Bali has become a popular place for digital nomads to live and work. However, that is starting to change. Indonesian immigration authorities are now enforcing stricter rules for remote workers. The goal is to make clear where vacationing ends and illegal work begins, a line that has become
increasingly blurry.
Clients often ask us, “Can I work on a tourist visa?” The answer depends on three things: the type of work you do, who pays you, and where your clients are based. Below, we explain Indonesia’s current rules on visas and stay permits. Choosing the right visa gives you peace of mind, so you can enjoy your stay without worrying about deportation.
Don’t Earn Income in Indonesia
Whether you have a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) or a 60-day tourist visa (C1), the basic rule is the same. A tourist visa is only for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends. It does not allow you to earn income from Indonesian sources.
When it comes to work, the key questions are where the money comes from and who benefits from your work.
What Tourist Visa Holders Can Do
In general, tourist visa holders may only handle small, routine tasks for work or businesses based outside Indonesia. They must not do commercial work in Indonesia or work for an Indonesian company. Allowed activities include:
- Answering work emails or checking messages on platforms like Slack for an employer in your home country.
- Joining Zoom calls or virtual meetings with colleagues abroad.
- Running an online store registered outside Indonesia, as long as it doesn’t sell to customers in Indonesia.
- Writing, coding, or doing other freelance work for international clients who pay directly into your overseas bank account.
Misusing a Tourist Visa Can Get You Deported
If your work is connected to the local Indonesian economy in any way, you are breaking the terms of your visa. Doing any of the following on a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or C1 visa can lead to detention, deportation, or even a ban from entering Indonesia:
- Working for a local company in Indonesia.
- Selling physical or digital products to anyone in Indonesia, whether they’re locals or other travelers.
- Getting paid for your skills or services in Indonesia, such as teaching classes in Bali, photographing weddings for local clients, or consulting for local businesses.
- Receiving your salary in an Indonesian bank account.
The E33G Visa: A Better Fit for Digital Nomads
Indonesia has a visa made specifically for people who want to work remotely while enjoying life in the country. The Remote Worker Visa (E33G) is designed for travelers who plan to spend an extended time in Bali while keeping their job with a company abroad. For 2026, it’s the safest option for remote workers. As long as you meet the government’s minimum income requirement, it lets you live in Indonesia legally for up to a year, without the risk of breaking tourist visa rules.
Is the E33G Right for You?
The main thing to consider is your employment arrangement. If you work for a company based outside Indonesia and want to continue that job from Bali, the E33G is a good place to start. If you are self-employed or earn income from several clients, your situation may be different and should be reviewed before you decide which visa to apply for.
Final Thoughts
You can plan your stay in Bali without putting your overseas job on hold, but you should check your visa before you arrive. For eligible employees working remotely for a company outside Indonesia, the E33G Remote Worker Visa may be the right option to explore.
