Bali Insights
Guides, news and stories to help you live, work and invest confidently in Indonesia
Opening a Bank Account in Bali as a Foreigner: Personal and Business Banking in 2026
Whether you're moving to Bali, staying for a few months or setting up a company here, sooner or later you'll probably want a local bank account. Paying rent, receiving a salary, paying suppliers or simply avoiding international card fees become much easier once you bank locally. In this article, we'll look at the main banks, who can open an account, and what you need to know about tokens for corporate accounts.
Getting a KITAS or Bridging Visa in Bali? Important Changes You Need to Know About in 2026
If you're applying for or renewing your KITAS any time soon, there are some big changes that you’ll want to know about. Immigration and the Ministry of Manpower are now paying a lot closer attention to the details of applications. Across the board, from bridging visas, Working KITAS, investor KITAS and Remote Worker KITAS, scrutiny has increased, so making sure you have genuine paperwork to back up your application is necessary. Let us fill you in on the most important changes in 2026, and what you need to do if applying for or renewing your KITAS.
What Happens If You Miss an LKPM Report
Getting your NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha, Indonesia's business identification number) is a great milestone in your business journey! However, now your PT PMA/company is licensed, it also means that a set of ongoing obligations kicks in. One of these is submitting an LKPM, a quarterly report that proves your company is doing what its licence says it does. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what an LKPM is, and what happens if you miss the deadline for submitting it.
BPJS in Bali: What Employers Need to Know in 2026
If you’re an employer in Bali, or looking to become one, you might have heard the term BPJS and be wondering what it is. BPJS is Indonesia’s social security system, designed to provide people with basic healthcare and financial coverage that all companies in Indonesia, including PT PMAs, need to register their employees for. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know and how to set up BPJS registration for your business.
Which Holidays Are Celebrated in Bali?
Bali’s public holidays often cause visa processing delays, and if you own a business, your employees might frequently ask for time off. These seemingly countless holidays come from the fact that Indonesia’s national calendar already covers every major religion in the country, and Bali then layers its own Hindu ceremonial calendar on top. In this article, we’ll explore what that means for your business, admin or visa timeline.
All About the Different Districts in Bali (and Why Your Address Matters)
If you’ve ever wondered about what the different regencies of Bali are like, read on. There are eight regencies, each of which has its own character. In this article, we explore what makes them unique, tell you what you need to know about local addresses and about which immigration office you need to visit when getting your Bali visa, based on where you live.
Relocating to Bali With Your Family in 2026
Thinking about relocating to Bali with your family in 2026? From finding the right international school and choosing a suitable visa to understanding accommodation, healthcare and everyday expenses, there are several things to consider before making the move. This guide covers the essentials to help you understand what family life in Bali could look like and how to prepare for a smooth transition.
Bali’s New Waste Plant and Financial Centre: What’s Behind It
Bali is changing faster than ever. Behind the headlines is Danantara, Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, which is funding a major waste-to-energy plant and a proposed international financial centre. At the same time, the government is introducing stricter rules for smaller foreign-owned businesses. Here's what these changes could mean if you're planning to invest, relocate, or do business in Bali.
How Bad is Bali’s Traffic?
For those who live in south Bali, traffic jams are just a part of life. For tourists, or those who imagine Bali as an unspoiled paradise, the extent of the traffic often comes as a surprise, so much so that Bali has made global headlines in recent years because of it. Let's take a look at what's actually being done to fix it, whether it's working and what it means for you as a foreigner living or driving here.
Want to Launch a Beauty or Food Brand in Indonesia? Here’s What You Need to Know About BPOM
Seeing your own products displayed on Indonesian supermarket shelves is an exciting milestone, but getting there requires more than a great idea. Every beauty, skincare, food and beverage business must navigate a series of legal requirements before products can be sold, including company registration, BPOM approval and, in many cases, halal certification. This article breaks down the entire process, explains the latest regulatory changes, and highlights the common pitfalls that every entrepreneur should avoid before launching a consumable product in Indonesia.
Finding Products to Sell: Where Indonesia Makes Things
When people think about doing business in Indonesia, they usually think of opening something in Bali. But when it comes to selling products, it might be time to widen your horizons, as most of the country's production houses are in places you might never have heard of. Whether you’re sourcing, exporting or even selling goods here, knowing the areas you can buy from directly can save you money.
How to Set Up an Import/Export Business in Indonesia
Indonesia offers excellent opportunities for international trade, but obtaining the right licenses involves much more than opening a PT PMA. Learn how import and export permits work, the differences between API-P and API-U, how to activate your import status through OSS, and what ongoing compliance is required to keep your business operating smoothly.
Why Is Alcohol So Expensive in Bali?
Bali may have a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene, but imported alcohol often comes with a hefty price tag. This article explores the taxes behind those higher prices, explains why some international brands are produced locally and sold for less, and outlines the licensing requirements for businesses that want to sell alcohol legally in Indonesia.
Bali and Indonesia in Numbers
From population growth and urban expansion to tourism trends and environmental pressures, the numbers behind Bali and Indonesia tell a compelling story of change. Jakarta’s rise as the world’s largest urban area, Bali’s rebound in international arrivals, and the ongoing challenges of waste management and infrastructure all reflect a region in transition.
Want to Open a PT PMA? How Tax Rules Have Changed
A comprehensive guide to Indonesia’s new PT PMA tax rules, outlining the 2026 regulatory changes that impact foreign investors, including the end of the 0.5% MSME tax incentive for new companies and the shift toward a corporate tax system based on net profit and revenue thresholds.
Is Being an Influencer Illegal in Bali? What You Need to Know about Posting on Social Media as a Foreigner
For many of us, posting on social media is second nature. It’s normal to share a photo of your villa, talk about a cafe you love or list a spare room to see if you can make a little extra money from it. However, in the eyes of Indonesian immigration, some of these everyday posts could actually be classed as work and considered a violation of your visa. Read on to find out what the rules are and how they apply to you.
Bali Makes Most Business Types Unavailable to Foreign Investors
As of May 13, 2026, a sudden Indonesian OSS platform update has completely blocked foreign investors (PT PMAs) from registering Low-Risk and Lower-Medium-Risk business codes (KBLIs) using a Bali address. Triggered by an official directive from the Governor of Bali to curb "paper-only" compliance, popular sectors like consulting, real estate, and retail are now off-limits under the standard automated path
The Real Cost of Living in Bali: Hidden Costs You Should Budget For
If you are planning on moving to Bali, you've probably considered the cost of rent, food, transport, trips, and healthcare. However, life is full of surprises, and more often than not, moving to another culture and country will come with its own unexpected costs. In this article, we'll explore the hidden costs of living in Bali in 2026.
Buying an Existing Business in Bali: What You Need to Know Before You Take the Plunge
If you've spent any time in Bali, you might have seen some businesses for sale, or been approached by a fellow entrepreneur with an opportunity to invest in or buy one. Before you make a decision, read on to find out what you need to know about buying an existing business in Bali.
Will Bali Allow Skyscrapers?
Bali is reviewing a proposal to increase its building height limit from 15 to 45 meters in selected zones, a move that could significantly reshape the island’s property market, tourism development, and investment opportunities. While supporters argue it may improve regulation and reduce illegal construction, critics warn of potential environmental strain and the risk of losing Bali’s cultural identity.
Let’s work together