Discover 5 Highly Profitable Business Ideas for Foreigners in Bali
Opening a business in Bali is the dream of many foreigners — and for good reason. With year-round tourism, an open-minded local culture, and an incredible lifestyle, Bali continues to attract people from all over the world who come for a visit and stay to build a life and a business.
Whether you’re looking into a long-term investment or a hands-on venture, there are exciting opportunities across several sectors. In this article, we’ll cover the 5 most profitable and accessible business sectors for foreigners in Bali, along with real examples and tips to help you choose the right path.
Why Start a Business in Bali Now?
While Bali’s tourism was impacted during the 2020–2021 pandemic, the post-COVID recovery is offering new doors:
- Lower land and rental prices compared to pre-2019 levels
- Fewer competitors due to closed businesses
- Growing digital economy and remote work-friendly environment
- Long-term tourism rebound expected — and likely to be massive
Opening a PMA (foreign-owned company) now means you’re prepared when the boom comes back.
Not All Sectors Are Open to Foreigners
Indonesia protects some business sectors for locals only. But there are still plenty of business types foreigners can legally own through a PT PMA — especially if your company provides local employment, investment, and innovation.
Top 5 Most Profitable Business Sectors for Foreigners in Bali
1. Villa Rental & Accommodation Business
Bali is known worldwide for its villa lifestyle. As a foreign investor, you can set up a villa rental business that provides short-term lodging services in:
- Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu — for high-end, fast turnover
- Sidemen, Amed, or Tulamben — for quiet, low-cost land and growth potential
Whether you build new villas, renovate existing ones, or manage properties for owners, this sector remains one of the most lucrative investments in Bali.
Examples: B&Bs, boutique guesthouses, wellness retreats, Airbnb-style villa networks
2. Business Management Consultant
With so many new businesses launching in Bali — from cafés to hotels to eco-startups — the demand for professional consulting has grown rapidly.
As a consultant, you can provide services like:
- HR and staff training
- Workflow automation
- Hospitality and service upgrades
- Technology solutions (POS systems, booking software, etc.)
This is one of the most flexible and scalable PT PMA structures, especially great for digital nomads and seasoned professionals.
3. Real Estate
The real estate market in Bali is constantly expanding, and there’s space for you as:
- A property consultant
- A villa/residential project manager
- A buyer’s agent for international investors
- A land development partner
This sector offers both large-scale investment and lean business options (like referral-based brokerage or commissions).
💡 You don’t need to build to profit — you can also manage or market real estate as a consultant.
4. Digital Platform With Commercial Purpose
Indonesia’s digital economy is booming — and Bali is a hotspot for startups, platforms, and web-based services.
As a foreigner, you can build platforms that:
- Sell Indonesian goods to global markets (e-commerce)
- Connect travelers with services (like Booking, Agoda, Traveloka)
- Support communities (ex: expat forums, co-living networks, digital marketplaces)
This sector includes apps, websites, subscription services, SaaS businesses — as long as it has a commercial function.
Examples: Digital travel guides, event platforms, online learning hubs, remote work tools
5. Restaurant & Food Business
Food culture is at the heart of Bali’s tourism and lifestyle scene. Opening a restaurant is a proven success path — and you don’t need to limit yourself to fine dining.
You can explore:
- Fast casual (burgers, ramen, smoothie bowls)
- Niche cuisine (vegan, Korean BBQ, Italian)
- Specialty coffee or bakery concepts
- Fusion or locally inspired dining
Despite challenges, many restaurants in Bali (like Massimo Italian in Sanur) have thrived by tapping into both expat and local markets.
✅ Partnering with an experienced local chef or team can make this business even smoother.
Summary Table: Top 5 Business Sectors
| Sector | Profit Potential | Setup Complexity | Scalability | Popular Areas |
| Villa Rental | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Medium | High | Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu |
| Business Consultant | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Low | High | Island-wide |
| Real Estate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | High | Very High | All over Bali |
| Digital Platform | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Medium | Very High | Online-based |
| Restaurant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Medium-High | Medium | Seminyak, Sanur, Canggu |
Final Thoughts: Should You Start Now?
We believe the answer is yes — and the time is perfect.
While Bali is still stabilizing from its economic dip, the foundation is already rebuilding. With the right strategy, team, and legal structure (PMA), you can launch a business that supports not just your goals — but the local economy as well.
Need help getting started with your PT PMA setup? Click here to talk to our team.
Have a Different Business Idea?
There are many other legal sectors open to foreigners in Bali beyond the five above. If you have a specific business idea, contact us — we’ll let you know if it’s allowed under foreign investment law and help guide you through the process.
💬 Got questions? Want help with setup or legal support?
We’re here to help! Reach out via chat or visit our PMA Setup page.
