From Visa Runs to Second Homes: How Indonesia Welcomes Expats

One of the biggest considerations when moving to a new country is the visa and residency rules. Thailand has long been a top destination for expats in Southeast Asia due to its more relaxed visa policies and the culture of visa runs—where expats leave the country for a short period and return to extend their stay. However, recently, Thailand has started tightening its immigration policies, changing the landscape of life for many expats. In contrast, Indonesia, especially Bali, has become a more welcoming place for expatriates, with more stable and structured visa policies. In this article, we’ll compare the visa policies in Thailand and Indonesia, and look at how Indonesia is becoming increasingly attractive to expats.

Thailand: The Tightening of Visa Runs

In Thailand, visa runs have been a common practice for many expats who wish to stay longer without needing a long-term visa. The process is straightforward: expats leave the country for a few days, usually to a neighboring country, and return to Thailand to renew their visa. This practice did not require much paperwork and was often a cheaper, more flexible way to stay in the country.

However, Thailand’s immigration policy has started to change. The country is becoming stricter about visa rules for long-term tourists. While Thailand still offers tourist and long-term visas for expats, the practice of visa runs is increasingly difficult to do.

Visa Challenges for Expats in Thailand

Some significant changes that Thailand is implementing include stricter checks for tourist visas and long-term visas. For example, Thailand now more frequently reviews the history of an expat’s stay in the country, which can become an issue if they have been in Thailand too long without a clear visa status. Additionally, the Thai government has started reducing the duration of stays for certain types of visas, forcing expats to find other ways to stay without constantly leaving the country.

For many expats who have relied on Thailand’s old visa system, this is a source of frustration. The uncertainty about their future stays has led many to look for more stable alternatives. One such destination that has become increasingly appealing to expats is Indonesia, particularly Bali.

Indonesia: A More Expat-Friendly Visa Policy

While Thailand is becoming stricter with visa policies, Indonesia has taken a more structured and expat-friendly approach, especially with the introduction of the Second Home Visa and more flexible Visa on Arrival options. Indonesia now offers various visa options that are more accessible and reliable for those who want to stay long-term.

Visa on Arrival (VoA) and Extensions

One of the aspects that makes Indonesia attractive to expats is the Visa on Arrival (VoA), which can be extended up to 60 days. This visa offers more flexibility for expats who want to stay longer without having to deal with complicated administrative processes. Moreover, the process of extending a VoA in Indonesia is relatively simple, which is a big contrast to the more complicated procedures in Thailand.

Second Home Visa

Indonesia has recently introduced the Second Home Visa, which allows expats to stay in the country for an extended period without needing to renew their visa regularly. This visa is particularly appealing to those who want to make Indonesia their long-term home, whether for retirement, remote work, or building a new life in Bali or other cities in Indonesia. The Second Home Visa offers many benefits for expats, including a more transparent administrative process and less bureaucracy compared to visa policies in other countries. 

To qualify for this visa, applicants must make an investment of IDR 2 billion (around USD 130,000), which can be in the form of a bank deposit or the purchase of property in Indonesia. This provides a sense of stability and legal security that many expats need, avoiding the risks of constantly changing regulations like in Thailand. This policy shows how Indonesia is focusing on long-term investments and supporting expats who want to settle in the country.

Read more: Second Home Visa Bali 2025: How to Make Bali Your Second Home

Bali: The Expat Hub with Welcoming Visa Policies

Bali has long been known as a top destination for expats from all over the world. The laid-back lifestyle, stunning natural views, and growing international community make Bali an ideal place to live or vacation. Bali also offers a lower cost of living compared to Western countries, with full facilities that support expat life, such as international schools, quality healthcare services, and plenty of recreational activities.

With more expat-friendly visa policies, Bali is becoming an even more attractive destination for those who want to live here long-term. The Second Home Visa is one of the main reasons Bali is gaining popularity among expats looking for a permanent home. Additionally, Bali has a range of services that make life easier for expats, from finding housing to medical and healthcare services. Bali Premium Trip provides full relocation services, assisting expats with visa documentation, finding homes, and offering guidance on everyday life in Bali.

Visa Comparison: Thailand vs Indonesia

Why Indonesia is the Best Alternative for Expats

Indonesia, with its more structured visa approach, is becoming increasingly attractive to those who want to enjoy long-term living without worrying about changing visa rules. Here are a few reasons why Indonesia, particularly Bali, is a perfect choice for expats:

• The Second Home Visa provides comfort for those who want to stay long-term without worrying about renewing their visa every few months.
• Easier and more transparent visa processes compared to the often confusing regulations in Thailand.
• A more affordable cost of living makes Indonesia—especially Bali—the ideal choice for expats seeking a balance between quality of life and expenses.
• Expats-friendly infrastructure, with a growing community and increasing number of facilities supporting expat lifestyles.

Indonesia vs Thailand: The Expats’ Choice

While Thailand offers an exciting living experience, the changing visa policies create challenges for expats who want certainty and stability. Indonesia, with its more welcoming visa policies like the Second Home Visa, offers expats the chance to enjoy long-term living with less hassle and more clarity. Bali, as a prime destination for expats, offers all the facilities and services you need, including visa-friendly policies.

If you are considering relocating from Thailand to Bali or Indonesia, Bali Premium Trip is here to assist you. With our complete relocation services, from visa application processes to finding the perfect home, we ensure your transition is smooth and hassle-free. Ready to make the move to Bali? Contact Bali Premium Trip today to get more information about our relocation services and how we can help you plan your next step in your expat journey!