JAKARTA. Indonesian government grants 5-year visas for digital nomads and remote workers. In addition, it will be no taxation on foreign-sourced income.
Bali is one of the top destinations for international tourists and digital nomads with beautiful beaches, dynamic nightlife, and exotic culture. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, however, the country closed its borders. The extended global lockdown highly impacted the local economy.
During the last week, COVID infection increased again. As a result, the government decided to keep traveling restrictions for this month. As Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and the Cultural Economy, Sandiaga Uno, said in an interview: “We were targeting the end of July, beginning of August, but we just have to be mindful of where we are in this recent spike (in coronavirus cases).”
COVID Outbreak And 5-Years Visa For Digital Nomads
Official data records the surge of coronavirus infections in the last few weeks. For example, Bali had a rise of about 200 cases daily. The local government would wait for the fall of infections to 30 or 40 per day before reopening.
Indonesian vaccination campaign prioritized Bali. As a result, most people affected recorded mild symptoms. Nearly 71% of the Balinese population is vaccinated with the first dose. The final target of full vaccination for 70% of its population is expected for the end of July.
Because of the uncertainty of cases, domestic travelers need a PCR test to enter the country. Among traditional tourists, the government lures remote workers and digital nomads. With coworking and meetups for remote entrepreneurs, the city is full of attractions for working travelers.
Bali aims to attract digital nomads and remote workers with five-year visas. If the income comes from an Indonesian company, remote workers will be taxed. Otherwise, working for an international company will mean a tax-free stay for five years.
