Retiring in Bali: the retirement visa explained
A plain look at Indonesia's Retirement Visa for over 55s: who qualifies, what it costs, and how it compares to the Second Home Visa.
Bali is a genuinely popular place to retire, and Indonesia has a specific visa built for it. The Retirement Visa (E33F) is the route most people aged 55 and over take, though it is not the only option, and which one suits you depends on your age and how long you want to commit to staying. Here is how it works.
Who qualifies
The Retirement Visa is open to applicants aged 55 and over. Beyond the age requirement, you will need to show a steady monthly pension or passive income above a set minimum, which we confirm with you based on the current requirement, along with health insurance valid in Indonesia, accommodation secured for at least a year, either owned or rented, and an Indonesian sponsor. You also need to agree not to work in Indonesia while holding this visa.
What the Retirement Visa gives you
The visa is issued for one year and is renewable annually, all inclusive from Rp 14.500.000. That covers the application, document preparation, immigration processing, and your residency card issuance. Full details are on /visa-services/retirement-visa/.
The application steps
The process generally runs through a few stages. First, a consultation to confirm your age eligibility, review your income documentation, and discuss accommodation. Next, gathering your pension proof, insurance policy, and accommodation documents, alongside arranging your Indonesian sponsor. Then submission to Indonesian immigration, which takes 14 to 21 business days. Once approved, your residency card is issued along with your local registrations. After that, we contact you ahead of each annual renewal to keep everything current.
If you are under 55, or want a longer stay: the Second Home Visa
If you do not yet qualify by age, or you simply want a longer commitment without annual renewals, the Second Home Visa is worth comparing. It has no age restriction, and runs for five years, extendable to ten, all inclusive from Rp 32.000.000. In exchange for the longer stay and no age limit, it asks for a much larger proof of funds, at least IDR 2 billion held in an Indonesian bank account. That money remains yours, it is not a fee or a payment to the government, but it needs to be in place to qualify. See /visa-services/second-home-visa/ for the full picture.
Bringing a spouse or family
Your spouse can apply for a dependent visa tied to your Retirement Visa, regardless of their own age, and children under 18 can also be included as dependents. Dependents are not authorized to work in Indonesia under this route.
Healthcare and insurance
Bali has hospitals used regularly by expatriates, including BIMC, Siloam, and Kasih Ibu, particularly around the Denpasar and Kuta areas. Health insurance valid in Indonesia is a requirement of the Retirement Visa, so this is something to have in place before you apply rather than after.
Looking further ahead: permanent residency
After five consecutive years on a retirement residency permit, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency, valid for five years and renewable. It is a longer-term step worth discussing once you have settled in, rather than something to plan around from day one.
Ready to start planning your move
Retirement plans usually come with more questions than a single page can answer. Message us through /contact/ and we will talk through your income situation, your timeline, and whether the Retirement Visa or the Second Home Visa fits better. Full pricing for both is on /pricing/.
Common questions
What counts as qualifying income for the Retirement Visa?
Government and private pensions, annuity payments, investment dividends, and rental income from property abroad are all accepted sources, as long as they are regular and can be verified through official documentation.
Do I have to buy property in Bali?
No. Renting is the more common route, and a one-year rental agreement is generally sufficient to meet the accommodation requirement. If you do want to buy, foreigners can hold property under specific Indonesian ownership structures, and we can point you toward specialists in that area.
Can I work while on a Retirement Visa?
No. Employment of any kind is not permitted under this visa, and you are required to sign a declaration confirming you will not work while holding it.
How does the Retirement Visa compare to the Second Home Visa?
The Retirement Visa is annual and renewable, requires age 55 or over, and asks for proof of steady monthly income. The Second Home Visa runs five to ten years, has no age limit, but requires a much larger sum held in an Indonesian bank account. Which one makes sense depends mostly on your age and whether you would rather renew yearly or commit for longer up front.