Expat Topics
Moving Abroad from Indonesia
From the archipelago to the world — Indonesia's growing professional diaspora
Last updated March 2026
9M
Indonesians Abroad
Malaysia
Top Destination
200K+
In Singapore
Growing global demand
Tech Talent
Indonesia's overseas population includes approximately 9 million citizens abroad — many as migrant workers in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong, but increasingly as skilled professionals in Singapore, Australia, Japan, and Europe. Indonesia's booming tech sector (Gojek, Tokopedia, Traveloka) has created a generation of globally competitive professionals seeking international experience.
Top 8 Destinations for Indonesia Expats
Where Indonesia citizens are actually moving — with honest reasons why.
🇲🇾Malaysia
Largest Indonesian community abroad — cultural and linguistic similarity (Malay). Construction, domestic work, and increasingly professional roles.
🇸🇬Singapore
200K+ Indonesians. Finance, tech, and domestic work. Proximity (1 hour from Jakarta by plane).
🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
Religious tourism (Hajj/Umrah) creates worker pathway. Healthcare, construction, and domestic workers.
🇦🇺Australia
Education pathway — large Indonesian student population. Skilled migration for IT and engineering. Perth is closest major city.
🇯🇵Japan
Technical Intern Training Program, Specified Skilled Worker visa, and growing care worker demand.
🇳🇱Netherlands
Historic colonial ties, existing Indonesian-Dutch community, and tech sector opportunities in Amsterdam.
🇰🇷South Korea
EPS (Employment Permit System) for manufacturing and agriculture workers. Growing Korean-Indonesian exchange.
🇩🇪Germany
Blue Card for IT professionals, nursing recruitment programs, and academic exchange.
Why People Leave Indonesia
- 1Wage differential: Indonesian average salary ~$300/month vs $2,000-5,000+ in Singapore, Australia, or the Gulf
- 2Career growth: Indonesia's large population creates fierce competition for limited formal sector positions
- 3Education: seeking globally recognized degrees and research opportunities abroad
- 4Healthcare: quality varies significantly; many seek better medical care overseas
- 5Natural disasters: Indonesia's Ring of Fire position means regular earthquake, volcanic, and tsunami risk
- 6Infrastructure: outside Jakarta and Bali, infrastructure can be challenging for professional life
Important Considerations Before Leaving
- Indonesia does NOT allow dual citizenship (except for minors under 18 with mixed-nationality parents)
- Gaining foreign citizenship means automatic loss of Indonesian citizenship — a significant decision
- KITAS/KITAP: foreign residents in Indonesia use these permits — losing Indonesian citizenship requires one for return visits
- BPJS healthcare: non-portable — arrange international health insurance before moving
- Remittances: use Wise, OVO International, or bank transfers — compare rates for IDR conversions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indonesia citizens live abroad?
An estimated 9M Indonesia citizens currently live abroad. The top destination is Malaysia.
What are the best countries to move to from Indonesia?
The most popular destinations for Indonesia expats are Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Australia. Each offers different advantages from career growth to lifestyle and cost savings.
What should I consider before leaving Indonesia?
Indonesia does NOT allow dual citizenship (except for minors under 18 with mixed-nationality parents) Gaining foreign citizenship means automatic loss of Indonesian citizenship — a significant decision
Not sure where to move from Indonesia?
Take our free AI quiz — answer 7 questions and get personalized country matches based on your budget, lifestyle, and priorities.
Get Indonesia Expat Updates
Visa changes, cost comparisons, and real expat stories — weekly.