Moving to Bali? The Bali Retirement Visa Scoop You Need

Moving to bali

Thinking of moving to Bali? Here's what retirement in Indonesia really looks like, the costs, comforts, and why it's totally worth it.

Three years ago, I gave up the 9-to-5, sold my house, and jumped headfirst into the unknown—destination: Bali. Not for a vacation. Not for a six-month “digital nomad” thing. I moved here to retire.

And let me be honest with you, Bali wasn’t even my first choice. Spain, Portugal, and even Mexico were on my list.

Bali? It felt too far, too exotic, too... Instagrammy.

But then a friend sent me a photo of her villa in Ubud, and, oh my, was I floored. It was literal heaven on Earth.

That was all it took to start researching about retirement visa in Bali.

Now, three years in, here’s what I’ve learned about retiring and moving to Bali, things you won’t find in glossy travel blogs or guidebooks.

The Retirement Visa Isn’t Complicated (If You Have the Right Help)

I was 58 when I made the move. Before I could start searching for the best place to retire in Bali, I had to be done with the legalities. And, to legally stay in Indonesia long-term, you’ll need a Retirement KITAS. It is a special visa just for retirees over 55.

I remember panicking at first, thinking, “Am I too old to deal with immigration bureaucracy?”

Turns out, I didn’t need to worry. I hired local help for my retirement visa in Bali and handed over my documents—proof of pension, rental agreement, insurance, etc. And within weeks, I had my visa in hand that can be renewed every year for up to 5 years, enough for you to decide if you wish to opt for a Bali second home visa.

The requirements for retirement in Indonesia are simple and straightforward:

-          You need to be at least 55

-          Show income of about $1,500/month

-          Rent a house or apartment worth at least $500/month in areas like Bali (it can be lower in other regions of Indonesia)

-          A comprehensive life & health insurance coverage valid in Indonesia

-          Hire one local staff member (my housekeeper Wayan is now like family)

And just like that, Bali became home.

 Bali Isn’t Just Beaches and Bikinis

I thought moving to Bali meant I’d be surrounded by tourists and surfers 24/7. But once you get out of the Instagram bubble, you discover the real Bali. The one you see after you get the Bali Second Home Visa. But that comes later!

I settled with my better half in Sanur. It is a quiet, older, expat-friendly town on the southeast coast. Not just that, it’s laid-back, affordable, and has a strong sense of community. And trust me, it is the best place to retire in Bali. I do my morning walks along the beach promenade, grab kopi Bali from my favorite warung (local café), and spend afternoons painting or joining yoga classes. Ubud, for the more spiritually inclined, is just an hour away.

Canggu?

Great for visiting, but yeah, too hectic to live in, at least for me.

And yes, you can still get high-speed internet and proper healthcare.

 The “Second Home Visa” Was the Next Natural Step—and It’s Worth It

After a couple of peaceful years on the Retirement KITAS, I realized something: I wasn’t just passing through Bali. This place had become home. That’s when I started looking into Indonesia’s Second Home Visa, and honestly, it felt like the right move.

The Indonesia/Second Home Visa in bali allows you to stay for 5 to 10 years without the yearly renewal process. No more back-and-forth with paperwork, just the freedom to live, plan, and truly settle in. Yes, there’s a financial commitment involved (around $130,000 USD held in an Indonesian bank), but for me, it wasn’t just a deposit; it was a declaration. I’m here for the long haul. Alternatively, one can also invest in a property in Indonesia valued at a minimum of $1 million USD.

The process was smoother than I expected, especially with help from a local agency. And now, knowing I don’t have to think about visa renewals for years? That peace of mind is priceless. If you’re serious about building a life here, buying property, bringing your family, maybe even starting a small business—this visa opens the door wide.

Looking back, the Retirement KITAS was my introduction.

The Bali Second Home Visa? That was my commitment.

 It’s Not “Cheap.” It’s Valuable

People assume Bali is dirt cheap. It’s not. But it offers value. My two-bedroom villa with a private pool cost less than my old apartment in Florida. I eat fresh fruit, hire a driver when I don’t feel like driving my scooter, and still spend less than I ever did back home.

But what really makes a retirement visa in Bali actually worth considering? Peace of mind, slower days, and a thriving community. A culture that doesn’t glorify productivity but prioritizes balance.

 You Don’t Retire From Life, You Retire Into It

I used to think retirement meant winding down. But in Bali, I’ve never felt more alive.

I’ve learned Bahasa Indonesia (badly, but locals are forgiving), joined a gamelan music group, and even helped a neighbor launch a small eco-tourism project. Life here is still full of purpose; you just get to define it on your own terms.

Thinking of Making the Move?

Here’s my advice: Don’t just come for the views if you have plans for retirement in Indonesia. Come for the life. Talk to expats who’ve made the move. Stay for a few months before committing. And when you're ready, work with a local agency like Bali Insight Living. These experts truly understand the ins and outs of moving here, from visas to villa hunting.

For more information on Bali Insight Living please visit www.baliinisightliving.com

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