Bali is more than just a vacation destination—it’s a dream location for many expats, retirees, and remote workers looking for a new life. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and affordable cost of living, Bali offers a unique blend of tradition and modern convenience.

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Located about eight degrees south of the equator, Bali has a tropical, warm, and humid climate all year round, with only two main seasons: dry and wet. Moving to Bali can be a fulfilling experience, but proper preparation is essential for a smooth transition. This guide covers everything you need to know about the moving process, visa options, job opportunities, real estate investment, and expat life.

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Is Moving to Bali a Good Idea?

Moving to Bali can be an excellent decision, depending on your lifestyle and expectations. The island offers an affordable cost of living, a relaxed pace of life, and breathtaking scenery. Compared to many Western countries, Bali provides a high quality of life without high expenses. Many expats and digital nomads find Bali to be an inspiring and rewarding place to live, with opportunities to network and form new friendships within the vibrant expat community. However, challenges such as visa requirements, infrastructure limitations, and cultural differences should be considered. Living in Bali is considered different from merely holidaying there, as daily life presents unique challenges and experiences.

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Preparing for Your Move

Before making the move to Bali, it’s essential to prepare properly. Here are a few key considerations:

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• Research Extensively – Learn about Bali’s culture, customs, and lifestyle. Which region of Bali matches your lifestyle? Find out here!
• Plan Your Finances – Consider the cost of living and ensure you have enough savings to sustain yourself. Read our guide: "The Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Indonesia, Bali"
• Get the Right Visa – Choose from investor, social-cultural (extendable up to 6 months), retirement, or business visa options. Obtaining the appropriate visa ensures you comply with Indonesian immigration regulations. Questions? ILA Global Consulting will help you out!
• Find Accommodation – Decide between luxury villas, guesthouses, or apartments based on your budget and preferences.
• Learn Basic Indonesian – While English is widely spoken, knowing some Bahasa Indonesia will enhance your experience. Taking the time to learn basic words helps communicate and shows effort, which the Balinese appreciate.
• Find a Local Doctor – If you are a senior or are dealing with kids, it is a good idea to read about medical options in Bali beforehand. Also, read about what type of medical treatments your health insurance covers. Ensure access to medical care before relocating.

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Visa Options for Moving to Bali

• A tourist visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended to 60 days by purchasing a Visa on Arrival. If you plan to stay longer, then Bali offers several visa options for long-term stays:

• Business Visa – Ideal for entrepreneurs exploring opportunities.
• Investor Visa – Best for those investing in real estate or business ventures.
• Long-Term Visa Options – Includes the social-cultural visa, retirement visa, and work permits.

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Those planning to move to Bali for retirement will find the retirement visa attractive. It offers long-term residency with relaxed financial requirements. Read more on how to acquire a retirement visa from our article: "Retirement Bali: Enjoy More, Spend Less, Live Better"

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International Schools in Bali

Moving to Bali with family requires a lot more planning. Fortunately, Bali hosts a variety of international schools for both expat and local students, offering curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Curriculum, and National Indonesian Curriculum. Accredited by reputable organizations, these schools ensure high educational standards.

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Notable institutions like Green School Bali, Bali Island School, and Canggu Community School provide world-class education emphasizing academic excellence, social-emotional development, and essential life skills.

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Read more: "Best International Schools in Bali: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents"

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Job Opportunities and Working in Bali

While Bali is known as a tourist destination, there are job opportunities for foreigners in various industries:

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• Tourism & Hospitality – Hotels, restaurants, and travel services often seek skilled professionals.
• Digital Nomad Work – Bali is a hotspot for remote workers and freelancers, offering numerous coworking spaces.
• Teaching – Many international schools hire English-speaking teachers.
• Freelancing – Writers, designers, and consultants can thrive with a strong internet connection and a laptop. To do this, you must acquire a digital nomad VISA and start a business in Bali, which involves navigating local laws, permits, and taxes. Fortunately, the tax system of Indonesia is relatively more entrepreneur-friendly than in many Western countries.

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*Note: Foreigners seeking job opportunities in Bali should understand local labor laws. Foreigners cannot work in Indonesia without a work permit (KITAS).

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Cost of Living and Accommodation in Bali

Living frugally is possible for around $1000 per month, prioritizing hostels, local warungs, and spending leisure time in nature. With a mid-range budget of approximately $2000 monthly, you can live comfortably, dine out regularly, and have a personal cleaner. If you prefer Western food, you may find your food budget slightly higher but still manageable with careful planning. Those seeking luxury can easily spend $2500 or more.

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Example Monthly Budget for a Single Expat (Medium Budget)

• Accommodation: $800 (private villa or apartment with a pool)
• Food and dining: $500 (realistic if you eat out frequently, combining Western-style dining with affordable local warungs. This budget assumes a mix of local and international food preferences, which can affect the overall cost. Warungs offer affordable Balinese cuisine with prices starting as low as $1-2 USD for a meal)
• Transport + fuel: $150 (renting a scooter)
• Utilities, internet, and cleaning: $200 (electricity, internet, bottled water delivery, and a cleaner once a week).
• Entertainment and leisure: $350 (massages, yoga classes, weekend activities)
• Total: $2000
• *TIP: Enjoying mostly delicious local food is the best way to save money when living in Bali.

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Does moving to Bali seem affordable? Read our comprehensive cost of living breakdown here: "The Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Indonesia, Bali"

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Investing in Bali Real Estate: Temple Heights, Amari Villas & Maya Residence

For Australians and other foreigners considering moving to Bali and investing in real estate, the island offers exciting opportunities. Our standout developments—Temple Heights, Maya Residence, and Amari Villas—present strategic locations, luxurious designs, and high ROI potential.

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Temple Heights: Smart Investment in a Prime Location

Temple Heights is located in the Padonan area of Canggu and combines modern design and tropical charm. Its turnkey villa solutions are perfect for investors looking for hassle-free entry into Bali’s rental market.

• Excellent ROI Potential – High demand for vacation rentals ensures consistent occupancy and attractive returns.
• Strategic Location – Just minutes from surf beaches, trendy cafés, and coworking spaces.
• Premium Features – Private plunge pools, open-plan living areas, and fully furnished interiors.
• Secure Investment – Leasehold properties with a guaranteed extension option.

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Learn more about Temple Heights here.

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Maya Residence: Exclusive Living in Bali’s Emerging Hotspot

For those looking for luxury and tranquility, Maya Residence in peaceful Buduk (20 minutes away from Canggu) offers a peaceful yet well-connected investment opportunity. These luxury villas are available for both short-term rentals and long-term stays.

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• High Rental Demand – Rising interest from expats and remote workers seeking high-end accommodations.
• Tropical Modern Design – Featuring spacious layouts, lush gardens, and contemporary interiors.
• Convenient Layout – Personal restaurant, coworking space, private gym, and pool area are included.
• Strong Growth Potential – Rapidly developing area, ensuring long-term property appreciation.

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Discover more about Maya Residence here.

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Amari Villas: Designed for Profits

Set in the peaceful and up-and-coming Padonan area of Canggu, Amari Villas offers a unique combination of modern tropical living and strategic investment potential. Designed with both homeowners and investors in mind, these villas provide a serene escape while being close to Bali’s top attractions.

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• Prime Location – Nestled in a quiet yet rapidly developing neighborhood, just minutes from Canggu’s beaches, dining spots, and wellness hubs.
• Contemporary & Functional Design – Stylish interiors, spacious open-plan living, and high-quality materials create a luxurious yet cozy ambiance.
• Ideal for Investment & Living – With competitive pricing and strong rental demand, Amari Villas is perfect for those seeking property in Bali’s booming market.
• Guaranteed Rental Returns – The strategic location and modern design make it an attractive option for short-term vacation rentals and long-term expat stays.

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Learn more about Amari Villas here.

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Why Invest in Bali Real Estate?

• Bali’s Growing Tourism – With Bali already welcoming 1.4 million visitors in January 2025, the numbers suggest we’re heading for another record-breaking year. If this momentum continues, Bali could surpass 7 million international tourists by the end of 2025, making it the island’s busiest tourism year yet! The island’s appeal as a top destination ensures strong rental demand.
• Expat & Digital Nomad Community – A steady influx of remote workers drive rental opportunities.
• Attractive Returns – Bali offers competitive property prices and strong yields compared to Western markets.
• Tropical Lifestyle & Investment Security – A unique chance to own property in paradise while securing financial growth.

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If you’re considering moving to Bali and investing, Temple Heights, Amari Villas, and Maya Residence provide the perfect location, design, and returns blend. Secure your spot in Bali’s thriving property market today!

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Final Thoughts: Your New Life in Bali

Moving to Bali can be a life-changing adventure, but careful planning is your ticket to a smooth transition. Whether you’re seeking a job opportunity, a new life in paradise, or an affordable lifestyle, Bali has something unique to offer.

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Imagine owning a piece of paradise that perfectly matches your vision—crafted for profitability, inspired by Bali's rich heritage, and set for remarkable growth. Let’s make your dreams come true in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. From its pristine beaches to dynamic coworking spaces and a lively expat community, Bali is the ultimate destination for those craving a fresh start.

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Ready to explore sustainable and secure investment opportunities in Bali’s flourishing real estate market? Contact us today at info@investlandbali.com

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