How To Move Your Family to Bali: Everything You Need to Know Before Taking the Plunge
Are you thinking about trading in your current life to move to Bali with your family? Or, perhaps, you’re already here and wondering how you can move your loved ones to be with you? Plenty of families have moved to Bali, and there are several options when it comes to visas. However, there are also certain considerations such as housing, schooling and budgeting that you need to take into account before you take the decision of moving here with your family.
Thinking of moving to Bali with your family or bringing them to join you? Here's what you need to know about visas, housing, schools, and budgeting before making the big move.
Understanding E31 Family Visa Categories
Indonesia’s visa system has several visas each designed for specific family relationships. All E31 visas can be processed for 1, 2 and later on 5 years depending on the sponsor's primary KITAS duration, with a new 2-year option available. These options are known as Dependent KITAS, meaning that they are granted on the basis of another family member’s KITAS/KITAP or legal residence status. It’s important to note that dependent visa holders cannot work legally without separate work permits.
The options available depend on your relationship to the primary holder:
For Married Couples
E31A - Foreign Spouse of Indonesian Citizen If you’re married to an Indonesian citizen and want to join them in Indonesia, this would be an ideal visa. It also gives you the chance of obtaining a more stable residency after two years, making it a good long term option.
E31B - Foreign Spouse of KITAS Holder If your husband or wife is a foreigner, and they already have a KITAS or KITAP in Indonesia, you can apply for this visa to join them. The duration of your visa will match theirs.
For Children
E31E - Children Joining Parents with KITAS. This visa is the most common one for expat families. If you have a KITAS or KITAP, your biological children can get this visa and join you, as long as they are under 18 and unmarried.
E31C - Children with One Indonesian Parent If your child was born from a legal marriage where one parent is Indonesian and one is foreign, they can get this visa as a means of legally living in the country with you.
E31D - Children in Mixed Marriages If you are married to an Indonesian citizen, but wish to bring your children from a previous marriage to be here with you, they can apply for this visa. .
E31F - Children Joining Indonesian Citizen Parent If you are legally an Indonesian citizen, your children can obtain this visa to join you in the country.
For Parents and Siblings
E31G - Parents Joining Adult Indonesian Children If your child is an Indonesian citizen living in Indonesia, you can apply for this visa to join them there.
E31H - Parents Joining Children with KITAS If your adult child has a KITAS or KITAP in Indonesia, and you want to join them as their parent, this would be a good option for you.
E31J - Siblings Under 18 If you have a KITAS or KITAP and wish your sibling (under age 18) to join you, they can apply for this visa.
Requirements
All Categories require you to have:
Valid passport with more than 6 months remaining
Proof of $2,000 (US) bank balance maintained for 3 months
Relationship documents (such as marriage/birth certificates in English or translated to to Indonesian language with sworn Indonesian translations)
You will be required to cover the processing fees, and processing may take up to 10 days from the date all required documents are fully submitted.
What Kinds of Schools Are There in Bali?
Bali has a multitude of international schools, and fees vary dramatically depending on the grade level, curriculum focus and the school’s reputation. We would recommend researching schools to get an idea of costs, according to both your and your child’s needs. Generally speaking, they range from approximately $2000 to upwards of $12,000 (US) for higher end schools per school year.
Some notable schools include SLK International School, The British School of Bali, ProEd School, Bali Island School, Australian International School, the Green School and other Montessori options.
Whilst the fees can be high, it’s important to also take into account that that’s not where the costs end. You will also likely need to pay more for uniforms, registration fees, transport and additional activities. If you have a large family, the cost per child will potentially be lower, as many schools offer discounts for siblings.
Bali offers a wide range of international schools with fees varying from around $2,000 to over $12,000 per year, depending on the curriculum, grade level, and school reputation.
Choosing Where to Live With Your Family in Bali:
Choosing your location significantly impacts daily life, school access and what kind of community you can tap into. Some popular options are:
Sanur:
There are many expat families who choose Sanur for its calm beaches with sidewalks, more established infrastructure and family-friendly atmosphere. The beaches are great for safe swimming and the promenade is a lovely place to spend time with your family. Furthermore, housing, schools and healthcare options here are generally of a good standard.
Canggu:
There are quite a few international schools as well as many family facilities nearby including Finns Recreation Club, as well as water parks and entertainment centers. If you are working, there’s a strong co-working culture which means it’s easy to network. On the other hand, the beaches here are not particularly child friendly, and the traffic can be quite overwhelming, especially if you plan to drive a car.
Ubud:
If you’re looking for cooler temperatures and integration into Balinese society, Ubud is a great option. There are plenty of ways for children to be more immersed culturally, but mainstream educational institutions may be more limited here.
What is Healthcare Like for Families in Bali?
Another area to factor into your budget is healthcare and insurance. Family policies can be rather pricey, in the region of $2,000-$8,000 (US) annually. While there are decent private hospitals on the island, such as Siloam, BIMC and Kasih Ibu, make sure you have coverage in case of any serious conditions to be flown to Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand, where the standards are generally better.
For more basic coverage, you can also join BPJS (Indonesian national health service) for approximately 2,400,000 IDR per year. Nevertheless, medical evacuation coverage is still essential given Bali's island geography and limited specialist services for complicated or lesser-known conditions.
Health insurance is essential for expats in Indonesia, with various international and local options available to cover medical care, emergencies, and routine health needs.
What Other Hidden Costs Are There?
Visa renewal costs will also add up each year, as well as setup costs that you may need for furniture, vehicles, deposits and any initial purchases. These will depend on your visa type and lifestyle needs. Going home so that you can stay in contact with family members is also another cost that should be factored in to keep things realistic.
Compliance Requirements
Indonesian immigration requires adherence to reporting obligations that can affect your entire family's legal status if not followed.
If you change your address, you must promptly update it in your visa documentation
All family members will need to complete a biometric registration
Annual renewals require updated documentation and sponsor verification
If you overstay, it can result in fees of IDR 1 million per day
Most importantly, if the primary KITAS holder loses status through job termination or their business closing down, dependents have just 60 days to secure alternative sponsors or leave Indonesia. It’s important to have an emergency plan that includes other sponsor options or back up plans back home.
Ready to Make the Move?
Whilst there are plenty of things to consider, moving to Bali can be an incredible option that will enrich the lives of your family. Make sure that you have an accurate idea of costs and paperwork, as well as contingency plans in place if things don’t go as expected. It’s important to give adequate time for visa processing, so that you don’t end up having to stay apart for extended periods. Nevertheless, with the right approach and proper planning, you can definitely integrate into the island atmosphere and enjoy the great lifestyle that Bali offers whilst making invaluable memories together.
If you need help figuring things out, simply reach out to us. Our expert team at Bali Solve is more than happy to help, and as one of Bali’s premier visa agencies, we have the knowledge and experience to make your transition a smooth one. Simply drop us a message on WhatsApp, or come and see us at our office in Pererenan, and let’s get your family together as soon as possible.
Written by Team Bali Solve
3rd July 2025
