Retiring in Bali as a Foreigner: Visas, Healthcare, and Where to Live

October 30, 2026

Retirement home in Bali with garden and pool

Bali is a popular retirement destination for foreigners thanks to its climate, lower cost of living, and strong expat community. Retiring there is workable, but it comes with practical requirements around visas, healthcare, and housing that are worth understanding before you commit. This guide covers the essentials.

Visas for Retirees

Indonesia offers a retirement-type stay permit for older foreigners who meet age, income or savings, and insurance requirements, and it requires a sponsor and periodic renewal. Other long-stay options exist for people who do not meet those criteria. Requirements, age thresholds, and financial minimums change, so confirm current rules with an immigration adviser or the official source before planning. Our guide to KITAS and visa options explains how visa status connects to property ownership.

Healthcare

Bali has private hospitals and clinics that serve expats well for routine and many specialist needs, mainly in the south and around Denpasar, Sanur, and Ubud. For serious or complex conditions, many retirees plan for evacuation or treatment abroad. Good international health insurance is essential, and a retirement visa typically requires it anyway. Check coverage for pre-existing conditions, hospital networks, and medical evacuation. Consider access to a hospital when choosing where to live, which favors areas like Sanur.

Cost of Living

Day-to-day costs can be lower than in many Western countries, especially for local food, services, and domestic help, while imported goods, international schooling, and quality healthcare can be expensive. Housing is the biggest variable, driven by area and whether you rent or buy. Build a realistic monthly budget with a buffer rather than assuming everything is cheap.

Where to Live

Sanur: calm, flat, walkable, with good services and healthcare, popular with retirees.
Ubud: green, cultural, and community-oriented, with a wellness focus. See buying property in Ubud.
Canggu and the south: lively and social, with more traffic and noise.
Uluwatu and the Bukit: dramatic coastline and views, but more remote from hospitals.

Rent First, Then Decide

Retirees often do best renting for six to twelve months before buying. This lets you test the area, seasons, healthcare, and your own preferences. When you do buy, check the structure carefully: leasehold, Hak Pakai, or a company route each affect what you can leave to heirs. See leasehold clauses, PT PMA vs Personal Name, and inheritance for foreign owners.

Practical Tips

Choose single-level or accessible housing; many villas have stairs, uneven paths, and slippery tiles.
Check road access and distance to medical care, especially in rural areas.
Arrange insurance for both health and property; see Bali property insurance.
Have a will that covers your Indonesian assets.
Do thorough due diligence on any property; see land due diligence.

Bottom Line

Retiring in Bali can be rewarding if you plan for visas, healthcare, and housing in advance and keep your options flexible at first. Take professional advice on immigration, tax, and legal matters, since rules change and individual situations differ.