The tourism returned and the business in Bali is Booming (a lot!) I am writing this in Septemner 2023 and this high season of tourism was surprisingly busy. With this comes more opportunities. People are looking for business opportunities. A way to earn an income and get by. Especially in Bali, a nice tropical paradise island. Now expats and locals alike are looking into startups, business opportunities, making their own company and earning a good income.
The governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster, also wants that the island should stop relying on sole the income of tourism. (Source: Bali Strives to Diversify Its Economy and Rely Less on Tourism) The creativity and agriculture (mango steen, dragon fruit) is something to explore. But before we go the potential opportunities I want to inform you about all you might want to know about starting or even buying a business in Bali.
What does a foreigner need to start a business in Bali?
In Indonesia, foreigners cannot just start a company (or work for one). You need some legal papers for it. If you work for a company you would need something that is called a KITAS and IMTA. The Kitas is your living permit in Indonesia, and the IMTA is the working permit.
For owning a business or company in Indonesia/Bali you would need an “investors permit”.
The IMTA is often taken care of by the company a foreigner applied for. The Investors permit is something more difficult. There are some restrictions on age and there is a rent condition of the accommodation. The rules are changing from time to time and it is easiest to read on the Immigration Requirements for Permanent Stay.
Why buy a business in Bali after 2023
Bali is booming again, during the pandemic assets became liabilities. Some of the businesses who survived are thriving again. Some have it harder. It depends on the location. Some business, or asset have been for sale so the seller can attempt to recover some of the finances.
This makes them go on the market as the owner is trying to mitigate loss as much as possible. This could be an opportunity to buy your business in Bali. On OLX, the digital marketplace of Indonesia lists any type of commercial businesses you might be interested in:
The prices vary and you would need to assess the situation yourself as well. will Bali reopen soon, how is the flow of tourism when it reopens. There are always risks involved when buying or renting business for the long term.
Potential startups & business opportunities in Bali
Ok we just covered the legality, and that potential to buy an existing property. Now it’s time to check what fresh startups have potential in Bali. There are many more opportunities I am just listing only 11 ideas that are on the top of my head.
Garment, Fashion
A lot of the shopping boutiques in Seminyak are owned by foreigners. They established a brand and gave life to this industry. With inspiration and effort it can work. Many of them show new collections each season.
You can start with networking and finding people who can sew and craft your products: Shoes, Fashion wear, accessories. The artisans in Bali are very skilled people and making top-notch quality products.
Handicrafts & Arts
Talking about the artisans, not just for garment or fashion making, but also for their handicrafts and arts are exemplary. Paintings, small statues, and gimmicky decor that can brighten up the room.
Areas in Bali such as Kerobokan and Ubud are filled with expert wood crafters. Do you have an idea of something that can sell in wood or even woven rattan handbags? Made in Bali, just saying that you can have a footprint in it.
Furniture Export Bussines
With almost 2 Billion USD worth of furniture being exported yearly, you can be part of this. It’s actually still increasing each year.
You will need to find furniture manufacturers and decide how to start: small, big, huge! A big network is required for this because you got to know how to ship large quantities and who makes the better furniture (consistently).
Interested in this? I have an article about the furniture from Bali is taking over .
Import and export for Bali / Indonesia
There is a tool that can make you the required documents for trade (import and export). IncoDocs has a free model subscription level that makes the shipping documents (fast) and error-free! You would be making papers compliant to start trading. Furniture is not the only export product, there are plenty of opportunities for you to export: fashion/garments or handicrafts even. The opportunities are there, you just need to find them.
Hotel / Resort / Villa
You can start any form of accommodation: Hotel, Resort or even a villa. I would not do a hostel or homestay where everyone is close to each other due to the coronavirus. With the pandemic, it is hard, but as I mentioned before, the accommodations are for sale (cheap!).
You can also rent long term a villa to re-rent to those who want a lush and luxury feel in your villa. Remember though that when you use platforms to rent it out, they will take a commission (this is normal), so adjust the pricing accordingly. This is only viable for locals, or a local representing you.
Restaurant
Food is one of the biggest industries, we all need to eat, and once in a while dining out is what is a normal thing in Bali. So starting a restaurant is an idea. But you got to do some research first. Don’t start a restaurant in the middle of nowhere, make sure there are potential customers.
No don’t copy the neighbor as well, be unique when it comes to food, service, and decoration. The decor is very important and can set you apart from others.
Since there are many restaurants closed down in Bali since the pandemic it could be possible that some of them are for sale! check out the links to buy/rent properties, maybe your dream restaurant business is for sale right now.
Touring Company
Before we start right in it, your touring company should not be just like any other out right now. It should set you apart and you can do this. You should know the difference between licensed guide, and driver in Bali.
To make yourself unique, add the extra service and security against Corona. offer tours in the native language of your customer. Tailor their whole vacation from A-Z to give them the unique Bali experience.
Tourist activity
Besides doing tours, you can start your diving company, trekking, or any of the local activities. Some even made the Bali Swings for the tourists.
Whatever you do, make sure to check with the Banjar if it’s possible. They will want to know what your plan is and how this will affect their village. Other business examples in this area could be: Sky biking, skydiving in Bali, cycling tour.
Property Investor
It’s not really a company but some invest in properties to later resell it again. But as a foreigner you need to check your options as owning properties is not be possible. There are some alternative solutions like long term rental of properties and land. It’s a potential opportunity but you will need a lot of patience for this one.
Connecting Buyers and Sellers
As a liaison or somebody connecting buyers and sellers, you can earn a commission. Sometimes 1 commission can be several thousand US dollars! think about connecting somebody who wants to buy/rent land, villa, hotel. You find the client for it, your commission can be up to 1.5% or even more!
It’s hard work finding the product/service and a client for it. And as a connector, you need to have as much information ready as the potential client might have them. If you don’t have the answers to the questions the client might wonder, why do I need you? So provide good service in this area to close a deal.
Digital Services, IT
Bali has more focus on tourism. But the digital infrastructure is missing. I am not saying make a hosting or data center there, that’s actually a terrible idea (cost of electricity, and downtime of electricity). I am saying provide services for companies who need digital services like we website, application, or even a webshop.
Most IT people from Bali themselves will go to bigger cities for better job opportunities in IT. This makes a gap in the market. Now there are many digital nomads, but it’s easy to distinguish yourself from them.
Provide transparency and excellent service. High-quality work is always praised and will get you more work. You could make a team, an agency if you are able to find the right people. Many people seem to find each other on Facebook for Digital Services.
Veterinarian
An unusual addition to the list is being a doctor for animals: Veterinarian. Yes, there is much need for this. There are plenty of stray dogs, cats, and animals in need of medical care.
I am unsure if a foreigner is allowed to practice this, but it’s worth looking in to. Pets are often underappreciated and they also need help from time to time. If you feel this is a calling to you, you should surely check the possibility of starting up this type of business.
The costs of starting a business in Bali
The cost of starting a business in Bali varies and can be unpredictable. There might be unforeseen expenses and you might need to have actually a big reserve to even run at loss for a while before your business takes off. Even then it’s still a gamble. It is good to investigate what you need to start. Emerhub can help with this and they can register your business in Indonesia. Depensding on your start-up you can ask about a quote required, and other any legal papers required that they can’t deliver. This gives you a head start.
Do you feel inspired already? Before you jump into any type of business let me remind you of the requirement of legal papers! As a foreigner, you need the correct papers to start working (even voluntary).
The ideas to start a business are only limited to our own imagination. So what creativity do you want to bring?
Crypto things happening
It can be dangerous and a tricky part. There are plenty scams going around, one of them was Goldcoin. There is an active crypto community that would talk about crypto things. This is not an easy way to earn money, in fact for someone to earn money another has to lose it. That’s how it is going to work. 5% will be winners and 95% will be losing. Don’t fall for the sweet talks, be diligent and do a lot of research. If you really think this is a way for you, than do it with a small amount of money that you can afford to lose.
Hi I am Dwi. I am a blogger, travel agent and a mom of a lovely daughter and wife to a supportive husband. I customize and plan tours in Bali and islands nearby for a living and have been doing this for more than 14 years. Get in touch via contact [at] taletravels.com
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