Immigration to Bali: from dream to reality

Bali is not just an island, it is a dream for those who want to combine a comfortable life and love for exotic nature. The tropical paradise in the heart of Asia attracts millions of tourists. According to statistics, Bali is visited by about 6 million people annually. But why come here as a tourist? The island can be considered a permanent place of residence. Many people who have found their second home in Bali agree with this. What makes the location so popular? Warm climate, picturesque beaches and volcanoes, the opportunity to surf all year round and enjoy exotic fruits are just a small part of all the advantages. Add to the list affordable housing, low prices for everyday needs and the friendliness of the locals, and you get the perfect place to live. Indonesia also offers unique opportunities for relocation. Therefore, immigration to Bali is in demand among many. But we suggest that you take a closer look at the entire legalization process, the necessary documents and other issues.

Visa and legalization

Bali, as part of Indonesia, offers several options for foreign citizens who want to legalize their stay on the island. Depending on the purpose of the visit, different types of visas are available:

Tourist visas (VOA and B211A)

It is issued upon arrival and is valid for 30 days with the possibility of extension for another month. The cost of the visa is about 35 USD for registration and the same for extension. However, it is suitable for short-term vacations. After the expiration date, you must leave the country.

Social and Cultural Visa (B211A)

Another type of visa is suitable for a short-term stay in Indonesia. It is issued for a period of 2 to 6 months. The cost of the visa is 250-350 USD for registration. It is issued on the basis of a letter from a sponsor – an Indonesian citizen or company.

Residence permit: residence permit (KITAS)

If you are interested in immigrating to Indonesia , you should consider obtaining a temporary residence permit (KITAS). It allows you to live, work or study in the country, including Bali. KITAS is divided into:

• Worker. This visa is available to those who work for an Indonesian company. It costs USD 820 per year + USD 1,200 government tax for employment.
• For freelancers. It is issued to representatives of 53 professions, including designers, coaches, managers, etc. The cost of the visa is 600 USD one-time tax + 1000 USD for registration.
• Family. The visa is issued to spouses of Indonesian citizens. Its cost is 540 USD per year.
• Student. The visa is issued for studying at universities in Indonesia. Its cost is 500 USD for registration + 150 USD for multiple entries/exits.
• Pensioner. The visa is suitable for people over 55 who do not plan to work. Cost: 1000 USD per year.

Investment visas

If you are interested in immigration to Bali , investment visas deserve special attention. There are three types:

• investment KITAS – for investments in business from 63,000 USD.
• Second Home Visa — for owners of luxury real estate worth at least USD 313,000 or a deposit in an Indonesian bank of at least USD 130,000.
• "Golden Visa" – for investments in government assets from 350,000 USD.

Obtaining a visa or residence permit can take from several weeks to two months. It consists of several stages:

• preparation of documents;
• submitting an application through a consulate, embassy or online;
• waiting for approval and payment of fees.

It is important to take into account that failure to renew a visa in a timely manner or violation of immigration regulations may result in fines or deportation.

Documents required for moving to Bali

If you are interested in emigrating to Bali , it is important to prepare a package of documents in advance, which depends on the purpose of stay and type of visa. Below is a list of documents required for applying for KITAS (residence permit), as well as additional requirements for various categories of applicants. The general package of documents for obtaining KITAS includes:

• A passport valid for at least 18 months at the time of application.
• Photos on a red background – 6 pieces each, 2×3 cm, 4×6 cm, 3×4 cm in size.
• Application form and statement of the established form.
• Proof of accommodation in Bali (e.g. rental agreement).
• Medical insurance with one year coverage.

In addition, the submission of additional documents is provided for different categories of applicants interested in emigrating to Bali . For example, for freelancers, a bachelor's degree in English and a letter of recommendation confirming professional skills. Those working in Indonesia must have a work permit (IMTA) issued by the Indonesian government, approval from the immigration service and a copy of the educational document. In addition, a certificate confirming work experience of at least five years is required. Investors, in addition to the standard package, submit:

• constituent documents of the sponsoring company;
• tax number and business license of the company;
• legal address of the company;
• ID card and tax code of the company director (Indonesian).

Pensioners who want to obtain a residence permit must have the following: a rental agreement for housing in Indonesia, a document confirming passive income of at least USD 18,000 per year, a sponsorship letter from a pension agency, and a written commitment not to work. In addition, documents are needed to hire a housekeeper (copies of the maid's ID and the property owner's ID). Applicants for permanent residence for family reasons submit a marriage certificate in English or Indonesian, a letter from the embassy stating that the applicant is not married to another person, a bank statement from the spouse who is an Indonesian citizen, as well as an ID card and birth certificates of the spouses. For students interested in emigration to Bali :

• a copy of the identity card of the director of the educational institution;
• University license;
• letter of recommendation from the university;
• letter of admission;
• recommendation from the Indonesian embassy in your country;
• academic transcript;
• resume;
• confirmation of financial solvency.

Tips for preparing documents

1. Please ensure that all documents are translated into English or Indonesian.
2. In some cases, notarization or apostille may be required.
3. Make copies of all documents and save them in electronic format for easy access.

A prepared package of documents is the key to successful visa processing and a comfortable move to Bali.

How to obtain citizenship?

In Indonesia, immigration ultimately involves obtaining citizenship. This requires fulfilling several conditions and going through several stages, which vary depending on the status and purpose of the foreigner’s stay. The main stages are:

• Obtaining a temporary residence permit (KITAS). First, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit, which is issued for a period of 6 or 12 months and can be extended.
• Transition to permanent residence (KITAP). After 5 years of living in Indonesia with a temporary residence permit, you can apply for permanent residence. But there is an exception – those who are married to an Indonesian citizen. They can apply for KITAP after 2 years of marriage.

Applying for citizenship involves:

• testing knowledge of the state language – Indonesian;
• confirmation of financial status;
• renunciation of citizenship of one's country, since Indonesia does not recognize dual citizenship.

Obtaining Indonesian citizenship gives you access to all the rights of citizenship. In particular, you can buy real estate in your own name and take part in elections.

Pros and Cons of Living in Bali

If you are considering moving to Bali, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of the country. The island's advantages include:

• a variety of recreational activities – diving, surfing, trekking to volcanoes and jungle travel, as well as the urban environment of Jakarta;
• affordable real estate;
• low cost of living – food, transportation and services are inexpensive in Bali;
• friendly community – the island is home to a large number of expats, including Ukrainians;
• climate and beautiful nature;
• the opportunity to travel to neighboring countries – Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Among the disadvantages of living in Bali, it is worth noting the poorly developed infrastructure, the presence of a rainy season in winter, the possibility of earthquakes, heavy traffic and the problem of waste disposal. Despite some disadvantages, for many, Bali remains an attractive place to live.