Bali has become one of the top destinations in Southeast Asia for digital nomads, remote workers, and families who are seeking serenity and peace. With its tropical beaches, affordable cost of living, and thriving community of expats, this Island of God is no longer just a short-term holiday stop but also a place where kids and parents can build a happy family.
If you are considering staying in Bali for a long term, it is important to know the steps, requirements, and the latest information before relocating your family. Here is everything you need to know about how to stay in Bali long-term.
These tips are curated to help you with living on this island with your partner and kids for a minimum of 60 days or more. Check out these essential preparations before you go.
To live in Bali, Indonesia, for more than a month, you need to arrange the right visa, including a visa for your kids. Please don’t visit Indonesia without a visa because you risk deportation.
Options include a tourist visa on arrival (VoA), which can be extended up to 60 days, or a B211A visa that allows living in this paradise island for 3 months up to 6 months. For those who plan to stay for years, the Bali Second Home visa is also available for a long-term stay of 5–10 years.
You can also apply for an ITAS/KITAS, which allows you to stay for a year with possible extensions. Citizens of Southeast Asia countries like Thailand, Malaysia, or Singapore might find it easier to get a visa, so always check the Indonesian Immigration website for the most updated visa requirements.
The cost of living on this island varies depending on your lifestyle. Budget travelers can spend around USD 600–800 per month, while luxury seekers may spend more than USD 2,000 per month.
Please note that those budgets are calculated for one person; if you are planning a long-term stay in Bali with your family, the cost can be significantly higher, especially if you have kids and send them to an international school in Bali. Careful budgeting ensures a smooth and stress-free long-term stay.
Choosing the best place to stay is also crucial to make your experience more enjoyable. Ubud is perfect for wellness lovers and those who are looking for a laid-back place to stay, while Canggu attracts digital nomads and surfers with numerous coworking spaces and surf shops.
For foodies and nightlife seekers, Seminyak offers many unique restaurants and beach bars. Sanur is a quiet and safe place to stay in Bali, ideal for families with a laid-back atmosphere and kid-friendly beaches.
Fortunately, every area offers a wide range of accommodation, but villas are the most popular for long-term stay in this island. Most villas come with a private pool, spacious rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and daily housekeeping.
Properties like Kecapi Villa, Kanadea Villa, and Sanora Villa provide excellent long-term villa rentals in Bali for those who plan on living on this tropical island.
Public transport here is quite limited, which is why renting a private vehicle is the best option for smooth mobility. Renting a scooter is the most popular choice for individuals, while families often prefer renting a car with a driver.
Apps like Grab or Gojek make traveling around the island much easier. However, keep in mind that some areas, such as Uluwatu or Jimbaran, which are quieter places in Bali, may have limited access to online taxis since they are farther from central towns.
If you have kids who need to go to school, a monthly car rental is the best option to keep your mobility smooth and safe. Especially during the wet season, renting a car is a more comfortable choice for children.
From Ubud local food stalls to international restaurants in Seminyak or Uluwatu, this island has everything. You can enjoy affordable street food or explore premium dining venues depending on your budget.
If you want to experience local dining, visit a local warung that serves nasi campur or babi guling (suckling pig). Prices usually fall under IDR 50,000, making them perfect for budget travelers looking to combine living in Bali, Indonesia, with authentic cultural experiences.
For those living with family, cooking in your villa is the cheaper option, as many traditional markets and supermarkets are offering local products that are much more affordable than imported ones.
There are many useful apps to make your long-term stay here smoother. WhatsApp is essential for communication, while Grab and Gojek are perfect for online transport and food delivery. For booking villas or hotels, Agoda, Tiket, or Traveloka often offer cheaper rates than Airbnb.
These apps can also help with renting cars, booking drivers, or reserving activities in Bali. If you rent a motorbike, Google Maps is the most reliable tool for navigation. For recommendations on food and accommodation, Tripadvisor is still one of the best apps to use.
Staying here with your family long term is both possible and rewarding, as long as you prepare the right visa, budget, and accommodation. Your children can also receive quality education and experiences at a much lower cost, while your whole family enjoys the experience of living in a tropical paradise.
For the best experience, consider staying at properties under Ini Vie Hospitality, such as Kecapi Villa, Kanadea Villa, or Sanora Villa, some of the best options for living in Bali, Indonesia. For more insights about long-term stay in Bali, explore the Ini Vie Guide, which provides travel tips and complete information about making the most of your holiday in this tropical island.
Source: https://digitalnomads.world/city-guide/bali/