
Property Investment
Retire in Bali: A Complete Guide to Prepare Your Haven Life
Bali is categorized as one of the most favorite place to spend golden years. There are some reasons why people want to retire in Bali – the vibrant society, rich culture, beautiful natural landscapes, the sunshine, etc. Knowing the living cost, retirement visa in Bali, and popular places on the island will help you live in Bali and craft your retirement time into a haven life.
Pros and Cons Retiring in Bali
Relocating to Bali to enjoy retirement is not a new thing. There are dozens of opinions out there that tell you why Bali is a perfect choice for retirees.
According to a survey carried out by Living International, Bali ranks fourth among the best places for retirees in Asia.
Despite Bali has been claimed as a haven for retirees, some factors will enable you to make a fair assessment of Bali.
Individual perceptions of Bali may vary, despite the island providing many exciting experiences. If you want to retire in Bali, it’s advisable to weigh the following pros and cons below.
Pros of Living in Bali
The pros of living in Bali, are as follows:
- Affordable living cost.
- Beautiful beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and rice fields panorama.
- Friendly locals.
- Great culinary destination.
- Unique traditions.
- A potential place to invest, including property investment.
Cons of Living in Bali
However, there are some cons that you will face if you want to retire in Bali. Let’s explore the cons of living in Bali:
- Lack of public transport system.
- Traffic jam.
- Hot temperature in dry season.
- Many stray-unvaccinated dogs.
Living Cost in Bali
If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy a golden time and spend your expenses affordably, Bali is a great choice.
For your information, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the living costs in Bali:
1. Accommodation (Villa or Apartment)
Villa or apartment accommodation is the primary consideration for foreigners who want to live and retire in Bali. The price of leasing a villa or apartment may vary based on the type, amenities, and location.
For instance, a luxury, fully-furnished villa with a private pool, water, parking space, Wi-Fi, security, and cleaning services can cost you around IDR 200 million to IDR 400 million rupiah per year.
Besides yearly rental, you also can lease a villa for a long time (until 30 years) in Bali through a leasehold title.
If you intend to have a villa through a leasehold title, you can seek a trustworthy property agency in Bali to make your dream come true. BVR Property provides luxury and serene villas in some strategic and sought-after places across Bali.
2. Groceries
Groceries like fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, meat, bakeries, and poultry are sell at an affordable price on the island. For instance, you just need to prepare IDR40 thousand for 1 kg of chicken.
You can easily find supermarkets in Bali, equipped with air conditioners.
3. Dining
Bali offers culinary haven with various kinds of cuisines – Indonesian, Japanese, Italian, American, and more.
Additionally, you can savour your taste buds affordably with local foods in a local shop. However, if you more prefer for trendy cafes or beach clubs, the price would be higher.
4. Bike or Car Rental
Do not afraid about transportation while you are staying in Bali. Bali provides easy access to bike rental or online transportation. The price for online transportation are varies depending on the route, but still affordable – from IDR 10 thousand to IDR 50 thousand. For Bike or car rental price is based on the type of bike or car that you choose.
Retirement Visa in Bali
If you are decided to retire in Bali, there is one requirement you must meet – it’s a retirement visa. According to the Immigration General Directorate (Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi), the prerequisites for obtaining a retirement visa in Bali are:
1. At least aged 55 years old.
2. Photocopy of the original passport that is valid for at least 18 months.
3. Have health insurance and legal liability to third parties in the civil sector in your origin country or Indonesia.
4. Proof of your retire fund of at least USD1500.
5. Curriculum vitae
6. Evidence of residing in Indonesia through the acquisition of accommodation facilities of at least USD35 thousand, OR monthly rent payment of at least:
- Jakarta, Bali, and Bandung (USD500).
- Other areas in Java island, Medan, and Batam (USD300).
- Other areas that are not included in the point one and two (USD200).
7. The declaration will employ at least two Indonesian citizens.
5 Popular Places to Retire in Bali
Bali offers you numerous sought-after places to stay. Here, we will explain five places you might interested in staying at if you want to retire in Bali, such as:
1. Sanur
Sanur is a great choice to live in if you are looking for a place that is a family-friendly and relaxing environment. This area is located in Denpasar City, the capital of Bali.
Beaches in Sanur offer you a beautiful panorama of sunrise and the jogging track. You also can find many local shop we called “warung” and street food as you wander along the seashore.
2. Ubud
Ubud is another place where you will able to enjoy the serene and slow-paced life with your loved ones. This is a place where a healthy, artsy, and bohemian lifestyle comes together. Do you want to start a zen, serene, or even vegan lifestyle? Ubud is perfect for you to retire in Bali!
Notably, this place was a filming location for the movie “Eat, Pray. Love”.
3. Seminyak
Seminyak stands out as a top tourist destination with many choices of clubs, beaches, restaurants, and boutique-style shops. More than that, this place is also great for those who prefer to experience the hustle-and-bustle atmosphere of Bali.
4. Canggu
Canggu has experienced a significant development and trend after the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. This area is situated a few kilometres north of Seminyak, offering beautiful beaches, clubs, restaurants, pubs, spas, and cafes.
There are so many nomad expats and young foreigners who live in Canggu. Finns Beach Club and Atlas are located here.
Canggu is arguably the best place if you want to retire in Bali with a forever-young lifestyle.
5. Lovina
Lovina is a brilliant decision if you want to spend your golden years in the distinct region without leaving the beauty of Bali. This location isn’t like the four areas previously mentioned – located in the north of Bali, Lovina is located in Singaraja Regency, North Bali.
Here, you can enjoy the morning with the dolphin pod.
5 Tips to Have a Pleasant Retirement in Bali
Here are some tips to have a pleasant retirement in Bali, as following:
1. Adaptation
Adapting to the new environment and life is essential to start your retirement in Bali.
In Bali, having a holiday for weeks is different than living life for a long time. Feel the real life in Bali by trying local foods and living in society. Try these for at least three months to discern which location is best for you.
Do not be afraid to adapt. Here, expats who live in Bali can help you to cope with your new life.
2. Consider the Housing in Bali
There are many choices to live in Bali – apartments, residences, and luxury villas.
Looking for the best for you is not easy and time-consuming. Moreover, you have to know property law in Bali to make your housing process seamless. Under these circumstances, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a trustworthy property agency in Bali.
3. Hire Indonesian Helpers
As we explained previously, one of the prerequisites for obtaining a retirement visa is making a declaration that will employ at least two Indonesian citizens. Hire two Indonesian citizens as your private chef, gardener, or cleaner.
4. Have a Medical Insurance
Make sure to have medical insurance in Bali. Your coverage can take the form of either personal insurance or travel insurance.
Also, do not forget to research what is the best insurance for you.
5. Have an Investment
One recommended suggestion if you want to retire in Bali comfortably is to consider investing, especially a property investment.
Bali stands out as a favorite destination for people in the world. This is a big chance for everyone with an investment in Bali – it’s a promising high yield of ROI.
Having a leasehold title or HGB title for a villa with a Pondok Wisata license is a way to run a vacation rental business. A trustworthy property agent in Bali can assist you in this process.
Here are the links for you to learn before having a property investment in Bali:
- Pondok Wisata License.
- HGB Title.
- Leasehold Title.
Ready to Have a Haven Golden Years?
Retirement is a big moment in your life. So, make sure to make it special and comfortable. Enjoying the culture and nature of Bali is one of the options for people to spend their golden years.
There are some advantages if you want to retire in Bali – affordable living cost, unique culture, beautiful sceneries, nice and welcoming people, and a golden opportunity to generate more income through property investment. These factors will make your retirement feel like a haven.
21 January 2024

Property Law
NPWP in Indonesia: Everything You Need to Know
When you decide to invest and generate income in Indonesia, there are a lot of aspects you need to know well. The Indonesian tax system is one of them. Understanding NPWP in Indonesia (taxpayer identification number) is important for every individual and business in Indonesia.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about NPWP – what is it, types of NPWP, required documents for obtaining NPWP, steps for obtaining NPWP, and many more.
Let’s get started!
What is NPWP in Indonesia?
NPWP, commonly known as Taxpayer Identification Number, is a unique 15-digit number that individuals and businesses must have if they work, invest, and do business activity in Indonesia.
It means NPWP is mandatory for you if you’re an expat or have PT PMA. We will discuss who can register for NPWP more specifically later.
This number is issued by the Indonesian Tax Authority, Directorate General of Taxes (Direktorat Jenderal Pajak).
NPWP holds significance within the Indonesian tax system. It enables tax authorities to recognize and track your tax payment history and ensure your compliance with tax regulations.
The taxpayers (wajib pajak) are required to pay monthly income taxes, file annual taxes, and report income they earned outside Indonesia.
Types of NPWP in Indonesia
As stated on Undang-undang (UU) No. 6 Tahun 1983, there are two types of NPWP in Indonesia, as follows:
1. Individual NPWP
Individual NPWP is a type of NPWP that is issued for individuals who generate income in Indonesia, whether the individual is an Indonesian citizen or non-Indonesian (an expat).
There are three types of individual or personal NPWP – individuals who have income from permanent employment, individuals who have income from freelance, and individuals who have income from business.
2. Corporate NPWP
Corporate NPWP is issued for businesses or companies that generate income in Indonesia, including PT PMA.
NPWP for corporations has three types, such as:
- Private company (limited liability company, commanditaire company, and others).
- State-owned enterprise or regionally-owned enterprise.
- Firm, cooperative, association, foundation, or other organizations.
- Permanent establishments.
Who Can Register for NPWP in Indonesia?
According to Undang-undang (UU) No. 7 Tahun 1983, the individuals and entities listed below are required to undergo NPWP (taxpayer identification number) registration in Indonesia:
- Reside in Indonesia and staying in Indonesia for more than 183 (one hundred and eighty-three) days within 12 (twelve) months period.
- Corporate established or having their domicile in Indonesia (including PT PMA).
- Undivided inheritances as one unity replace those who are entitled.
Requirements for Obtaining NPWP in Indonesia
Whether you register for NPWP as an individual or for your company, it’s essential to know what are the required documents for obtaining NPWP in Indonesia and make sure you complete those. The requirements are:
1. Required Documents for Individual NPWP
All types of individual NPWP have same required documents, such as:
- Scan of ID card / KTP (for Indonesian citizens).
- Scan of passport and KITAS / KITAP (for foreigners).
2. Required Documents for Corporate NPWP
All types of corporate NPWP have same required documents, such as:
- Individual NPWP of board members.
- KTP (for Indonesian citizens).
- KITAS / KITAP (for foreigners).
6 Simple Steps to Get NPWP Online
You can register for NPWP in Indonesia quickly and easily online. Also, the cost of obtaining NPWP is free. You only need to gather the required documents and follow all the instructions to make your process seamless. Here is the process that involves, as outlined below:
1. Prepare the Required Documents
The first step is preparing all the required documents before applying for NPWP. Remember, the required documents may be different depending on what kind of NPWP you want to obtain – individual or corporate.
2. Register on the Directorate General of Taxes’ Website
Open the Directorate General of Taxes’ website (ereg.pajak.go.id) and follow all the instructions. Then, you’ll get an email from eregistration@pajak.go.id that contains a link. Click the link to continue to the 2nd registration.
After that, you’ll get another email from eregistration@pajak.go.id that contains a link that will redirect you to the application form.
3. Fill the Online Application Form
Fill out the online application form completely. Here, the information is about tax category, identity, income, address, company address, additional info, etc.
4. Submit the Application and Verification
After you fill out the form, apply. Then, click “Minta Token” to get a token for verification.
Now, revisit a new tab on your browser to check your email and access the latest message from eregistration@pajak.go.id. Copy the token code provided in that email.
Back to the website’s tab, click “Kirim Permohonan”. Check all boxes and paste the token code. Click “Kirim”.
5. Approval
Please wait until your application status is “verified”. Then, review the email to see the confirmation email. In that email, you’ll get your NPWP number card.
6. Obtain Your NPWP
Now, you’ve obtained your NPWP online. You have the option to either save it as PDF or print it.
4 Benefits of Obtaining NPWP in Indonesia
Having an NPWP (taxpayer identification number) also serves several benefits for you, such as:
- NPWP number serves as your unique identification within the Indonesian tax system.
- As a requirement for obtaining a credit card.
- Enables you to manage tax-related tasks and monitor your compliance with the Indonesian tax system.
- Requirements for obtaining a Trade Business License (SIUP).
Generate Income in Indonesia Seamlessly!
Understanding and obedience to the Indonesian tax system is essential to make your generating income activity in Indonesia legal and seamless.
There are two kinds of NPWP in Indonesia – individual and corporate. Required the documents and making process of NPWP isn't complicated as long as you gather the documents completely and follow the instructions carefully.
17 December 2023

Property Law
6 Types of Land Zoning in Bali
By now you probably do know that you need to follow local regulations and laws when obtaining property or land in Bali. Land Zoning in Bali is one of the regulations you must be familiar with. By understanding Bali zoning map, land use, and zoning laws it will help you decide which land you should buy that fits your investment goals.
Land zoning is a government’s regulation that classify or dividing the lands into different zones based on its purposes. This regulation is considered as one of the most critical regulations for everyone that wants to own, lease, and utilize land for development purposes in Bali.
6 Types of Land Zoning in Bali
There are six types of land zoning in Bali, as following:
1. Green Zone (Agricultural Land)
Green zone lands are good for agricultural purposes. All those stunning rice fields you see when driving through Bali are considered mostly to be in the green zone areas. You are not allowed to build any buildings on the green zone areas as you will not be able to obtain a valid building permit for the development. This land zone is 100% for agricultural purposes and cannot be converted into a different zone type.
There are several places that have green zone lands in Bali – Sanur, Nusa Dua, and, Ubud amongst others.
2. Yellow Zone (Residential Land)
Yellow zone lands are places where you can build any types of building, including villas.
Practically, yellow zone lands can be designated for agricultural purposes as well. However, if the yellow zone lands are used for agricultural purposes, you can convert the land for residential purposes or development.
Some yellow zone areas allow more houses, some allow fewer, depending on the demand and the area. This type of zone is good for titles like leasehold title – Hak Sewa, Hak Guna Bangunan title, or Hak Pakai title.
3. Red Zone (Commercial Land)
Red Zones are for commercial or business purposes like markets, tourist accommodation, shopping centre, food court, clubs, bars and many more.
The characteristics of red zone area in Bali are having a higher population density and traffic and close to public facilities.
4. Pink Zone (Tourism Land)
Pink zone lands are the perfect choice if you want to build a villa and utilize it for commercial purposes. Nearly the same as Red zones, Pink zoning is used for commercial and tourism use.
This type of area lets you to build villa, hotel, and resort. Having pink zone lands is quite important if you want to run vacation rental business in Bali.
You should have a villa that is strategically located near to accommodation like bar, restaurant, coffee shop, boutique, and near to beach (if possible). That factor can attract customer to choose your rental business.
If you want to have a land through leasehold title, Hak Guna Bangunan title, or Hak Pakai title, just to make sure the land is categorized as yellow or pink zone. Alternatively, you can directly have a villa through those titles.
5. Orange Zone (Commercial & Residential Land)
This area provides houses and businesses in the same area. You can build a villa on orange zone land. The advantage of this area is, these lands can cater to both locals and tourists. So can be utilised for Residential purposes as well as vacation rentals.
6. Conservation Zone
Conservation zone is an area where cultural and natural sites are protected. Government doesn’t allow commercial and residential activities in this area. Benoa Bay and Taman Nasional Bali Barat are examples.
Check Land Zoning in Bali
Visit Bali’s National Land Agency to check the Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah (RTRW) for insights into the Bali zoning map. You also ensure compliance with zoning laws by seeking legal assistance from lawyers who can help you in conducting due diligence.
Land Zoning in Bali: Different Zones, Different Purposes
“Land zoning” probably sounds a bit technical to some. However, it stands as a important aspects to know, especially for those considering starting a property investment in Bali.
Land zoning is divided into six types according to its purposes. Before diciding in an investment property, ensure the land aligns with your preference, whether you have it through leasehold, Hak Guna Bangunan, or Hak Pakai title. You also can directly have a finished-built villa through those titles mentioned previously.
21 January 2024

Property Law
3 Steps for Obtaining Hak Guna Bangunan in Indonesia
Understanding the definition of the HGB title and how to obtain it is essential for everyone who wants to invest property in Bali, including foreigners. The reason is because, Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB) is one of the most popular property titles in Indonesia. If you’re seeking information about generating income through property in Bali, this article is right for you.
This article will explain what is Hak Guna Bangunan in Indonesia and how to obtain it. So, let’s have a look!
What is Hak Guna Bangunan?
Hak Guna Bangunan, or Right to Build Title in English, is a title that allows you to take control of a building on land that is owned by another individual (the landlord). Usually, the building is a villa.
According to UU No.5 Tahun 1960 tentang Peraturan Dasar Pokok-Pokok Agraria Pasal 35 ayat 1, besides taking control of a building on the land, you also can construct and have buildings on the landlord’s land.
People who are eligible to have the property through HGB are Indonesian citizens and all types of legal entity that is located in Indonesia, including Foreign-Owned Limited Liability Companies (PT PMA).
It means, that if you’re a foreigner, you must have PT PMA first before having an HGB title. Establishing PT PMA is the most secure way for foreigners to initiate business activities in Indonesia, including those related to the property sector.
According to PP No. 18 Tahun 2021 Pasal 37 ayat 1, the maximum duration of Hak Guna Bangunan ownership is 80 years – 30 years for the initial contract and can be extended to 20 years for the first extension and to 30 years for the next extension.
HGB title duration can be extended at Badan Pertahanan Nasional (BPN) office, according to the area where the certificate is registered.
The owner of the HGB title can use the villa for commercial or residential use. Also, the HGB title owner can sell and inherit the title.
3 Simple Steps to Apply Hak Guna Bangunan
PT PMA can acquire Hak Guna Bangunan in Indonesia by following these three steps:
1. Perform Land Survey
Performing a land survey is a vital step you must do before you sign the land lease agreement. This step aims to ensure the land has no zoning or legal issues.
Conduct due diligence and check the land certificate.
2. Obtain Required Permits
There are several permits you must have to apply for Hak Guna Bangunan in Indonesia. You can obtain permits from the local government, including environmental permits and Building Approval (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung).
To acquire those permits, you must have a blueprint of the property you want to build. So, you need to work with an architect.
3. Apply for Hak Guna Bangunan
After you perform a land survey and obtain the required documents, now you can apply for HGB title at Badan Pertahanan Nasional (BPN).
Submit your application along with the required documents and make the relevant payments.
Start Your Investment Journey in Indonesia!
Hak Guna Bangunan is a powerful title in Indonesia that allows you to construct a building and have control of a building on land that is owned by another individual (landlord). However, foreigners who want to have this title must establish PT PMA first.
In Indonesia, three steps explain the process of obtaining Hak Guna Bangunan – perform the land survey, obtain required permits, and apply for the title at the BPN office. If you're done all the processes, the HGB will be yours and you can start your investment journey in Indonesia.
16 January 2024