Retirement Visa Indonesia: How Aussies Can Secure Their Bali Second Home Visa

How Aussies Can Secure Their Bali Second Home Visa

Explore retirement visas in Bali, including Second Home Visa requirements and processes. Learn about eligibility, costs, and what long-term living in Bali really looks like.

Let’s be honest—falling in love with Bali is easy. The harder part? Figuring out how to stay. Until recently, living here long-term meant grappling with tourist visas, frequent renewals, or diving into the red tape of retirement visas Bali requirements and processes. It worked for some, sure, but for many, it felt like building a life on shifting sand.

That changed in late 2022. Indonesia quietly rolled out something pretty revolutionary: the Second Home Visa. Think of it as more than just a visa—it’s a real chance to settle in, breathe a little deeper, and start seeing Bali not as a getaway, but as home.

No more watching the calendar tick down nervously toward a visa expiration date. With this new visa, you can stay for five to ten years—and even renew it after that. It’s not just for retirees or digital nomads. It’s for anyone who dreams of swapping the rush for the rhythm of Bali.

Not Just for the Retired: A Visa for a New Kind of Expat

The traditional retirement visa in Indonesia has served a very specific group: people over 55 with a monthly income and a willingness to hire a local assistant. It’s worked for many, but it’s a fairly narrow lane.

The Second Home Visa in Bali? It’s a whole different story.

No age limit. No monthly income requirement. The only real prerequisite is financial commitment: either keep around IDR 2 billion (that’s roughly USD 130,000) in an Indonesian state bank or own a property worth at least USD 1 million with a Hak Pakai (Right to Use) title.

And this isn’t about showing the money once—it needs to stay there for the duration of your visa.

It might sound steep, but the idea is to attract people who want to be here for the right reasons—those willing to invest in the community, not just float in and out.

What makes this retirement visa even more appealing is the fact that you don’t have to leave your loved ones behind. You can sponsor your partner, your kids, or even your parents. For families dreaming of a fresh start in Bali, that’s huge.

How much does it actually cost to live in Bali? Here's a brief look:

Rent: If you are considering retiring in Bali, the cost of living is relatively easy to estimate. Villas in trendy areas like Canggu or Seminyak typically range from $800 to $1,500 per month. You can find beautiful homes for about $600 if you go to more sedate places like Ubud. Basic guesthouses? Sometimes it's $400 or less in terms of the cost of living in Bali.

Food: At $2–4, local meals are a great deal. Meals at Western cafés are slightly more expensive, ranging from $5 to $10. Grocery shopping every month? $150 to $250, depending on how upscale your pantry is.

Transportation: Scooters are typically rented for $60 to $100 per month. Don't ride? Car rides are made simple and affordable by apps like GoJek and Grab.

 Wi-Fi and Utilities: Depending on your internet requirements and AC usage, budget between $50 and $200 per month. Wi-Fi in expat areas is generally good.

The average cost of a doctor's visit is between $20 and $50.

The Way Forward

The Second Home Visa in Bali feels like more than just a legal document—it’s a signal. A sign that Indonesia is ready to welcome a new kind of resident: someone who wants to slow down, dig in, and really become a part of the Bali story

Bali Insight Living is focusing on assisting potential retirees to settle into the Bali Lifestyle with a personalised and tailored set of services to match the needs of our clients.

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

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