How to Move to Bali in 2025: Visas, Housing, Budget & Family Tips
15.05.2025
Bali is more than just exotic beaches and surfing. For many, it’s a chance to reset, swap daily routines for tropical ease, and live surrounded by nature and like-minded people. Some come for a winter getaway, while others stay for years.
You’re not alone in considering a move to Bali. But behind those picture-perfect scenes, there are many hidden nuances. In this article, we’ve gathered all the crucial details — this is a hands-on guide for anyone planning the move. We provide tips for solo travelers and families alike.
This article was prepared by the Guardian Travel Services editorial team — a premium concierge service specializing in relocations, long-term stays, and vacations in Bali.
We work with Russian-speaking (and international) clients and take care of every stage:
We know the island inside out and will help you move with comfort, safety, and full support.
- Finding and securing housing for any length of stay
- Arranging visas, insurance, and legal stay documentation
- Organizing long-term stays for couples and families with children
- Private transfers and vehicle rentals
- Weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations on the island
- Tailor-made travel itineraries around Bali and Indonesia
- and much more.
We know the island inside out and will help you move with comfort, safety, and full support.
Contents
- Why Move to Bali in 2025?
- Preparing for Your Move to Bali: Where to Start
- Common Challenges During Your First Week in Bali
- Visas and Legalization: How to Stay Long-Term in Bali
- Where to Live in Bali: Areas, Housing, and Rentals
- Expectation vs. Reality: The #1 Pain Point for Newcomers
- How to Rent Good Housing and Avoid Scams
- How to Search for Housing
- Budget and Cost of Living in Bali (2025)
- Tips for Moving to Bali with Children
- Full Relocation Guide "Stress-Free Move to Bali"
Why Move to Bali in 2025?
PEOPLE CHOOSE BALI FOR:
- A pleasant year-round climate (averaging around +28°C)
- More diverse experiences than Thailand or Vietnam — within 1.5 hours, you can explore waterfalls, volcanoes, and jungles, compared to 4−5 hours of driving in Thailand.
- Affordable costs compared to Europe or the UAE
- A thriving community of remote workers and families with kids — plus excellent childcare infrastructure, still developing in Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
- Rapidly growing infrastructure, services, and logistics
- A creative, inspiring atmosphere — the island draws artists, IT specialists, freelancers, and entrepreneurs
- Flexible, accessible long-term visa options
People moving to Bali range from families with newborns to freelancers who surf in the morning and build businesses in the afternoon.
Preparing for Your Move to Bali: Where to Start
Relocating to Bali isn’t just about changing locations — it’s a big step that requires planning. Here’s where to begin:
1. SET YOUR GOALS AND LIFESTYLE EXPECTATIONS
What matters most to you — peaceful oceanfront living, active travel, or a dynamic work rhythm? If you’re moving with kids, involve them in the conversation. Even playful discussions can help children feel excited about the new chapter.
What matters most to you — peaceful oceanfront living, active travel, or a dynamic work rhythm? If you’re moving with kids, involve them in the conversation. Even playful discussions can help children feel excited about the new chapter.
2. CALCULATE YOUR BUDGET AND PRIORITIES
Bali is relatively affordable compared to Europe. However, it’s crucial to plan ahead: How much can you spend monthly? What are your priorities — housing, food, transport, education? Always plan for extra expenses, especially at the beginning.
Bali is relatively affordable compared to Europe. However, it’s crucial to plan ahead: How much can you spend monthly? What are your priorities — housing, food, transport, education? Always plan for extra expenses, especially at the beginning.
3. UNDERSTAND BALI’S SEASONS
Bali has two main seasons: dry (April-October) and rainy (November-March). Weather affects prices, comfort levels, and tourist traffic — keep this in mind when scheduling your move.
Bali has two main seasons: dry (April-October) and rainy (November-March). Weather affects prices, comfort levels, and tourist traffic — keep this in mind when scheduling your move.
4. LEARN ABOUT TRANSPORTATION
There’s virtually no public transportation on Bali. Scooters are the main way to get around, but you’ll need to adapt to driving on the left side. International driving permits are often required for rentals.
There’s virtually no public transportation on Bali. Scooters are the main way to get around, but you’ll need to adapt to driving on the left side. International driving permits are often required for rentals.
5. FIND GOOD FLIGHT DEALS
Look for cheap tickets via sites like Ryanair, Wizzair (for flights from Europe), or through Aviasales. Use fare finder tools to grab the best deals by date and destination.
Look for cheap tickets via sites like Ryanair, Wizzair (for flights from Europe), or through Aviasales. Use fare finder tools to grab the best deals by date and destination.
6. ARRANGE INSURANCE IN ADVANCE
Choose insurance based on your lifestyle: quiet living, active sports, or adventure travel. Make sure your insurance covers your needs — and always check reviews before purchasing to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Choose insurance based on your lifestyle: quiet living, active sports, or adventure travel. Make sure your insurance covers your needs — and always check reviews before purchasing to avoid unpleasant surprises.
WHAT TO PACK FOR BALI
- Medical documents
- Essentials for the first few days (everything else can easily be bought locally)
- A basic first-aid kit and any necessary child care items — Bali has most medications available
- International driver’s license (if you don’t have one, we can assist you with obtaining a local license in just one day)
Common Challenges During Your First Week in Bali
The first week is often the toughest. Almost everyone experiences "Bali Belly" — mild food poisoning caused by the island’s unfamiliar bacteria. Don’t worry — your body will adapt! Make sure to bring intestinal absorbents and practice good hygiene, especially when dining at warungs (small family-owned restaurants).
Another challenge is jet lag. The time difference can disrupt your sleep and daily routine. Prepare in advance: start adjusting your schedule before your flight and immediately adapt to local time upon arrival. On your first day, stay awake until the evening — this will help your body reset faster and make the following days much easier.
Visas and Legalization: How to Stay Long-Term in Bali
In 2025, there are several legal options for staying long-term:
1. MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA D1, D2
- Valid for 1 year
- Stay up to 60 days per visit
- After 60 days, you must leave Indonesia but can return at any time
- Unlimited re-entries allowed, with a new 60-day stay counting from each entry
2. OFFSHORE MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA (D12)
- Valid for 1 year
- Stay up to 180 days per visit, extendable for another 180 days
- Unlimited re-entries allowed, with a new 180-day stay starting each time
3. REMOTE WORKER VISA (E33G)
Officially live and work remotely in Indonesia with the E33G visa — also known as the Remote Worker Visa or Freelance KITAS.
Benefits:
This is one of the most popular visa options for digital nomads and remote workers in 2025.
Officially live and work remotely in Indonesia with the E33G visa — also known as the Remote Worker Visa or Freelance KITAS.
Benefits:
- Legal stay for up to 1 year
- Unlimited entries and exits
- Bring family members (they receive special stay permits)
- Open a local bank account
This is one of the most popular visa options for digital nomads and remote workers in 2025.
4. INVESTOR KITAS
For foreigners investing in a registered Indonesian company and planning to officially work there.
Main advantages:
For foreigners investing in a registered Indonesian company and planning to officially work there.
Main advantages:
- Simplified application process
- No mandatory government work permit fee (saving you $ 1,200/year)
- Start working almost immediately after your investment without long waiting period
5. EVOA — ELECTRONIC VISA ON ARRIVAL
- Single-entry visa
- Valid for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days (maximum 60 days total)
- Must leave Indonesia after expiration
Guardian Travel Services can assist you with all types of visas and KITAS — tourist, work, investment, family, religious, and more.
We handle the entire process — from document preparation to final approval. If you’re looking for an easy way to travel to Bali, check out our ready-made solution — the "Love Package", only $ 100 per person.
IT INCLUDES:
TO APPLY, YOU ONLY NEED:
IT INCLUDES:
- eVOA (electronic visa on arrival)
- Customs declaration QR code
- Health declaration QR code
- Payment of the tourism tax
TO APPLY, YOU ONLY NEED:
- A photo of your passport’s main page
- A photo of yourself on a white background
- Tickets to/from Bali
Where to Live in Bali: Areas, Housing, and Rentals
Bali is divided into several popular zones, each offering a different lifestyle. Tip: Don’t commit to a long-term rental immediately — try living in different areas first to find your best fit.
POPULAR AREAS FOR LIVING AND STAYING IN BALI:
- Canggu — the heart of digital nomad life. Co-working spaces, trendy cafes, gyms, and a strong European community. Perfect for remote workers who enjoy an active lifestyle.
- Ubud — a lush, serene haven in the center of the island. Ideal for yoga lovers, artists, creatives, and those seeking peace and nature.
- Uluwatu — surfer’s paradise. Stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, private villas, and a laid-back vibe. Great for an active and relaxed lifestyle.
- Sanur — a calm, family-friendly area with no-wave beaches, bike lanes, and good schools. A perfect spot for living with children.
- Denpasar and Kuta — busy urban areas with heavy traffic, shopping malls, and lots of hustle and bustle. Housing here is more affordable but less "Instagrammable" and there’s a higher risk of petty theft.
Expectation vs. Reality: The #1 Pain Point for Newcomers
The Bali rental market is full of scammers and unreliable agents who take deposits and vanish. It’s common for the reality to not match the photos: Photos: stylish villa with a pool, garden, and designer furniture. Reality: mold on the ceiling, creaky furniture, damp smells, roosters crowing at 4 AM, and construction noise outside the window. Thousands of people have faced this, especially when renting through random websites, broker agencies, or Telegram groups.
Here are some real examples:
How to Rent Good Housing and Avoid Scams
At Guardian Travel Services, we deal with this issue daily. Our most requested service is personalized housing selection and verification. We:
- Do not take villas from open catalogs
- Do not work with resellers or random agents
- Only cooperate with verified villa managers and owners
- Personally inspect the properties before offering them
HOW IT WORKS:
- You tell us the area, dates, number of people, rental term, budget, and preferences.
- We select 10 best options tailored to your request.
- Our team personally inspects up to 7 villas: real-time photo/video reports, full checklist reviews, hidden flaw detection.
Selection service cost: $ 270. You get peace of mind — no more "beautiful pictures" that hide major problems.
Housing Prices in 2025
VILLA WITH A POOL: from $ 1,200/month, depending on the area, distance to the beach, comfort level, and season.
APARTMENT/ROOM: from $ 300 to $ 700/month — a budget option without a pool.
Summer is the best time to move to Bali: no humidity, light breezes, cooler ocean water, fewer traffic jams, fewer tourists, lower housing prices and more great options available.
How to Search for Housing
FOR SHORT-TERM STAYS (1−2 WEEKS):
- Booking.com
- Agoda
- Airbnb
FOR LONG-TERM RENTALS:
- Facebook groups and Telegram chats like "Bali Villas Long Term" or "Bali Housing & Rentals"
- Local agents (contacts are often shared in groups)
- Direct deals with property owners (often the best option to avoid commissions)
HOUSING SEARCH TIPS:
- Always find a place you like via Airbnb or Booking first.
- Expect to pay a deposit (usually 1−2 months' rent).
- Remember: prices rise after mid-October, peaking between December and February.
- Before payment, check the rental contract and included services (water, internet, cleaning, gardener, etc.).
Rainy Season in Bali: November to March
Rainy season affects daily life:
- Some areas get flooded
- Landslides happen
- Power outages occur
- It can be difficult to find taxis
Sometimes the rain falls mostly at night; sometimes it can rain non-stop for days. Still, for long-term residents, rainy season brings a refreshing break from the intense sun.
Best areas during rainy season: Sanur, Nusa Dua, Tabanan — they are less prone to flooding.
Budget and Cost of Living in Bali (2025)
APPROXIMATE MONTHLY EXPENSES (PER PERSON):
- Housing: $ 500-$ 1500
- Food: $ 300 (local warungs) to $ 800 (restaurants and Western groceries)
- Scooter rental: $ 100−140/month
- Internet: $ 20/month
- Insurance: $ 60−100 depending on coverage
- School for children: $ 500-$ 1200/month
RELOCATION COSTS:
- Flight ticket: $ 400-$ 1000
- First rent payment: deposit + first month
- Documents, insurance, visas: $ 500-$ 1000
STARTER BUDGET:
- Solo move: $ 1,500 to $ 3,000
- Moving with family: $ 5,000 to $ 10,000
Tips for Moving to Bali with Children
- Adaptation: Take your time — let yourself and your child adjust to the climate and new routines.
- Schools/Kindergartens: Research and reserve spots before moving.
- Housing: Pick a home close to school — traffic jams are a real issue.
- Climate and Health: Watch for mold and humidity issues. Choose insurance with extended coverage.
- Safety: Helmets for scooter rides and secure, child-friendly housing are must-haves.
- Packing: Don’t overpack — diapers, baby food, and essentials are widely available in Bali.
There are Telegram groups for family meetups based on kids' age, area, and parents' interests. Family cafes and spaces regularly host events where you can meet new friends easily.
Message us — we’ll add you to our growing Bali family community!
Message us — we’ll add you to our growing Bali family community!
Stress-Free Move to Bali: Get Our Full Relocation Guide!
We’ve prepared a detailed relocation guide to Bali — packed with hundreds of small tips that wouldn’t fit into a single article. What’s inside:
- Life hacks to save money on housing
- What to do if your baggage is delayed
- Apps and websites that actually work in Bali
- Adult and child first-aid kit checklist
- How to handle insurance claims if something goes wrong
- Tips for flying with children, hiring nannies, renting transportation, and even fighting insects
Get the guide at a discount — save dozens of hours of research and hundreds of dollars by avoiding common mistakes!
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