Indonesia has implemented a programmatic transition of nevirapine to a dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy for stable people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to identify changes in quality of life (QoL) after six months of this transition and evaluate the correlation of weight, sleep quality, depression, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) changes to QoL. Our cohort prospective study involved 145 participants who underwent transition from nevirapine to dolutegravir-based regimen. QoL was assessed using the Indonesian version of the EQ-5D-3 L questionnaire. Of the 145 participants, 57.2% were male, with a median age of 43 (40–46.5) years, and 99.3% had undetectable viruses. We found a significant improvement in EQ VAS score (median 90 (IQR 80–99) vs. median 90 (IQR 85–100), p = < 0.001). There was, however, a significant number of participants who had worsening pain/discomfort (p = 0.036). We found no correlation between changes in weight, sleep quality, depression, and eGFR with QoL. Our study shows a promising improvement in QoL as a result of transitioning from nevirapine to dolutegravir-based regimen despite an increase in reported pain. © The Author(s) 2025.