Indonesia has quietly become one of the most compelling destinations for remote workers and expats in Southeast Asia. With a brand-new Digital Nomad Visa (officially called the E33G), a five-year income tax exemption on foreign-sourced earnings, and Bali's legendary coworking culture in Canggu and Ubud, the country now offers a legal, affordable, and genuinely enjoyable long-term base. Whether you are a freelancer earning $3,000 a month or a six-figure tech professional looking to dramatically reduce your cost of living, this guide covers every number, requirement, and practical tip you need to make the move.
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🛂 Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa (E33G) — Everything You Need to Know
Indonesia launched its dedicated Digital Nomad Visa — formally known as the Second Home Visa (E33G) — as part of a broader effort to attract high-income remote workers and investors. While the name says "Second Home," it functions as a long-stay permit specifically designed for people who earn income from outside Indonesia.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Second Home Visa / E33G (Visa Rumah Kedua) |
| Duration | 5 years (extendable once for another 5 years) |
| Multiple Entry | Yes — enter and exit freely |
| Work Permission | Foreign income only; you cannot work for an Indonesian employer |
| Tax on Foreign Income | Exempt (officially confirmed for the first 5-year period) |
| Application Fee | Approx. USD $1,500 – $2,000 (varies by agent & timing) |
| Minimum Funds Required | Proof of at least USD $130,000 in savings or investment |
| Where to Apply | Indonesian consulate in your home country, or through a registered local agent in Bali / Jakarta |
| Processing Time | Approximately 4–8 weeks |
| Dependants Allowed | Yes — spouse and children under 18 |
✅ Pro Tip — Use a Reputable Local Agent
The E33G application involves Indonesian bureaucracy, notarised documents, and sometimes in-person steps at the immigration office. Most expats use a licensed Bali-based visa agent for $300–$500 to handle the paperwork. This saves weeks of stress. Recommended agents include InternationalVisa Bali and Bali Visa Pro — always verify their current licence before paying.
⚠️ Important — The $130,000 Fund Requirement
The minimum funds requirement is the biggest barrier for many applicants. This money does not need to stay in Indonesia permanently, but you must show a bank statement proving the balance exists. A term deposit or brokerage account printout is usually accepted. Consult an immigration lawyer if you are unsure which documents qualify.
E33G vs. Other Indonesia Visa Options
| Visa Type | Duration | Tax Exempt | Work Allowed | Cost (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B211A Tourist Visa | 60 days + 2 extensions (max 180 days) | N/A | No | ~$35 on arrival | Short-term visitors |
| KITAS (Stay Permit) | 1–2 years | No | Sponsored only | $500–$1,500 | Employed by local company |
| E33G Second Home Visa | 5 years | Yes | Foreign income | $1,500–$2,000 | Remote workers & retirees |
| Retirement KITAS | 1 year (renewable) | No | No | ~$1,000/yr | Retirees 55+ |
💰 Cost of Living — Bali vs. Jakarta
Indonesia offers one of the widest cost-of-living spreads in Southeast Asia. Bali is the more expensive choice for expats due to tourism-driven pricing, but it still costs a fraction of Western cities. Jakarta, the capital, is surprisingly affordable once you move away from the premium expat enclaves. Below is a detailed monthly cost breakdown for a single person living comfortably.
| Expense Category | Bali (Canggu / Ubud) | Bali (Budget) | Jakarta (Expat area) | Jakarta (Local area) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent — 1 Bed Apt | $600–$1,200/mo | $350–$600/mo | $700–$1,500/mo | $300–$600/mo |
| Coworking Desk | $100–$200/mo | $60–$120/mo | $150–$280/mo | $80–$150/mo |
| Groceries | $150–$220/mo | $80–$130/mo | $180–$260/mo | $90–$150/mo |
| Eating Out (daily) | $8–$20/day | $3–$8/day | $6–$18/day | $3–$7/day |
| Scooter Rental | $70–$100/mo | $70–$100/mo | N/A (taxis) | N/A (taxis) |
| Health Insurance | $60–$150/mo | $60–$150/mo | $60–$150/mo | $60–$150/mo |
| Utilities + Internet | $50–$80/mo | $30–$60/mo | $80–$120/mo | $40–$70/mo |
| Entertainment & Social | $150–$300/mo | $60–$120/mo | $150–$350/mo | $60–$150/mo |
| TOTAL (Comfortable) | $1,200–$2,200/mo | $700–$1,200/mo | $1,500–$2,900/mo | $700–$1,300/mo |
✅ Pro Tip — Rent a Villa Long-Term
In Bali, renting directly from a villa owner for 6–12 months can cut your accommodation cost by 30–40% compared to Airbnb nightly rates. Search on Facebook groups like "Bali Long Term Rental" or use local property apps. A fully furnished 2-bedroom villa in Canggu with a pool can be as low as $900/month on a 12-month lease.
💻 Coworking Scene — Canggu & Ubud
Bali has one of the most developed coworking ecosystems in the world, built entirely around the needs of digital nomads. Canggu (pronounced "Chang-goo") is the social, surf-culture hub, while Ubud is quieter and jungle-surrounded — better for focused work and wellness retreats.
Top Coworking Spaces in Canggu
| Space | Daily Rate | Monthly Rate | Speed | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dojo Bali | $12 | $175 | 100–200 Mbps | Community hub; events & networking |
| Outpost Canggu | $14 | $199 | 150–300 Mbps | Premium; coliving also available |
| Tribal Canggu | $10 | $150 | 80–150 Mbps | Cafe-style; relaxed atmosphere |
| The Lawn | Free with coffee | N/A | 30–50 Mbps | Beachfront cafe; great for mornings |
Top Coworking Spaces in Ubud
| Space | Daily Rate | Monthly Rate | Speed | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outpost Ubud | $14 | $199 | 150–300 Mbps | Jungle views; yoga & wellness nearby |
| Hubud | $12 | $165 | 100–200 Mbps | Iconic bamboo building; community driven |
| Kertya Creative Hub | $8 | $120 | 50–100 Mbps | Budget-friendly; local crowd |
✅ Pro Tip — Trial Before You Commit
Almost every coworking space in Bali offers a free one-day trial or a discounted first week. Spend your first two weeks in Bali hopping between three or four different spaces before you pay for a monthly membership. Your productivity and social life will depend heavily on which community fits your working style.
🌐 Internet Speed in Bali and Indonesia
Internet quality has improved dramatically in Bali over the past five years. The table below shows realistic speeds you can expect in each area. Note that speeds outside of dedicated coworking spaces — in villas and cafes — can be inconsistent, especially during rainy season when power outages are more common.
| Location | Average Download | Average Upload | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coworking — Canggu | 100–300 Mbps | 80–150 Mbps | High |
| Coworking — Ubud | 80–200 Mbps | 60–120 Mbps | High |
| Villa/Home — Canggu | 20–80 Mbps | 15–50 Mbps | Medium |
| Villa/Home — Ubud | 10–50 Mbps | 8–30 Mbps | Medium |
| Jakarta (fibre home) | 50–200 Mbps | 30–100 Mbps | High |
| 4G Mobile Data (Telkomsel) | 15–60 Mbps | 10–30 Mbps | Medium |
⚠️ Warning — Power Cuts in Rainy Season
From November to March, Bali experiences frequent short power outages due to tropical storms. If you need 100% uptime for video calls or client work, consider a coworking space with a backup generator, or invest in a quality 4G SIM as a backup (Telkomsel offers the best coverage). A local Telkomsel SIM with 50GB of data costs roughly $8/month.
🏥 Healthcare in Bali and Indonesia
Healthcare standards in Indonesia vary significantly by location. Bali has good private hospitals catering to foreigners, but for anything serious — major surgery, complex diagnostics — most expats fly to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, which are both within a 2.5-hour flight.
| Service | Cost in Bali (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GP / General Consultation | $25–$60 | Private clinic; English-speaking doctors available |
| Emergency Room Visit | $80–$200 | BIMC or Siloam Hospitals |
| Dental Cleaning | $30–$70 | Western-standard clinics in Seminyak |
| Blood Test Panel | $40–$120 | Full panel including thyroid, liver, kidney |
| International Health Insurance | $60–$180/mo | SafetyWing, Cigna Global, or AXA recommended |
| Flight to Singapore (medical) | $150–$400 return | Needed for major procedures |
✅ Pro Tip — Get SafetyWing or Cigna Before You Arrive
Do not rely on Indonesian public healthcare (BPJS) as a foreigner — it is not accessible for E33G visa holders in a practical sense. Purchase international health insurance before you fly. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance starts at around $56/month and covers emergency care including medical evacuation. For full comprehensive cover, Cigna Global or AXA PPP International offers plans from $120/month and covers treatment in Singapore.
🔒 Safety in Bali and Indonesia
Bali is generally one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia for expats. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. The most common issues are motorbike theft, bag snatching near busy tourist areas, and scams targeting new arrivals. Jakarta has higher petty crime rates but remains safe for expats living in established residential areas.
| Safety Category | Bali | Jakarta |
|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | Low | Low–Medium |
| Petty Theft | Medium (tourist areas) | Medium |
| Traffic Safety | High Risk | High Risk |
| Drug Laws | ZERO TOLERANCE | ZERO TOLERANCE |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes & volcanoes | Flooding in wet season |
| For Solo Female Travellers | Generally Safe | Caution advised |
⚠️ Critical Warning — Indonesian Drug Laws
Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. Possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can result in a prison sentence of 4–12 years or, in extreme cases, the death penalty. This applies to foreigners without exception. Do not take risks of any kind in this area.
📊 Indonesia at a Glance — Digital Nomad Scorecard
Cost of Living8.5
Internet Quality7.2
Visa Ease6.8
Healthcare6.5
Safety7.5
Community & Social Life9.3
Weather & Lifestyle9.0
Tax Benefits8.8
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay tax in Indonesia on my remote income?
Under the current E33G Second Home Visa rules, foreigners earning income from outside Indonesia are exempt from Indonesian income tax during the 5-year visa period. You will still need to meet your tax obligations in your home country depending on your residency status there. Always consult a tax professional familiar with both jurisdictions.
Can I open a bank account in Indonesia as a Digital Nomad Visa holder?
Yes. With an E33G visa stamp and your KITAS (temporary stay card), you can open a bank account at major Indonesian banks including Bank Central Asia (BCA), Mandiri, and CIMB Niaga. BCA is the most recommended for expats due to its ATM network and online banking features. Bring your passport, visa documents, and a local address proof.
Is Bali better for digital nomads than Ubud?
They serve different needs. Canggu (in Bali's southern region) is best if you want a vibrant social life, surf culture, beach bars, and the largest concentration of digital nomads. Ubud is better if you prioritise focus, nature, yoga, and a quieter environment. Many nomads split their time — two weeks in Canggu, two weeks in Ubud — to get the best of both worlds.
Do I need to speak Bahasa Indonesia to live in Bali?
Not at all in the tourist and expat areas. English is widely spoken in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud among business owners, coworking staff, and landlords. That said, learning 20–30 basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases will make your daily life much easier and the locals will genuinely appreciate the effort.
How do I get from Bali airport to Canggu?
Use the Grab or Gojek ride-hailing apps — both work directly from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). A car to Canggu costs roughly IDR 150,000–250,000 (USD $10–$17). Avoid unofficial taxi touts at the airport exit; they typically charge 3–5x the app price.
What is the minimum income I realistically need to live comfortably in Bali?
A monthly income of USD $2,000–$2,500 will give you a very comfortable lifestyle in Bali — a nice villa with AC, daily restaurant meals, a coworking membership, a scooter, and weekend activities. At $3,000+/month you can live exceptionally well, including regular spa visits, surf lessons, weekend trips to other Indonesian islands, and full health insurance.
Is Bali safe for solo female digital nomads?
Yes, Bali has a strong and supportive female nomad community. Violent crime is rare. The main precautions are: do not ride a scooter alone at night on unlit roads, use Grab or Gojek rather than street taxis after dark, and stay alert in crowded tourist areas where bag snatching can occasionally occur. Facebook groups like "Girls Gone International — Bali" are excellent for community advice.