Bali has long been one of the world’s most desirable retirement destinations, offering warm weather, a lower cost of living, supportive expatriate communities, and a slower lifestyle compared to major Western cities. But beyond its beaches and cultural richness, what truly determines your ability to retire in Bali is choosing the right retirement visa. Indonesia offers several pathways designed specifically for foreign retirees, each with its own benefits, requirements, and long-term implications.
This article breaks down the retirement visa choices for foreigners in Bali, including the 1-year Retirement KITAS option, the long-term multi-year visa often referred to as the Silver Hair Visa, entry requirements, eligibility, costs, and realistic expectations. The goal is to help you understand which option best fits your lifestyle, financial situation, and long-term plans in Indonesia.
Understanding Indonesia’s Retirement Visa Landscape
Indonesia’s retirement visa system was built to support foreigners who want to settle in the country long term without working. Retirees moving to Bali typically rely on pensions, savings, investments, or passive income—since the retirement visa does not allow employment or any business activities within Indonesia.
The retirement visa options available today generally fall under two publicized categories:
- 1-Year Retirement Visa / KITAS (often called E33F)
- Long-Term Multi-Year Retirement Visa / Silver Hair Program (commonly referenced as E33E)
These visa types share the same core retirement purpose, but they differ significantly in terms of financial commitments, validity period, renewal obligations, and long-term residence benefits.
1-Year Retirement Visa (Retirement KITAS / E33F)
The traditional retirement visa for Indonesia is the 1-year Retirement KITAS, which allows retirees to live in Bali for 12 months and renew annually. It has been the most common choice for decades, especially for retirees who prefer flexibility or are not ready to make large financial commitments.
While requirements may vary slightly depending on the issuing service provider or immigration updates, the general framework remains consistent across trusted sources.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 1-year Retirement KITAS, retirees typically must:
- Be 55 years old or older, although some updated sources mention 60+ for certain categories.
- Provide proof of stable income, savings, or pension—commonly around USD 3,000 per month or a bank balance of at least USD 2,000.
- Show evidence of accommodation in Indonesia, such as a long-term lease or villa rental contract.
- Hold health and life insurance valid in Indonesia.
- Commit not to work or engage in business activities in Indonesia.
- Work with a licensed visa agent or sponsor, since a local guarantor is required for this visa type.
What the 1-Year KITAS Allows
A Retirement KITAS provides several practical rights, including:
- Legal long-term stay in Indonesia for 12 months
- Ability to open a local bank account
- Option to obtain a local driver’s license
- Access to utilities and mobile services under your name
- Multiple exit and re-entry permits, allowing you to travel abroad and return easily
- Ability to bring your spouse or dependents under a family arrangement
Limitations
The main restrictions include:
- Strict prohibition on employment
- Annual renewal requirements
- Visa sponsor dependency
- Potential changes in immigration rules year-to-year
However, despite these limitations, many expatriates in Bali still choose the 1-year KITAS for its affordability, simplicity, and flexibility—especially those who want to test the waters before committing to a multi-year program.
Long-Term Multi-Year Retirement Visa (Silver Hair Visa / E33E)
In recent years, Indonesia introduced a more long-term retirement pathway, commonly known as the Silver Hair Visa or E33E category. Unlike the annual KITAS, this visa allows stays of up to five years, making it an attractive option for retirees who want stability without yearly renewals.
While exact structures may differ by implementation, multiple trusted public sources describe similar patterns:
- A 5-year validity
- Fewer administrative renewals
- Higher financial thresholds or deposit requirements
- Application often done offshore, meaning you apply while outside Indonesia
Financial Requirements
This visa is designed for retirees with stronger financial readiness. Requirements often include:
- A large deposit in an Indonesian state-owned bank, with several sources citing figures such as USD 50,000
- Continued proof of a stable monthly income, often around USD 3,000
- Insurance coverage and accommodation documentation
The idea behind this higher threshold is simple: it reassures immigration authorities that the applicant is capable of supporting themselves without work during a long-term stay.
Why Retirees Choose the Silver Hair Visa
The E33E / Silver Hair Visa is ideal for those who:
- Want long-term certainty without annual renewals
- Plan to retire in Bali full-time or maintain a stable long-term residence
- Prefer a future pathway that may support extended residency or easier transitions to permanent stay permits
- Have the financial ability to commit to required deposit and income requirements
Who Should Avoid It
This visa might not be suitable for retirees who:
- Are uncertain about long-term plans
- Want to stay less than five years
- Prefer not to lock money into a deposit account
- Need more flexibility or affordability
Nonetheless, for retirees who want permanence, the Silver Hair Visa offers the most stability of all current retirement visa pathways.
What Retirement Visas Allow—and What They Don’t
Regardless of type, all retirement visas share a strict common rule:
You cannot work, run a business, sell goods or services, or earn local income in Indonesia.
This ensures the retirement visa does not overlap with work permits or business visas like the PT PMA investor pathway.
However, retirees can still:
- Manage passive income abroad (stocks, pensions, rental income)
- Open local bank accounts
- Rent property under their own name
- Buy long-term leasehold agreements
- Bring spouses or dependents
- Come and go from Indonesia with a valid re-entry permit
Understanding these boundaries is crucial, as violating visa conditions can result in penalties or deportation.
Comparing the Retirement Visa Choices in Bali
Choosing the right visa depends on personal goals and financial readiness.
The 1-Year Retirement KITAS is best for:
- Retirees testing whether Bali is right for them
- People needing affordability and annual flexibility
- Those not ready for large deposits or 5-year commitments
The Silver Hair / Long-Term Visa is best for:
- Retirees committed to living in Bali for 3–10 years
- Those with higher financial security
- People preferring fewer administrative renewals
- Couples or families who want long-term stability
Both visas have clear benefits. The key is understanding how your finances, lifestyle preferences, and long-term plans align with the structure of each option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I work on a retirement visa in Bali?
No. Retirement visas strictly prohibit work or business activities. You may only rely on foreign-sourced passive income.
2. Can I bring my spouse with me?
Yes, many retirement visa holders bring their spouse or dependents under a family attachment arrangement.
3. Can I buy property in Bali with a retirement visa?
Retirees cannot buy freehold property, but they can legally hold long-term lease agreements, often up to 25–30 years.
4. What is the minimum age for a retirement visa?
Typically 55+, though some newer sources mention 60+ for certain categories. It may depend on the visa type and latest regulations.
5. How long can I stay in Bali with a retirement visa?
- 1-year KITAS → renewable annually
- Silver Hair / E33E → typically up to 5 years
6. Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. You must have insurance that covers you while living in Indonesia.
Conclusion
Retiring in Bali can be an incredibly fulfilling life chapter. Warm weather, nurturing communities, and affordable living make it one of the world’s top destinations for retirees. But the key to a smooth transition lies in choosing the right retirement visa that matches your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Whether you choose the 1-Year Retirement KITAS for flexibility or the Silver Hair Visa for long-term certainty, understanding the requirements and limitations will help ensure a safe, legal, and comfortable stay in Indonesia. With proper planning and clear expectations, your retirement in Bali can be smooth, stress-free, and deeply rewarding.
If you’re considering retiring in Bali and want guidance on choosing the right retirement visa, CPT Corporate can help you understand your options, plan ahead, and navigate Indonesian regulations with confidence. Get expert assistance today so you can focus on enjoying your new life in Bali—comfortably, legally, and without worry.
