Many foreigners who visit Bali still ask whether they can earn money here without a work permit, or if it’s allowed while holding only a tourist visa.
The short answer is no. You cannot legally work or earn income from Indonesian sources without a valid work permit. A tourist visa is strictly for holidays.
But that doesn’t mean there are no legal alternatives. With the rise of remote work, Indonesia has created several options that allow foreigners to stay in Bali and continue making money from abroad.
Below, we’ll explore the legal ways to earn money as a foreigner in Bali without a work permit.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot legally earn income in Bali without a work permit, but remote work for foreign clients is allowed under the right visa (E33G Remote Worker Visa (KITAS)).
- Digital nomads may work online legally, but cannot take local clients or receive payments in Indonesia.
- Foreigners can earn passively through PT PMA investment, property rental income, or export-based businesses.
- YouTube and crypto income are legal as long as taxes are paid and visa rules are followed. And, crypto cannot be used as payment in Indonesia.
- For safety, always avoid visa misuse, unlicensed visa agents, nominee property ownership structures, and running an unregistered business.
Basic Rules for Foreigner Working in Bali, Indonesia
Before we go any further, it’s important to understand the difference between working in Bali and working from Bali.
If your clients are overseas and you're not employed locally, you can continue doing your online work without breaking work permit or tax regulations in Indonesia.
Income earned from abroad—such as freelancing or remote contracts—is generally acceptable under certain visas. This is what classifies someone as a digital nomad.
For instance, imagine a foreign web developer based in Ubud who works remotely, bills overseas clients, and reports income in their home country while staying in Bali on the correct visa.
In this situation, they are not earning locally, so they are generally considered compliant.
However, the situation changes if you receive payment from local businesses or Indonesian clients. In that case, a work permit is required.
A common example is foreigners who run small online shops in Bali, or offer freelance services such as photography or videography for local clients. Cases like these have appeared in the news, and they can lead to visa or tax consequences if done without proper authorization.
The Ministry of Manpower states clearly that any paid work for Indonesian entities requires a valid work permit.
Meanwhile, remote work and consulting for foreign companies can be allowed if structured correctly.
Read More: Digital Nomad Bali Guide: Visa, Tips & Best Location for Global Workers
Understanding Remote Worker Visa (E33G)
Indonesia has introduced the Remote Worker Visa (E33G), which is a Temporary Resident Permit (KITAS) for foreigners working for companies outside the country.
With a Remote Worker KITAS, you are allowed to live in Bali (or anywhere in Indonesia) while working remotely for an overseas company.
Requirements include:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Employment contract with a foreign-registered company.
- Minimum annual income of USD $60,000.
Legal Ways to Earn Money in Bali Without a Work Permit
1. Remote Work for a Foreign Companies (Digital Nomad)
This is the safest and most common way.
You may live in Bali and continue working online, but you cannot sell goods or services to Indonesian clients or accept local payments. All income must come from international sources.
Just remember to have the E33G Remote Worker Visa first.
2. Foreign Investment (Without Direct Employment)
Another legal pathway is to earn income through a Foreign Investment Company (PT PMA).
In this structure, the company earns income—for example through property rentals—and you, as the investor or shareholder, receive dividends from its profits.
However, you cannot personally work for the company (handle operations or sales) without the proper work permit.
This setup is ideal for foreigners who want to invest passively and earn legally from Bali’s booming property market.
Read More: Best Business to Invest in Bali for Foreigners: 2025 Guide
3. Export-Based Business Supervision
If your target customers and payments come from outside Indonesia, you may operate legally without a work permit.
In this setup, you act as the company’s representative to oversee production — for example, clothing or furniture — and export the goods internationally.
As long as the business is properly registered (usually through a PT PMA) and you are not selling to the local Indonesian market, you may stay in Indonesia without a work permit.
Can Foreigner Legally Earn from Crypto or YouTube in Bali?
Many expats also ask about earning through crypto trading or YouTube/affiliate income.
Foreigners can legally earn income from YouTube and crypto in Bali, but they must hold the correct visa and pay taxes.
All earnings—including YouTube revenue and crypto trading profits—must be reported to Indonesian tax authorities.
Income from YouTube is taxed progressively, while crypto gains are subject to final income tax plus VAT on transactions.
Foreigners from countries with a Double Tax Agreement (DTA) may qualify for tax relief with proper documentation (certificate of domicile).
Note: Crypto cannot be used as a payment method in Indonesia. Businesses or individuals accepting crypto for payment risk fines or imprisonment. All transactions must use Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Read More: Understanding Bali Property Taxes for Foreign Buyers
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
The Indonesia immigration is strict. Yet many foreigners still break the rules, often without realizing it.
- Working on a Non-Work Visa: Freelancing for local clients is illegal without a work permit, even on a one-time basis.
- Using the Wrong KITAS Type: Doing visa runs, tourist visas for work is risky and unsustainable. Immigration controls are now much tighter.
- Failing to Update Employer or Address Changes: If you change jobs, switch business structures, or move to a new address, you must report and update your permit details with immigration.
- Relying on Unlicensed Visa Agents: Choosing cheap or unregistered agents can lead to incorrect permits or even fake paperwork. Legal responsibility (like detention or blacklisting) always falls on the foreigner.
- Operating an Unregistered Business: Running a business without proper legal registration, tax documentation, and required permits is unlawful and high-risk.
- Illegal Property Ownership Structures: Foreigners are not permitted to own freehold land (Hak Milik) in Indonesia. Attempting to bypass this through illegal ownership setups can lead to serious legal problems.
Scams to Watch Out For
Other illegal money-making tricks or scams to watch out for (often aimed at tourists but can affect expats too) include:
- Unofficial Money Changers: Some use tricks or manipulated calculators to give you less money than you’re owed.
- Rental Scams: Be wary of anyone asking to hold your passport as security for rentals (such as scooters or villas), then later demanding a large fee to return it.
- Fake Fines/Bribery: Scammers pretending to be police may ask for immediate cash payments for supposed violations. Real fines are paid at the police station, and you should always receive an official ticket.
Bonus: Low-Effort and Legal Way to Earn in Bali
If you’re seeking a low-effort and legal way to earn money in Bali, property investment is one of the best options.
Bali’s real estate market continues to grow, driven by strong tourism and rental demand. By buying villas or land for sale through the proper structure, you can legally generate passive income without needing a work permit.
Want to know how it works? Get your free investment guide plan here, or book a free consultation to get direct guidance from our agent (it's free, with no commitment needed!)
We’d be happy to help you from the beginning, from planning your investment, calculating potential profit, handling legal setup, and choosing the best property based on your goals.
Conclusion
You cannot legally earn money in Bali without the correct work visa. However, there are legal alternatives, such as using a digital nomad visa, investing in property, or supervising export-based businesses.
Be cautious, many scams target foreigners trying to make money in Bali while on a tourist visa.
If you want a legal and safe way to earn in Bali, Bali Villa Realty can guide you through property investment.
We’ve helped many expats invest in Bali real estate smoothly, giving them both a vacation home and passive income.
Book a free consultation today and learn how to earn legally in Bali while enjoying the island lifestyle you’ve always wanted.
FAQ
Yes, through PT PMA. It’s the only legal business structure for foreigners.
Yes. Leasehold and Right to Use (Hak Pakai) titles are available to foreigners. Freehold (Hak Milik) is only for Indonesian citizens.
If you stay in Indonesia for 5 years in a row (or 10 years total with breaks) on a KITAS, you can apply for a Permanent Residency (KITAP).
Yes. If you stay in Indonesia for more than 183 days within 12 months, you’re considered a tax resident.
No. Foreigners cannot own freehold (Hak Milik) property directly in Indonesia. However, you can legally control property through a leasehold agreement or by setting up a PT PMA company.
