Bali isn’t just a holiday destination anymore — thousands of foreigners now call it home, either fully or part-time. If you’re dreaming of swapping your current life for island living, you’ll need a legal way to stay long-term. That almost always means a job (or your own company) that can sponsor the correct visa and work permit (KITAS). Here’s an up-to-date look at the most realistic and in-demand jobs for foreigners in Bali right now.
1. Dive Instructor / Dive Master
Bali remains one of the world’s top diving destinations (Tulamben, Amed, Nusa Penida, Gili islands nearby). PADI, SSI and other dive centres are constantly hiring certified instructors who can teach in English. Requirements: Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) or higher, good people skills, valid insurance and work permit sponsorship (usually provided by the dive centre). Average pay: US$1,200 – US$3,000/month + commissions and tips.
2. English & Foreign Language Teachers
Demand is still extremely high, especially in Canggu, Ubud, Sanur and the Bukit. International schools, language centres and private kindergartens all need native or near-native speakers. Best-paid: IB/international schools (US$2,500 – US$5,000+/month + housing). Language centres & public-school programmes: US$1,200 – US$2,200/month. Note: A TEFL/CELTA and bachelor’s degree are usually required for a proper work permit.
3. Hospitality & Villa Management
Five-star resorts (Four Seasons, St. Regis, Mandapa, Apurva Kempinski, etc.) and hundreds of luxury private villas regularly recruit experienced foreigners for roles such as:
- General Manager / Villa Manager
- Executive Chef & F&B Manager
- Guest Experience / Butler teams
- Spa Manager These positions almost always come with KITAS sponsorship and salaries from US$2,500 up to US$10,000+/month for senior roles.
4. Yoga & Wellness Professionals
Ubud and Canggu are global yoga capitals. Studios and retreat centres (The Yoga Barn, The Practice, Desa Seni, Como Shambhala, etc.) hire:
- Certified yoga instructors (RYT-200/500)
- Breathwork facilitators
- Sound healers & retreat leaders Many of these jobs are seasonal or freelance at first, but established centres do sponsor KITAS for senior teachers. Pay ranges from US$1,500 – US$4,000/month plus free accommodation/meals during retreats.
5. Digital Nomad → Legitimate Remote-Friendly Roles That Sponsor KITAS
The classic “digital nomad on B211A or second-home visa” route is getting harder in 2025. More foreigners are moving into roles that companies can actually sponsor:
- UX/UI Designers
- Senior Full-Stack Developers
- Digital Marketing Managers
- Tech Project Managers Bali now has a growing number of tech start-ups and remote-first companies (mostly founded by expats themselves) that can set up a PT PMA company and sponsor you legally. Salaries US$3,000 – US$8,000+/month.
6. Construction & Project Management
The island is still in a construction boom (new hotels, villas, beach clubs, airports upgrades). Experienced civil engineers, architects and project managers with international experience are in high demand by large developers. These roles pay very well (US$4,000 – US$12,000+/month) and almost always include KITAS.
7. Creative Industries (Photographers, Videographers, DJs, Musicians)
High-end weddings, villa photoshoots, restaurants and beach clubs need constant content. Top wedding photographers and videographers easily earn US$5,000–15,000 per month during peak season. Many work freelance at first, then set up their own PT PMA company for long-term stay.
8. Healthcare Professionals
International clinics (BIMC, Siloam, BIMC Nusa Dua) and upcoming hospitals hire:
- Doctors (GP, dermatologists, aesthetic doctors)
- Nurses (especially ICU/ER)
- Physiotherapists & sports rehab specialists These roles pay extremely well by local standards and sponsorship is straightforward.
9. Start or Join Your Own Company (The “Digital Nomad Exit Strategy”)
The most common legal long-term solution in 2025 is still setting up (or being employed by) a foreign-owned company (PT PMA). Popular sectors:
- IT consultancy & software development
- Import-export (furniture, fashion, health products)
- F&B (cafés, restaurants, cloud kitchens)
- Tourism-related services Minimum paid-up capital is now higher than before, but many expats pool resources or use investor KITAS routes.
Key Things to Know Before You Move
- Never work on a tourist visa or B211A — fines, deportation and 5–10 year re-entry bans are now common.
- Almost all legitimate jobs above will sponsor your KITAS/IMTA work permit.
- Start the job hunt before you arrive — it’s much easier to get hired from outside Indonesia.
- Salaries are generally lower than in Europe/Australia/North America, but cost of living is also dramatically lower (and lifestyle is the real “salary”).
Bali still has plenty of opportunities for foreigners who bring real skills, certifications and experience. Do the paperwork properly, choose one of the sectors above, and the island can become your long-term home instead of just another two-week holiday.