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Bali is increasingly becoming the top choice for retirees seeking a relocation destination, thanks to its tropical paradise, warm hospitality, and a distinctive blend of tranquillity and adventure.

Due to its affordable living expenses, relaxed lifestyle, and a leisurely pace of life, Bali becomes an appealing destination.

Bali offers wellness activities, budget-friendly fresh produce suitable for both local and international culinary preferences, and easy access to a diverse array of affordable medical services.

There are local insurance options and a diverse array of hospitals, including an international hospital under construction in Sanur, further enhancing its appeal.

Beyond these practical benefits, retirees are drawn to Bali for its rich Balinese Hindu culture, offering a unique cultural immersion experience. From Bali’s strategically located international airport, you can easily embark on journeys to various captivating destinations in the Southeast Asian region and beyond.

Yet, as with any relocation, challenges and considerations arise. Our services are dedicated to guiding you through this transition, explaining what to expect and helping you prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Retirement Visa

As at December 2023, Indonesia provides a retirement KITAS (319), designed for individuals meeting the minimum age requirement of 60 years, offering an option for foreign nationals who wish to retire in Bali. This visa is valid for one year with multiple entries and is renewable annually.

Currently, application for this visa must be done onshore in Bali, requiring arrival on a B211 single-entry visa to initiate the process. The processing time for a retirement KITAS is approximately four weeks, and renewals are more cost-effective compared to the initial KITAS.

Once granted a Retirement KITAS, you become eligible to apply for local BPJS insurance. This visa also opens up additional advantages, including the ability to import personal belongings, purchase a car or scooter, and access discounts on a wide range of lifestyle and tourism activities.

The application process involves providing:

  • A lease contract for a minimum of 12 months and a copy of the owner’s ID card.
  • Local IDs of two home assistants (accompanied by a signed letter, which will be arranged upon your arrival in Bali).
  • A bank account statement with a minimum balance of 550 million IDR from your country’s bank.
  • Health insurance to cover a one-year period.
  • A passport with a minimum validity of 18 months.

Subsequent years’ renewals are priced lower than the initial first year.

These requirements are essential for a smooth application and approval of the Retirement KITAS, facilitating your transition to retirement in Bali.

Read about visas

Areas Suitable For Retirement Living

Numerous exceptional options await those considering retirement locations in Bali. Each area boasts an array of amenities, distinctive landscapes, high-quality supermarkets, accessible medical care, diverse dining options, engaging activities, and vibrant communities.

For example, common retirement areas include Sanur, Ubud, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and the Bukit Peninsula, however others are keen to explore places like Candidasa, Lovina and Amed.  However, we have also helped secure properties and relocations for retirees to move to Seminyak and Nusa Lembogan.

Before settling in one location it may be a good idea to test the waters and live somewhere for a one year lease before committing to purchasing a long term lease.

Read about areas to live

Affordable Health Care

Bali ensures accessible and cost-effective healthcare, marked by advancements in residential living and medical tourism. Medical services, including doctor visits, dental care, specialists and medications, are notably affordable.

Technology plays a role with medical apps like Halodoc’s to enhance accessibility, enabling convenient home delivery of medicines and online consultations with doctors.

The island has many expat-friendly hospitals and clinics, strategically located for retirees to address their health needs with ease. Providers such as Hovi Care cater to elderly care for seniors, offering services like rehabilitation, assisted living, and nursing support.

Hospitals such as BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua and Siloam Hospitals Denpasar, along with the upcoming international hospital in Sanur, contribute to Bali’s robust healthcare infrastructure. In case of more specialised needs, short flights to Singapore and Australia are viable options, underscoring the island’s commitment to ensuring residents’ well-being.

Although the quality of healthcare in Bali is generally good, it’s still important to ensure adequate medical insurance coverage.

Read about Healthcare & Safety

Retirement Community

In addition to fostering connections within the thriving expatriate communities in Bali, retirees find a wealth of opportunities to engage in various social events, cultural activities, sports, hobbies, and special interest clubs. These avenues not only contribute to a vibrant retirement experience but also serve as platforms for building lasting friendships with like-minded individuals who share common interests.

Furthermore, the expansive network of Facebook and WhatsApp groups dedicated to specific locations, including the Sanur community, plays a pivotal role in enhancing retirees’ social connectivity. These groups not only facilitate communication and camaraderie within each community but also serve as valuable resources for sharing tips and information related to retirement.

Retirees can tap into these platforms to gain insights, seek advice, and stay informed about the wealth of resources available within their chosen retirement community.

Retirees Owning Property

As a retiree in Bali, you will have several different housing options and there are many different types of housing available to foreigners in Bali depending on your lifestyle and budget.

Bali’s real estate market presents a unique choice between two distinct property ownership models – Freehold and Leasehold.

The decision between freehold and leasehold properties hinges on individual preferences and investment objectives. Freehold properties provide long-term ownership and potential capital appreciation, making them attractive for secure and stable investments, while leasehold properties, requiring a lower initial investment, may be more suitable for shorter-term goals or budget-conscious investors.

Foreigners cannot directly own freehold property (the strongest form of land title ownership in Indonesia) in Bali unless they set up an Indonesian entity called a PT PMA (Foreign-Owned Company).

Apart from freehold land, it is much easier and more popular to look at the lease system (Ha Pakai – right to use) and it is the most common foreign ownership method.  Leasehold can be registered in your own name with full rights of the property going to you for the period of lease.

At the end of the lease agreement the land and any Bali property on that land will return to the owner, however it is very unusual for this to happen as most local landowners will want to extend the contract before this happens and many agreements will have extensions written into the legal agreement.

Additionally, for those seeking community-oriented living, options like Amandaesa and various retirement housing villages being developed around the island cater to individuals looking for secure and communal environments tailored to their needs.

Retiree Expat Stories

Choosing Bali for retirement is not just a relocation; it’s a journey into a vibrant and fulfilling chapter of life.

Discover the stories of those who have embraced Bali as their retirement haven, and let their experiences guide you in crafting your own Bali retirement story.

Read about expat stories
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