Complete Guide to Bali’s Digital Nomad Visa E33G
When people hear ‘digital nomad in Bali,’ the same image usually comes to mind: a laptop, coffee, and rice terrace views. But for long-term stays, the first hurdle is the visa.
Spoiler alert: The closest thing to a digital nomad visa right now is the E33G remote worker visa (KITAS). The bar is high, and it’s not for everyone.
What is E33G?
E33G allows you to stay continuously for up to one year, with multiple entries into Indonesia during that period.
It cannot be directly renewed. After it expires, you must leave Indonesia and reapply. According to the article, you can get it once more, for a total of two years.
What you can do while holding it:
- Travel and live anywhere in Indonesia, not just Bali
- Work remotely for a foreign company
- Does not allow working for companies registered in Indonesia.
There are a few additional conveniences that the immigration website doesn’t explicitly mention, so it’s best to double-check before applying:
- Open a local bank account
- Get a local driver’s license and buy a car
- Enjoy local prices at hospitals and attractions
- Lease land or property
This visa does not include government health insurance, so you’ll need to purchase your own.
Application Requirements
The documents seem straightforward, but the real hurdle is the income proof:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Personal bank statements for the last 3 months showing at least USD $2,000.
- A recent passport-sized photo that meets specifications
- Resume/CV
- Annual income proof of at least USD$60,000
- Employment contract signed with a company outside Indonesia.
Note: Freelancers are not eligible; income must come from an employment contract. Conditions are non-negotiable—missing even one requirement means disqualification.
Fees and Application Process
Visa fee: IDR 7,000,000 (approximately USD$415), non-refundable. Credit card payments may incur a small additional fee.
The process is roughly as follows:
- Go to the official e-visa website
- Select your nationality, and enter ‘Professional or Employment Activities’ as the purpose
- Under sub-purpose, choose ‘Remote Worker,’ and select the E33G one-year visa
- Log in and complete the eligibility verification
- Pay by card
It’s recommended to apply while you’re still abroad. If you’re already in Bali, you’ll usually need to use an agent, which costs more. Visas obtained through an Indonesian company can also be revoked without notice.
Don’t Forget About Taxes
If you stay in Indonesia for 183 days, you become an Indonesian tax resident. Income earned abroad may also be subject to tax, so it’s advisable to consult an accountant familiar with international tax law.
What If You Don’t Meet the Requirements?
Many people are discouraged by the annual income threshold. Here are other options compiled by this site:
- Bali Visa for Working While Vacationing: Digital Nomad Visa Guide
- For Those 55+ Looking to Stay Long-Term: Retirement Visa E33F Full Guide
- Investor KITAS and Company Setup Guide
- Bali eVOA and Visa on Arrival Application Guide: Try a Short Stay First for Ease
If you want to test the waters first, you can also stay short-term with a tourist visa. The C1 tourist visa allows an initial stay of 60 days, extendable twice for 60 days each, for a maximum of 180 days.
Also, a heads-up: many people work remotely on a B1 tourist visa, but the risks of fines, deportation, or even being blacklisted are real—don’t take chances.
Final Thoughts
The E33G is ideal for office workers with a stable overseas employment contract and sufficient income. Freelancers or those below the income threshold would be better off staying in Bali on a short-term visa first before deciding on long-term residency.
Visa regulations change frequently, so please double-check the official website before making any decisions, and consult a professional immigration or tax advisor if needed.
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