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Finding Employment Opportunities in Bali

In recent times, Bali has emerged as a magnet for skilled professionals from various corners of the world, who are choosing to establish their lives here.

However, it’s important to note that in many industries Indonesian regulations mandate that for every foreign worker in Indonesia, ten local employees must also be hired. This requirement results in a relatively limited number of job opportunities for expats. Nevertheless, Bali is experiencing significant growth in specific sectors, including Finance, Food & Beverage, Hospitality, IT, Management, Real Estate, Sales & Marketing, Technology, and Telecommunications.

Expat talents are sought after for various roles, including Marketing Manager, General Manager, Head of Sales, Customer Service Manager, and Business Development Director positions within hospitality establishments, premium real estate development groups, and architectural or design firms. Should you secure a position in Bali, your employer will typically sponsor your working visa, allowing you to work legally in the country.

Many businesses based in Bali typically seek candidates with prior experience in Indonesia, language skills, and a deep understanding of the local culture. The job market here is highly competitive and fast-paced, making prior experience in Bali beneficial for a quicker job search. It’s important to note that the salaries for these positions are lower than those in Western countries, although the cost of living is notably more affordable.

You can find employment opportunities through Facebook groups, on the ground networking, and potentially working with certain recruitment firms.

It must be stressed the job market for foreigners is tiny and you dont relocate to Bali in search of work opportunities.

Alternatively, many expats choose to relocate to Bali and work remotely or offer consulting services to international companies.

Remote Work in Bali: How It's Done

If you are interested in working remotely and earning an income from abroad, the most common visa option for residing in Bali short term is the C1 (previous B211) tourist single-entry visa. This visa, which can be obtained offshore, grants a 60-day stay with the possibility of extending it for an additional 60 days, twice over. This allows you to stay in Bali for up to 180 days before you are required to leave Indonesia.

If you wish to stay longer in Bali, then after 6 months, many people travel to a nearby country like Singapore or Malaysia and reapply for a new visa which can usually take between 4-7 days depending on immigration.

Another popular visa is the remote digital nomad visa, the Remote Worker KITAS for those who have an employment contract with a company established outside of Indonesia.

A requirement of this visa is as follows:

  • Salary statement from your Company or Bank Account statement proving that your income is worth $60,000 USD per year. 

On the Remote Worker KITAS, you can sponsor family members with a Dependent/Family KITAS. This visa is applied offshore and it is valid for one year.

Notably, there are no tax implications associated with any of these visas.

These are just two examples of visas that may be most suitable. We are here to discuss this with you and ensure your process is simple and straightforward.

If you’re looking for a remote job to live out your Bali dream, this guide is free and a great first step. If you’re looking for an expert’s help to expedite your remote job search, I can personally recommend Remote Rebellion and if you use this link, you get 10% off any of their programmes!

Coworking spaces

If you’re seeking a change from your usual villa or cafe workspace, consider experimenting with different co-working spaces to find the right fit.  There is such a great range of coworking spaces found across Bali and in major expat communities such as Uluwatu, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Umalas, Canggu, Ubud and Sanur.

Take trial sessions to gauge the community they attract, including the age range of digital nomads, the work styles of individuals, and the overall atmosphere. These spaces provide a great range of facilities, networking opportunities, and often host interesting events. Some even offer accommodation, catering to the preferences of younger, single individuals.

For instance, Sanur’s Livit Hub offers a daily rate starting from IDR 85,000, with monthly rates beginning at IDR 725,000, and your first day pass is complimentary. To delve deeper into the digital nomad community, consider joining Facebook groups like Digital Nomads Bali, where you can find valuable tips, advice, meetups, and connections.

Working in Indonesia: The Need for a Work KITAS

It’s imperative to understand that you cannot legally work or earn an income in Indonesia without a valid working permit.

A company in Bali may offer you an employment contract and therefore sponsor your working visa.

Alternatively, a visa agent may be able to arrange a working visa in just a few specific work categories such as entertainment, sports, and marketing valid for a period of 6 or 12 months.

Establishing a Business and Securing Work Visa Sponsorship

One way to obtain a work visa is by starting your own business in Bali. Once registered you can then apply for a work KITAS.

Foreigners can establish a foreign-invested limited liability company in Indonesia, known as PT PMA.

Many expats opt for this approach by establishing businesses like restaurants or import-export businesses.

If you dont have a business that requires a commercial address, a virtual office address can be rented for a fee each year.

Click here to find out more about opening a business in Bali.

Can you process my visa?

We have reliable visa agents and business consultancies available to provide guidance and support throughout your journey. These trusted recommended business that we personally introduce to you are part of our services. Click here to read about our services and how we support you.