 days, walk-in or online. Housing friction: Easy.
- ☐
Have $2,914 ready for move-in costs
First month + 1mo deposit + furniture
- ☐
Register with local authorities
Most countries require address registration within 30 days
- ☐
Get health insurance
Private insurance ~$50/mo until residency kicks in
- ☐
Start learning basic Indonesian
Not optional. Download Duolingo before the plane lands
Language in Bali
Can you order coffee without pointing?
Indonesian
primary language
Low
English proficiency
English proficiency is low. Learning at least basic Indonesian isn't optional — it's survival.
Will the government leave you alone?
Democracy, freedom, and regime vibes
6.4/10
democracy index (EIU)
🏚️ Flawed democracy
regime type
#49 of 163
Global Peace Index (lower = more peaceful)
Travel advisory: Level 2 — Exercise increased caution
FCDO advises against travel to some regions.
Is Bali safe?
Crime stats for people who read footnotes
🤷
Fine. Just keep your wits about you
0.3
homicides per 100k
Crime index: 51/100
Elevated. Research neighborhoods carefully before signing a lease.
Weather in Bali
What the thermometer actually says
29°C
summer highs
25°C
winter lows
36 Mbps
average download speed
If you get sick
Healthcare access for new arrivals
System: BPJS national insurance available to permit holders; private hospitals preferred by expats
Before residency: BPJS public system for residents with KITAS permit only. Pre-residency: private insurance essential (~$45/mo). Public hospitals are affordable out-of-pocket for minor issues. Serious care = private hospital or medical evacuation to Singapore. (private insurance ~$50/mo)
The honest take
What we'd tell a friend
Going for it
- ✓ Bali: 0.3/100k violence, but crime index 51. Guard your wallet.
- ✓ Sea access in Bali at 29°C summers. Yes, really.
- ✓ 5.0% GDP growth in Indonesia. Jobs appearing in Bali.
Think twice about
- ✗ Democracy 6.4/10 in Indonesia. Bali's rule of law is inconsistent.
- ✗ No English shortcut in Bali. Indonesian or struggle.
- ✗ Internet in Bali: 36 Mbps average. Download things offline.
More on Bali
Can foreigners buy property in Bali?
Not freehold — foreigners cannot own land outright, but can lease property for up to 70 years or buy through a foreign-owned company (PT PMA). Indonesian law reserves freehold land titles (Hak Milik) exclusively for Indonesian citizens. Foreigners have three legal options: leasehold (Hak Sewa) for up to 25–30 years, renewable to 70; Right to Use (Hak Pakai) which requires a KITAS/KITAP residency permit; or purchasing through a PT PMA. Nominee arrangements are explicitly illegal and offer zero legal protection. (Exotiq Property — Can Foreigners Buy Property in Bali?)
How do I get permanent residency in Bali?
Hold a temporary residence permit (KITAS) for 3–5 consecutive years, then apply for the permanent stay permit (KITAP). There is no direct path to permanent residency in Indonesia. You must first obtain a KITAS through employment, investment (via a PT PMA company), retirement (age 55+), or marriage to an Indonesian citizen. After holding a KITAS for at least 3 consecutive years, you can apply for a KITAP, which is valid for 5 years and renewable indefinitely. (Cekindo — Permanent Resident Indonesia Guide)
Is Bali safe for families to live long-term?
Generally yes — crime is low and the Balinese community is family-oriented, but traffic accidents are the biggest safety risk. Bali's crime rate is low, especially for violent crime. The biggest risk is road traffic: narrow roads, minimal lane discipline, and heavy motorbike traffic make accidents the leading cause of injury for expats. Healthcare has improved significantly, and several international schools (Green School, Bali Island School) are world-class. Family-friendly areas include Sanur, Ubud, and Nusa Dua. (Our Year in Bali — Safety Guide)
What is the real cost of living in Bali for expats?
A comfortable solo expat lifestyle costs $1,500–2,500/month; budget living is possible from $800–1,000. Budget living ($800–1,000/month) means a simple room or shared villa, eating at local warungs, and using a scooter. Mid-range comfort ($1,500–2,500) gets a private one-bedroom villa, a mix of local and Western restaurants, and coworking space. Families typically need $3,200–5,200/month including international school fees ($5,000–20,000/year). (Numbeo Cost of Living — Bali)
Do I need health insurance to live in Bali?
Yes — Indonesia has no public healthcare for foreigners, and private hospital costs without insurance can be substantial. Indonesia's public healthcare system (BPJS) is technically available to KITAS holders but quality is limited. Most expats use private hospitals like BIMC or Siloam, where costs are 3–5x less than the US but can still run into thousands for serious conditions. International health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Plans start around $100–200/month. (Pacific Prime — Health Insurance in Bali)
This is the settler summary. For the full data dump:
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