Question 1

Can I legally work remotely in Bali on a tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

Legally, no — Indonesian law requires a work permit for any work conducted in Indonesia regardless of who pays you. In practice, enforcement against individual foreign remote workers is virtually non-existent. The standard approach is the B211A Social/Cultural Visa (up to 180 days), work quietly for your foreign employer, and avoid any Indonesian clients or income sources. The Second Home Visa is the only clean long-term solution for self-employed nomads, but requires a large bank deposit.

Question 2

How do I set up a legitimate business in Indonesia as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

The primary vehicle is a PT PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing — Foreign Investment Company). It allows up to 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. The minimum paid-up capital is Rp 10,000,000,000 ($632,000) — which must be committed but not necessarily transferred immediately. Registration goes through BKPM via the OSS portal. Expect 2–4 months and $2,000–$5,000 in legal and government fees. Once incorporated, the PT PMA can sponsor KITAS for foreign directors.

Question 3

What sectors can foreigners NOT operate in Indonesia?

Accepted Answer

The Negative Investment List (now managed under the Omnibus Law's Priority Investment List) restricts or prohibits foreign ownership in sectors including: gambling, fisheries (certain types), media and broadcasting (max 20% foreign), retail trade below certain thresholds, alcohol production, traditional medicine manufacturing, and land transportation. Most tech, tourism, manufacturing, professional services, and F&B sectors are fully open to foreign investment. Always verify with a local lawyer before incorporating.

Question 4

What does a KITAS cost for an employed expat?

Accepted Answer

Government fees alone are Rp 1,200,000–2,400,000/year ($75–$150). However, the real cost includes: employer's RPTKA and IMTA applications (Rp 5M–15M, $315–$950), DPKK levy ($100/month paid by employer = $1,200/year), immigration agent fees ($500–$1,500), and your time. Total cost to the employer per year: $2,500–$4,500+. This is why many Indonesian companies prefer to hire locals and why KITAS sponsorship is a valued benefit in expat employment contracts.

Question 5

Are there job opportunities for English speakers in Indonesia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in specific sectors. International schools throughout Indonesia hire qualified English teachers with TEFL certificates for Rp 25M–80M/month. Multinational companies in Jakarta hire expats for senior management, technical, and specialist roles with generous packages. Bali's tourism and hospitality sector hires for management roles. The digital and creative economy (design, marketing, tech) has growing demand. For most other roles, Indonesians are preferred both by law and economics — the DPKK levy makes hiring foreigners significantly more expensive.

Work & Business

Overview

Key Takeaways

Employment & KITAS Work Permits

Starting a Business — PT PMA

Remote Work & Freelancing in Indonesia

Indonesia's Digital Economy & Opportunities

Expat Salaries & Job Market

Planning to start a business in Indonesia?

Common Questions — Work & Business in Indonesia

Find Your Perfect City with AI

Expat Insights, Weekly

More Indonesia Guides

Ready to explore Indonesia?