The Social Visa B211A allows a 60-day stay in Indonesia, extendable up to 3 times (60 days each) for a maximum of 180 days. It requires an Indonesian sponsor (individual or agency), costs IDR 4,500,000-6,000,000 through an agent (including government fees and sponsor letter), and can be applied for online via the molina.imigrasi.go.id portal. The B211A is the most popular long-stay visa for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term tourists in Bali.
Social Visa B211 Bali — The Complete Guide
The Social Visa B211A — officially known as the Visa Tinggal Sementara (Limited Stay Visa) for social/cultural purposes — is Bali’s most versatile long-stay visa. Unlike the VOA which limits you to 60 days, the B211A offers an initial 60-day stay that can be extended up to three times, giving you a maximum continuous stay of 180 days (approximately 6 months) in Indonesia.
The B211A has become the go-to visa for digital nomads, retirees exploring Bali before committing to a KITAS, language students, volunteers, and long-term tourists who want more than a quick holiday. It bridges the gap between the short-stay tourist visa and the commitment of a residency permit.
Since the regulations updated in 2025, the B211A application process has been streamlined through the Molina online portal, but it still requires an Indonesian sponsor — this is where agencies like Bali Immigration become essential, as we provide the sponsorship and handle the entire application process.
B211 Visa Types — B211A vs B211B
B211A — Social/Cultural
From IDR 4.5M
For tourism, social visits, cultural activities, language courses, and general long stays. Most common type. Applied online through Molina portal.
B211B — Business
From IDR 5.5M
For business meetings, conferences, training, and market research. Does NOT permit employment. Requires business sponsor in Indonesia.
For most visitors, the B211A social visa is the right choice. The B211B business visa is typically only needed if you are entering Indonesia for specific business activities and need to document this for your company or tax purposes. If you need to actually work in Indonesia, you’ll need a work permit (IMTA) and KITAS.
B211A Requirements
To apply for a B211A social visa, you need: a passport valid for at least 12 months from the date of application (stricter than the 6-month VOA requirement), a passport-sized photo with white background, a completed visa application form, a sponsor letter from an Indonesian citizen or registered entity, proof of sufficient funds (bank statement showing minimum IDR 25,000,000 or equivalent), and proof of accommodation in Indonesia.
The sponsor requirement is the main hurdle for most applicants. An Indonesian sponsor must provide their KTP (Indonesian ID card), a sponsor letter stating the purpose of your visit and their relationship to you, and take responsibility for your stay in Indonesia. Our agency provides full sponsorship as part of our B211 service package, eliminating this requirement entirely.
B211 Application Process Through Bali Immigration
Day 1: Contact us via WhatsApp with your passport scan and travel dates. We confirm eligibility and provide a quote. Payment is made upfront.
Days 2-3: We prepare all documents including the sponsor letter, and submit your application through the official Molina immigration portal.
Days 3-7: Immigration processes your application. We monitor the status and handle any queries from the immigration office.
Day 7-10: You receive your B211A approval letter via email. This letter is valid for 90 days — you must enter Indonesia within this period.
On arrival: Present your approval letter and passport at immigration. The officer will stamp your passport with a 60-day B211A visa.
B211 Extension Timeline
The B211A can be extended 3 times, each extension adding 60 days to your stay. Here’s the typical timeline for a full 180-day stay:
Days 1-60: Initial B211A entry (no action needed until around day 40-45).
Days 45-60: Apply for first extension (adds 60 days, new expiry at day 120).
Days 105-120: Apply for second extension (adds 60 days, new expiry at day 180).
Days 165-180: Apply for third extension (only if regulations permit a 4th period) OR plan your departure/visa change.
Each extension costs approximately IDR 2,500,000-3,000,000 through our agency (including government fees). The total cost for a full 180-day stay on a B211A, including the initial visa and all extensions, ranges from IDR 12,000,000-15,000,000. Compare this with the Digital Nomad Visa or the complete guide to staying long-term in Bali.
B211 vs Other Long-Stay Visas
B211A Social
180 days max
Best for: long-stay tourists, exploring Bali, language learning. No work permitted. Extensions done locally.
Digital Nomad E33G
1 year max
Best for: remote workers earning from overseas. Tax benefits. Higher income requirement ($USD 2,000/mo minimum).
KITAS Retirement
1-2 years
Best for: retirees age 55+. Requires proof of pension/income. Access to banking and local services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on a B211 visa in Bali?
No. The B211A social visa does not permit employment in Indonesia. Remote work for overseas clients falls into a gray area — technically it’s not “working in Indonesia” but it’s not explicitly permitted either. For legal remote work, the Digital Nomad Visa (E33G) is the proper option.
How much does a B211 visa cost in 2026?
Through our agency: IDR 4,500,000-6,000,000 for the initial visa (includes government fees, sponsor letter, and processing). Each extension costs IDR 2,500,000-3,000,000. A full 180-day stay costs approximately IDR 12,000,000-15,000,000 total.
Can I apply for B211 while in Bali on a VOA?
In most cases, you need to apply for the B211 before entering Indonesia or from outside the country. However, certain visa agents can facilitate an in-country change. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
What happens when my B211 expires?
You must leave Indonesia before your B211 expires. Overstaying carries the same penalties as any visa — IDR 1,000,000 per day fine. If you want to stay longer, consider converting to a KITAS or doing a visa run and re-entering.
Do I need to leave Bali between B211 extensions?
No. Extensions are processed at the local immigration office. You do not need to leave Indonesia. However, your passport will be held for 5-10 working days during each extension.
Can I open a bank account with a B211 visa?
Some banks in Bali allow B211 visa holders to open basic accounts. However, full banking services typically require a KITAS. See our Bali bank account guide for details.
Is the B211 the same as a social budaya visa?
Yes. “Social Budaya” is the Indonesian name (Social Cultural Visa) and B211A is the visa classification code. They refer to the same visa type.
Can I get a B211 for my family?
Yes. Each family member needs their own B211 application and sponsor letter. We offer family packages with discounted rates for multiple applications.
Ready to Apply for a B211 Visa?
Get your 180-day Bali visa sorted in under 10 days. We handle sponsorship, application, and all extensions.
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