How to work in Bali: Opportunities and requirements

This country is increasingly becoming a top destination for digital nomads and workers from around the world looking to live in a tropical paradise. If that describes you and you want to know how to work in Bali, here’s a look at the opportunities available in 2025. This Indonesian island is renowned for its eco-tourism, wellness retreats, and a lifestyle centered on enjoyment, connection with nature, and a vibrant international community.

With its beaches, temples, rice terraces, and abundant opportunities for sports and adventure, Bali has a high demand for workers. Find out here whether your career prospects could grow on the island in the coming months. We’ll also cover the main benefits of working there. Keep reading!

Advantages of working in Bali

Working in Bali offers benefits that are attracting more and more professionals, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs:

• Affordable cost of living: Compared to Western countries like Spain or the United States, Bali is more affordable. Accommodation, transport, and food can be found at lower prices, making it possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with lower expenses.
• Natural environment and quality of life: Beaches, volcanoes, jungles, and rice fields are part of everyday life, creating a setting that encourages a more relaxed lifestyle close to nature.
• International community: Bali has become a hub for digital nomads and expats from around the world, making it easier to build networks and professional opportunities.
• First-class coworking spaces: Canggu and Ubud are home to some of Southeast Asia’s top coworking spaces, designed for remote workers who need reliable internet and a productive environment.
• Local culture and hospitality: Living alongside Balinese culture, with its rich traditions, festivals, and spiritual practices, adds depth to both personal and professional experiences.
• Tropical climate all year round: The island offers warm temperatures throughout all seasons, allowing you to enjoy outdoor life to the fullest.

Requirements for working in Bali

To work legally in Bali, you must meet a series of requirements that depend on the type of activity you will be doing:

• Work visa: The most common option is the KITAS visa (temporary stay permit), which is granted to those hired by a company in Indonesia. This visa requires sponsorship from a local employer.
• Business visa: Allows you to conduct business activities, attend meetings, and explore investment opportunities, but does not authorize formal employment.
• Digital nomad visa: In 2025, Indonesia is introducing a special program for digital nomads that lets you live and work remotely in the country without needing a local job, making it perfect for freelancers or those employed by international companies.
• Language: While Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, English is widely used in tourism, startups, and the international community. A mid-to-advanced level of English is usually enough to work in most international settings.
• Additional requirements: Depending on your country of origin, you may need documents such as a valid passport, proof of funds, international health insurance, and work or educational certificates.

In short, if you want to work in Bali, it’s important to plan ahead, select the visa that fits your situation, and have all the required documents to comply with local regulations.

Tips for starting work in Bali

If you’re planning to move to Bali to start working, these practical tips can help you settle in faster and avoid potential hassles.

• Organize your documents in advance: Check which visa best suits your situation and have your educational certificates, work experience documents, and international health insurance ready.
• Get connected from day one: Having internet is essential for job hunting, remote work, and staying in touch with family. Holafly’s monthly plans are a great option to ensure a reliable connection as soon as you arrive on the island and during your first months.
• Explore different areas of the island: Canggu and Ubud are popular with digital nomads and freelancers, while Seminyak and Denpasar offer more opportunities in tourism and the service industry.
• Adapt to the local lifestyle: Life in Bali moves at a slower pace than in major Western cities. Being patient and respectful of local culture will help you adapt more smoothly.
• Build a network of contacts: Attending coworking events or participating in online expat communities can open up professional opportunities.
• Learn basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia: While English is enough in many situations, making an effort to learn the local language builds trust and makes integration easier.

Types of jobs in Bali for foreigners

Foreigners arriving in Bali find job opportunities in various sectors, depending on their profile and experience:

• Tourism and hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, dive centers, travel agencies, and spas often hire international staff, especially for customer service, marketing, and management roles.
• Remote and freelance work: Programmers, graphic designers, digital marketing specialists, writers, and community managers use Bali as a base to work with international clients.
• Language teaching: English is the most in-demand language, but there are also opportunities to teach Spanish, French, or German at private language schools.
• Entrepreneurship: Some foreigners choose to open cafés, yoga studios, surf schools, or other tourism and wellness businesses, although this requires adhering to local regulations and obtaining the necessary permits.
• Volunteering and community projects: Although not always paid, these experiences allow you to establish connections and gain experience on the island.

The most in-demand jobs in Bali for foreigners

In 2025, the sectors with the most opportunities for foreigners in Bali are:

• Digital marketing and social media: Many local companies are looking for specialists to help them engage with the international market.
• Technology and programming: The startup community in Bali continues to grow, especially in Ubud and Canggu.
• Wellness professionals: Yoga, Pilates, surf, and alternative therapy instructors are in high demand thanks to the island’s focus on wellness and spiritual tourism.
• English teaching: It remains one of the most accessible jobs for foreigners who have a strong command of the language and certifications like TEFL or CELTA.
• Luxury hospitality: International resorts and hotels require staff with experience in management, international cuisine, and customer service.

Salaries and cost of living in Bali

Salaries in Bali for foreigners vary widely depending on the type of work. Those in specialized sectors like technology, digital marketing, or hotel management can earn between $800 and $1,500 per month in local jobs. However, many digital nomads and freelancers working remotely with international clients often earn more by billing directly to markets in Europe or North America.

When it comes to the cost of living, Bali is still cheaper than many Western cities, although its rising popularity has pushed prices up in recent years. An average monthly budget might look like this:

• Accommodation: Between $300 and $700 for a villa or apartment in areas such as Canggu or Ubud.
• Food: Around $200 to $400, depending on whether you eat at warungs (local restaurants) or international restaurants.
• Transportation: Renting a motorcycle costs around $60 to $100 per month.
• Internet and coworking: $50 to $200, depending on the data plan and space chosen.

In total, a foreigner can live comfortably in Bali on a budget ranging from $900 to $1,600 per month, depending on their lifestyle and area of residence.

For those working remotely, a stable internet connection is key. Using Holafly’s monthly plans during your first months is a smart move, as they keep you connected from the start, avoid disruptions, and help you stay productive while you get settled on the island.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Where can you find job opportunities in Bali?

There are several ways to find employment in Bali depending on the sector and professional profile:

• International job platforms: Sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed feature job listings for positions in Bali, especially in tourism, marketing, and tech.
• Local recruitment agencies: Some companies in Denpasar and other cities handle hiring processes for foreign staff, particularly in the hotel and restaurant sectors.
• Expat communities and social media groups: Facebook, Telegram, and forums for digital nomads in Bali often share job openings and collaboration opportunities.
• Coworking spaces and networking events: Spaces such as Dojo Bali and Outpost are ideal for networking and accessing international project opportunities.
• Teaching projects: Private language schools and local educational centers regularly publish vacancies for foreign teachers.

Frequently asked questions about working in Bali

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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