Moving your family to the “Island of the Gods” is an incredible adventure, but transitioning to a new life in the tropics requires more than just buying a surfboard. For parents enrolling their children at Green School Bali, the logistics of visas, schooling, and housing can feel overwhelming.
To ensure your transition is as smooth as the Balinese breeze, we’ve put together the definitive 12-month checklist for moving to Bali with children.
Phase 1: 12–9 Months Before – The Foundation
Before you start packing boxes, you need a clear strategy.
- Research Schooling: If you haven’t already, contact Green School Bali for enrollment availability. Their lists fill up fast.
- Define Your Budget: Factor in tuition, high-quality international health insurance, and housing near Green School. Remember, a family of four typically needs a monthly budget of $3,500 – $6,000 for a comfortable lifestyle.
- Audit Your Documents: Check all passports. Indonesia requires passports to be valid for at least 6–12 months after your arrival.
Phase 2: 9–6 Months Before – Visas and Logistics
This is the “paperwork” phase. Navigating Indonesian immigration is much easier with a professional agent.
- Choose Your Visa: * Remote Worker KITAS (E33G): Ideal for digital nomads.
- Investor KITAS: Best for those looking to start a business or invest in property.
- Student/Dependent KITAS: Essential for your children’s legal residency.
- Health Prep: Schedule a visit to a travel clinic. Ensure your kids are up to date on routine shots and consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis.
- Declutter: Decide what to ship and what to sell. Most villas in Bali come fully furnished, so you may only need to ship sentimental items and specialized gear.
Phase 3: 6–3 Months Before – Securing Your Home
Now it gets real. You need a home base.
- Book Your Villa: Start looking seriously at housing near Green School. Search for areas like Sibang Kaja and Abiansemal. Check Eco Village Sibang for current availability—securing a long-term lease early gives you peace of mind.
- Health Insurance: Finalize a policy with international coverage that includes medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia.
- Notify Current Schools: Request official records and transcripts for the transfer process.
Phase 4: 3 Months to Departure – The Final Sprint
- Book Flights: Aim to arrive at least 2–3 weeks before the school term starts in August. This allows your children to acclimate to the humidity and time zone.
- Financial Setup: Open a Wise or Revolut account for easy currency conversion. You’ll need a KITAS to open a local Indonesian bank account once you arrive.
- The “Essentials” Bag: Pack high-SPF sunscreen, specific child medications (3–6 month supply), and a few favorite comfort toys to help your kids settle in.
Phase 5: Arrival – Settling into Island Life
- First 48 Hours: Get local SIM kaards (Telkomsel is usually best for the Green School area).
- Finalize the Lease: Move into your villa and get to know your local “Banjar” (neighborhood community).
- Orientation: Attend the Green School orientation days to meet the Green School Bali parent community.
Why the Right House is the Best Start
Relocating is stressful for children. Having a stable, beautiful, and functional home from day one makes all the difference. Villa Harta at Eco Village Sibang is specifically designed for expat families, offering a sanctuary where your kids can play safely while you focus on settling into your new Bali life.
Ready to cross “Finding a Home” off your list?