Aussies Can Now Live and Work Tax-Free in Bali with The New Digital Nomad Visa

Do you dream of quitting your 9-5 job, packing up your life into a suitcase, and living out your days in a tropical paradise? If Bali is on your bucket list, you’re in luck.

Indonesia’s Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno has announced a new visa that will allow Australians to work in the country for up to six months without paying tax.

The B211A visa, which was proposed earlier this year, is seen as a way to attract workers who are looking for a change of pace. Uno made the announcement last week, saying that the visa would allow digital nomads to live, work and play in Bali tax-free.

The Indonesian government’s recent decision to offer long-term visas to digital nomads is a welcome move for those looking to stay in the country for an extended period of time. The D212 multiple entry visa, which is valid for a year, was formerly the most popular option for digital nomads in Indonesia. However, with the new long-term visa options available, digital nomads now have the ability to stay in Indonesia for a longer period of time if they so choose. This is good news for those looking to take advantage of Indonesia’s many tourist attractions and its vibrant remote working scene.

Sandiaga Uno said that the visa was part of the government’s plan to make Indonesia a “field for investment, open business opportunities, and create 4.4 million jobs” by 2024. Uno said that he hoped the visa would help bring over three million overseas travellers to the country in 2023, combined with an increased focus on spiritual retreats and eco-tourism.

To qualify for the visa, applicants must have a sponsor, either an individual or a company. Many digital nomads gain the support of a visa agent who can provide sponsorship. The process is completed entirely online, meaning no visits to the embassy. Travelers are reminded to do their due diligence before working with a visa agent. It is advised to work with a visa agent that comes from a personal recommendation.

To apply, digital nomads must show that their passport is valid for 12 months if applying for the 180-day visa, and for 6 months if they are applying for the 60-day visa. They must have a sponsorship letter, generally provided by a visa agent or an Indonesia-based company. They must provide proof of at least USD 2,000 or equivalent in their home currency to support their living costs while in Indonesia. Finally, they must provide color passport photographs and proof of a return or onward bound ticket dated before the prospective end date of the visa.

The B211A visa is valid for six months and can be renewed for an additional six months. After that, applicants will need to apply for a different visa if they want to stay in Indonesia longer.

The visa is just one of the many initiatives that the Indonesian government has launched in recent years to attract tourists and boost the country’s economy. So far, the response to the visa has been positive, with many Australians expressing interest in taking advantage of the opportunity to live and work in Bali, and Uno is hopeful that more will follow suit. “We want to make Bali a haven for digital nomads,” he said.

The announcement of tax-free visas for digital nomads in Bali is great news for property investors or prospective buyers looking to purchase Bali real estate. This will increase earnings through rental revenue for owners of luxury villas in Bali or owners of investment properties. With its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals, Bali is already a popular destination for Australians. The new visa will only add to its appeal, it will attract more digital nomads to the island, which will in turn lead to more demand for rental properties.

The digital nomad visa is a game-changer in Indonesian tourism development, as it is expected to attract millions of digital nomads to the country – many of whom will choose to base themselves on popular tourist destinations like Bali.

For property investors, there has never been a better time to buy property in Bali, and Geonet Properties is here as your perfect Bali property investment provider! We have a wide range of properties available to suit all budgets, from luxurious villas to contemporary lofts and apartments. Contact us today to learn more about this exciting new visa scheme and how we can help you take advantage of it.