When people think of Bali, beach clubs, rice terraces, and temples are usually the first things that come to mind. However, behind the gorgeous scenery, the island’s economy is changing extremely fast. Tourism is bigger than it ever was, remote work is the new normal, and there’s a new business model taking hold. From coworking memberships to wellness passes, subscription businesses in Bali are starting to become one of the most sought-after opportunities for investors looking at Southeast Asia.
The Evolution of Bali’s Economy
COVID-19 severely impacted the global economy, and Bali was no exception. But the island has since made a powerful recovery. According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Bali’s economy grew 5.82% in 2025, which is its highest growth rate in the last seven years. This increment was fueled by tourism, as Bali welcomed almost 7 million international visitors in the same year, a 9.7% increase from 2024.
Foreign direct investment also naturally follows the same growth. In fact, Indonesia’s foreign direct investment grew by 12.7% in 2025. Unsurprisingly, Bali led the way with its highest growth rate ever at 5.82%, recording around $2.5 million in realized investment in just the first quarter.
At the same time, Bali’s local economy is adopting a new approach: the subscription model. The subscription economy generated over $700 billion in revenue worldwide in 2025, and it’s projected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2030. Consumers, including those in Indonesia, are increasingly willing to pay a recurring fee instead of making a one-time payment. This change in mindset is driving the growth of subscription businesses in Bali.
What Subscription Businesses in Bali Look Like
Most people are familiar with digital subscription services like Netflix and Spotify. But many don’t know that most subscription businesses in Bali focus on physical spaces and community. Visit the island, and you can easily find countless co-working and co-living spaces, which are perfectly suited for a subscription-driven industry.
Co-working/co-living spaces in Bali, like Outpost, Dojo, Tribal, and Outsite, have built their entire business around monthly memberships. By becoming a member, you’ll pay a flat monthly fee that gives you unlimited access to a workspace. Many even bundle that fee with accommodation. For instance, Outpost Canggu offers unlimited monthly coworking access for $195 and a dedicated desk at $232 a month. It even offers packages that combine housing with free coworking access from $917 per month.
The subscription model works because it solves a real problem, which is none other than predictability. Digital nomads and small business owners don’t want to negotiate a new desk or hostel every single week. A flat monthly fee for guaranteed access removes that hassle entirely and gives the business a stable, recurring incoming stream.
The same model is also now spreading into other industries across the island:
- Wellness and fitness clubs: Monthly passes for yoga, gyms, and spa access.
- Food and beverage subscriptions: Healthy meal plans and specialty coffee subscriptions for expats and long-stay tourists.
- Business services bundles: Consultancies offer monthly retainers covering accounting, visa support, and compliance for foreign-owned companies.
The Catalyst
To further understand why subscription businesses in Bali work, investors must understand the customer base. In this case, the core audience is digital nomads and remote workers. Areas like Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu have become popular spots for both lifestyle and business travelers. This includes entrepreneurs, freelancers, startup founders, and influencers from around the world. This demand has created new sectors in the local economy, including coworking spaces, co-living developments, wellness centers, lifestyle cafes, and more.
Additionally, there are also long-stay tourists, which can be seen from the occupancy data. The short-term rental market has average occupancy rates of 65% across 2025. International demand was also strong over the same period, with international arrivals in the first half of 2025 up 13.9% year-on-year to about 3.3 million. This steady flow of long-stay visitors seeking long-term accommodation continues to underpin demand for membership-based housing and co-working models.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention
Beyond the appeal of a steady income, starting a foreign-owned business in Bali has also gotten easier. Read the following article if you’re thinking to set up a company (PT PMA). One thing to watch out for is that not every type of business gets approved automatically. Bali’s licensing system currently blocks new foreign company registrations for activities considered low risk, so it’s important to register the business under the correct category from the start. This is a technical step, and getting it wrong can delay or block your launch. It’s best handled with a local legal or company-formation advisor rather than figuring it out alone.
Conclusion
Subscription businesses in Bali are no longer a niche experiment. On the contrary, they’re a natural response to those who actually spend money on the island today: long-stay remote workers, returning tourists, and a growing local middle class that’s increasingly comfortable with recurring payments. Backed by strong economic growth, easing capital requirements for foreign investors, and a proven appetite for membership-based co-working and co-living models, the sector offers a genuinely interesting opportunity. For foreign investors, these subscription businesses are one of the more durable ways to participate in Bali’s ongoing economic rise.
FAQ
What visa do foreign founders need to run a business in Bali?
Foreign founders typically need an Investor KITAS, a residency permit tied to their company shareholding, which also allows them to legally live and work in Indonesia. This is separate from a tourist visa and must be arranged alongside the company registration process.
What types of subscription businesses work best in Bali?
Digital services, co-working access, and lifestyle products like meal prep or wellness packages thrive here due to the huge population of remote workers. Businesses that cater to convenience and the transient nature of digital nomads tend to see the highest retention.
How does Bali’s seasonal tourism affect subscription churn?
High seasonal turnover means digital nomad subscribers often cancel or pause their memberships when they leave the island after a few months. To counter this, successful businesses offer flexible pause options or digital-only tiers that members can maintain from anywhere in the world.
