Bali, the Island of the Gods, is like a paradise on earth that captivates the hearts of many. Its stunning natural beauty, rich culture steeped in tradition, and the warmth of its people make it an irresistible destination. It is no wonder that so many people dream of life in Bali and wish to make that dream of settling on this magical island a reality.
While living in Bali is a dream for many, immigrating there requires careful consideration. Beyond mental preparation and cultural adaptation, the financial aspect is a crucial factor that needs thorough planning. This article will help you understand the estimated costs of immigrating to Bali, covering everything from visas and transport to accommodation and daily living expenses.
The type of visa you choose will determine the costs involved. Here are some of the most common visa types used for immigration to Bali:
This visa is intended for tourists who wish to visit Bali for a short period, with a maximum validity of 60 (sixty) days. The cost is relatively affordable, at around IDR 500,000.
Advantages: Easy and quick application process, relatively affordable cost, suitable for short-term visits such as holidays or visiting family.
Disadvantages: Limited length of stay, does not permit working or permanent residence in Bali.
The limited stay visa is suitable for those wishing to live in Bali long-term, for purposes such as working, marrying an Indonesian citizen, or retirement. The cost of an ITAS varies depending on the type and duration, ranging from IDR 10,000,000 to IDR 16,000,000.
Advantages: Longer permitted stay, ability to work or reside permanently in Bali (depending on the ITAS type), ability to handle various matters in Indonesia such as opening a bank account or purchasing property.
Disadvantages: More expensive than the Short-Stay Visit Visa, longer and more complex application process, requires sponsorship from a company or individual in Indonesia (for certain ITAS types).
The Permanent Stay Permit has a validity period of 5 (five) years. For those wishing to settle permanently in Bali, the ITAP is the right visa choice as it grants permanent residence. The cost of an ITAP is higher than other visa types, at around IDR 25,000,000.
Advantages: Ability to reside permanently in Bali, ability to work and hold rights equivalent to Indonesian citizens (limited to certain fields).
Disadvantages: The most expensive option, the longest and most complex application process, requires sponsorship from a family member or individual in Indonesia.
Transportation costs are an important factor to consider. Flight costs vary depending on your country of origin and the airline you choose.
Once in Bali, you will need transport options for day-to-day mobility. Here are some options with estimated costs:
This option offers flexibility and easy access to various places. Car rental costs range from IDR 200,000 to IDR 500,000 per day, while motorbike rental is cheaper at around IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 per day.
For those looking to save on costs, public transport such as buses and minibuses (angkot) is a viable option. A single fare ranges from IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000.
Rental costs vary depending on location, size, and the facilities on offer. Below are estimated rental prices in some of Bali’s popular areas:
Ubud: an area known for its rural atmosphere and traditional culture. House rental costs in Ubud range from IDR 5,000,000 to IDR 20,000,000 per month.
Seminyak: an area known for its beaches, cafés, and restaurants. Apartment rental in Seminyak is generally more expensive, at around IDR 10,000,000 to IDR 30,000,000 per month.
The cost of living in Bali also needs to be carefully calculated. Here are some of the main expenses to be aware of:
Food: Food costs can vary depending on lifestyle. Cooking at home will be more economical than eating out. Estimated food costs per person per month range from IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 5,000,000.
Water, electricity, internet: Utility costs such as water, electricity, and internet generally range from IDR 500,000 to IDR 1,000,000 per month.
Children’s education: For those with children, education costs need to be factored in. Education costs in Bali vary depending on the level and school chosen, ranging from IDR 1,000,000 to IDR 5,000,000 per month.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs in Bali vary depending on the type of service and hospital chosen. Estimated healthcare costs per person per month range from IDR 500,000 to IDR 1,000,000.
Entertainment: Entertainment expenses in Bali can be adjusted to your budget and preferences. There are many free or low-cost entertainment options, such as visiting the beach, exploring temples, or watching traditional art performances. For those who prefer paid entertainment, there are various options such as cafés, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Estimated monthly entertainment costs range from IDR 500,000 to IDR 3,000,000.
Choose the right visa for your needs: carefully consider the type of visa and its duration.
Look for cheap flights and accommodation. Take advantage of promotions and compare prices across different airlines and online booking platforms.
Cook at home. Preparing your own meals at home is far more economical than eating out.
Seek out free or low-cost entertainment. There are plenty of free or inexpensive options in Bali, such as visiting the beach, exploring temples, or watching traditional cultural performances.
Use public transport. Public transport in Bali is relatively affordable and easy to access.
Make use of public services. The government provides a range of public services that can help you reduce costs, such as community health centres (puskesmas) and state schools.
Immigrating to Bali requires thorough preparation and sound financial planning. Costs vary depending on many factors, such as the type of visa, lifestyle, and the number of family members.
With careful planning and a frugal lifestyle, you can make your dream of living on the Island of the Gods a reality.
The costs listed above are estimates and may change depending on circumstances and timing.
For further information about immigration to Bali, you can visit the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration of the Republic of Indonesia.
We hope this information is helpful!
Villo Studio — a video production studio in Canggu, Bali. We help businesses create professional podcasts, social media videos, product photography, and creative content.
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