Is Bali a Good Place to Live as a Foreigner? A Closer Look for Investors

Bali has long been a magnet for tourists, but in recent years, it’s also attracted a new wave of long-term residents—from digital nomads and entrepreneurs to families and retirees. For investors considering buying a home on the island, the natural next question is: What’s it really like to live in Bali?

Let's take a quick tour across beautiful Bali and explore the lifestyle, work scene and whether it's a place you could truly call home.

A Lifestyle That Delivers

Bali offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Think warm climate, affordable cost of living, a laid-back pace, and easy access to nature and wellness. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can surf in the morning, take client calls froma beachfront café, and join a yoga class at sunset—all in the same day.

Key lifestyle perks for expats:

• Low living costs: Daily expenses are often far lower than in Western countries. Dining out, hiring staff, and private schooling are all relatively affordable.

• Thriving wellness scene: From organic food to world-renowned retreats, Bali is a global hub for health-conscious living.

• Modern amenities: International supermarkets, co-working hubs, high-speed internet, and private hospitals make it easy to live comfortably long term.

If your goal is to combine investment returns with an enviable lifestyle, Bali makes a compelling case.

Work and Business Opportunities

While Bali is not a traditional job market for foreigners, there are still plenty of work and income opportunities—particularly for those who are self-employed or own online businesses.

Top work trends among expats:

• Remote work: Bali is a remote work haven. With great internet connectivity and a strong digital nomad community, it’s ideal for tech professionals, consultants, and creatives.

• Entrepreneurship: Many foreigners launch small businesses in hospitality, wellness, fashion, or e-commerce. Note: You’ll need the right legal structure and permits to operate.

• Real estate and rentals: Investing in property for rental income is one of the most popular strategies for foreign residents, especially in high-demand areas like Canggu and Uluwatu.

If you're not tied to a traditional job and have an entrepreneurial mindset, Bali offers freedom, flexibility, and access to a growing market of both tourists and long-term expats.

The Expat Community and Social Life

Bali is home to a large and supportive expat community. Whether you're single, moving with a partner, or relocating with kids, there’s a strong network of like-minded people who’ve made the same leap. You'll find:

• International schools with global curriculums

• Expat-run networking events and business meetups

• Support groups, sports clubs, and language exchange programs

Many investors find that once they move, they quickly become part of a welcoming and collaborative scene—especially in areas like Ubud, Sanur, and the Bukit Peninsula.

What About the Challenges?

No destination is perfect. Living in Bali does come with trade-offs:

• Visas and legalities: You’ll need to understand the visa options available, especially if you’re planning to stay long term or work on the island.

• Healthcare: While there are private hospitals and clinics, some residents choose to travel to Singapore or Australia for more serious procedures.

• Infrastructure outside main hubs: In some rural areas, roads, internet, and utilities can be less reliable—though this is changing quickly with new developments.

These aren’t deal-breakers, but they are important factors to consider before making the move.

Is Bali right for you?

If you’re an investor looking for both financial returns and a high-quality lifestyle, Bali is worth serious consideration. The cost of entry is still relatively low compared to other global destinations, rental yields remain strong, and the lifestyle benefits are significant.

That said, moving to Bali works best for those who are flexible, proactive, and open to navigating a new culture. If you can combine a strong investment strategy with a lifestyle-driven mindset, Bali might just be the ideal next chapter.

Looking for Bali investment opportunities?

If you want to explore Bali investment properties, we can help you. APW Group was founded by expats, for expats; building upon over 30 years of experience in property and fixed income investments.

Our team brings real, on-the-ground experience in Thailand’s property market, guiding you through everything from discovering the perfect home to securing visas and navigating local laws with confidence. We have helped over 6,000 expats progress their property portfolio in cities all over the world, including Phuket, Bali, Dubai and the UK, just to name a few.

For those aiming to build a resilient portfolio, Bali offers a thoughtful opportunity for future growth.

Looking for your entry point into the Bali market? Get in touch today.