Following on in the series of Bali retirement, you may have read my previous article on Choosing A Retirement Location In Bali
Today we will look at the types of visas available to Bali in 2017. Please note that at the time of writing the following information was current, however its important to check with your local embassy or government travel advice website before committing to travel to Bali, Indonesia.
Tourist Visa
Depending upon your nationality visa exemptions exist for more than 140 countries where upon arrival, your passport will be stamped for thirty days, with no further extension possible. There are a few things worth mentioning about this type of visa.
This and most other nationalities Visa on Arrival is not valid for one month. It’s validity period is 30 days. For detailed information on the types of 'tourist' visas available, visit the Bali Airport Experience website. The date of arrival counts as day one and the date of departure counts as day thirty.
In the event you inadvertently overstay a penalty of IDR 300.00 will be applied per day. Generally speaking an overstay of up to 3 days is permissible. On approach to the immigration counter bring the overstay to the attention of officials in a polite and respectful way. Additionally, its worth noting a tourist visa cannot be extended in-country. Before traveling ensure your passport is valid for a period of six months or more.
Social/Socio-Cultural Visa
For those planning on a stay of longer than sixty days, the Social-Cultural Visa or Sosial Budaya may be applicable where the other options may not. Whilst it is possible to arrange for this type of visit in Bali, you will be required to depart the country and re-enter on the new visa, so its best and most conveniently organized from your home country before traveling to Bali.
A Social visa grants an initial stay of 60 days in Bali with an option to extend on another four consecutive occasions, each for an additional period of 30 days. The total duration of your stay being to the maximum of 180 days. The visa is single entry only, which means that should you leave Indonesia, your visa will be invalid for re-entry into the country.
The holder of a social visa is not permitted to undertake any type of business activity or employment, including volunteer work. The cost of the visa in 2017 was approximately USD$60.00 with extensions costing around USD$25.00 per extension. The most cost effective and time saving way is to complete the application and secure your visa for the initial 60-day visit, then once you have arrived in Bali secure the services of a migration agent in country.
If you choose to self-manage this process, you will find yourself undertaking weekly visits to the immigration office to complete paperwork and lodge forms which can take a full day to complete and submit. If you do not have a local sponsor with a valid identification then its best to secure the services of a registered migration agent who will apply for your initial visa, then manage the extensions there after. Costs at the time of writing for a fully inclusive service are approximately USD$200.00
Business Visa
There are two types of business visa available for people intending to visit Indonesia for the purpose of conducting normal business activity. A single-entry business visa makes provision for a maximum stay of 60 days with extensions available. A multiple entry business visa is valid for up to a stay of 12 months.
Employment Visa
If you wish to work in Bali you will require sponsorship by an Indonesian company. The company will apply on your behalf for a KITAS (limited stay permit card) and IKTA (work permit).
Retirement Visa
To be eligible for a retirement visa the applicant must be 55 years or older. A number of terms must be met together with the supply of the following documents which are required at the time of processing by your migration agent including:
• Copies of all passport pages.
• Copy of marriage license, if married.
• Sponsor letter from the appointed agency.
• Payment of Immigration Fee based on effective regulations.
• Photographs with red background 10 of 4 X 6 cm, 4 of 3 X 4, 4 of 2 X 3 cm.
• A letter confirming you will employ a maid, will not be working in the country, and have accommodation in Indonesia.
• Minimum cost of accommodation is US$35,000 if purchased house/apartment or, a minimum rental cost of US$500/month in Bali.
• In case you are renting, the letter has to include the name of the owner of the property, address of the house, together with the amount of rent paid.
• Copy of health insurance policy and life insurance and public liability insurance policy is also required.
• Copy of bank account statement or proof that you are the recipient of a pension, together any other documentation that proves you have sufficient funds available, being a minimum of US$1,500 per month to meet the cost of living expenses during the proposed stay in Indonesia (total US$18,000 per year).
In my next article, we'll take a look at Transportation Options For Getting Around Bali.