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D12 or Remote Worker KITAS: what to choose for long-term life in Bali
For many foreigners, Bali is no longer just a holiday destination. More and more people want to stay here long-term — work remotely, build a family, explore local opportunities, or simply enjoy a stable life on the island.
At this stage, the key question appears:
Should you apply for a D12 visa or choose the Remote Worker KITAS?
At this stage, the key question appears:
Should you apply for a D12 visa or choose the Remote Worker KITAS?
Attention
Both categories allow you to stay in Indonesia for an extended period — but they offer completely different possibilities and a very different legal status.
Remote Worker KITAS is a residence permit, not just a visa. It confirms your official status as a resident of Indonesia and allows you to live on the island fully in accordance with the law. With a KITAS, you can work remotely for a foreign company, obtain local documents, and access rights that are not available to tourists.
The D12 visa is a temporary stay format. It is designed for those who come to the country to study the market, build connections, and understand how things work — but it does not grant residency status, and you cannot work under it.
The D12 visa is a temporary stay format. It is designed for those who come to the country to study the market, build connections, and understand how things work — but it does not grant residency status, and you cannot work under it.
If you plan to stay in Bali for more than just a few months, a KITAS opens far more opportunities. With it, you can:
You no longer depend on visa runs, and you avoid the risk of violating immigration rules.
- open a bank account in Indonesia;
- arrange visas for your family members;
- register a motorbike or car in your own name;
- obtain an Indonesian driver’s license;
- apply for visas to other countries without leaving Indonesia.
You no longer depend on visa runs, and you avoid the risk of violating immigration rules.
Under the rules, holders of a D12 visa are not allowed to engage in any form of work — even remote work.
Any activity that generates income is considered employment in Indonesia and is treated as a violation of visa conditions. With a D12, you can conduct preparatory activities for opening a business, but you cannot earn money.
Remote Worker KITAS, on the other hand, is specifically designed for people who work online for foreign companies.
It gives you a legal residency status, protecting you from inspections and the risk of deportation — unfortunately a common outcome for those working on tourist visas.
Any activity that generates income is considered employment in Indonesia and is treated as a violation of visa conditions. With a D12, you can conduct preparatory activities for opening a business, but you cannot earn money.
Remote Worker KITAS, on the other hand, is specifically designed for people who work online for foreign companies.
It gives you a legal residency status, protecting you from inspections and the risk of deportation — unfortunately a common outcome for those working on tourist visas.
Validity and extensions
The D12 visa is valid for 180 days, after which you must either extend it or leave the country. An extension is possible, but it requires additional costs and paperwork.
The Remote Worker KITAS is issued immediately for 12 months and can later be extended without leaving Indonesia. Everything is done officially, calmly, and without rush.
The Remote Worker KITAS is issued immediately for 12 months and can later be extended without leaving Indonesia. Everything is done officially, calmly, and without rush.
Visa history and reputation
Having a KITAS has a positive impact on your overall visa history. It shows stability and a legal long-term status, which often plays a role when applying for visas to Europe, the US, or Japan.
Frequent visa runs or a chain of short-term visas, on the contrary, may raise questions at consulates.
Frequent visa runs or a chain of short-term visas, on the contrary, may raise questions at consulates.
Long-term cost efficiency
At first glance, the D12 visa seems cheaper, but over a longer stay the difference becomes negligible:
– extension for another 180 days — 5 million IDR
When you factor in flights, accommodation during visa runs, and the time lost on constant renewals, the KITAS becomes not only more convenient but also more cost-effective.
- D12 (for 1 year):
– extension for another 180 days — 5 million IDR
- Remote Worker KITAS:
When you factor in flights, accommodation during visa runs, and the time lost on constant renewals, the KITAS becomes not only more convenient but also more cost-effective.
What should you choose?
- The D12 visa is suitable for those who are just beginning to explore Indonesia and want to spend a few months in Bali without long-term commitments. It’s a great option for a first stay, market research, and understanding whether life on the island suits you.
- However, if you already work online, plan to stay long-term, or want to legalize your presence in the country, the Remote Worker KITAS is a far superior choice.
It gives you resident status, protects you from immigration risks, provides access to local services, and builds a strong visa history that will benefit future applications.
The main difference:
- D12 is a temporary visa for a trial stay.
- KITAS is a full-fledged residence permit for those who are building a long-term life in Bali.
Choose the status that aligns with your goals — and live on the island calmly, legally, and without unnecessary border runs.
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