Why retirees choose Ubud
Ubud sits at about 200 metres elevation in central Bali, which makes the climate noticeably cooler and less humid than Canggu or Seminyak. Nights drop to a comfortable 22 to 24 degrees year round, mornings are mist-filled over the rice paddies, and the afternoons rarely hit the oppressive heat of the coast. For retirees coming from temperate climates this is often the single biggest reason Ubud wins over the beach areas.
The core neighbourhoods for long-term expat retirees are Penestanan (artistic, quiet, walkable to central Ubud), Sayan (river views, luxury end of the market), Nyuh Kuning (south of the Monkey Forest, family-friendly), and Tegallalang (north of town, surrounded by the famous terraces). Central Ubud itself is popular for people who want to walk everywhere but can be noisy during high season.
Retirement KITAS (E33F) versus Second Home Visa (E33E)
Two categories work for retirees, and the right one depends on your financial picture:
- Retirement KITAS (E33F) is the traditional retirement visa. Minimum age 55, proof of a pension or passive income of around USD 18,000 per year, Indonesian health insurance, and a local address. One-year permit, renewable up to five years, then convertible to permanent stay (KITAP).
- Second Home Visa (E33E) requires proof of funds of IDR 2 billion (roughly USD 130,000) in an Indonesian bank account or equivalent property, any age. Issued for 5 or 10 years directly, no annual renewal cycle, family members included. Best for retirees with liquid assets who would rather deposit once than manage yearly paperwork.
If you are 55 or older and your pension comfortably covers the 18k threshold, the E33F is cheaper and simpler. If you are under 55, have liquid capital to park, or want to skip five years of renewal admin, the E33E is the cleaner option. Our Retirement KITAS guide and Second Home Visa guide cover the thresholds and process in detail.
Healthcare in and around Ubud
Ubud itself has reliable primary care through clinics like Ubud Care and Toya Medika, and the big private hospitals are a 40 to 60 minute drive south: BIMC Kuta, BIMC Nusa Dua, Siloam Denpasar and RS Kasih Ibu. International insurers widely accepted in Bali include Cigna Global, Allianz Care, AXA, William Russell and April International. For retirees moving here, a policy with regional (Asia) or worldwide excluding US cover typically lands at a sensible annual premium with direct billing at BIMC and Siloam.
Both retirement visa categories require proof of Indonesian health insurance as part of the application. Kitas VIP introduces clients to trusted broker partners who specialise in expat cover that satisfies the immigration requirement and gives actual treatment-ready insurance, not just a paper certificate.
Long-term villa rentals in Ubud
Once your KITAS is issued you can sign 12 month or longer leases in your own name. The Ubud long-term rental market usually operates on annual contracts with the full year paid up front, which is normal for Bali and not a red flag. Expect USD 900 to 1,800 per month for a quality 2 bedroom villa with private pool, with Sayan and central Ubud at the upper end and Tegallalang and Penestanan more accessible. As a KITAS holder you can also lease land on a Hak Pakai title (right-to-use) for up to 80 years, which is the legal route for foreigners who want to build or substantially renovate a villa rather than rent.
Gianyar immigration office: what to expect
Ubud sits in the Gianyar Regency, which reports to Kanim Kelas II TPI Gianyar for KITAS biometrics. This is a smaller, calmer office than the Denpasar Kanim and the appointments typically run on time. The drive from central Ubud is around 30 minutes. Kitas VIP books your biometric slot directly after the VITAS is approved and accompanies you on the day so the paperwork, fingerprints and photograph are all handled in a single morning visit. Bring your passport and printed VITAS approval; everything else we prepare and hand to you in advance.
Daily life essentials
- Bank account. BCA and Mandiri in Ubud accept KITAS holders. The Central Ubud BCA branch has English-speaking staff and accepts foreign pension deposits.
- SIM card. Telkomsel has the most reliable coverage across the Ubud hills; XL and Smartfren are fine in town. Register your SIM with your KITAS and passport to avoid the auto-block after 30 days.
- Driving. Most retirees use Grab and Gojek for daily errands and hire a driver for day trips. For scooter use, KITAS holders can apply for a local SIM C at the Gianyar police station.
- Groceries. Pepito, Bintang Supermarket and Coco Mart all stock imported European and American goods. For produce, the Ubud traditional market is cheaper and fresher than any supermarket.
Tax and residency
Retirees on the E33F or E33E who spend more than 183 days a year in Indonesia become Indonesian tax residents. In practice, foreign pensions are usually taxed at source under the relevant double-tax treaty, and Indonesia grants a credit or exemption rather than taxing the same income twice. The detail depends on your home country treaty, so we recommend a qualified Indonesian tax adviser for your first full tax year. Kitas VIP can introduce you to trusted partners.
How Kitas VIP gets you set up in Ubud
- Start the application online. Upload your passport, pension or bank statements, and insurance certificate. We confirm eligibility the same day.
- We prepare the E33F or E33E VITAS and lodge it through the eVisa portal.
- Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once approved, you travel to Bali.
- We meet you in Ubud for a short onboarding, then accompany you to Gianyar immigration within 30 days for biometrics.
- We collect your KITAS card, introduce you to recommended long-term villa agents, banks and healthcare partners.
- Renewals are handled automatically 60 days before expiry for up to 5 years of stay.