For many foreigners falling in love with Bali, the standard 30-day Visa on Arrival (VoA) quickly becomes a source of stress rather than freedom. The constant need to count days, schedule “visa runs” to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, and worry about immigration questions at the airport can ruin the relaxed island vibe you came here for. Relying on short-term tourist permits for a long-term lifestyle is not only exhausting but also increasingly risky under stricter enforcement in Indonesia.
The unpredictability of tourist visas often leaves visitors in a legal grey area, especially if they are visiting family, volunteering, or engaging in cultural activities that go beyond simple sightseeing. Staying for months on end while claiming to be just a “tourist” can raise red flags with authorities, potentially jeopardizing your ability to obtain a future stay permit in the country. There is a need for a more stable, legally compliant solution that aligns with your actual purpose of stay.
The Single Entry Social Visa (Index C6) serves as that robust alternative, offering a legitimate pathway for longer visits without the need to exit the country every month. Designed for social, cultural, and family purposes, this C6 visa allows you to immerse yourself in Indonesia for up to half a year. By switching to this permit, you gain peace of mind, legal clarity, and the time to truly connect with the island. For official details, always refer to the Directorate General of Immigration.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the C6 Visa vs. Tourist Options
- Reason 1: Enjoy 180 Days of Continuous Stay
- Reason 2: Legal Coverage for Social Activities
- Reason 3: A Stepping Stone to Residency
- Real Story: The Cultural Exchange in Ubud
- Eligibility and the Sponsorship Requirement
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Common Pitfalls: Work Rights and Overstay
- FAQ's about Single Entry Social Visa
Understanding the C6 Visa vs. Tourist Options
To make an informed switch, you must first understand the fundamental differences between the tourist regime and this sponsored visit permit. The Visa on Arrival (VoA) and the C1 Tourist Visa are strictly designed for short holidays. They are typically valid for 30 or 60 days and usually offer only one extension. Once that period is up, you must leave Indonesia, resetting the cycle and costs.
In contrast, the Single Entry Social Visa (formerly known as the B211A Social) is a dedicated permit for social and cultural visits. It is issued initially for 60 days but comes with the significant advantage of being extendable twice, each time for another 60 days. This structure allows for a total stay of 180 days without ever needing to book a flight out of Bali, making it the superior choice for anyone planning a sabbatical or extended family visit.
Reason 1: Enjoy 180 Days of Continuous Stay
The primary driver for switching to the C6 permit is the luxury of time. Managing a life in Bali on a 30-day timeline is disruptive; just as you settle into a villa or a routine, you have to pack up and leave. The C6 visa eliminates this friction by providing a six-month horizon. This stability is invaluable for retirees trialing island life or digital nomads taking a break to focus on cultural learning.
With this Indonesian social visit authorization, you avoid the fluctuating costs of international flights and the unpredictability of border agents upon re-entry. Instead of four or five visa runs in a six-month period, you simply visit the local immigration office for an administrative extension of your stay permit. If you are looking for a long-term rental to match this 6-month window, a trusted villa management company can help you secure a lease that aligns perfectly with your visa validity.
Reason 2: Legal Coverage for Social Activities
Compliance is the second major reason to switch. Using a tourist visa for activities that are not strictly “tourism” creates a compliance risk in Indonesia. If you are staying with an Indonesian fiance, volunteering at a local foundation, or studying Balinese gamelan, a tourist visa does not accurately reflect your purpose. Immigration officers are trained to spot discrepancies between a visa type and a foreigner’s daily activities.
This sponsored visit permit is explicitly defined for these non-commercial social purposes. Holding this document validates your presence to attend family ceremonies, participate in social foundations, or engage in cultural exchanges. It provides a layer of protection that a tourist visa cannot, ensuring that your extended stay permit is recognized as a legitimate social visit rather than “fake tourism.”
Reason 3: A Stepping Stone to Residency
For those with long-term aspirations in Indonesia, the C6 visa offers a safer transition pathway. Unlike the VoA, which is a terminal permit (you must leave when it expires), this 180-day stay bridge can often be a pathway to a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) while you are still onshore, thanks to the new “Bridging Visa” regulations available in Bali.
If you decide to marry an Indonesian citizen or secure a job that offers a Working KITAS, holding a valid Single Entry Social Visa places you in a better position to utilize onshore status changes (Alih Status). It allows you to wait for your new KITAS processing without being forced to exit Indonesia, provided you meet the specific transition requirements set by the latest immigration circulars regarding your stay permit.
Real Story: The Cultural Exchange in Ubud
Meet Rea, a 32-year-old artist from Spain. She came to Bali on a VoA to learn traditional painting in Ubud. After her first 60 days (initial 30 + extension), she was forced to fly to Singapore to reset her visa. The trip was costly and disrupted her classes. Realizing she wanted to stay for another four months to complete her course, she applied for a Single Entry Social Visa.
With her art school providing the sponsorship letter, Rea secured the C6 visa. This allowed her to stay in Ubud for a full six months uninterrupted. She finished her painting certification and even participated in a local village exhibition. The switch saved her millions of Rupiah in travel costs and removed the anxiety of monthly immigration deadlines, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the culture of Indonesia.
Eligibility and the Sponsorship Requirement
The defining feature of this permit is the requirement for a local sponsor. Unlike the independent Tourist Visa, the C6 visa mandates that an Indonesian individual or a registered institution vouches for you. This sponsor acts as your guarantor during your stay, responsible for your conduct and adherence to laws in Bali.
Your sponsor must provide a guarantee letter and a copy of their Indonesian ID (KTP). If you are visiting family, a relative can sponsor you. If you are volunteering, the foundation (Yayasan) should provide the sponsorship. This direct link to a local entity is what grants the Single Entry Social Visa its credibility and longer validity compared to unsponsored tourist permits.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for this 180-day stay bridge has been streamlined via the government’s online platform, though many foreigners prefer using an agency to handle the sponsorship aspect. The first step is to secure your sponsor and gather the necessary documents: a passport valid for at least 6-12 months, a recent color photo, and proof of funds (typically a bank statement showing around USD 2,000).
Once the application is submitted to the specific C6 visa category, immigration processes the request. Upon approval, you receive an e-Visa which you must print. You typically have 90 days to enter Indonesia after issuance. Once you arrive, your 60-day clock starts ticking. Remember, to maximize the permit, you must initiate the extension process at a local immigration office in Bali at least 7-14 days before your current stay permit expires.
Common Pitfalls: Work Rights and Overstay
A critical mistake many make is assuming the C6 Social-Cultural permit grants work rights. It absolutely does not. You are strictly prohibited from earning money, running a business, or selling services in Indonesia. Engaging in paid work on this C6 visa is a severe violation that can lead to deportation and blacklisting.
Another pitfall is mismanagement of the extension timeline. Because the extensions are not automatic, you must be proactive. If you forget to extend and overstay, the penalty is IDR 1,000,000 per day. Furthermore, as the name implies, it is a “Single Entry” permit. If you leave Bali for a weekend trip to Thailand, your stay permit is immediately voided, and you will have to start the application process from scratch to return.
FAQ's about Single Entry Social Visa
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Can I work online for my overseas company while on this visa?
This is a grey area. While digital nomads often use this visa, strictly speaking, it is not a work visa. You cannot work for an Indonesian client or earn IDR in Indonesia.
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How much does the C6 visa cost?
The government fee (PNBP) varies, but when using an agency to provide sponsorship and handling, the package typically costs between IDR 3.5 to 5 million.
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Can I convert my C6 Social-Cultural permit to a KITAS?
Yes, in many cases, you can convert this stay permit to a KITAS (like a Spouse or Investor KITAS) onshore without leaving the country.
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Who can be my sponsor for the C6 visa in Bali?
Any Indonesian citizen with a valid KTP or a registered Indonesian company/institution can act as your sponsor.
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What happens if I leave Indonesia before my 180 days are up?
The permit is cancelled the moment you exit the country. You cannot reuse it to re-enter; you must apply for a new visa.
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How long does the application process take?
Standard processing takes about 5-7 working days, though expedited services are often available through agencies for a higher fee.
