Author Archives: Bali Legals

Bali Legals provides comprehensive legal assistance in Bali, for both locals and expatriates. Our services cater to a wide range of legal needs, from handling immigration and property matters to assisting with business registration and disputes. Here’s an overview of how Bali Legals can help you:

1. Immigration Services

• Visa Assistance: Bali Legals can help navigate Indonesia’s complex visa system, including tourist visas, business visas, social-culture visas, and long-term residency options (KITAS & KITAP). We can also assist with visa extensions, renewals, and applications for work permits.
• Work Permits (IMTA): For those looking to live and work in Bali, we provide expert advice on obtaining the necessary permits to legally work in the country.
• Expatriate Residency: Bali Legals assists expatriates in obtaining permanent residency or long-term stays in Bali, ensuring compliance with Indonesian immigration laws.

2. Property and Real Estate

• Property Purchase & Lease: Foreigners can often face challenges when trying to purchase or lease property in Bali due to restrictions on land ownership. Bali Legals can guide you through the legal framework, offering services related to leasehold agreements, structuring property ownership, and creating legally sound contracts.
• Property Investment and Development: For those looking to invest in real estate, Bali Legals provides legal due diligence, assistance in the structuring of investment agreements, and ensures all property transactions comply with Indonesian law.
• Dispute Resolution: In case of disputes related to property, such as issues with contracts or landlords, Bali Legals can represent you and help resolve matters through negotiation or legal proceedings.

3. Business Setup and Corporate Law

• Company Registration: Bali Legals assists foreign investors with registering businesses in Bali. Whether setting up a local PT (Perseroan Terbatas) or a foreign-owned PT PMA (Penanaman Modal Asing), Bali Legals can guide you through the legal processes involved in business incorporation.
• Corporate Compliance: Once your business is established, Bali Legals can help ensure that you meet local regulations, such as tax compliance, employment laws, and environmental regulations.
• Contracts and Agreements: We assist with drafting contracts, including partnership agreements, vendor agreements, and employment contracts, to ensure all parties are legally protected.

4. Legal Dispute Resolution

• Litigation and Arbitration: If you find yourself in a legal dispute—whether it’s related to business, property, or personal matters—Bali Legals can represent you in court or help you resolve issues via alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration or mediation.
• Legal Consultation and Advice: If you’re facing a legal issue or need general legal advice, Bali Legals can provide consultation on how to navigate Indonesian laws, ensuring you’re making informed decisions.

5. Employment Law

• Employment Contracts: Bali Legals can assist businesses in drafting clear and legally sound employment contracts, ensuring that both employer and employee rights are respected.
• Labor Disputes: If conflicts arise between employers and employees, Bali Legals can offer dispute resolution services and represent clients in labour tribunals.

6. Family and Personal Law

• Marriage & Divorce: Bali Legals can assist with matters related to marriage, divorce, and child custody issues in Indonesia, guiding you through the legal process and helping to ensure fair outcomes.
• Wills and Estate Planning: If you’re planning for the future, Bali Legals can help with drafting wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents to ensure your assets are managed according to your wishes.

7. Taxation and Legal Compliance

• Tax Advice: Bali Legals can provide expert advice on Indonesian tax laws, helping expatriates and businesses comply with tax obligations, optimise tax strategies, and navigate any legal complexities regarding tax residency and repatriation of profits.

Why Choose Bali Legals?

• Local Expertise: With deep knowledge of Indonesian law, Bali Legals offers solutions tailored to the unique legal environment in Bali and Indonesia as a whole.
• Multilingual Support: Many of Bali Legals’ staff speak English, Indonesian, and other languages, making communication easier for expatriates and foreign investors.
• Experience with Expats: Bali Legals specialise in assisting foreigners with legal matters in Bali, helping expatriates understand the nuances of Indonesian law and ensuring compliance.

Whether you’re an individual or a business, Bali Legals can provide the guidance and representation you need to navigate the often-complex legal landscape in Bali.

Whether you’re buying property, entering a business partnership, or starting a new venture in Bali, one thing is clear: the rules here aren’t always as straightforward as they seem.

Indonesia’s legal system is unique — and navigating Bali’s local regulations, land laws, and business practices without expert help can put your investments at serious risk.

That’s where Bali Legals’ Due Diligence Services come in.

What Is Due Diligence, and Why Does It Matter in Bali?

Due diligence is the process of thoroughly checking every legal, financial, and regulatory aspect of a potential investment, transaction, or partnership. In Bali, it’s your first and most important line of defense.

From fake land titles to hidden debts in business deals, countless investors have been burned by what they didn’t know.

Bali Legals’ experienced team makes sure you’re not one of them.

How Bali Legals Protects You

Here’s what you can expect from our comprehensive Due Diligence Services:

1. Property Ownership Verification

• Confirm that land or villa titles are genuine and legally transferrable

• Check zoning laws to ensure your intended use is permitted

• Identify any liens, encumbrances, or disputes tied to the property

2. Business & Partnership Checks

• Verify licenses, registrations, and corporate documents

• Investigate financial history and legal standing of local partners

• Flag risks in contracts, share structures, and operating agreements

3. Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure your investment or activity complies with local and national laws

• Assist with proper structuring to avoid future legal issues

• Provide insights into visa, tax, and labor law implications

4. Risk Assessment & Reporting

• Receive a clear, concise report outlining any red flags

• Get practical recommendations on how to proceed — or walk away safely

• Peace of mind knowing you’ve done your homework with a trusted local team

Real Protection for Real People

Bali is a beautiful place to live, invest, and build. But too many foreigners get caught up in deals that look good, but are built on shaky legal ground.

Bali Legals has helped hundreds of clients avoid costly mistakes and feel confident in their decisions. With local expertise, legal know-how, and an unwavering focus on protecting your interests, our team are who you want in your corner.

Ready to Make a Move in Bali?

Before you sign anything, let Bali Legals do the digging.
Protect your investment — and your peace of mind.

To work in Bali, Indonesia, foreign nationals generally need a visa that allows employment. Bali is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads, but working legally in Indonesia requires adhering to the country’s visa and work regulations. Below are the main visa options that allow you to work in Bali:

1. Work Visa (KITAS)

• What it is: The Limited Stay Visa (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas or KITAS) is the standard visa for foreigners intending to work in Indonesia.
• How to get it: This visa is typically sponsored by an Indonesian company that will employ you.
• Types:
  • Standard Work Visa (KITAS): For those who are hired by an Indonesian employer.
  • Temporary Work Visa (Temporary KITAS): For contractors or short-term employment.
  • Investor Visa: If you’re an investor, you can also apply for a KITAS, which allows you to stay and work in Indonesia through your business venture.
• Duration: Usually valid for 6 months to 2 years, and can be extended.
• Application Process: The employer must apply for this visa on your behalf, and it can take a few weeks to process.

2. Business Visa

• What it is: A Business Visa (often a B211A Visa) is for people who intend to enter Indonesia for business purposes (meetings, networking, conferences, etc.) but not for direct employment. This visa does not allow you to be employed by an Indonesian company but is suitable for entrepreneurs, freelancers, or those who want to establish business ties.
• How to get it: Speak with Bali Legals and we can help you with this application.
• Duration: The B211A Business Visa is usually valid for 60 days but can be extended for up to 180 days.
• Limitations: While you can do business activities and attend meetings, you cannot receive a salary or be employed by an Indonesian company.

3. Temporary Stay Visa (Vitas) for Digital Nomads (New Options)

• What it is: Indonesia is beginning to open up to the concept of digital nomads and remote workers through special visas. In late 2023, the Indonesian government began discussing a visa for digital nomads that would allow foreign workers to stay for extended periods while working remotely for foreign companies.
• How to get it: Speak with Bali Legals and we can help you with this application.
• Duration: Typically designed for 1-2 years.
• Limitations: This visa is only for remote work. You cannot engage in employment with an Indonesian company.

4. Social Cultural Visa (B211A)

• What it is: The B211A Social Cultural Visa is often used by individuals who plan to engage in cultural, social, or educational activities in Indonesia. It can also be used for self-sponsored freelancing or work like writing, consulting, etc., but not for direct employment by an Indonesian company.
• Duration: Up to 60 days and extendable in-country for a total of 180 days.
• Limitations: While it allows you to work as a freelancer or engage in other activities, it does not allow you to be employed by an Indonesian company.

5. Investor Visa

• What it is: If you’re planning to invest in a business in Bali, you can apply for an Investor Visa. This visa allows you to run a company and work legally in Indonesia.
• How to get it: You must meet certain investment criteria (usually a minimum amount to be invested in a business). Speak with Bali Legals and we can help you with this application.
• Duration: Typically valid for 1 to 5 years.
• Limitations: You need to create a legitimate business to qualify and prove financial investments.

6. Retirement Visa

• What it is: Though primarily for retirees over 55 years old, the Retirement Visa can also allow individuals to live in Bali. However, this visa does not permit you to work or run a business in Indonesia, though some retirees may work as consultants or do online work under specific conditions.
• How to get it: You must show proof of pension or retirement funds and meet other eligibility criteria. Speak with Bali Legals and we can help you with this application
• Duration: Typically valid for 1 year and can be extended.

Key Notes:

• Freelancing/Remote Work: Some foreign nationals work remotely in Bali while holding a tourist or social visa, but this can be legally gray and not recommended for long-term stays. It’s important to follow the laws and ensure you have the right visa for your activities.
• Tourist Visa: Tourist visas strictly prohibit any work or employment, including remote freelance work for foreign clients. Technically, you cannot work while holding a tourist visa in Bali.

If you plan to stay in Bali for work purposes, it’s important to ensure you have the appropriate visa to avoid legal issues or fines. It’s always advisable to consult with Bali Legals as we specialise in Indonesian immigration law to find the best solution for your specific situation.