Legal Work for Foreigners in Bali

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Legal work for foreigners in Bali:
which professions are in demand and which visas actually fit

To live and work here without the risk of deportation, it’s essential to understand which professions are officially allowed and which visas and KITAS types provide the legal right to work.

Bali remains one of the most attractive places in Asia for those who want to combine life, work, and freedom. At the same time, it is one of the most strictly regulated regions when it comes to foreign employment.

Why is it prohibited to work on a tourist visa?

Most foreigners arrive on the island with a tourist visa and start teaching, filming, coaching, or managing villas — without even realizing they are breaking the law. In Indonesia, any activity that generates income is considered work. Even if you receive payment to a foreign bank account or via online services, it is still interpreted as conducting work within Indonesia. Immigration officers are conducting inspections more frequently, and cases of deportation for illegal work have become common. Therefore, before starting any activity, you must choose the correct visa type or KITAS.

Which fields are most in demand for foreigners

In Bali, foreign specialists are primarily sought after in three major categories:

Business and property management

Villa managers, hotel managers, operations directors, project coordinators, and service-company supervisors.
Creative and educational professions

Photographers, videographers, yoga teachers, fitness instructors, wellness specialists, and other experts in creative or coaching roles.
Remote work and freelancing

Marketers, IT professionals, designers, content producers, consultants, and anyone who works for clients outside Indonesia.

Which types of KITAS are available for foreigners in Indonesia

Today, foreign nationals can legally work in Indonesia under four main categories of Work KITAS. Each category corresponds to a specific level of responsibility and type of professional activity.

Examples: who usually applies for which KITAS

Villa managers and hotel managers → Manager KITAS or General Manager KITAS
Heads of service companies, travel agencies, schools, wellness centers → Manager KITAS
Teachers, yoga and fitness instructors, photographers, videographers, content creators, artists → Employment KITAS
Remote workers employed by foreign companies → Digital Nomad KITAS (E33G) — a new long-term permit that does not require a local sponsor.

What are the consequences of working illegally in Indonesia?

Working without the appropriate KITAS — or on a visa not intended for employment (such as C1, D12, eVOA) — is considered a direct violation of Indonesian immigration law.
The consequences can be severe:

Deportation and placement on the immigration blacklist, which may block re-entry for years

Fines and potential criminal charges if income earned within Indonesia is proven.

Enforcement has become significantly stricter in 2024–2025. Bali Immigration is actively monitoring and inspecting foreign residents who engage in work without the correct permits.

How to choose the right option?

Identify who your actual employer is

If you work for a registered Indonesian company, then a Work KITAS is required (Manager / General Manager / Supervisor / Employment).
If your income comes from abroad and you do not work for an Indonesian entity, then the Digital Nomad KITAS is usually the correct option.
Check whether your job position matches the official KITAS categories

Only manager, general manager, and supervisor roles qualify for managerial KITAS types.
All other roles — instructors, creatives, specialists, consultants, trainers, photographers, videographers, teachers, etc. — fall under Employment KITAS.
Prepare the required documents

For a Work KITAS, you will need:
– a signed employment contract,
– a valid RPTKA (workforce placement approval),
– company registration documents (NIB, OSS, NPWP),
– your personal documents and photos.
All of this is arranged by the company where you will be employed.
Plan your timeline carefully

Work KITAS processing can take up to 3 months.
The permit is valid for 6–12 months, depending on the category, and can usually be extended without leaving the country if your employment continues.

Alternative: Digital Nomad KITAS (E33G)

If you work remotely for foreign clients and do not conduct commercial activity in Indonesia, you can apply for the Digital Nomad KITAS.
It allows you to:

live in Bali for up to one year with the option to extend;
work online for overseas companies
enjoy banking and tax advantages available to legal residents

The main requirement: your income must come from abroad, not from Indonesian clients.
Processing takes up to 10 business days.
You can switch to this KITAS from any visa without leaving the country.

Bali is open to professionals from all over the world, but employment rules are strict.
You can legally work only with a KITAS that matches your position in an Indonesian company.
If you manage a business → Manager / General Manager / Supervisor KITAS.
If you teach, create, film, coach, or work in wellness → Employment KITAS.
If you freelance for foreign clients → Digital Nomad KITAS.

Message us — and we will advise which KITAS fits your profession so your life and work in Bali remain fully legal and stress-free.

SunriseVisa assists with all types of visas and KITAS — from employment and managerial permits to investor and Digital Nomad options.
We help you choose the right category, prepare documents, and support you at every step of the process.

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