While Bali may already be a haven for remote workers the world over, until now, there has never been an official immigration status covering the lifestyle. But after months of debate, the Indonesian government has unveiled its new six-month digital nomad visa. Its less sexy title is the B211A.
Under the new rules, remote working applicants can enter and stay in Bali for as long as six months without paying taxes. This is huge news for many of those who already call the island home. Currently, those choosing to stay longer than a month make regular border hops or navigate a complicated visa-extension system.
The length of the visa is significantly shorter than the previously touted five-year option. According to several sources, the five-year program is still on the table, but obvious details have to be ironed out before moving forward with that program.
The move makes Bali one of over twenty-five countries and territories to launch a digital nomad visa. Most destinations are luring workers with cheaper living costs, favorable weather, and of course, the excitement of living somewhere new. However, as we discussed in Friday’s newsletter, the movement has plenty of critics.