Bali vs Thailand: Best Visa for Remote Workers in 2025

Torn between Bali’s spiritual vibes and Thailand’s tropical paradise? This comprehensive comparison reveals which destination offers the best visa options, costs, and lifestyle for digital nomads and remote workers in 2025.

The Digital Nomad Dilemma: Bali or Thailand?

Both Bali and Thailand have emerged as Southeast Asia’s premier destinations for remote workers, but each offers distinctly different visa pathways, costs, and experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or planning your first remote work adventure, choosing the right destination can make or break your experience.

Quick Answer: Thailand’s DTV offers better long-term value (5 years, $300), while Bali’s E33G provides easier qualification (1 year, $830). Your choice depends on your timeline, budget, and work situation.

Thailand Digital Nomad Visas: The Complete Breakdown

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) – The Game Changer

Thailand’s DTV visa launched in 2024 has revolutionized the digital nomad landscape, offering unprecedented value for long-term remote workers.

Key Benefits:

• 5-year validity with multiple entries
• 180 days per entry, extendable to 360 days annually
• Lowest cost among major nomad visas: ~$300 USD
• Family inclusion: Spouse and children under 20 eligible
• No tax on foreign income (with proper structuring)

Requirements:

• Age 20+ years
• 500,000 THB ($15,000 USD) in bank account for 3 months
• Proof of remote employment or freelance business
• Health insurance coverage
• Clean criminal background

Best For: Long-term nomads planning 2+ years in Southeast Asia, families, established remote workers

Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – Premium Option

For high-earning professionals, Thailand’s LTR visa offers the ultimate long-term solution.

Features:

• 10-year validity
• Work-from-Thailand professional category
• Tax benefits on foreign income
• Fast-track immigration lanes

Requirements:

• $80,000+ annual income for 2 years
• Employment with well-established overseas company
• Master’s degree (in some categories)
• 500,000+ THB application fee

Best For: Senior professionals, executives, high-income remote workers

Tourist Visa Options

• Tourist Visa Exemption: 30 days (many nationalities)
• Tourist Visa: 60 days, extendable to 90 days
• Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: 6 months validity, 60 days per entry

Indonesia (Bali) Visa Options: Comprehensive Guide

E33G Remote Worker Visa – Digital Nomad Focused

Indonesia’s E33G visa is specifically designed for remote workers and digital nomads.

Key Features:

• 1-year validity (non-renewable)
• Work legally for overseas companies
• Multiple entry permissions
• Family sponsorship available
• KITAS (temporary residence permit) status

Investment:

• $830-1,200 USD visa cost
• Bank statements showing consistent income
• Employment contract with overseas company
• Health insurance requirement

Best For: First-time nomads, those testing long-term Asia living, remote employees

B211A Business Visa – Flexible Option

The B211A visa remains popular for shorter-term stays and business activities.

Benefits:

• 60-day initial stay
• Extendable up to 180 days total
• Business meeting permissions
• Market research activities

Costs:

• $150-250 USD depending on processing
• Extension fees: ~$50 per month

Best For: Entrepreneurs, consultants, short-term projects

Tourist Visa Solutions

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): 30 days, $35, extendable once
• Tourist Visa: 60 days, multiple extensions possible

Cost Comparison: Real Numbers

Annual Cost Breakdown (Including Extensions)

Thailand DTV: $60/year (after initial payment) Indonesia E33G: $830/year (new visa required annually) Thailand Tourist: $400-600/year (visa runs, extensions) Indonesia B211A: $500-800/year (multiple visas, extensions)

Hidden Costs to Consider

Thailand:

• Border runs: $100-200 per trip
• Visa extensions: $60 per extension
• Agent fees (optional): $100-300

Indonesia:

• Exit permit (EPO): $100 when leaving permanently
• Address registration: $125
• Agent services: $200-500

Lifestyle & Infrastructure Comparison

Internet & Coworking

Thailand Advantages:

• Average speed: 25-50+ Mbps nationwide
• Abundant coworking spaces in Bangkok, Chiang Mai
• 24/7 cafes with reliable WiFi
• Backup internet widely available

Bali Advantages:

• Canggu/Seminyak: World-class coworking hubs
• Growing infrastructure: Fiber optic expansion
• Digital nomad community: Largest in Southeast Asia
• Unique work environments: Rice field offices, beach cafes

Cost of Living (Monthly)

Thailand:

• Budget lifestyle: $800-1,200
• Comfortable living: $1,200-2,000
• Luxury lifestyle: $2,500+

Bali:

• Budget lifestyle: $900-1,300
• Comfortable living: $1,500-2,500
• Luxury lifestyle: $3,000+

Accommodation Options

Thailand:

• Bangkok: Modern condos, $400-800/month
• Chiang Mai: Houses/condos, $300-600/month
• Islands: Beachfront rentals, $500-1,200/month

Bali:

• Canggu: Villas/houses, $500-1,500/month
• Ubud: Cultural immersion, $400-1,000/month
• Seminyak: Beach proximity, $800-2,000/month

Location Advantages

Thailand Wins:

Diverse Destinations:

• Bangkok: Urban metropolis, endless entertainment
• Chiang Mai: Mountains, culture, lower costs
• Islands: Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Phangan
• Hidden gems: Pai, Krabi, Hua Hin

Regional Access:

• Easy travel to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos
• Cheap flights throughout Asia
• Excellent domestic transportation

Cultural Depth:

• Ancient temples and traditions
• Incredible street food culture
• Festivals and celebrations year-round

Bali Wins:

Unique Atmosphere:

• Spiritual energy: Temples, ceremonies, yoga culture
• Creative community: Artists, entrepreneurs, wellness professionals
• Natural beauty: Volcanoes, rice terraces, beaches

Community Strength:

• Largest nomad network in Asia
• Established infrastructure for remote workers
• Cultural immersion opportunities

Qualification Requirements Comparison

Who Qualifies for Thailand DTV?

Easy Qualification:

• Freelancers with portfolio
• Remote employees (any company size)
• Entrepreneurs with online business
• Students attending courses/workshops

Financial Requirements:

• $15,000 in bank account (3 months)
• Proof of income (amount varies by embassy)

Who Qualifies for Indonesia E33G?

Specific Requirements:

• Employment contract mandatory (overseas company)
• Freelancers often need business structure
• $2,000+ monthly income proof
• 6-month bank statements

Common Disqualifications:

• Pure freelancers without company structure
• Inconsistent income patterns
• New remote workers without track record

Renewal & Extension Process

Thailand DTV Renewal:

Advantages:

• No renewal needed for 5 years
• Simple extensions: $60 for 180 additional days
• Multiple exit/re-entry allowed

Process:

1. Enter Thailand (activate 180-day stamp)
2. Extend once for 180 more days
3. Exit and re-enter to reset (or stay out and return)

Indonesia E33G Renewal:

Limitations:

• No renewal possible – must exit and reapply
• Requires leaving Indonesia before reapplication
• Full documentation process each year

Process:

1. Exit Indonesia before expiry
2. Reapply with updated documents
3. Wait for new visa approval
4. Re-enter with fresh visa

Business & Work Implications

Working Rights Comparison

Thailand DTV:

• Work for foreign companies only
• No Thai client work permitted
• Freelancing allowed (overseas clients)
• No Thai work permit required

Indonesia E33G:

• Work for overseas employer only
• Specific employment contract required
• Limited freelancing flexibility
• KITAS provides more residence rights

Tax Implications

Thailand:

• No Thai tax on foreign income (typically)
• Tax resident after 180+ days annually
• Professional advice recommended

Indonesia:

• Indonesian tax resident with KITAS
• NPWP (tax number) required
• Annual tax filing mandatory
• Foreign income taxation varies

Business Setup Opportunities

Thailand:

• Limited foreign business ownership
• Complex company formation
• Nominee structures common

Indonesia:

• PT PMA: 100% foreign ownership possible
• $70,000+ minimum investment
• Better investment opportunities

Decision Framework: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Thailand DTV If:

• Long-term planning: Want 5+ years in Southeast Asia
• Budget conscious: Prefer lower upfront costs
• Flexibility: Like to travel frequently in region
• Established remote worker: Have proven income/employment
• Family considerations: Need to include spouse/children

Choose Indonesia E33G If:

• Bali-focused: Specifically drawn to Bali’s culture
• Community driven: Want established nomad network
• Stable employment: Have solid overseas employment contract
• Creative fields: Work in design, content, wellness
• Business interests: Considering Indonesian market entry

Consider Both If:

• Regional nomad: Plan to split time between countries
• Seasonal preference: Avoid monsoon seasons
• Network building: Want exposure to both communities
• Market research: Considering business in both locations

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Thailand DTV Mistakes:

Common Errors:

• Insufficient funds: Some embassies require more than $15,000
• Wrong application location: Apply at embassy in residence country
• Incomplete portfolio: Freelancers need comprehensive work evidence
• Tax misunderstanding: Assuming complete tax exemption

Solutions:

• Research specific embassy requirements
• Maintain higher bank balance buffer
• Prepare comprehensive work documentation
• Consult tax professional for planning

Indonesia E33G Mistakes:

Common Errors:

• Freelancer confusion: Thinking freelancers automatically qualify
• Income documentation: Insufficient employment proof
• Renewal expectations: Expecting visa to be renewable
• Tax obligations: Ignoring Indonesian tax requirements

Solutions:

• Ensure proper employment structure
• Gather 6+ months income documentation
• Plan exit strategy before expiry
• Register with tax office promptly

Future Outlook & Trends

Thailand’s Advantages:

Government Support:

• Continued nomad-friendly policies
• Infrastructure investment
• Regional hub development

Market Evolution:

• More 5G coverage
• Improved rural internet
• Additional visa categories possible

Indonesia’s Development:

Growing Recognition:

• Increasing nomad infrastructure
• Government support for digital economy
• Potential visa improvements

Market Challenges:

• Infrastructure still developing
• Regulatory complexity
• Limited visa duration

Expert Recommendations

For First-Time Nomads:

Start with Indonesia E33G if:

• You have stable remote employment
• Want immersive community experience
• Prefer smaller, focused location

Start with Thailand DTV if:

• You want maximum flexibility
• Plan longer-term Asia experience
• Have diverse income sources

For Experienced Nomads:

Thailand offers:

• Better regional base for Asia exploration
• Lower long-term costs
• More diverse location options

Indonesia provides:

• Unique cultural experience
• Strong nomad community
• Business development opportunities

For Families:

Thailand DTV wins for:

• Cost-effective family inclusion
• Better healthcare infrastructure
• More family-friendly destinations

For Entrepreneurs:

Indonesia E33G offers:

• Easier business setup path
• Growing market opportunities
• Strong creative community

Making Your Final Decision

Quick Decision Matrix:

Choose Thailand DTV if you score 7+ points:

• Planning 2+ years in Asia (2 points)
• Budget under $1,000 for visa (2 points)
• Want to explore multiple countries (1 point)
• Have stable freelance/remote income (1 point)
• Traveling with family (2 points)
• Prefer urban + nature options (1 point)

Choose Indonesia E33G if you score 7+ points:

• Specifically drawn to Bali culture (2 points)
• Have overseas employment contract (2 points)
• Want established nomad community (2 points)
• Interested in Indonesian business opportunities (1 point)
• Prefer focused location living (1 point)
• Work in creative/wellness fields (1 point)

Getting Started: Next Steps

For Thailand DTV:

1. Research embassy requirements in your country
2. Build bank balance to $15,000+ (3 months)
3. Gather employment documentation
4. Apply online or at embassy
5. Plan initial destination (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, etc.)

For Indonesia E33G:

1. Verify employment contract meets requirements
2. Gather 6 months bank statements/income proof
3. Choose reputable visa agent (like Gotravisa)
4. Prepare health insurance documentation
5. Plan Bali location (Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak)

Professional Assistance:

For Indonesia visa processing, consider working with Gotravisa – specialists in Indonesian visa services with 1000+ satisfied clients since 2020. Their experienced team handles everything from E33G applications to business setup, ensuring smooth processing and compliance.

Contact Gotravisa:

• Professional consultation available
• Complete visa service packages
• Real-time application tracking
• Proven track record with digital nomads

The Bottom Line

Both destinations offer world-class experiences for remote workers, but serve different needs:

Thailand DTV = Best Value + Flexibility

• 5-year visa for $300
• Multiple destinations
• Easy qualification
• Regional exploration base

Indonesia E33G = Best Community + Culture

• 1-year visa for $830
• Bali-focused experience
• Strong nomad network
• Business opportunities

Your choice ultimately depends on your timeline, budget, work situation, and lifestyle preferences. Many successful nomads eventually experience both, using Thailand as a regional base and Bali for focused creative periods.

Ready to start your Southeast Asia remote work journey? Whether you choose Thailand’s flexibility or Indonesia’s immersive experience, both destinations offer incredible opportunities for location-independent professionals in 2025.