You have decided to build your startup from Bali. Great choice. But deciding to move and actually getting set up are two different things.

This guide walks you through the practical steps. No fluff. No inspirational quotes. Just what you need to know.

Step 1: Get Your Visa Sorted

Indonesia offers several visa options for remote workers.

B211A Social/Business Visa is the most common choice. It gives you 60 days with extensions up to 6 months. You can apply through an agent before you arrive. Cost is around $250 to $350 total including extensions.

Digital Nomad Visa is a newer option still rolling out. It targets remote workers and offers longer stays with simpler renewals. Check the latest requirements before you apply.

Tourist visa on arrival gives you 30 days (extendable to 60). Fine for a scouting trip, but too short for serious work.

Important: Do not work on a tourist visa long-term. Get the right visa from the start.

Step 2: Set Up Your Banking

Indonesian banks require a KITAS (temporary stay permit) to open a local account. Most founders use a combination of international tools instead.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) works well for multi-currency transactions. Revolut gives you an international card that works at most ATMs. For local payments, GoPay and OVO handle most day-to-day transactions.

ATMs are everywhere in Canggu and Ubud. Withdraw Indonesian Rupiah as needed. Keep a backup card from a different bank in case one gets blocked.

Step 3: Find Your Workspace

You have three main options in Bali.

Coworking spaces give you fast internet, AC, and community. Expect to pay $150 to $300 per month for a hot desk. Check out our coworking guide for specific recommendations.

Villa with home office works if you prefer working alone. Many villas come with a dedicated workspace. Budget $800 to $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom with a pool and work area.

Cafe hopping is popular but unreliable. WiFi quality varies. Power outlets are scarce. Use cafes for a change of scenery, not as your main setup.

Step 4: Build Your Network

Your network in Bali determines your speed. The right connection can save you months of work.

Attend founder events. Silicon Bali hosts weekly events including founder dinners, skill-sharing workshops, and casual meetups. These are small enough for real conversation.

Join online groups before you arrive. Facebook groups, Slack channels, and WhatsApp groups for Bali founders are active and helpful. Ask questions. Introduce yourself. People here are generous with their time.

Say yes to everything in your first month. Accept every invite, attend every event, and talk to everyone. You can be selective later. In the beginning, your job is to meet people.

Step 5: Incorporate Your Business

Most founders do not incorporate in Indonesia. The process is slow, expensive, and unnecessary unless you hire local employees or need a local entity.

Better options:

• US LLC (Delaware or Wyoming) for global SaaS businesses
• Singapore PTE LTD if you target the Asian market
• Estonia e-Residency for EU-focused digital businesses

Use a service like Stripe Atlas, Firstbase, or a local agent in your target country. Keep your corporate structure simple at the start.

Step 6: Hire Smart

Bali has a growing pool of local talent in design, development, and marketing. Salaries are significantly lower than Western rates, but quality varies.

For local hires: use LinkedIn, Glints, or local job boards. Expect to pay $500 to $1,500 per month for junior to mid-level roles. Senior roles command $2,000+.

For remote hires: platforms like Upwork and Toptal work from Bali the same as anywhere else. Your lower cost of living means you can offer competitive global rates while keeping your burn low.

Step 7: Stay Healthy and Productive

Bali makes it easy to stay active, but the heat and social scene can drain you if you are not careful.

Drink water constantly. The humidity will dehydrate you faster than you expect. Get a gym membership or surf regularly. Physical activity is the best productivity hack on the island. Set boundaries with your social calendar. Bali has something happening every night. You do not need to attend all of it.

Ready to Start?

The best founders in Bali share one trait: they showed up and started building. The logistics are simpler than you think. The community is more helpful than you expect.

Join Silicon Bali to connect with founders who have already figured out the hard parts. Skip the learning curve and start building.