Bali is steadily getting up through the list of top
retirement destinations, successfully competing with traditional countries like
Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama.
It is actually, not a big surprise since with
consistently perfect weather and beautiful beaches, Bali joins dozens of other
beachfront locations that make for great retirement living. According to The
Wall Street Journal, retirees can settle down on the Indonesian island for about
$1,000 a month (not including housing), the expenses which cannot be compared
with the similar retirement style costs in most developed countries.
Beautiful country
Bali, with its lush vegetation, exceptional beaches and
awe inspiring scenery, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Bali’s
attractions include fishing villages featuring black sand beaches, coral reefs
and excellent diving, areas with botanical gardens, an active volcano (Mount
Batur) with great mountain scenery cool temperatures and fruit growing, and
hiking, cycling and bird-watching at various locations.
Bali is renowned for its diverse and sophisticated art
forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing
arts. Balinese percussion orchestra music, known as gamelan, is highly
developed and varied. Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu
epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence. There are an
estimated 20,000 temples on the island, each of which holds festivals at least
twice yearly. The large island-wide festivals are determined by two local
calendars.
How much does it
cost to live in Bali?
Accommodation:
Rented accommodation is available from around $7000 a year upwards. The cost is
dependent on the location, size of property and facilities. You should expect
to budget $10-12,000 a year. Long term rentals are paid yearly in advance, some
landlords ask for longer terms. If you purchase you own property then your
outgoings is greatly reduced and you have the advantage of an asset which is
continually growing.
Utilities: For
a typical small house you would only need around $30-50 a month for electricity
and water, without air conditioning. Depending on usage an A/C will cost around
another $50 a month. Broadband internet access costs from $30 a month.
Living: Well
how do you want to live here? You can eat well on just $2-300 a month, or even
less if you cook fresh from the market. If you eat out every day and spend your
nights in a bar then you could still only need $1000 a month for food and
drink.
Entertainment:
Entertainment can be had every day, with a walk on the beach or through the rice
fields. Watch the children learning to dance in the Local Banjar or sit back
and watch the garden grow.
Legal: You
will need around $700 a year for your retirement visa and will be expected to
pay a small contribution to the local banjar, typically $10 a month.
Troubles
The trouble with any idyllic retirement paradise,
including Bali, is that it can become too popular. Tourists, in particular, can
swamp the infrastructure. For example, many of Bali's problems - water
shortages, frequent electricity blackouts, dodgy phone and internet
connections, poor sewage facilities, traffic congestion - have increased in
step with the booming tourism sector.
To address these issues, the government has established a
program to establish up to 16 accredited and international-standard retirement
communities around the island, away from the tourist hubs, based on the success
of radical retirement communities Bali.
Medical care, another potential trouble for retirees and
elderly, is substandard when compared with the USA, but the signs of good
medical facilities are starting to appear. Some retirees typically have evacuation
insurance to a country chosen by their insurer, typically Singapore or
Australia.
Terrorism
While there is no Safe Heaven in the modern World, while
looking for Bali as retirement (or even travel) destination, you have to be
aware on the particular threat of the terrorist acts. Tourist safety in Bali
has been of special concern in the wake of terrorist bombings that targeted
foreigners in 2002 (more than 200 killed) and 2005 (20 killed and more than 100
injured). Authorities implicated members of the radical group Jemaah Islamiyah
in most of the attacks. The U.S. State Department designated Jemaah Islamiyah a
foreign terrorist group in October 2002, and suspects it of having ties to Al
Qaeda, a worldwide terrorist organization that frequently proclaims its hatred
for Americans and their allies.
Crime
Most travel sites assure that Bali is a safe destination,
relatively free of violence. Petty thefts and pickpocketings, however, can be
problematic.
Retirement visa for Bali Indonesia
To be eligible for a visa for retirement you must:
- Be 55 years or older.
- Have no intention to work in Indonesia.
- Be in good health and character.
- Your Passport needs to be valid for at least 18 months.
- You will be a citizen of one of the following countries.
* Austria
* Bahrain
* Belgium
* Brazil
* Brunei Darusalam
* Bulgaria
* Canada
* Cyprus
* Denmark
* Egypt
* Estonia
* Finland
* France
* German
* Greece
* Hungary
* India
* Iran
* Ireland
* Italy
* Japan
* Kuwait
* Liechtenstein
* Luxemburg
* Malaysia
* Maldives
* Malta
* Monaco
* Netherlands
* New Zealand
* Norway
* Oman
* Philippines
* Poland
* Portugal
* Qatar
* Russia
* Saudi Arabia
* Singapore
* Spain
* South Africa
* South Korea
* Sweden
* Switzerland
* Taiwan
* Thailand
* United Arab Emirate
* United Kingdom
* USA
If your application is approved, you will be allowed to
come to Indonesia initially for one year and your visa can be extended every
year to a total of 5 years. Then you can apply for a permanent stay permit (KITAP).
Requirements and required documents
- Copy of your passport and/or travel documents which are valid for at least 18 months.
- Statement from Pension Fund Foundation or Bank from the country of origin (or Indonesia) of funds available, minimum of US$1,500 per month, to provide the applicant living expenses during the proposed stay in Indonesia (Total US$18,000 per year).
- Proof of medical/health Insurance, life insurance, and third-party personal liability insurance in country of origin or Indonesia.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Any applicant whose spouse wishes to apply for a Limited Stay permit Visa for elderly tourists must provide a copy of their marriage certificate.
- A personal Guarantee Letter, stating: To live in the provided and agreed accommodation in Indonesia (Bali in particular) with proof of receipt or through renting proof of rental agreement. The mentioned accommodation must be located at an authorized tourist area and in accordance with the prevailing regulations. Minimum cost of US$35,000 if purchased house/apartment or, a minimum rental cost of US$500/month in Jakarta, Bandung, and Bali; US$300/month for other cities in Java Island, Batam, and Medan, and other cities a minimum US$ 200/month.) in the tourist areas according to the regulations.
- Employment Letter - Affidavit. You must employ at least one Indonesian citizen for assistance kind of work, such as nursing, housekeeping or any other kind of assistance during your stay in Indonesia. In that regard, you must submit a letter stating that you are currently employing or intend to employ an Indonesian assistant.
- Payment of Immigration Fee based on effective regulations.
- Sponsor letter from the appointed travel agency, costs to be paid by applicant.
- Photographs sized 4 x 6 cm - 10 pieces , 3 x 4 cm - 4 pieces, 2 x 3 cm - 4 pieces (Red Background).
Sources and
Additional Information:
