Digital Nomads who seek the best remote jobs in Bali usually have lots of questions and concerns. While there are some who blatantly disregard laws and etiquette, it would be wise to have a clear understanding of what is legal and what is not. On the other hand, trying to figure out the legalities of working on this magical island can be a task in itself.
I hope this article can answer some questions or at least help you avoid learning lessons the hard way. It’s important to know, this material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to replace, and should not be relied on for legal advice.
Here are a few laws regulations, and guidelines I have gathered when I too became curious about working in Bali. Please keep in mind there are many different interpretations of the law here depending on who you talk to, or what article you read. Some will say you are allowed to work and others who say you can not. It is recommended you do your own research and consult with a legal adviser before making ANY decisions.
Gathering the wrong information or misunderstanding how the Law (UU) and Governmental regulations (PP) work can end badly.
Understanding the law
There’s plenty jam-packed into this article, including:
UU 6/2011 took full force on May 5th, 2011 date of its legalization by Presiden SBY. (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono)
It has been discussed, voted, enacted, and legalized and it is implemented for a very large part. None of the Ketentuan Pidana (criminal stipulation) require any PP to be enforced. In fact, probably about 90% or so of the UU 6/2011 are implemented today with the existing governmental regulation (PP 32/1994) which is still valid and will remain valid until the enactment of the new PP.
Only a few stipulations can not be implemented because they are new and not addressed by the 1994 regulation. Far too many expats fail to understand that unless, and until they acquire citizenship, they are still essentially guests in this country. They do not have any right to be employed, they do not have any right to land ownership, and they do not have any right to ignore the laws, regulations, and customs that apply to local citizens.
Unfortunately for many expats, these lessons in humility end up coming only after very painful and costly lessons.
Indonesia Spouse Visa – who can apply?
A foreigner who is legally married to an Indonesian spouse can apply for a permanent stay permit (KITAP) after having been married for two years. Furthermore, the foreigner on a Spouse Visa is allowed to keep the Spouse Visa after having been married for 10 years even after the divorce or death of the Indonesian Spouse.
The foreigner will lose the Spousal Visa if the foreigner has been (a) away from Indonesia for more than a year, (b) has not extended their permanent stay permit after 5 years, (c) has taken on the Indonesian nationality, (d) the visa has been cancelled by the Government, (e) the foreigner has been deported or (f) death.
Are you allowed to work on a Spouse Visa?
This is what the Indonesian Law says; a foreigner who is on a Spouse KITAS or KITAP is allowed to “undertake business in order to make ends meet and look after their families”.
What is considered to be undertaking business to make ends meet? This is actually not clarified in the law and is somewhat vague. In a public meeting, it was said that working while on a Spouse Visa is allowed providing that you do not employ staff.
A limited stay permit visa (KITAS) or a permanent stay visa (KITAP) may be given to a spouse due to mixed marriage.
Pasal 52.e
Izin Tinggal terbatas diberikan kepada Orang Asing yang kawin secara sah dengan warga negara Indonesia;
A permanent residence visa (KITAP) may be given to a spouse due to mixed marriage.
UU 6/2011 Pasal 54.1.b
Izin Tinggal Tetap dapat diberikan kepada keluarga karena perkawinan campuran
Visitors can convert their limited stay Visa (KITAS) into permanent Visa permit Visa (KITAP). Usually after 2 years marriage to a [Law UU 6/2011 Article 56.2]
UU 6/2011 Pasal 56.2
Izin Tinggal yang dapat dialihstatuskan adalah Izin Tinggal kunjungan menjadi Izin Tinggal terbatas dan Izin Tinggal terbatas menjadi Izin Tinggal Tetap.
A limited stay permit visa (KITAS) held by a foreign spouse can be converted into a permanent residence visa (KITAP) providing they have been married for at least two years to an Indonesian spouse.
PP 31/2013 Pasal 167 (1)
Permohonan alih status Izin Tinggal terbatas menjadi Izin Tinggal Tetap diajukan oleh Penjamin kepada Kepala Kantor Imigrasi yang wilayah kerjanya meliputi tempat tinggal Orang Asing.
PP 31/2013 Pasal 168.1.a
Alih status Izin Tinggal terbatas menjadi Izin Tinggal Tetap juga dapat diberikan kepada Orang Asing yang menggabungkan diri dengan suami atau istri warga negara Indonesia yang usia perkawinannya telah mencapai paling singkat 2 (dua) tahun.
Foreigners on a limited stay permit visa (KITAS) referred to in Article 52.e (foreigners married to an Indonesian citizen) and foreigners on a permanent residence visa (KITAP) referred to in Article 54.1.b (foreigners married to an Indonesian citizen) can work or undertake business in order to make ends meet and look after their families. [Law UU 6/2011 Article 61]
UU 6/2011 Pasal 61
Pemegang Izin Tinggal terbatas sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 52 huruf e dan huruf f dan pemegang Izin Tinggal Tetap sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 54 ayat (1) huruf b dan huruf d dapat melakukan pekerjaan dan/atau usaha untuk memenuhi kebutuhan hidup dan/atau keluarganya.
Foreigners who divorce their Indonesian spouse can have their (KITAP) revoked unless married for at least 10 years.
UU 6/2011 Pasal 62.2.g
Izin Tinggal Tetap dibatalkan karena pemegang Izin Tinggal putus hubungan perkawinan Orang Asing yang kawin secara sah dengan warga negara Indonesia karena perceraian dan/atau atas putusan pengadilan, kecuali perkawinan yang telah berusia 10 (sepuluh) tahun atau lebih.
UU 6/2011 Pasal 63.5
Ketentuan sebagaimana dimaksud dalam Pasal 62 ayat (2) huruf g tidak berlaku dalam hal pemegang Izin Tinggal Tetap tersebut putus hubungan perkawinannya dengan warga negara Indonesia memperoleh penjaminan yang menjamin keberadaannya sebagaimana dimaksud pada ayat (1).
Pasal 62.1
Izin Tinggal Tetap dapat berakhir karena pemegang Izin Tinggal Tetap:
a. meninggalkan Wilayah Indonesia lebih dari 1 (satu) tahun atau tidak bermaksud masuk lagi ke Wilayah Indonesia;
b. tidak melakukan perpanjangan Izin Tinggal Tetap setelah 5 (lima) tahun;
c. memperoleh kewarganegaraan Republik Indonesia;
d. izinnya dibatalkan oleh Menteri atau Pejabat Imigrasi yang ditunjuk;
e. dikenai tindakan Deportasi; atau
f. meninggal dunia.[/learn_more]
More Facts about Jobs in Bali
PT companies must add a work permit to the KITAP. For informal work, you would not need a Work Permit (see some examples below) .
The KITAP is the basic document. Some employers may require KK and KTP too. Also required, is a KK and KTP Orang Asing. These documents usually are free but if you apply late (around 60 days after the issuance of the KITAP), you might have to pay a fee.
KITAS/KITAP holders sponsored by a spouse can work for a local company with a work permit (IMTA).
Foreigner workers cannot work in two different places (the same profession or different) EXCEPT investor/commissioner of PMA (If one works in three places the number of IMTA must also be 3).
If the activities of the foreign worker are in more than 1 place/province then he/she must have inter-provincial IMTA.
Small businesses do not require IMTA. When the business grows you will need to adjust and obtain necessary operating permits. When the businesses become a legal entity, then this foreign worker must have IMTA.
A retired foreign husband of a mixed marriage who enters Indonesia with VOA and becomes an investor in Bali. If he/she does any work, they must have KITAS and IMTA.
A foreigner in a mixed marriage with KITAS sponsored by the wife operating an online business from home who doesn’t have an office and legal business such as PT PMA. (limited liability company in Indonesia) must also have the IMTA.
A foreigner who works and owns a business as an acupuncturist must obtain an official recommendation from the local health office before conducting any business must also have the IMTA.
Last but not least, you can work in Indonesia with a KITAS/KITAP sponsored by your spouse. But, You’ll need an IMTA from the company you work for. Also, it must be a Legal entity, not a small or large business.
Best remote jobs
IT Manager
Median Salary: $142,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Web Developer
Median Salary: $70,000
Education Required: Associate degree
Software Developer
Median Salary: $103,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Database Administrator
Median Salary: $90,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Marketing Manager
Median Salary: $134,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Market Research Analyst
Median Salary: $63,000
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Endless possiblities
- Software Developer
- Senior SEO Specialist.
- Senior React Developer
- Senior Solutions Engineer
- Charter Party Specialist
- Remote Data Entry Agent
- Senior UI/UX Designer, Game Development
- Senior Artist, Games Development
Popular Jobs In Bali
ARTIST
Expats and visitors with special skills such as models, photographers, DJs, or dancers can find many job opportunities. Also, an Artist’s Visa is required for DJs, artists, and photographers.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER
Expats with experience, credentials, and qualifications for the job as well as basic language skills needed to manage a team can apply for senior construction and project management positions.
DIVE INSTRUCTOR
a great choice if you have a certification from PADI or SSI, but don’t expect too much compensation.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER Jobs in Bali
English-speaking foreigners have an advantage when finding work in Bali as many schools are in regular need of English teachers or tutors.
HOSPITALITY Jobs in Bali
Besides the many four- to five-star hotels offering positions for qualified chefs and general managers, private villa owners on the island do have ex-pats managing their operations too, as they better understand the wants and needs of visiting tourists.
START YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Starting a business in Indonesia as a foreigner is not without its bureaucratic hurdles. Becoming successful is yet another challenge. Also, maintaining a healthy work-life balance while running your independent business can be chalenging. I used to perceive work as the most important thing and could not imagine myself not working on weekends.
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Another popular choice for expats is becoming a guest yoga instructor. Just head to Canggu and you will find the right connections.
STARTUP ENTREPRENEUR
Last but not least, Blogging, travel writing and starting a YouTube channel with affiliate marketing or influencers takes time. As well as skill.
CONCLUSION:
Although the Immigration Act 6 of 2011 Article 61 states that the holder of a Limited Stay Permit and Permanent Stay Permit can work and/or do business to make ends meet for him/her and/ for his/her family. You still have to refer back to Labor Law No.13 / 2003 and Permenakertrans No.12/ 2013.
Also, Foreign workers in a mixed marriage can work without a work permit if in the informal sector. Such as a freelancer or have a small business that is not a legal entity. When working in a legal entity then you must have an IMTA.
Furthermore, the risks of being caught illegally working as a foreigner go far beyond simple deportation, and include up to five years in jail and up to a US $ fine of 50,000.
Unfortunately for many expats, these lessons in humility end up coming only after very painful and costly lessons also known as “karma”.
Need a laid back place to get work done? Here are 23 coworking spaces in Bali
