Blogs • January 15, 2026 • 14 Min

How to Get Permanent Residency in Bali in 2026

Bali is a paradise. Tropical weather, clean food, active routines, and a slower pace that makes work and life feel balanced. That is why many foreigners keep moving here. If you want to stay long-term, you eventually need more than a tourist visa. Indonesia has a legal path to permanent residency, but it’s not instant and it doesn’t work the same way as places like Portugal or Panama. Bali sits within Indonesia’s national immigration framework, and that framework matters. For foreigners who want to stay long-term, the key question eventually becomes: “How do I get permanent residency in Indonesia?” The short answer: you reach permanent residency through specific visa pathways that begin with temporary residency first. But before we break down the options, lets understand what permanent residency means under Indonesian law. What Is Permanent Residency in Indonesia? Permanent residency is known as KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap). It gives foreign nationals the right to reside in Indonesia long-term with fewer immigration restrictions. KITAP holders can live in the country without repeated visa renewals, exit and re-enter freely, access banking, obtain tax identification, and participate in certain business roles. Unlike citizenship, KITAP does not grant political rights and does not provide an Indonesian passport, but it does offer a stable legal pathway for long-term residents. How Do You Become a Permanent Resident in Indonesia? Permanent residency is not granted immediately. You reach KITAP status by first holding KITAS (temporary residency) for a required period. KITAS stands for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas and is issued for specific purposes such as marriage, retirement, employment, or investment. The pathway works like this: Step 1 — Obtain KITAS Foreigners must qualify under a KITAS category such as: spouse of an Indonesian citizen retiree aged 55+ investor, director, or commissioner professional employee former Indonesian citizen child from mixed marriage Step 2 — Maintain KITAS For 2–5 Years The required time depends on category: marriage-based KITAS: 2 years retirement KITAS: 3 years investor/work KITAS: 3–4 years under same sponsor other categories vary based on regulations Step 3 — Convert KITAS To KITAP If eligibility conditions are met, the foreign national applies for conversion. During processing, immigration may hold the passport and conduct a home visit. Once approved, KITAP grants long-term residency. Who Qualifies for Permanent Residency (KITAP)? Permanent residency is not open to all foreigners by default. It is granted to those who already hold a valid KITAS and meet specific long-stay or family criteria. The main eligibility pathways are: Marriage To an Indonesian Citizen If you’re married to an Indonesian citizen, you can usually convert your spouse-based KITAS to KITAP after two years of marriage. This route is common for mixed families who want long-term stability without leaving Indonesia every year to renew visas. Retirement (Age 55+) Foreigners aged 55+ can obtain a Retirement KITAS and convert to KITAP after maintaining valid retirement status for approximately three years. Retirement KITAS holders must not work or engage in business activities in Indonesia. Investment, Directors, And Commissioners Foreigners who establish a company (PT PMA) or hold roles such as director, commissioner, or shareholder can convert from KITAS to KITAP after three to four years under the same sponsor. This route is used by those running real businesses in Indonesia, and not by digital nomads or visitor. Skilled Professionals Expat professionals with long-term employment contracts can also qualify after maintaining an employer-sponsored KITAS and work permit for several years. This applies to fields like engineering, IT, hospitality, and specialized corporate roles. Former Indonesian Citizens and Mixed Children Former Indonesian citizens and children from mixed marriages have their own legal pathways to permanent stay. These routes exist to maintain cultural and family ties even if citizenship changed along the way. If you’re just entering Bali on a tourist visa or bouncing between digital nomad visas, you’re not on a path to permanent residency yet, you need to transition into one of the qualifying categories above. What Are the Benefits of Permanent Residency in Bali? KITAP offers practical advantages for foreign residents who intend to live in Indonesia long-term. Long-Term Security KITAP is issued for five years at a time and can be renewed indefinitely. It solves the “What happens when my visa expires?” question that many expats live with for years. Multiple Entry Without Stress You can leave and re-enter Indonesia freely with a multiple-entry permit linked to your KITAP. That means weekend trips to Singapore or visa runs are no longer part of the equation. Access To Financial and Administrative Systems KITAP holders can: open bank accounts more easily obtain a Tax ID (NPWP) own and register vehicles engage in certain financial activities This makes normal life smoother; paying bills, renting long-term, or buying a car becomes less complicated. Corporate And Business Participation With the right permits, KITAP holders can: own shares in companies serve as directors or commissioners operate legitimate businesses KITAP itself doesn’t automatically grant open work rights, but it removes major residency barriers for investors and professionals. Which Residency Permits Lead To KITAP? Foreigners aiming for KITAP usually begin with KITAS, the temporary stay permit. The main KITAS categories relevant to KITAP are: Spouse KITAS: For foreigners married to Indonesian citizens. After two years of marriage on KITAS, you can apply for KITAP. Investor KITAS: For shareholders, directors, or commissioners in foreign-owned Indonesian companies. Usually converts to KITAP after three to four years with the same sponsor. Work KITAS: For skilled professionals employed by Indonesian companies. KITAP becomes possible after holding the same sponsorship for several years. Retirement KITAS: For retirees aged 55+ with proof of income, insurance, and accommodation. Typically eligible to upgrade to KITAP after three years. If you’re currently on tourist visas, visa runs, or casual digital nomad arrangements, you’re not moving toward permanent residency. You would need to switch into a KITAS category that qualifies for KITAP first. How To Apply for KITAP (Permanent Residency) The path to permanent residency isn’t complicated once you understand the sequence. Most delays happen because people try to jump straight to KITAP without enough time in the right KITAS category. Here’s how the process works in practice: Step 1: Hold the Correct KITAS Your journey begins with a qualifying KITAS (Spouse, Investor, Work, or Retirement). Tourist visas or business visas do not count toward KITAP. Step 2: Maintain KITAS For the Required Period Depending on the category, you must hold KITAS for 2–4 years with the same purpose and sponsor (e.g., same spouse, same company, or same retirement agency). Changing sponsors resets the clock, a common mistake. Step 3: Prepare the KITAP Application Documents Typical documents include: valid KITAS with minimum remaining validity passport copies sponsor letter (spouse/employer/retirement agency) police clearance proof of financial means (income or pension) health insurance photos and administrative forms Your exact list depends on your KITAS category. Step 4: Submit Application to Immigration Your immigration office will review your documents, conduct checks, and may conduct a home visit for address verification. During this phase, you must remain in Indonesia until processing is complete. Step 5: Approval and Issuance of KITAP Once approved, your KITAP will be issued for five years. After that, it can be renewed indefinitely without needing to restart the process from zero. Optional: Obtain a Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit If you plan to travel, you’ll add the MERP (Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit) to freely leave and re-enter Indonesia without affecting your status. How Long Does It Take? KITAP processing varies by region but generally takes 2–4 months from dossier submission to issuance. Delays often happen due to incomplete paperwork or sponsor issues. Can KITAP Be Revoked? Yes, but only for serious reasons such as: misuse of status (e.g., working illegally under retirement) criminal activity violating stay conditions Normal travel, banking, or sponsor changes (after issuance) do not cause revocation. Investment and Business Residency Options In Bali What Is A PT PMA In Indonesia? If you want residency in Bali through business, you are usually looking at a PT PMA, a foreign-owned limited company under Indonesian law. A PT PMA lets you: operate a business legally in Indonesia invoice clients and receive payments hire staff and sign contracts sponsor you for an Investor KITAS You choose your business activities from the official Positive Investment List, which is why setup should always go through someone who understands Indonesian regulations. How Does an Investor KITAS Work for Bali Residents? Once the PT PMA is set up, you can apply for an Investor KITAS if you are a shareholder, director, or commissioner in that company. The Investor KITAS gives you legal residence in Indonesia, the right to manage and oversee your company and a clear pathway toward long-term stay, and eventually KITAP, if conditions are met. It is used by founders who want to base their operations in Bali rather than running everything remotely on a tourist or social visa. What Are the Typical Capital and Eligibility Requirements? Indonesia expects PT PMA companies to be properly capitalised. The standard benchmark is around IDR 10 billion in paid-up capital, which is roughly $650,000 at current exchange rates. This is treated as company capital, not a personal property purchase. To qualify, you typically need: a properly structured PT PMA your name listed as shareholder, director, or commissioner business activities that match your planned operations This is not a “pay and get a visa” model. The structure is built for real businesses, even if they start small. Can An Investor KITAS Lead to Permanent Residency? Yes. If you hold an Investor KITAS for several consecutive years under the same PT PMA sponsor, you can usually apply for KITAP after about three to four years. This route is suitable if you: plan to run a long-term business in Indonesia want residency linked to real economic presence prefer a business-based route rather than retirement or marriage For founders and investors, this is currently the most realistic way to move toward permanent residency in Bali. Retirement Residency in Bali Who Is the Bali Retirement KITAS For? The Retirement KITAS is designed for foreigners who are 55 or older, want to live in Indonesia long-term, and do not plan to work locally. It suits people who want: stable, warm weather lower daily costs than many Western cities an active lifestyle with access to nature, wellness, and community Many long-term Bali residents over 55 use this route instead of building a company. What Are the Main Financial and Practical Requirements? To qualify for Retirement KITAS, you are generally expected to: be at least 55 years old show regular income or pension (commonly referenced around $1,500 per month) have valid health insurance that covers Indonesia rent suitable accommodation (villa or apartment, not a hotel) use a licensed retirement agency as your sponsor The agency handles the application, but immigration can ask for proof of income, insurance, and address. What Can You Do and Not Do on a Retirement KITAS? On a Retirement KITAS, you can: live in Indonesia long-term stay in Bali year-round without constant visa runs access healthcare, services, and local pricing more easily You cannot: work in Indonesia run or manage a local business be employed by an Indonesian entity Using a retirement permit while working under the table is a fast way to have problems with immigration, so the category is best for people who are genuinely retired or earning from abroad. Can Retirement KITAS Turn into Permanent Residency (KITAP)? Yes. If you maintain a valid Retirement KITAS for around three years with the same retirement sponsor and stay compliant, you can usually apply to convert it into KITAP. For many long-term Bali residents over 55, this is the cleanest path: Retirement KITAS Three years of compliant stay Application for KITAP From there, you move into a five-year permanent residency cycle rather than living year to year. Remote Worker and Digital Nomad Residency Options A lot of people move to Bali to work remotely, but Indonesia doesn’t technically offer a dedicated “digital nomad visa” yet. Instead, remote workers fit into a few existing residency paths that allow them to stay long-term without taking local employment. Does Indonesia Have a Digital Nomad Visa? Not in the official sense. What exists today are legal pathways that remote workers commonly use depending on their finances, goals, and how long they want to stay. The most relevant are: Second Home Visa (5–10 years) — for individuals who can show financial capacity and want stability without working locally. B211A Visa (up to 6 months) — widely used to live and work remotely while earning abroad. KITAS (various categories) — for those who set up a business, work for an Indonesian company, or marry an Indonesian citizen. These are not “digital nomad” visas by branding, but they serve the same purpose in practice. Second Home Visa (For Long-Term Remote Residents) This option is popular among remote professionals with savings or assets. To qualify, applicants show proof of around IDR 2 billion (approx. $ 130,000) and secure housing in Indonesia. The permit can be issued for 5 or 10 years and is renewable. It does not allow local employment, but it offers long-term stability without setting up a company or marrying. B211A Visitor Visa (Short-Term Remote Work Option) Many newcomers start with the B211A because it’s straightforward, sponsor-based, and valid for up to 6 months with extensions. It’s suitable for those who want to “test” Bali without committing to residency. Important note: This visa does not lead to permanent residency and cannot be converted directly into KITAP. It is a temporary solution only. KITAS For Remote Workers (The Real Residency Path) Remote workers who want to stay longer usually end up on KITAS, but not because they’re “digital nomads,” rather because they fit into an existing legal category such as: Investor KITAS (for owners of foreign-owned companies / PT PMA) Work KITAS (for employees hired by Indonesian companies) Spouse KITAS (for foreigners married to Indonesian citizens) Unlike B211A, KITAS is a genuine residency permit that can lead to permanent residency (KITAP) depending on category. Can Remote Workers Get Permanent Residency (KITAP)? Yes, but not directly. To reach KITAP, you must transition into a KITAS category that has a permanent residency pathway. Examples: Investor KITAS → KITAP after 3–4 years Spouse KITAS → KITAP after 2 years of marriage Retirement KITAS → KITAP after 3 years Work KITAS → KITAP after long-term contracts Tourist stays, social visas, and casual “visa runs” will never qualify for permanent residency. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for KITAP Applying for KITAP isn’t difficult, but the process is bureaucratic, and small errors can delay or derail your application. These are the issues that catch foreigners most often: 1. Applying Before You’re Eligible KITAP is only available after holding the correct type of KITAS for the required number of years. Submitting early almost always results in rejection. 2. Missing or Incorrect Documentation A missing sponsor letter, outdated bank statement, or inconsistencies in civil documents can cause processing delays or rejections. Document consistency matters a lot in Indonesia. 3. Wrong Sponsor Category Your sponsor must match your visa type. Examples: Marriage-based KITAP → spouse sponsor Work or investor KITAP → company sponsor If you switch sponsors midway, your eligibility timeline usually resets. 4. Expired KITAS or Passport Both must be valid during the transition to KITAP. Expired documents are one of the most common reasons applications stalls. 5. Unresolved Tax or Legal Issues For work or investor KITAP categories, outstanding tax filings, fines, or legal disputes can block progression. Indonesian authorities check for compliance, not just immigration status. 6. Leaving Indonesia at the Wrong Time Some KITAP transitions require physical presence while immigration holds your passport. Exiting the country before approval can break the process and force a reset. How to Avoid These Problems Use a certified visa consultant or immigration lawyer. Indonesia’s system is rule-based, but not intuitive, and working with someone who knows the process saves time, money, and stress. FAQs About Permanent Residency in Bali Can Foreigners Get Permanent Residency in Bali? Yes. Permanent residency in Indonesia is called KITAP, and it allows foreigners to live in Indonesia indefinitely. However, KITAP is only available after holding a qualifying KITAS (temporary stay permit) for a certain number of years depending on category (marriage, investment, work, or retirement). Does KITAP Lead to Indonesian Citizenship? No. KITAP does not convert into citizenship, and Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship for adults. Citizenship in Indonesia is separate, restrictive, and not available through residency or investment pathways. How Long Does It Take to Get Permanent Residency (KITAP)? For most applicants, 3–5 years on a KITAS is required before moving to KITAP: Marriage-based: 2 years Retirement: 3 years Investor/Work: 3–4 years Can Digital Nomads Get Permanent Residency in Bali? No. Digital nomads can stay long-term using visas like B211A or Second Home, but these do not lead to KITAP. To reach permanent status, you need a KITAS category linked to marriage, work, investment, or retirement. Can I Work in Bali with a Retirement KITAS? No. Retirement KITAS holders must be 55+ and are prohibited from working or running a business in Indonesia. They can, however, receive passive income from abroad. Is It Possible to Switch from Tourist Visa to KITAS? Yes, but not directly at immigration counters. Switching typically involves: Exiting Indonesia to apply for a VITAS abroad, or Using an agency to convert onshore when eligible The correct pathway depends on the visa type. Which Visa Is Best for Remote Workers? It depends on your profile: Short-term nomads: B211A (Commercial/Tourism) Long-term non-work stays: Second Home Visa Those wanting a path to PR: Investor or Work KITAS There is no official “Digital Nomad Visa” leading to PR yet. References The Official Indonesian Immigration Services Website (eVisa & Stay Permits). Referred from: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/web/services Second Home Visa Requirements. Official Indonesian eVisa Website (Immigration). Referred from: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/front/faq/b6469147-09ae-44c0-878e-74e2c4c2c14e Immigration Directorate General (Official Homepage). Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. Referred from: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/index?lang=en-US