A Comprehensive Guide to Medical tourism in Bali

Common Investment Prospects for Medical Tourism in Bali

Bali emerged as a significant destination for medical tourism due to its increasing investment in healthcare. Its facilities provide world-class services, including specialized care in oncology and cardiology. Additionally, the island catered to diverse medical needs and integrated wellness with medical services, offering holistic treatments that reflected its unique culture.

The growth of the medical tourism sector is contributing to Bali’s economic development. Thus, the government has established initiatives like tax incentives to encourage foreign invesment. Efforts like establishing the Sanur Health & Wellness Tourism Special Economic Zone (SEZ) aims to provide world-class healthcare and wellness resort facilities in a beachfront setting.

Here are the most common medical tourism businesses in the island:

• Cosmetic and Aesthetic Clinics – includes chemical peels, laser resurfacing, body contouring, cellulite reduction, and fat removal. Cosmetic and aesthetic clinics need to obtain a Clinic license, together with a Practice license for the medical staff. To gain an edge against competitors, cosmetic clinics in Bali need to keep up with the latest in cosmetic technology and procedures. 
• Health and Wellness Resorts – yoga, meditation, massage therapy, spa treatments, fitness classes, retreats, and nutritional counseling are some of the services offered. Many spa and wellness resorts consider integration of traditional practices along with modern wellness services. 
• Medical Tourism Agencies – facilitate travel for patients seeking medical treatments, managing appointments, travel arrangements, and accommodations. Agencies need strong relationships with local healthcare providers and knowledge of international patient needs. Compliance with international healthcare regulations is essential as well.
• Rehabilitation Centers – offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health counseling. Rehabilitation centers need to ensure that facilities are equipped with qualified therapists and that they adhere to health regulations. The integration of holistic practices may require additional training for staff.

How to set up a medical tourism company in Bali

1. Setting up a PT PMA Business in Bali

Establishing a medical tourism company in Bali requires setting up a PT PMA (Penanaman Modal Asing), which is a Limited Liability Company. Here are key steps to start a PT PMA for your Medical tourism company in Bali:

1. Reserve Business Name – Reserve your business name with the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights. The name must be in both Bahasa Indonesia and English. Emerhub can assist with this process.
2. Submit the Application – Submit your application to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. Emerhub helps draft the Articles of Incorporation and find a company secretary if needed. Upon approval, a Deed of Establishment will be issued, officially recognizing your business. 
3. Tax Registration – obtain a Tax Identification Number (NPWP) from the local tax office. Emerhub will assist with tax registration and compliance.
4. Obtain Identification Number to Operate (NIB) – We can help register your new medical tourism company in Bali using the One Single Submission System (OSS) to receive your NIB.
5. Acquire Operational/Commercial License – Obtain your operational/commercial license, which is issued on the same day as the NIB if no additional requirements are needed.
6. Open Corporate Bank Account – you must deposit the minimum paid-up capital (Rp. 2.5 billion or ~150,000 USD for PT PMA businesses) and provide proof to the taxation department.
7. Register Company Seals and Documents – After receiving the Deed of Establishment, register company seals and have incorporation documents stamped by relevant authorities.

Establishing a PT PMA in Indonesia online is feasible but involves numerous pre- and post-registration tasks, making it complex. Emerhub’s local experts are equipped to understand your needs and navigate legal requirements. We can assist with a multitude of tasks, from drafting Articles of Incorporation to opening a business bank account, as part of our comprehensive company registration service.

2. Secure all the Necessary Licenses for a Medical Facility

Once your PT PMA is established, obtaining the necessary licenses is crucial for operating legally as a medical facility:

• Clinic Permit (Izin Klinik) – Issued by the Ministry of Health, this permit is necessary for all medical clinics in Bali. Your medical company must demonstrate compliance with specific requirements related to clinic facilities, equipment, qualified personnel, and operational procedures. The application must include detailed documentation about the clinic’s infrastructure and practices. 
• Medical Practice Licenses (Surat Izin Praktik – SIP) – All medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, must hold individual SIP licenses issued by the Indonesian Medical Council (KKI). This involves submitting qualifications and completing any necessary evaluations or adaptation programs for foreign practitioners. 
• Operational Permits – Operational permits issued by local health authorities, which may include inspections and compliance checks, are required:
  • Business License – formal authorization required to legally conduct business activities including a Medical tourism company in Bali and Indonesia. 
  • Commercial License – Referred to as Surat Izin Usaha Perdagangan (SIUP), is a formal authorization required for businesses engaged in trade and commercial activities on the island. 
  • Operating permit – Permission granted by local government authorities to allow a business to operate legally. Essential for ensuring compliance with local regulations and is typically required for all businesses operating in Bali.
• Insurance – Acquire liability insurance to protect against potential legal claims related to medical malpractice or other liabilities.

Emerhub can effectively navigate the licensing process for your medical tourism company in Bali. We can help prepare and review all the documentation needed to obtain these licenses and permits to start your business in Bali, as well as manage the application process. 

3. Apply for Medical Visas for Patients and clients 

Facilitating smooth entry for international patients is a vital service in the medical tourism sector. Travelers typically need to apply for specific visa types that accommodate their stay for medical purposes. Here are the main options:

Type of Visa	Duration	Details
Visa on Arrival (VoA)	30 days, extendable for another 30 days	Available to citizens of many countries; allows for short-term stays, including for medical treatments.Obtainable upon arrival at designated airports or seaports in Indonesia.
Single Entry Visit Visa (A)	60 days, extendable up to 180 days	Suitable for those seeking longer medical treatments or consultations.Must be applied for at an Indonesian embassy or consulate prior to travel.
Medical Treatment Visa (C3)	60 days, extendable	For individuals conducting activities related to medical treatment in Indonesia.Suitable for short-term medical visits and does not permit multiple entries into the country
Medical Treatment Visa (D3)	1-2 years with multiple entries	Designed explicitly for individuals traveling to Indonesia for medical treatment.Generally allows for a longer stay, depending on the treatment plan.Requires documentation from a medical facility in Bali confirming the need for treatment.
Social-Cultural Visa	60 days, extendable	Can be used if visiting family or friends who may assist during recovery post-treatment.Requires sponsorship from an Indonesian citizen or resident.

Emerhub’s visa application service can help you determine the right visas for allowing your prospective clients to travel to Bali. We can also coordinate with local consulates to ensure that visas are issued as promptly as possible.

Want to start a medical tourism company in Bali? Contact us via the form below to get in touch with our local experts!