If you're planning to live and invest in Bali, it's crucial to understand the correct permits needed for a legal stay. While many refer to the Investor KITAS as a Bali investor visa, it's actually a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) designed specifically for investors.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the various permits available to foreign investors, including the Investor KITAS and other visa options for shorter stays. We’ll also outline their legal requirements and essential steps to help you secure your long-term stay in Bali.
Key Considerations for planning your relocation to Bali
Before applying for a Bali Investor KITAS, it’s essential to assess the legal and logistical factors that will affect your move. Proper planning will help you ensure compliance with Indonesian regulations and prevent unnecessary delays. Below are key aspects to consider before starting your application:
- Legal Entity Requirements
- To qualify for an Investor KITAS in Bali, you need to be a shareholder in a PT PMA (foreign-owned company) with at least IDR 10 billion worth of shares.
- While you don’t necessarily need to establish the entity yourself, you must demonstrate your involvement as it is crucial to secure your approval and avoid delays.
- To qualify for an Investor KITAS in Bali, you need to be a shareholder in a PT PMA (foreign-owned company) with at least IDR 10 billion worth of shares.
- While you don’t necessarily need to establish the entity yourself, you must demonstrate your involvement as it is crucial to secure your approval and avoid delays.
- When to Apply for Your Investor KITAS:
- The typical processing time for an investor KITAS is 7 to 10 days. However, the timeline varies depending on the completeness of your documents and the specific type of visa or KITAS you apply for.
- To avoid administrative complications, we recommend starting the application process at least 1-2 months before your planned move. This allows ample time for your document preparation and processing.
- The typical processing time for an investor KITAS is 7 to 10 days. However, the timeline varies depending on the completeness of your documents and the specific type of visa or KITAS you apply for.
- To avoid administrative complications, we recommend starting the application process at least 1-2 months before your planned move. This allows ample time for your document preparation and processing.
- E-Visa is a Convenient First Step
- The e-Visa is ideal for investors who need to quickly enter Bali to initiate short-term business activities, such as conducting market research, meeting local partners, or setting up a PT PMA.
- If you’re planning to stay longer and engage in business operations, it’s important to begin your KITAS application as soon as possible during your e-Visa stay to avoid gaps in your legal status.
- The e-Visa is ideal for investors who need to quickly enter Bali to initiate short-term business activities, such as conducting market research, meeting local partners, or setting up a PT PMA.
- If you’re planning to stay longer and engage in business operations, it’s important to begin your KITAS application as soon as possible during your e-Visa stay to avoid gaps in your legal status.
Emerhub’s relocation experts can help you chart and initiate your relocation plans to Bali. We’ll evaluate all related visa and KITAS options according to your investment plans and coordinate the necessary steps to ensure your timely processing and approval.
Types of Investment Visas in Bali
Attend Meetings with Multiple-Entry Pre-Investment Visa (D12)
The Pre-Investment Visa is ideal for foreign investors looking to explore Bali's market opportunities before making a significant commitment. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 1 to 2 years, allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry. However, it does not permit employment.
To obtain a D12 visa, you’ll need sponsorship from an Indonesian company, which will verify your proof of sufficient funds (minimum USD 5,000).
Keep in mind that the D12 visa requires you to leave the country after each 180-day stay. If you plan to establish long-term residency as an investor, the Investor KITAS may be a more suitable option.
Plan a Short-Term Stay with a Single-Entry Business Visa
The Single-Entry Business visa (formerly known as B211) is another suitable choice for investors planning a shorter stay in Bali. This visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended twice for an additional 180 days.
While it also doesn’t allow employment or long-term residency, you can explore business opportunities and conduct market research. It therefore serves as an excellent entry point before applying for a long-term Investor KITAS or other business-related permits. To apply, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
- Round-trip or onward travel ticket.
- Proof of business activities or sponsorship from an Indonesian entity.
- Financial evidence to support your stay.
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity.
Relocate for Long-Term Residency through the Bali Investor KITAS or special long-term visa options
Foreign investors looking to establish a more permanent presence in Bali can do so through the Investor KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit), which offers residency based on business or financial investment. Remember that while it is commonly referred to as a Bali investor visa, this is in fact an inaccurate misconception, since the investor KITAS is the only long-stay option for investors.
This stay permit provides several options, each tailored to different investment levels and business involvement. Below is a breakdown of the main Investor KITAS types and additional residency options:
| KITAS Type / Relevant Visa | Validity | Key Features | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| E28A Investor KITAS | 2 years, renewable annually. | - Most common option for investors in Bali - Allows investment activities and employment. | - Minimum investment of IDR 10 billion (approximately USD 700,000) - Ownership or significant investment in a registered Indonesian business (PT PMA). - Proof of financial capacity and a business plan. |
| E28B Investor KITAS | 5 or 10 years | - For foreign investors planning to establish or invest in businesses. - Allows them to live and work in Bali. | - Minimum investment of US$2.5 million for a 5-year visa or US$5 million for a 10-year visa. - Proof of company ownership and financial audits. - Proof of living expenses and compliance with visa conditions. |
| E28C Directors or Investors KITAS | 5 or 10 years | - For foreign directors, commissioners, or investors with non-domicile tax status. - Allows active business involvement without full-time residency. | - Senior position in a registered company. - Proof of active involvement in business operations. - Compliance with non-domicile requirements. |
| Golden Visa Program | 5 or 10 years | - Long-term residency for high-net-worth individuals or investors. - Multiple entry privileges and simplified renewal processes. | - Minimum investment varies according to different candidates. - Clean criminal record. - Proof of income. |
| Second Home Visa | 5 or 10 years | - For retirees or financially stable individuals seeking long-term residency. | - Proof of assets worth IDR 2 billion (approximately USD 130,000). - Does not require direct business involvement. - Proof of health coverage in Indonesia |
Important: If you own shares worth less than IDR 10 billion (approximately USD 700,000), we recommend applying for a residence permit to work as a director or commissioner instead. Our experts are ready to guide you through this process.
How to Apply for an Investor Visa in Bali
Securing an investor KITAS or any of the relevant visas for your stay in Bali can be complex, especially with strict documentation requirements. Emerhub’s relocation experts in Bali can help assess your investment plans and initiate the entire application process on your behalf. We’ll also handle all official communications with the local immigration authorities or consulate:
- Preparing Required Documents: Gather essential documents, such as a valid passport, financial statements, proof of investment, proof of accommodation, a business plan, and sponsorship letters. These will support your application and demonstrate your eligibility for the specific visa.
- Applying for an e-Visa: Submit your application for an e-visa through the Indonesian immigration portal. The e-Visa allows you to enter Indonesia and is the first step toward obtaining long-term residency. Emerhub will handle the submission and monitor progress to prevent delays.
- Completing Onshore Registration: Once you arrive in Bali, visit local immigration authorities to complete the onshore registration process. This step involves biometrics, documentation verification, and compliance checks to transition from an e-Visa to a KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit).
- Obtaining the KITAS: After completing onshore procedures, you will receive your KITAS, allowing you to live and invest legally in Bali for the duration of your stay. Our experts will provide updates to keep you informed throughout the process.
Planning to work and live in Bali as a foreign investor? Our relocation experts will help you with the entire application process. Fill out the form below and we’ll put you in touch!
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the difference between a business visa and an investor visa in Bali?
A business visa is intended for short-term business activities, such as market research or attending meetings, and does not permit employment or long-term residency. In contrast, an investor visa allows for long-term residency and active involvement in business operations.
2. How long does it take to obtain a Bali Investor KITAS?
The processing time for an investor visa (KITAS) typically ranges from 7 to 8 days. However, the timeline varies depending on the completeness of your documents and the specific type of visa or KITAS you apply for.
3. Can family members accompany me on an investor KITAS?
Yes, your family members can join you in Bali. They can apply for a dependent KITAS, which allows them to live in Indonesia while you maintain your investor visa.
4. Do I need to be in Bali to maintain my investor visa?
No, there is no minimum stay requirement for investor visas such as for the General Investment Visa or Directors or Investors Visa. You can maintain your visa without the need to reside in Bali continuously. However, you must ensure that your business activities comply with the visa's requirements.