Quick takeaway. Yes, foreigners can live in Bali long term, but not on a tourist visa. Most expat families spend US$3,000 to $7,000 a month, and school fees often cost more than rent. Canggu, Pererenan, Ubud and Sanur are the most popular areas. Rent for 6 to 12 months before you buy, because foreigners can’t own freehold land.
- Visa: the visa on arrival gives you 30 days plus one 30-day extension. Living here means getting a stay permit (KITAS or similar).
- Budget: about US$1,800 to $2,500 a month for one person living comfortably, around US$2,800 for a couple, US$3,000 to $7,000 for a family of four.
- Housing: yearly leases are usually paid upfront. A family-sized villa runs about IDR 20 to 35 million a month.
- Ownership: no freehold for foreigners. The routes are leasehold or Hak Pakai.
Moving to Bali is easy to romanticise and surprisingly easy to get wrong on paperwork. Plenty of people land on a 30-day visa, love it, and then spend three months working out how to stay legally. This is the guide we’d hand a friend before they booked flights: visas, real monthly numbers, where to live, and the housing mistakes that cost the most.
Visa rules in Indonesia change often, and so do prices. Every figure below is sourced at the bottom of the page. Treat the visa section as a starting point and check it with a licensed immigration agent before you pay anyone.
Who moves to Bali, and is it right for you?
Four groups move here in real numbers: families, remote workers, retirees and investors. Bali suits you if you can live with heat, traffic and a bit of admin chaos in return for lower living costs and a big expat community. It suits you less if you need public transport or quick, predictable bureaucracy.
Families come for space, a pool and a slower pace. School is where it gets expensive: international school fees are the biggest line in most family budgets, and they decide where you can sensibly live.
Remote workers come for the cost and the community. Their problem is the visa, which has an income test and doesn’t let you earn from Indonesian clients.
Retirees come for the weather and cheap help at home. If you’re 55 or older there is a dedicated retirement permit, covered in our guide to retiring in Bali: visa, costs and areas.
Investors want a home or a rental in a market they believe in, and they usually need a company structure with its own paperwork.
Bali on a two-week holiday and Bali on a Tuesday in February are different places. Spend at least a month here before you commit to anything long.
Which visa do you need to live in Bali?
A tourist visa won’t do. The visa on arrival gives you 30 days and one 30-day extension, with a maximum of 60 days, and it doesn’t cover paid work of any kind. To live here for a year or longer you need a stay permit, and which one depends on why you’re here.
A few things the table can’t show.
The remote worker visa does not let you work for Indonesian sources. That means no pay or services for Indonesian companies or individuals, even if you’re paid in dollars. Since December 2025, E33G holders can sponsor a spouse, children and parents on their own permits.
Agents say most people don’t actually extend the E33G in the country. The usual pattern is to leave and apply again each year. Agent fees for the whole process typically run US$1,100 to $1,600, on top of the government fee.
Don’t treat the visa on arrival as a loophole. As of April 2026, immigration treats content creation or promotion that benefits you as work that needs the right visa. Penalties include visa cancellation, detention, a fine, deportation and a re-entry ban.
Tax is a separate question. If you spend more than 183 days in a 12-month period you can become an Indonesian tax resident and owe tax on worldwide income. Speak to an accountant who works with expats before you settle in.
Whichever route you pick, use a licensed agent and check the current requirements at imigrasi.go.id. Agents sometimes quote different numbers for the same permit.
How much does it cost to live in Bali?
Expect about US$1,800 to $2,500 a month for one person living comfortably, roughly US$2,800 for a couple, and US$3,000 to $7,000 for a family of four. The wide family range comes down to one choice: whether the children go to an international school. Rent is the line people watch. School fees are the line that surprises them.
Sources: Propertia (updated 24 Aug 2026) for the single, couple and international school family figures. Knowmads Bali (mid-2026) for the family range without international school.
To make that less abstract, here is what a Canggu month looks like for one person: a one-bedroom villa at about US$900 to $1,200, utilities at US$80 to $100, food at US$300 to $400 if you mix warung meals with restaurants, and US$50 to $70 for a scooter and fuel. Coworking adds US$100 to $150.
Families have more lines. Budget US$150 to $500 a month for health insurance, US$150 to $400 for household help such as a nanny, driver or cleaner, and US$2,000 to $4,000 a year for flights home.
The sources don’t agree perfectly, and neither will any other guide you read. Treat each number as a range, and check it against current listings. We keep a deeper breakdown in our full cost of living breakdown for Bali.
Where should you live in Bali?
For most expat families the shortlist is Canggu, Pererenan, Ubud and Sanur. Canggu and Pererenan are social and busy, Ubud is green and quiet, Sanur is flat and calm, and Uluwatu suits people who want surf and space over convenience. Pick your school first, then the area, because school runs decide how your days feel.
Rents are from Propertia (updated 24 Aug 2026) and describe a typical one-bedroom villa. Family homes cost more. The same source puts Pererenan 15 to 25% below nearby Canggu, which is a big reason it keeps filling up with families.
Read more on the areas where we have pages: living in Canggu, living in Sanur and living in Seminyak and Petitenget. Our article on how families choose where to live in Bali goes deeper on the trade-offs.
Spend a month in your top two areas before signing a yearly lease. Photos hide traffic, noise and how far you’ll walk for a decent coffee.
Should you rent first or buy a house in Bali?
Rent first, for six to twelve months. Foreigners can’t own freehold land in Indonesia, because Hak Milik is reserved for Indonesian citizens. Any purchase means a leasehold or a Hak Pakai right, and you’ll choose better once you know which area you actually live in.
Most yearly villa leases are paid in full, a year in advance. Yearly rents usually work out 10 to 17% cheaper than paying monthly, but that is a lot of cash tied up in a home you haven’t tested. A family-sized villa runs about IDR 20 to 35 million a month in 2026. On top of rent, electricity can be IDR 2 to 4 million a month if you run air conditioning and a pool, and maintenance services add IDR 1 to 2 million.
Before you sign a lease, check these:
- Who owns the land, and does the person leasing it to you have the right to do so.
- How many months remain on the owner’s own lease.
- What the rent includes: pool care, garden, banjar fees, staff.
- How the deposit is held and when it comes back.
- Who pays for repairs, and how fast they happen.
- What happens if you leave early.
- Whether the contract is in English as well as Indonesian.
If you do decide to buy, here are the routes in plain words.
Leasehold (Hak Sewa) means you pay for the right to use a property for a fixed term. It’s a contract, not ownership. Terms of around 30 years with a renewal option are common, but the renewal wording is where deals go wrong, so read it twice.
Hak Pakai is a registered right to use a property. It typically starts at around 30 years with extensions, and for foreigners it’s tied to your residency status. Have a PPAT (the land deed official) or a lawyer confirm the title and renewal terms before you pay a deposit.
A PT PMA is a foreign-owned company. It suits business use such as running rentals, but it doesn’t give you personal freehold and it comes with set-up costs, reporting and tax duties.
Stay away from nominee arrangements, where an Indonesian friend holds the title for you. They create serious legal risk and they’re a common way people lose money.
Our guide to buying property in Bali as a foreigner covers the process in more depth. You can also browse villas available for yearly rent in Bali or leasehold villas in Bali.
Talk to a BREC consultant about renting or buying in Bali.
What about schools and family life?
Bali has plenty of international schools, and fees are the biggest swing in a family budget. Primary tuition runs from about IDR 80 million to more than IDR 650 million a year, roughly US$5,000 to $40,000, before registration and extras. Choose the school first and the neighbourhood second.
The fee bands, from a January 2026 comparison, look like this. Lower-priced schools charge about IDR 80 to 180 million a year for primary. Mid-priced schools such as Bali Island School and Canggu Community School charge about IDR 200 to 350 million. Premium schools charge IDR 400 to 650 million or more. Fees rise at secondary level and in exam years.
Tuition is only part of it. Ask every school about registration and application fees, learning support, English as an additional language programs and exam charges, and find out whether billing is annual or termly. A lot of money can fall due at once.
Pick a home within a realistic school-run distance, because Bali traffic stretches a short map distance into a long drive. If you have pets, ask the landlord before you view a villa, not after you’ve fallen for it. If your child has learning needs, ask schools directly what support they offer rather than trusting the brochure.
For more, see family homes near international schools in Bali and our article on the top Green School options and where to live nearby.
How good is healthcare in Bali, and do you need insurance?
Healthcare is good enough for routine care and many emergencies. Serious cases can need evacuation, and that’s where uninsured people get hurt financially. Get international health insurance that includes medical evacuation before you arrive, not after your first scare.
The Australian Consulate-General in Bali lists these private hospitals: Bali Med, BIMC, Bros, Kasih Ibu, Prima Medika, Siloam and Surya Husada. The main public hospital is RSUP Sanglah, which has an international wing. BIMC and International SOS run clinics aimed at foreigners.
The consulate also makes a point worth remembering. It can’t guarantee payment of medical costs, and if a hospital won’t accept a guarantee letter you may have to pay the bill when you’re discharged. Air ambulance costs are described as very high.
Insurance for a family usually costs somewhere between US$150 and $500 a month, depending on cover. Read the exclusions. In particular, riding a scooter without the right licence can void your insurance, which turns a minor accident into a large bill.
We aren’t medical advisors, so check any facility directly before relying on it. We’ll look at safety in more depth in is Bali safe to live in.
What is daily life in Bali really like?
Daily life runs on a scooter, an internet connection you’ll test before you commit, and a household routine that often includes part-time help. The seasons matter more than most newcomers expect, so plan around them.
Transport comes first. There’s very little useful public transport, so you’ll either ride a scooter or hire a driver. Foreigners need an Indonesian licence, or a home licence that includes a motorcycle entitlement paired with a matching International Driving Permit. Police run spot checks, especially around Canggu, Seminyak and Sunset Road, and helmet fines start at IDR 250,000. Sort your licence before you buy a bike.
Household help is common and affordable by Western standards. Plan on US$150 to $400 a month for a cleaner, nanny or driver, depending on hours. Ask for references, and write down the arrangement.
Internet quality varies by street, not just by area. Ask the landlord which provider serves the villa, and test the speed during your viewing. If you work online, this one check will save you real stress.
Then there’s the weather. The dry season runs from April to October, with temperatures of about 27 to 32°C and low humidity. The wet season runs from November to March. Rain usually comes in short bursts rather than all day, but humidity is higher. Ubud and the northern highlands are noticeably cooler than the coast. When you view a villa, ask about drainage and how it behaves in heavy rain.
What are the downsides of living in Bali?
Traffic, fast building, noise and waste are the complaints we hear most often from people who live here. None is a dealbreaker for everyone, but all of them are worse in the busiest areas, and none of them shows up on a two-week holiday.
Traffic is the big one. The roads weren’t built for this many vehicles, and a trip that looks short on the map can eat an hour. That’s why living near your school or work matters so much.
Development is fast. Rice fields turn into villa plots, and a quiet lane can change in a couple of years. Ask what’s planned next door before you sign a long lease, and visit at different times of day to hear what the street sounds like.
Rubbish collection is patchy in places, and ceremonies, dogs and roosters make noise at hours you may not enjoy. Plenty of people love the ceremonies. The 4 am roosters are a harder sell.
Distance from home is the quieter cost. Flights add up (US$2,000 to $4,000 a year is a fair budget), and being far from family weighs on some people more than they expected. Visas, leases and permits also take longer than you plan for.
On safety, see our separate guide, is Bali safe to live in.
Your moving to Bali checklist
Six months out
- Check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival, with two blank pages.
- Decide which visa route fits you and speak to a licensed agent.
- Get quotes for international health insurance with medical evacuation.
- If you’ll ride a scooter, get an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle category.
- Talk to an accountant about tax residency in your home country and in Indonesia.
Three months out
- Shortlist two areas based on your school, work and budget.
- Contact schools about availability, fees and the application timeline.
- Book a month or two of short-term accommodation for your first stay. Don’t sign a yearly lease from abroad.
One month out
- Arrange medical records, prescriptions and vaccination records.
- Decide what to ship, and what to sell or store.
- Put aside enough cash for a yearly lease payment, a deposit and set-up costs.
First month in Bali
- View villas in person, and test internet speed and street noise at different times.
- Have a lawyer or agent check the lease and the owner’s title.
- Open a local bank account if your visa route needs one, and set up a local SIM.
- Register with a clinic or doctor before you need one.
Talk to a BREC consultant about renting or buying in Bali.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners live in Bali permanently?
Not on a tourist visa. Foreigners live in Bali on a stay permit, such as the one-year remote worker visa, the 5 or 10 year second home visa, or a retirement permit from age 55. Permanent residence usually comes after several years on a stay permit, so ask a licensed agent what applies to you.
How much money do I need per month to live in Bali?
A single person living comfortably spends about US$1,800 to $2,500 a month, a couple about US$2,800, and a family of four US$3,000 to $7,000. The big variable for families is international school tuition. Rent, insurance and household help come next.
Can I own a house in Bali as a foreigner?
Not freehold. Hak Milik is reserved for Indonesian citizens. Foreigners can hold a leasehold, a Hak Pakai right, or in some cases a qualifying apartment unit. Company ownership through a PT PMA is for business use. Have a PPAT or lawyer check title and renewal terms, and avoid nominee arrangements.
Which area is best for families?
It depends on your school and your noise tolerance. Pererenan, Umalas and Canggu suit families who want a social scene and short drives to schools. Sanur is flatter and calmer. Ubud is green and quiet. Choose the school first, then test the area for a month.
Do I need health insurance in Bali?
Yes. Hospitals may ask you to settle a bill at discharge, and air ambulance costs are very high. Buy international cover that includes medical evacuation, read the exclusions, and make sure you hold the right licence if you ride a scooter, because riding unlicensed can void a policy.
Is Bali safe to live in?
Most residents feel safe day to day. The practical risks are traffic accidents and health, which is why a licence, a helmet and good insurance matter. We cover the topic in more detail in our guide, is Bali safe to live in.
Ready to find a home in Bali?
Whether you want to rent for a year or look at leasehold options, a BREC consultant can walk you through what’s available and what to check before you sign. Browse villas for rent and for sale in Bali, or talk to a BREC consultant.
