Frequently asked questions

VISA

  • At the moment, 97 nationalities qualify for VOA. Check if your nationality is eligible for a visa on arrival and the conditions associated with it by visiting our VOA page here.

  • Visa-Free Entry:

    This allows citizens of certain countries to enter Indonesia without a visa for single-entry short stays of up to 30 days for the purpose of tourism. The specific countries eligible for visa-free entry can change, so it's important to make sure that your country is still eligible before you plan your trip. The latest countries to qualify for a free 30 days visa are: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Colombia, Suriname

    VOA index B1

    The Visa on Arrival (VOA) and Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) allow citizens of 97 eligible countries to enter and stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days, with the option to extend up to 60 days in total. The VOA/e-VOA covers tourism, official visits, business, purchasing goods, attending meetings and transits. The e-VOA can be obtained in advance through the official Indonesian Immigration website, while the VOA is issued when you land at an Indonesian airport. Please see our VOA page for more information.

    Single Entry Visit Visa index 211A / Group C

    A single entry visit visa allows foreign nationals to enter Indonesia for tourism or business purposes for up to 60 days, with the option to extend twice in-country for an additional 60 days each time, for a total maximum stay of 180 days. This type of visa does not permit you to earn money in Indonesia. Applicants must have a passport validity of at least 6 months and provide a passport photo, flight tickets and proof of payment. We offer two different services, either standard 7-14 day processing or express 3-5 day processing. Upon arrival, you will receive a 60-day Immigration stamp. Extensions require you to submit your passport to Immigration 7-10 days prior to visa expiration. Our team can handle the rest of the process, although you will need to go to Immigration to scan your fingerprints if you wish to extend. Please see our ‘Single Entry Visit Visa’ page for more information.

    Multi Entry Visit Visa index D1 / D2

    A multiple entry visit visa allows multiple entries into Indonesia over 1, 2 or 5 years for tourism or business purposes, with each visit lasting up to 60 days. Extensions can be arranged if you wish to stay longer per visit, for up to 180 days maximum. This type of visa requires having an Indonesian sponsor and allows frequent visits without needing to reapply each time. It does not permit working or earning money in Indonesia. To qualify, you’ll need a valid passport, funds, address, photo, and to state your purpose of visits. We can assist with sponsoring, paperwork and extensions. Please see our ‘Multiple Entry Visit Visa’ page for more information.

    KITAS /ITAS

    An ITAS (Limited Stay Permit) allows foreigners to live in Indonesia long-term for purposes such as investment, marriage, retirement or work. There are several types, including Investor, Spouse, Family, Retirement, Work and Entertainment which we can help you to obtain if you meet the requirements. An ITAS can be valid for 6 months to 5 years depending on the type. We handle the application process from start to finish, including document collection, submission and immigration appointments. Please see our page ‘ITAS/Limited Stay Permit’ for more information.

    Golden Visas

    Golden Visas offer a path to long-term residency in Indonesia for foreigners looking to retire, invest financially, utilize special skills, purchase property or reconnect with their Indonesian roots. They are valid for periods of 5-10 years and allow holders and their families residence during that period. Types include Retirement, Global Talent, World Leader, Second Home, ex-Indonesian and Investor visas, each with specific eligibility criteria regarding funds, property purchase, expertise proofs or the establishment of Indonesian companies. Upon arrival, those meeting conditions receive electronic limited stay and re-entry permits. If you would like to know more, visit our ‘Golden Visa’ page for details.

  • If you happen to overstay your visa in Indonesia, we advise you take these steps:

    1. Present necessary documents like your passport, visa paperwork and anything else immigration officers request to review your situation.

    2. Seek help from professionals like visa agents or legal advisors to guide you if difficulties come up. Their expertise smoothens the process.

    3. If overstaying results in you losing money or facing difficulties, the best thing you can do is to take the experience as a lesson and carefully stick to regulations to avoid repeat offense in the future.

    4. Stay updated on changing immigration policies so you can avoid similar issues going forward.

    Note that overstaying can result in weighty consequences like deportation, re-entry bans and extra fines. Promptly addressing the violation and cooperating with immigration procedures is key to avoiding these issues. It’s important to note that policies frequently change, so make sure you stay updated with the latest regulations. Currently, overstay fines amount to Rp. 1,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah for every day that you stay after your visa expiry date. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help.

  • The Investment Visa, commonly referred to as Investor KITAS, is typically associated with foreign investors who are planning to make significant investments in Indonesia with the value of at least 10,000,000,000 Rupiah. This is usually proven by becoming a shareholder in an Indonesian company (PT PMA). If you need more information on how to obtain your Investor KITAS/ITAS, please refer to this page.

  • You can apply for a VOA (Visa on Arrival), also known as an e-VOA, online via the Molina website or purchase a VOA when you land at the airport in Indonesia.

    www.molina.imigrasi.go.id

  • Visas are issued electronically via Indonesia's centralized Immigration system. Once we receive your visa, our team will email it to you or send it via WhatsApp. When you arrive, you can easily show your visa on your phone to the Immigration officer.

  • Short-term tourist visas like the VOA can be obtained independently without a sponsor through the Molina website. We are also available to help if you need assistance. However, long-term visas require an Indonesian company or entity to sponsor and guarantee you. Please vet potential sponsors carefully as unfortunately, visa related scams often occur.

  • While online work is not restricted per se, special long-term visas for remote workers exist. To learn more, visit our Remote Worker Visa page.

  • Foreign nationals can look for employment opportunities in Indonesia but require a Working KITAS visa sponsored by your Indonesian employer in order to actually earn money. Working without this visa can result in harsh fines or consequences if found out, and as such, it is essential that you make sure you have the necessary documents before being paid by an Indonesian company. Please see our Working KITAS page for more details.

PROPERTY & BUSINESS

  • Foreigners are legally prohibited from directly owning land in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia. However, there are options for foreigners to secure ownership rights over Indonesian property, such as:

    • Obtaining a "Hak Pakai" (Right to Use) title, which grants the rights to utilize land for 25-30 years, renewable for another period, commonly used for residential properties.

    • Securing a "Hak Guna Bangunan" (Right to Build) title allowing a foreign investment company (PT PMA) to construct buildings on land owned by an Indonesian individual or entity for a fixed duration.

    • Entering into long-term lease agreements, renewable up to 25-30 years, with Indonesian landowners.

    • Co-owning property with an Indonesian citizen who holds the legal land title.

    Due to the changing nature of Indonesia's real estate laws, purchasing land or property should only be done with the help of experts who understand property ownership regulations. Before deciding, always verify information from official Indonesian government sources, legal professionals and consulting companies. If you need assistance, we have an expert team who can provide personalized property consulting services to guide you through legally and securely obtaining property in Bali. For more information, please visit our page ‘Property Consulting’ or contact our team today.

  • The LKPM report is a quarterly investment activity report required by the BKPM (Investment Coordinating Board), which must be submitted every three months (January, April, July, October).

    This report is essential for informing the government about your company's quarterly growth. Even if your company is not operational, we recommend submitting the report to notify the government of its status.

    The report must include:

    1. ⁠Financial statements

    2. ⁠Number of local employees

    3. ⁠Active and inactive KBLIs

    4. Status of company operations (under construction, not operational, or operational)

    LKPM report:

    Quarter I: Reporting on 1-10 April
    Quarter II: Reporting on July 1-10
    Quarter III: Reporting on 1-10 October
    Quarter IV: Reporting on January 1-10 of the following year

    If you need assistance with filing your LKPM please message our team or refer to our LKPM page.

  • The Standard Classification of Indonesian Business Fields, abbreviated as KBLI, categorizes companies operating in Indonesia into different industries. This coding system helps the government collect economic data for statistical purposes, business registrations and to regulate licensing. It covers a wide range of industries, including agriculture, trade, services and more. While providing order, these codes also give clues as to potential risks businesses face.

    The risks that you may encounter as a business vary depending on the industry, location and size of your business. Common types of risks could be financial, operational, market, regulatory or environmental in nature. Our team can clarify which KBLI your business needs to apply for, so please get in contact with us if you need assistance.

  • When individuals or entities establish a business entity in Indonesia, such as a limited liability company (PT), they may contribute various types of assets to the company. These contributions form the initial capital of the company and determine the ownership structure among shareholders.

    Inbreng can take various forms, including:

    Cash: The injection of funds into the company's bank account as capital.

    Assets: Contribution of tangible assets such as real estate, equipment, inventory, or vehicles.

    Intellectual Property: Contribution of intangible assets such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, or proprietary technology.

    Services: Contribution of services or expertise, although this is less common for initial capitalization.

    Inbreng is documented through legal agreements and is typically recorded in the company's Articles of Association (Anggaran Dasar) and Minutes of the General Meeting of Shareholders (Rapat Umum Pemegang Saham). It establishes the basis for the ownership structure and the rights and obligations of shareholders within the company.

  • Establishing a PT PMA, or a limited liability entity with foreign capital investment, in Indonesia entails several necessary steps. A PT PMA is the most common vehicle for overseas entities to invest in the Indonesian economy. Here are some necessary steps when opening a PT PMA:

    • Conducting research and planning - Perform studies evaluating the viability of the proposed business concept within the Indonesian marketplace. Prepare a detailed plan highlighting objectives, intended consumer base, offerings and financial projections.

    • Selecting a business activity and name - Decide on the specific commercial enterprise(s) suited to regulatory requirements and the Negative Investment List, then reserve an approved company name with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

    • Appointing shareholders and directors - Shareholders can be legal entities or individuals, both foreign and Indonesia. However, directors must be individuals and there are no nationality restrictions.

    For an extensive step by step process, please refer to our PT PMA guide here.

TAX

  • Yes, as a foreigner in Indonesia, you can obtain a NPWP (Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak), which is the tax identification number. The NPWP is required for individuals who earn income in Indonesia, whether through employment, business or other sources.

    However, you need to have KITAS (a short-term residency visa) in order to obtain a NPWP, as it is currently not possible if you are on a tourist visa.

    Start your KITAS Application

  • Obtaining a Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak (NPWP), or Tax Identification Number, is essential if you are a resident or operate a business in Indonesia. The NPWP serves as a unique identification code issued by the Directorate General of Taxes that tracks individuals and entities for income tax and other tax compliance purposes. Failure to acquire one can lead to financial penalties. The unique number enables tax authorities to monitor tax obligations, including managing annual tax return filings, facilitating withholding tax processes and verifying that taxpayers maintain compliance. Moreover, the NPWP is obligatory when engaging in financial transactions like opening bank accounts, acquiring loans, registering property transfers and participating in government procurement processes.

    To obtain an NPWP, required documentation must be submitted to the regional tax office and any interviews or inspections must be completed. While the number remains permanent, taxpayers have to keep their information updated to reflect any changes in personal or company details. If you would like more information or need help obtaining your NPWP, please see our page ‘Accounting/Tax’ or get in touch with our friendly team.

  • Yes, as of February 14, 2024, all foreign tourists entering Bali are required to pay a tourist tax. The tax is 150,000 IDR and only applies to international tourists. Domestic tourists do not need to pay the tax. The tax only applies to Bali, not other regions of Indonesia. If you would like more information about it, please read our article here.

TRAVEL TIPS

  • There are no longer any COVID-19 restrictions in Indonesia requiring you to prove vaccination status when you land. However, it is recommended to continue wearing a face mask in crowded areas, maintain social distance when possible and of course, vaccination is still encouraged.

  • Whilst in Indonesia, an international motorcycle license or Indonesian motorcycle license is legally required to drive a motorbike or motorcycle in Indonesia. Although it is possible to rent a motorcycle without a license, it is not legal. If you happen to be stopped by the police, you may face fines or have your scooter confiscated. Please see our page about obtaining a driver’s license here.

  • While online work is not restricted per se, special long-term visas for remote workers exist. To learn more, visit our Remote Worker Visa page.

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