Bali is one of the best places in the world for retirement. It is always sunny here, with a constant 30°C climate, perfect for year-round outdoor activities. The beach is just a few minutes’ motorcycle ride, there are places to hike in the highland regions and the food tastes great with brilliant tropical flavors.

You can get all of this for only a fraction of the cost, so it’s not surprising that many people choose Bali as their retirement playground. Here are the things you need to know before retiring in Bali.

The Accommodation

Since it is not possible for foreigners to own freehold land, taking a long-term lease is the easiest solution available. It is very straightforward – you pay upfront, and get to lease the property for a long number of years.

Are you planning to spend less than 5 years in Bali, but worry that the price for short-term lease is higher than long-term lease? Don’t worry! As a general rule, leasehold properties are much cheaper when they are near their due date. You can enjoy the property for 2 to 3 more years before the leasehold certificate expires and the property reverts back to its original owner.

One of the surprising things about applying for a retirement visa (more details below) is that there is a minimum rent requirement of US$380 a month. This is to set a standard baseline of the quality of your accommodation.

As it is beneficial for the Indonesian economy, you are required to hire at least one worker – whether a gardener, a housemaid, or a driver.

The Paperwork

Finding properties for retirement is usually not so difficult. What is more challenging is to apply for the retirement visa. If you are at least 55 years old and planning to retire in Bali sometime in the future, apply now. It’s a time-consuming process that is best started once you reach the minimum age requirement.

The next few requirements are standard. To accommodate your living expenses in Bali, you need proof of health and life insurance, and proof of pension, with a lump sum of US$18,270 per year in income from savings or other sources.

Unfortunately, Bali isn’t known for large hospitals with state-of-the-art medical technology. If you have a chronic medical issue, you may need to reconsider your decision to retire in Bali.

Other Benefits

The paperwork might seem demanding, but the initial investment can have a return in the quality of life you will receive. You are eligible to open a local bank account, get a driver’s license and travel around quite easily and cheaply. You can enjoy rejuvenation centers, spa or yoga studios, join classes and do what you absolutely love, at half the price that you’re used to back home.

We recommend Villa Uma Sita as an ideal model for your retirement villa. It is located in Sanur, and is very close to Taman Inspirasi Mertasari Park, Mertasari Beach, Power of Now Oasis Yoga Retreat and Seawalker Conservation, where you can snorkel and perform sea walks!

Get Started Today

When you are set with your paperwork, Bali Coconut Living will be more than happy to greet you. We are a local business that caters to buyers and sellers of property. We also help holiday-goers find the best accommodation that fits their needs. An easy-going relaxing life is waiting for you here in Bali.