Bali has become one of the most desirable places in the world to live, work remotely, or invest. With its breathtaking natural beauty, spiritual energy, and thriving expat scene, it’s no wonder that more px people are seeking a permanent base, or at least a long-term retreat on the Island of the Gods.
While the idea of owning a villa in Bali is a dream for many, the reality often comes with challenges that make long-term rentals a smarter, more practical alternative. Whether you're a digital nomad looking for a productive lifestyle hub, an expat seeking a base to settle into, or an investor interested in Bali's booming property market, renting a villa long term may offer more freedom, flexibility, and financial sense than buying.
1. Skip the Legal Complexities of Foreign Ownership
Indonesia has strict laws surrounding land ownership by foreigners. Most foreign buyers must either set up a PT PMA (foreign-owned company), enter into leasehold agreements, or rely on nominee structures—each with its own risks and legal gray areas.
For those who simply want to live and enjoy Bali without diving into the legal maze, long-term villa rentals provide a hassle-free solution. You won’t need to hire legal advisors, navigate ownership regulations, or worry about compliance. Instead, you get a turnkey lifestyle, minus the red tape.
2. No Upfront Capital, Maximum Flexibility
Buying a property in Bali requires a substantial financial commitment often starting from USD 150,000 and going well beyond. Add to that legal fees, taxes, renovation costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses, and your investment quickly multiplies.
Long-term rentals, on the other hand, typically require only one or two months’ deposit and a manageable annual or monthly rental fee. This is ideal for those who want to maintain liquidity, allocate funds toward their business, travel, or investments elsewhere, and avoid tying up capital in a foreign asset.
3. The Bali Lifestyle Without the Burden
One of the biggest perks of renting long term is enjoying a luxurious, fully serviced lifestyle without the responsibility of owning. Many villas on the market include modern amenities like private pools, lush gardens, high-speed internet, and staff such as cleaners, gardeners, and even security all included in the rent.
Plus, with the growing demand for long-term stays, there’s no shortage of well-designed villas in expat-favorite areas like Canggu, Berawa, Uluwatu, Ubud, and Pererenan. Whether you’re into surfing, yoga, business networking, or café culture, you can find a rental that matches your vibe and upgrade as your needs evolve.
4. Freedom to Move, Explore, and Evolve
A key appeal of long-term rentals is mobility. Life circumstances change, and so do preferences. Maybe you start in Ubud for peace and nature, but later prefer Seminyak’s energy or Uluwatu’s waves. Renting makes this shift seamless.
Buying property locks you into a single location and comes with the potential headache of resale, especially in an unpredictable global economy. Renting empowers you to explore different lifestyles across the island, experiment with communities, or even move internationally without attachment.
5. Low-Risk Entry into Bali's Real Estate Market (for Investors Too)
Long-term villa rentals aren’t just for lifestyle seekers, they’re also becoming an appealing model for property investors. Instead of purchasing land, foreign investors can rent villas under a legal business entity (such as a PT PMA) and sublet them for profit. This “rent-to-rent” strategy allows investors to tap into Bali’s high demand for long-term living without the burdens of ownership.
For those new to Bali’s property scene, this model offers a low-risk way to test the market, build local partnerships, and generate consistent rental income before deciding whether to fully commit to ownership.
6. Lower Ongoing Costs and Maintenance Responsibility
Owning a property means you’re on the hook for everything: plumbing issues, structural repairs, garden maintenance, and staff coordination. These ongoing costs can become significant over time, especially in a tropical climate where upkeep is essential.
In a rental, all of that is handled by the landlord or property manager. You don’t have to worry about surprise maintenance bills, finding a plumber in the rainy season, or hiring full-time staff. You simply enjoy the space and the service.
7. Ideal for Remote Work and Semi-Permanent Living
With more professionals working remotely, Bali has emerged as one of the top global destinations for digital nomads. The infrastructure for remote work, from coworking spaces to networking events is growing rapidly.
Long-term villas are designed with this lifestyle in mind: office nooks, fast Wi-Fi, peaceful surroundings, and proximity to community hubs. Instead of juggling hotel stays or Airbnb bookings, long-term rentals provide stability, routine, and a real sense of home.
The Bottom Line: Renting is the Smart, Stress-Free Way to Experience Bali
In today’s fast-moving, flexible world, the old mentality of buying property for long-term security doesn’t always apply, especially when living abroad. For many expats and nomads, freedom, simplicity, and adaptability matter more.
Long-term villa rentals in Bali give you all the benefits of tropical living—privacy, comfort, convenience, and connection without the headaches of property ownership. You stay mobile, financially agile, and free to shape your own Bali journey.
Interested in long-term living in Bali?
Let our local team help you find the ideal villa that matches your lifestyle, budget, and goals. Whether you're here to work, unwind, or explore what island life has to offer.