The island of Bali has long been a magnet for freelancers from around the world. It’s often considered the perfect place for remote work. But why exactly? Let’s find out.
1. Climate
If you've ever dreamed of eternal summer — Bali is the place. It has a mild tropical climate, with average annual temperatures around 28°C (82°F), and ocean temperatures around 27°C (81°F), so you can swim almost all year round. Thanks to its warm waters and excellent waves, surfing here is considered among the best in the world. There’s no cold winter — only two seasons: dry (April to October) and rainy (November to March), and heavy rains mostly happen at night. All of this makes the island ideal for year-round living.
2. Time zone
Located in the GMT+8 time zone, Bali offers convenient overlap for working with both Asian and European countries. For example, it’s just 5 hours ahead of Moscow. That means you can easily coordinate online meetings with clients from different regions without losing productivity.
3. Community
Bali is a hub for interesting, creative, and spiritually inclined people from all over the world. Communities form around shared interests, languages, and lifestyles. The digital nomad community is especially strong here — you’ll never feel alone. Making connections can enrich your time socially and professionally, through shared experiences or collaborative projects.
4. Cost of living
Compared to Western countries, the cost of living in Bali is relatively low. Affordable rentals with scenic views, year-round access to fresh fruit, and low service costs allow for a comfortable lifestyle without overspending.
To legally live and work remotely in Bali, the Indonesian government offers specific visa types tailored for this purpose.
This visa is ideal for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who run businesses based outside Indonesia. It allows foreign nationals to live and work in Indonesia for one year. Unlimited re-entry is permitted during its validity.
Main requirements:
✓ Proof of income of at least USD 60,000 per year
✓ Employment contract with a company registered outside Indonesia
This visa suits those in creative or sports professions. Your occupation must be listed on the official approved list (which includes over 50 roles from DJs to boxers and is regularly updated). It allows a 6-month stay and is non-renewable.
Main requirements:
✓ Proof of relevant professional education
✓ Letter of recommendation from a previous employer (at least 5 years of relevant experience)
✓ Resume
✓ Bank account statement showing at least USD 1,500
Other visa options may also be available, but it’s crucial to understand each visa’s restrictions. Some visas prohibit any kind of work or income-generating activity. If caught working without the appropriate visa, you could face fines or even imprisonment.
Bali offers countless options for setting up your workspace — from coworking spaces to cozy cafes.
These are specially designed environments for solo or team work, offering key advantages:
• Designated quiet zones with sound insulation
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Productive atmosphere
• Spaces for collaboration
• On-site amenities like cafés or yoga studios for productive breaks
Ubud:
• Ubud.Space: Coworking and Coffee
• Beluna - House of Creatives
• My Global Workspace
Bukit:
• Uluwatu Hub (Tempekan Heritage)
• Colabo at Jimbaran Hub
• The Space
Seminyak:
• Biliq Bali Cosharing Space
• GoWork
For those who prefer a more relaxed setting, many cozy cafés in Bali provide the perfect working environment.
✓ Each café has a unique interior and ambiance
✓ Wide selection of delicious food and drinks
✓ Reliable and fast Wi-Fi
✓ Many cafés offer free workspace access (unlike paid coworking spots)
✓ If you’re craving familiar tastes, you’ll find cafés run by fellow expats — perfect for casual conversation and maybe even a local discount!
Coliving combines accommodation and workspace in one place. These setups are ideal for meeting like-minded people and maintaining productivity.
• Matra Bali
• Mesto
• Bali Bustle
• HUB Bali
• CoWork Paradise
All in all, Bali is a dream destination for freelancers who prefer to work beyond the confines of a traditional office. It offers a unique combination of comfort, career opportunity, and natural beauty — all in one place.
And if you're ready to go beyond freelancing and start your own business abroad, Indonesia — with its stable and growing economy — may be the right place. Need expert advice? Our team at Good Luck Group is here to guide you through everything from business registration in Bali to opening a bank account. Contact us — we’ll respond quickly!
