Dreaming of a laptop, a laid-back villa and a pool nearby? Before you book, you need to know the rules. Can I work remotely from Bali? The short answer is yes, but only on the right visa. A tourist visa does not allow work, and Indonesia has a dedicated remote worker visa for people employed by companies abroad. This guide explains who qualifies, what the visa requires and the mistakes to avoid. For help choosing a visa, see our Indonesia visa assistance page.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Immigration rules are decided by the Indonesian authorities and can change.
The short answer
To work remotely from Bali legally, you need a visa that allows it. For most remote employees, that is the E33G remote worker visa. It is valid for up to one year and is meant for people who work for a company established outside Indonesia.
Tourist visas, such as the visa on arrival and the C1, do not give you the right to work. If you are unsure which category you fall into, check before you travel, not after.
What counts as remote work?
Remote work usually means doing your job for an employer or clients outside Indonesia, using a laptop and an internet connection. Where your employer is based and who pays you both matter to immigration.
The E33G is built for employees of overseas companies. It does not allow you to work for Indonesian companies, receive payment from Indonesian sources, or sell goods or services locally. If your plans include any local work, you need a different type of permit.
Can you work remotely on a tourist visa?
No. The B1 tourist visa (the visa on arrival or e-VOA) and the C1 tourist visa are for tourism and visits. They do not allow work, and we do not recommend working while you are on one.
Enforcement checks in tourist areas have been reported to be more consistent, and the penalties for breaking visa rules can include fines, deportation and bans on returning. If you want to understand the two tourist visas, read our guide on B1 vs C1 visa Indonesia.
The E33G remote worker visa at a glance
| Feature | Details |
| Who it is for | Employees of a company established outside Indonesia |
| Stay | Up to one year |
| Income requirement | Bank records showing at least USD 60,000 per year from foreign sources |
| Proof of funds | Bank statement for the last three months showing at least USD 2,000 or equivalent |
| Employment proof | An employment agreement with a company outside Indonesia |
| Passport | Valid for at least six months |
| Sponsor needed | Not usually, as you apply online |
| Local work | Not allowed |
| Government fee | About IDR 7,000,000. Confirm the billing amount, as other permit charges may apply. |
These figures are policy settings that can change, so confirm the current criteria on the official portal before you apply.
Who qualifies, and who may not?
You are most likely to qualify if you are a salaried employee of a foreign company, your income arrives in a bank account and you meet the income and funds tests.
You may not qualify, or may need advice first, if you are:
- Freelancing or self-employed. The E33G is described as being for employees, so check before assuming it fits.
- Earning less than the threshold. The income test is firm.
- Planning to work for Indonesian clients. This is not covered by the E33G.
- Running a business in Indonesia. You will likely need a different permit.
If you are unsure, speak to a qualified immigration adviser or speak to our team before applying.
How to apply for the E33G
- Check eligibility. Confirm your employer, income and funds meet the criteria.
- Prepare your documents. You will need your passport, a recent photo, your employment agreement, income records and a three-month bank statement.
- Create an account. Apply online through the official portal at https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/.
- Submit and pay. Pay the government fee shown in the official billing notice.
- Wait for approval. The E33G takes longer than a tourist visa, so apply well before your trip. Our guide on Indonesia visa processing time explains how long to allow.
- Follow the entry steps. Complete the All Indonesia arrival card before you land and keep your approval handy.
Check the current renewal and extension rules before your first year ends, since they have been described differently by different sources.
Tax and money
A visa gives you immigration status. It does not decide your tax position. We have found no official source stating that foreign income is tax-free for E33G holders, and staying in Indonesia for a long period can create tax obligations in Indonesia and at home. Speak to a qualified tax adviser about your own situation.
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Indonesia. Visa decisions are made by the immigration authorities, and no agent can guarantee approval.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Working on a tourist visa. Neither the B1 nor the C1 allows work.
- Assuming freelancers qualify. The E33G is aimed at employees of overseas companies.
- Ignoring the income test. Payslips alone may not be enough, because bank records matter.
- Taking Indonesian clients. The E33G does not allow local work or local payments.
- Applying too late. The E33G takes longer than a tourist visa.
- Forgetting other entry steps. You still need the arrival card and, for Bali, the tourist levy.
- Skipping tax advice. Residency and tax are separate from your visa.
Apply yourself or use help?
Applying yourself is possible, because the process is online and does not need an agent. If your employment and income are straightforward and you are comfortable with document uploads, you can do it directly.
Help is worth considering if you are unsure whether you qualify, have a mixed income, or want your documents reviewed before you submit. Mistakes in income proof can slow things down.
How Hey Rick Visa helps
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service based in Legian, Bali, and part of PT Rick’s Group Indonesia. Our process has three steps:
- Find your visa with the visa checker.
- Apply and pay in under 10 minutes.
- We handle the rest. Technology and human experts check everything before submission.
You can apply 24/7, save your application and continue later, and pay in several ways. Support is available by chat, WhatsApp and email, around the clock, in multiple languages.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work remotely from Bali on a tourist visa?
No. Tourist visas, including the visa on arrival and the C1, do not allow work. If you want to work remotely, you need a visa that permits it, such as the E33G.
What is the income requirement for the E33G?
The published requirement is bank records showing at least USD 60,000 per year from foreign sources, plus a three-month bank statement showing at least USD 2,000. These figures can change, so confirm them on the official portal.
Can freelancers get the E33G?
It is described as being for employees of a company established outside Indonesia. If you freelance or run your own business, check the criteria carefully or get advice before applying.
Can I work for Indonesian clients on the E33G?
No. The E33G does not allow you to work for Indonesian companies or individuals, receive payment from Indonesian sources, or sell goods or services locally.
Do I pay tax in Bali on my foreign income?
That depends on your circumstances, and the visa does not decide it. Speak to a qualified tax adviser about your own situation.
Does Hey Rick Visa guarantee my visa will be approved?
No. Hey Rick Visa is a private service, and approval is decided by the immigration authorities. We review your application carefully to help you avoid common errors.
Conclusion
So, can I work remotely from Bali? Yes, if you have the right visa. For most overseas employees, that means the E33G, and a tourist visa will not do. Check your eligibility, apply early and get tax advice for your own situation.
Ready to start? Explore the digital nomad visa for Indonesia or speak to our team if you want help deciding.
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Indonesia. We provide assistance with visa applications and charge a service fee.