Can foreigners own property in Bali? Options explained

Yes, foreigners can legally own property in Bali, but not through personal freehold title. The main routes are leasehold in your own name and HGB title through a PT PMA company. Each has different rules, costs, and timelines. The right choice depends on your budget, holding period, and intended use. For Australian buyers, the ownership rules are covered separately.

What is the simplest way to hold property as a foreigner?

Leasehold (Hak Sewa) is the most straightforward route. You sign a lease agreement directly in your name, without needing a company. Terms typically run between 25 and 30 years, often with an extension clause agreed at the start. This structure is used for many holiday villas and investment properties.

The key checks are the remaining lease term, the extension terms and cost, and who holds the underlying freehold certificate. Always confirm the certificate class and that the lessor has the legal right to grant the lease. A detailed comparison of leasehold and freehold in Bali is available on our blog.

How does freehold ownership work through a company?

A PT PMA (foreign-investment company) can hold Hak Guna Bangunan (HGB) or Hak Pakai title, which is the closest a foreign buyer can get to owning land. It is not freehold: the title runs for a fixed term, and the land is not held in your personal name. You own the company, and the company holds the property. This structure suits development land, business premises, and longer holding periods.

The setup involves company registration, a notarised deed, and annual reporting. Ask your adviser about shareholding rules, the minimum investment requirement, and the reporting calendar before you commit. Weight the costs and compliance against your intended use before proceeding. Our guide to what a PT PMA is explains the structure in more depth. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Take professional advice on your own situation.

What about Hak Pakai? Is that an option for foreigners?

Hak Pakai (Right to Use) is available to foreign individuals for residential property, and can run up to 80 years under recent regulation changes. It is a direct title, not a lease, but it is not freehold. Hak Pakai is often used for condominiums and houses in designated residential zones. The rules on value caps and divestment requirements changed in 2025, so you must check the current maximum duration, permitted uses, and resale conditions with a qualified notary (PPAT) before committing.

Confirm whether the property is in a zone that allows Hak Pakai for a foreign individual, and whether the title can be held in your name or must be held through a company. The notary will also confirm the registration process and any conditions attached. Our buyer guide walks through the due diligence steps we follow on title checks.

What types of properties are available for foreign buyers?

Across Bali, foreign buyers can purchase leasehold villas, land held on HGB title through a PT PMA, and hotels or resorts via a corporate structure. The properties we currently list include 106 live options: 62 freehold (typically through a company structure) and 15 leasehold, with the remainder under negotiation. Our stock covers land, villas, and hotel and resort properties across areas including Ubud, Canggu, Jimbaran, Cemagi, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Seminyak, and Kintamani. Land plots range from smaller villa plots to large development sites. For specific sizes and prices, ask us directly. Decide first whether you want income, a personal home, or a development site, because each points to a different structure.

Can I get financing to buy property in Bali?

Some Indonesian banks offer mortgage products to foreigners, but terms vary widely. Our financing guide covers the lender landscape in more detail. Typically, you will need a substantial down payment and proof of income or company financials. Leasehold properties are harder to finance because the bank does not hold the freehold title. For PT PMA structures, financing may be available through corporate loans.

Before applying, compare at least two lenders and ask about prepayment penalties, currency risk, and how the interest rate is set. We recommend speaking with a local bank or a financial advisor experienced in cross-border property transactions. We can introduce you to lenders who work with foreign buyers, but we do not provide financing ourselves.

Common questions

How long does the buying process take?

A leasehold transaction can close in 4 to 8 weeks, depending on due diligence and notary scheduling. A PT PMA purchase takes longer, typically 12 to 16 weeks, because company registration must be completed first. Always factor in time for zoning checks and certificate verification.

What is the difference between freehold and leasehold?

Freehold (Hak Milik) is full ownership of the land, but it is reserved for Indonesian citizens. The closest route for a foreigner is a PT PMA company holding HGB title, which runs for a fixed term and is not freehold. Leasehold gives you the right to use a property for a fixed term, usually 25 to 30 years, with no ownership of the underlying land.

Is the price negotiable?

Listed prices are a starting point. Our team discusses terms with you directly. The assistant does not negotiate. For any specific property, we can share the owner’s expectations and guide you through the offer process.

Do you help with the legal process?

Yes. We work with a notary (PPAT) and guide you through due diligence, zoning checks, and the title deed. We also help you understand the costs and timelines for each ownership structure.

What happens if I want to sell later?

Leasehold properties can be sold by assigning the remaining lease term to a new buyer. Land held through a PT PMA can also change hands through a sale of the company’s shares. Take legal and tax advice before relying on that route. Each route has different exit costs and timelines. We can discuss the options for your specific situation.

Have a question about your own plans? Ask us through the site.