Information, not advice: Second Home Visa Indonesia is an independent editorial guide — not the Government of Indonesia, not the Directorate General of Immigration, and not a law firm or licensed adviser. The Second Home Visa is a non-working visa; the IDR 2 billion deposit is IDR-set and FX-exposed, rules change by regulation, and figures are "last verified June 2026" — confirm at the e-Visa portal (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) and with licensed Indonesian immigration/tax counsel before acting. We never promise approval. If you engage a partner we introduce, that partner may pay us a referral fee at no cost to you.
The best place to live in Bali on Second Home Visa depends on what you value most: surf and social life (Canggu), calm and culture (Ubud), or ocean views and quiet (Uluwatu and the Bukit). This guide compares the main areas through a Second Home Visa lens: minimum stay, deposit rules, work limits, schooling, and cost-of-living trade‑offs.
Quick definition: what the Second Home Visa is (and isn’t)
Indonesia’s Second Home Visa is a long-stay residency option created by Permenkumham 22/2022 and implemented via Circular IMI-0740.GR.01.01/2022. It is aimed at foreign nationals with significant funds who want to base themselves in Indonesia for up to 10 years without working onshore.
- Official name
- Second Home Visa / Second Home ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas)
- Key legal basis
- Permenkumham No. 22 Tahun 2022; Circular IMI-0740.GR.01.01/2022
- Deposit requirement
- IDR 2,000,000,000 (two billion rupiah) in an Indonesian bank [amount introduced October 2022; VERIFY current figure before applying]
- Duration
- Commonly 5 or 10 years (exact options depend on current regulation and practice at time of application)
- Main purpose
- Long-stay living, not working; suitable for retirees, asset holders, location‑independent earners
- Work rights
- No right to work for an Indonesian employer or receive Indonesia‑sourced salary on this visa
- Family
- Spouse and children can usually be processed as dependants if requirements are met
This page is information, not advice. Regulations shift; we track legal sources and practical interpretations, but immigration officers retain discretion and no one can promise approval.
How the Second Home Visa shapes where to live in Bali
Before comparing Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu, it helps to map the visa rules to daily life. The Second Home Visa changes how you think about location compared with a 60‑day tourist visa.
Deposit and time horizon
- You must place at least IDR 2 billion in an Indonesian bank as proof of funds (rule introduced October 2022; VERIFY before you apply, as the government has floated tweaks more than once).
- This pushes you to think in 5‑10 year horizons, not “I’ll try Bali for a month”. Long leases and infrastructure (schools, medical, internet) matter more than short‑term vibe.
No work rights: live where you can sustain yourself
- You cannot legally work for an Indonesian employer or invoice Indonesia‑based clients under a Second Home Visa.
- Remote work for foreign clients is still a grey area; tax and PE (permanent establishment) rules apply. Speak to a tax adviser; this page only flags issues.
- That makes stable offshore income or savings essential and pushes many holders toward areas with strong internet and international services.
Tax residency and “where you actually live”
- Stay in Indonesia for more than 183 days in 12 months and you are generally tax resident under Indonesian law.
- Tax residency is not area‑specific, but where you live (Canggu vs Ubud) will shape housing costs and the advisers you can access.
- Indonesia is rolling out a territorial‑style regime for some foreign‑sourced income; the detail and implementing rules have been evolving. Treat any tax “hack” videos with caution.
If you’d like help matching areas to your actual stay pattern, you can plan your trip with our team via email or WhatsApp; we work with vetted immigration and tax partners, and no one can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
Best places to live in Bali on Second Home Visa: the shortlist
Most Second Home Visa holders who choose Bali cluster in a few corridors:
- Canggu–Berawa–Pererenan: social, surf, co‑working, schools.
- Ubud: cooler temperature, culture, quieter long‑stay scene.
- Uluwatu and the wider Bukit: cliffs, waves, lower density.
- Sanur: older, calmer; popular with retirees and families.
- Seminyak / Kerobokan fringes: central but less party‑driven than core Canggu.
Below, “where to live Bali Second Home Visa” is unpacked area by area, with a focus on how each spot fits the visa’s trade‑offs.
Canggu on a Second Home Visa: convenient, crowded, expensive
For many long‑stayers, Canggu is the default answer to “best place to live in Bali on Second Home Visa.” It isn’t the only answer, but it is the most obvious starting point for digital‑age residents.
Canggu profile
- Who it suits: remote workers with foreign income, entrepreneurs with offshore structures, families wanting international schools nearby.
- Vibe: high density, cafés, gyms, co‑working, active nightlife.
- Housing: villa and townhouse dominated; many new builds targeted at foreigners.
Canggu, Berawa, Pererenan: key trade‑offs
For the specific phrase canggu ubud uluwatu second home visa, Canggu usually wins on infrastructure but loses on space and calm.
- Pros:
- Strong internet coverage and many co‑working spaces.
- Good access to schools (Canggu School, international curricula in the wider area).
- Easy peer group for long‑term foreigners; less social isolation.
- Many agents, notaries and tax consultants operate nearby.
- Cons:
- Traffic can be intense; commute times are unpredictable.
- Noise: cafés, bikes, construction, nightlife.
- Cost: leases here tend to be higher than Ubud or Sanur for equivalent quality.
- Rapid development; “rice field view” can translate to “future construction site”.
Canggu and the Second Home rules
How the visa and the area interact:
- No work rights: many residents in Canggu operate as remote workers for overseas entities. That may fit the letter of the rule if income is foreign‑sourced and you do not have an Indonesian employer, but tax treatment is complex. The visa itself does not convert this into authorised work.
- Housing and leases: multi‑year leases are common. A Second Home Visa horizon (5‑10 years) can match well with 3‑5 year lease negotiations, but be cautious: land certificates, zoning (IMB/PBG), and banjar expectations vary by street.
- Cost of living: higher rent and consumption costs make sense only if your offshore income is predictable. Remember you cannot legally supplement income with local employment.
Ubud on a Second Home Visa: calmer, cooler, more local
Ubud is often the second answer to “best place to live in Bali on Second Home Visa”: greener, quieter (in most neighbourhoods) and slightly cooler.
Ubud profile
- Who it suits: semi‑retirees, writers, wellness‑focused residents, families who prefer a smaller town feel.
- Vibe: cultural, arts‑oriented, yoga and wellness, calmer at night outside main streets.
- Housing: mix of villas, compound rooms, and houses with rice field or jungle outlooks; more variety than pure villa belts.
Ubud trade‑offs for Second Home holders
- Pros:
- Generally lower rents than Canggu for similar size (last verified June 2026, always shop around).
- More options to live in or near Balinese communities.
- Quieter pace, which can suit retirees or those staying for years.
- Reasonable access to clinics and hospitals via Gianyar and Denpasar, though not as immediate as South Bali.
- Cons:
- Fewer large international schools close by (some are within driving range, but daily commute times can be long).
- Internet quality is area‑specific; check fibre availability before signing a multi‑year lease.
- Fewer large co‑working hubs than Canggu; more cafés and smaller spaces.
Ubud and the visa: practical angles
- Long‑term leases in Ubud can be better value over a 5‑10 year stay, especially slightly out of the centre (Penestanan, Mas, Kedewatan, etc.).
- Community integration is easier if you learn a little Bahasa Indonesia and respect local temple and banjar activities; this has no direct immigration impact but helps avoid friction.
- Cost profile can be friendlier to fixed‑income retirees placing the required IDR 2bn deposit than Canggu’s “always out” lifestyle.
Uluwatu & the Bukit on a Second Home Visa: space and surf
The third piece of the canggu ubud uluwatu second home visa triangle is Uluwatu and the surrounding Bukit peninsula (Bingin, Balangan, Ungasan, etc.). It attracts long‑stay surfers and those who want more space.
Uluwatu profile
- Who it suits: surf‑focused residents, semi‑retirees, couples without young children, some remote workers who do not need daily co‑working culture.
- Vibe: more spread‑out; pockets of cafés and warungs; early mornings and early nights in many areas.
- Housing: villas, guesthouses and cliff‑area properties; price depends heavily on view and beach access.
Uluwatu trade‑offs for Second Home holders
- Pros:
- More space and, in many spots, better odds of quieter nights.
- Better access to some of Bali’s famous surf breaks.
- Many long‑stay foreigners already present, so services and shops cater to them.
- Cons:
- Public infrastructure is patchier in some pockets; always check access roads and drainage before committing.
- Traffic at peak hours on the main hill roads can still be heavy.
- Fewer big international schools directly on the Bukit; daily drives to Denpasar area schools can be long for families.
Uluwatu and Second Home specific concerns
- Zoning: cliff and near‑cliff land can carry more complex zoning and building history; engage a notary and surveyor before signing long leases.
- Emergency access: consider distance to hospitals and route quality; this matters more as you age into your Second Home stay.
- Long leases and resale value: some long‑term holders sub‑lease or transfer rights informally; remember that visa status and lease status are separate; immigration approval is never guaranteed.
Sanur & East Denpasar: practical for retirees and families
Sanur is frequently mentioned in private retiree forums as the best place to live in Bali on Second Home Visa, even though it appears less often in social media reels.
Sanur profile
- Who it suits: retirees, families with young children, people prioritising flat walking paths and easy sea access over nightlife.
- Vibe: early‑morning beach walks, calmer streets, long‑term expat community.
- Housing: mix of older villas, houses in local neighbourhoods, and some new developments.
Sanur trade‑offs for Second Home Visa residents
- Pros:
- Closer to hospitals and clinics in Denpasar.
- Flat seafront paths are easier for older residents.
- Good base for East Bali trips and Nusa Penida/Lembongan access (no need to cross half the island before every boat).
- Cons:
- Social scene is more subdued; this is a benefit for some, drawback for others.
- Fewer trendy co‑working hubs than Canggu; remote workers often use cafés or home offices.
Seminyak, Kerobokan & the “in‑between” areas
Some Second Home Visa holders settle on the fringes of Seminyak and Kerobokan or the edges of Canggu to balance access with calmer backstreets.
- Pros:
- Central location for meeting people from different parts of the island.
- Access to shops, restaurants and services without always being in peak traffic corridors.
- Cons:
- Need to research street by street: one alley can be calm, another dominated by short‑term party rentals.
Comparison: Canggu vs Ubud vs Uluwatu vs Sanur for Second Home Visa
| Factor | Canggu area | Ubud area | Uluwatu / Bukit | Sanur |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical resident profile | Remote workers, younger families | Retirees, creatives, wellness‑focused | Surfers, couples, semi‑retirees | Retirees, families wanting calm |
| Housing cost vs rest of Bali (broad) | High | Medium | Medium–High (view‑dependent) | Medium |
| Noise & traffic | High | Medium (low in outer areas) | Medium | Low–Medium |
| International schools access | Strong nearby options | Moderate (drive to schools) | Moderate (drive to Denpasar area) | Moderate |
| Hospitals / medical access | Good, via Denpasar and South Bali | Moderate (drive to Gianyar/Denpasar) | Moderate (drive to Jimbaran/Denpasar) | Very good (close to Denpasar) |
| Co‑working & business services | Very strong | Moderate | Limited but improving | Moderate |
| Fit for 10‑year horizon | Great if you accept crowding and cost | Great if you like quieter, greener living | Great if surf and space are your priority | Strong for retirees and families |
Non‑negotiables: visa rules that do not change by area
Some rules apply regardless of where you live in Bali.
Deposit and financial requirement
- The IDR 2,000,000,000 bank deposit (as introduced in October 2022) is national, not regional. An address in Ubud does not lower it; a villa in Canggu does not raise it. Always VERIFY the up‑to‑date figure and acceptable proof type before preparing funds; regulations can be revised.
- Funds are usually placed in an Indonesian bank under your name; the exact conditions (blocked vs flexible) depend on current circulars and bank policy.
No work rights on any part of the island
- There is no area in Bali where the Second Home Visa quietly “allows” local work. The rule is national: no employment with Indonesian entities on this stay permit.
- Projects such as opening a café, running a yoga studio, or operating a guesthouse typically require a different structure (company plus work permit / Investor KITAS, etc.).
Tax and reporting
- If you are present in Indonesia over the tax residency threshold, staying in Canggu vs Ubud does not change the core question: how your foreign income and assets are reported.
- Indonesia has been adjusting its tax treatment for foreign‑sourced income; the situation as of 2024–2026 has been in flux. Speak to a qualified adviser who follows Indonesian tax law and implementing regulations, not just general “expat tax tips”.
How to choose: questions to ask before you pick an area
Some prompts grounded in the realities of a Second Home Visa:
1. How long do you genuinely expect to stay?
- If your horizon is 2–3 years, a denser area like Canggu or Seminyak can work, even if you eventually tire of the traffic.
- If you are planning to age in place over 10+ years, access to hospitals, flat walking routes and reliable services arguably matter more than the latest café.
2. Do you have school‑age children?
- Map actual school options and travel times at 7–8am from your shortlisted neighbourhoods.
- A “10‑minute drive” on a map can be 30+ minutes in high season realities.
3. How sensitive are you to noise and crowding?
- If you are sensitive to noise, many central Canggu streets will be challenging for a 5‑10 year stay.
- In Ubud or Sanur, you can still land in noisy pockets (roosters, ceremonies, passing trucks), but you have better odds of finding a more predictable baseline.
4. What is your income structure?
- Pure offshore income with no Indonesian customers gives you more flexibility to live in Ubud or the Bukit without needing daily access to business hubs.
- If your offshore business requires frequent in‑person meetings or co‑working collaboration, Canggu and Seminyak remain more practical.
If you want a neutral sounding board on Canggu vs Ubud vs Uluwatu for your specific pattern (single, family, retiree, business owner), you can plan your trip with us via WhatsApp or email; no one can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
Second Home Visa basics (Bali‑specific edition)
Eligibility snapshot
- Non‑Indonesian citizen.
- Proof of funds as required by current regulation (IDR 2bn deposit per 2022 rules; VERIFY before planning).
- Valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages.
- Intention to stay long‑term in Indonesia (Bali address is common but not mandatory).
Application flow (high level)
- Prepare documents: passport, proof of funds, bank confirmation, photos, and other items as per the latest Directorate General of Immigration guidance.
- Submit application online or through a representative, paying the applicable visa fee.
- If approved, receive an e‑visa, enter Indonesia and convert to a Second Home ITAS at the local immigration office linked to your registered address.
- Report to local authorities (RT/RW/banjar) as required; some areas handle this more formally than others.
Processing times and required documents shift with each circular; we track them, but only the Directorate General of Immigration can decide the outcome for each file.
Renewal and exit
- Renewal terms depend on the latest regulations at the time your stay period ends; the IDR 2bn deposit requirement may be reassessed during renewals if rules change.
- If you leave Indonesia permanently, you are expected to process an Exit Permit Only (EPO) or equivalent to close your stay permit formally.
Independence and how we work
Second Home Visa Indonesia is an independent information project focusing on long‑stay options in Indonesia. We read and cite the primary regulations (Permen, PP, and Circulars) in Bahasa Indonesia, then translate the implications into plain English and plain Bahasa Indonesia where useful.
We do not offer immigration or tax services ourselves. Instead, we maintain a list of vetted partners in those fields. Our editorial line is separate from commercial arrangements: no one can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
If you are ready to start scoping an application and want area‑specific intel for Bali, you can plan your trip with us and we can introduce you to suitable practitioners via WhatsApp or email.
FAQs: Best place to live in Bali on Second Home Visa
Is Canggu or Ubud better for a Second Home Visa holder?
Canggu is usually better for remote workers needing co‑working spaces, international schools and a busy social life. Ubud tends to suit retirees, writers and wellness‑focused residents who prefer a quieter pace and slightly lower housing costs. The visa rules (deposit, no work rights) are the same in both.
Can I work remotely from Bali on a Second Home Visa?
The Second Home Visa does not grant permission to work for an Indonesian employer or receive Indonesia‑sourced salary. Many holders do remote work for foreign entities, but tax residency and permanent establishment rules can still apply. You should consult a tax adviser about your specific structure.
Does living in Uluwatu make the Second Home Visa cheaper?
No. The visa fees and the IDR 2bn deposit requirement (introduced in October 2022 and subject to change) are national, not regional. Living in Uluwatu may reduce your rent compared with some parts of Canggu, but it does not alter the core immigration requirements.
Which part of Bali is best for retirees on a Second Home Visa?
Many retirees prefer Sanur, Ubud outskirts or quieter pockets of the Bukit due to calmer streets, access to medical facilities and lower noise levels. The “best” area depends on your health, budget and lifestyle; the visa rules are the same across the island.
Can my Second Home Visa be refused based on the Bali area I choose?
Visa decisions are based on national immigration rules and your individual file, not on whether you pick Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu or Sanur. However, after arrival you must register your address and follow local administrative steps; ignoring local procedures can create practical issues even if the visa itself was approved.