Population
277 million
Capital
Jakarta (moving to Nusantara)
Languages
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), English (limited)
+2 more
💰Cost & Practicalities
🏥Living Conditions
🛂Immigration
Visas & Immigration
View all🇮🇩Citizenship
Indonesian citizenship (naturalization) requires 5 consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years of residence with valid ITAP (permanent stay permit). Applicants must be 18+ or married, pass physical/mental health check, speak Indonesian, accept Pancasila and 1945 Constitution, have no criminal record, and renounce other citizenship (Indonesia does not allow dual nationality for adults). Application fee IDR 50,000,000 (~$3,200). Approved by Presidential decree. Processing takes 6-12 months. New GCI program offers unlimited permanent residency without citizenship for those with Indonesian ties.
💻Digital Nomad Visa (E33G)
The E33G Remote Worker Visa, launched in 2024, allows digital nomads to live and work legally in Indonesia while employed by foreign companies. Requires proof of $60,000 annual income and $2,000 savings. Valid for 1 year with multi-entry privileges. Holders are exempt from Indonesian income tax on foreign-sourced income. Cannot work for Indonesian companies or clients. Dependents can obtain linked KITAS. Ideal for Bali-based remote workers seeking legal status. Must enter within 90 days of issuance.
👨👩👧Family/Dependent Visa
Dependent KITAS allows spouses, children under 17, and parents of KITAS/KITAP holders or Indonesian citizens to reside in Indonesia. Spouse of Indonesian citizen requires marriage certificate, KTP, and family card (Kartu Keluarga). Requires $2,000 bank balance proof. Online application with biometrics on arrival. Validity tied to primary visa holder (typically 1 year). Must register with Civil Department (SKSKPS) and Police (STM) within 14 days. After 2 years married to Indonesian citizen, eligible for KITAP.
🏆Golden Visa
Indonesia's Golden Visa programme (launched 2023) offers 5-10 year residency for foreign investors. Individual investors can qualify with $350K investment in government bonds, public company shares, or mutual funds for 5 years, or $700K for 10 years. Property investment of $1M qualifies for 10-year visa. Business investors need $2.5M (5-year) or $5M (10-year). No physical presence requirement. Fully online application. Does not grant citizenship path but offers unlimited entry/exit and business rights. Over 1,000 visas issued since July 2024.
🌴Retirement Visa (KITAS)
Indonesia offers two retirement pathways: Standard Retirement KITAS for those 55+ requiring $1,500/month income proof ($18,000 annually), 1-year lease, health insurance, and domestic helper employment. Can extend 5 times for maximum 5 years. Silver Hair Visa (Golden Visa category) for those 60+ requires $50,000 bank deposit and $3,000 monthly income, granting 5-year permit without annual renewals. Both require travel agency sponsorship. Neither allows work. After 5 years, eligible for permanent residency (KITAP).
🏠Second Home Visa
The Second Home Visa offers 5-10 year residency for wealthy individuals without employer sponsorship. Two pathways: deposit $130,000 USD (IDR 2 billion) in Indonesian state-owned bank (BNI, BRI, Mandiri), OR own property valued at $1M+. Self-sponsored visa requiring no Indonesian guarantor. Includes Silver Hair category for retirees 60+ ($50K deposit + $3K monthly income). Family members included without individual deposits. Cannot work but can invest. After 3 years, eligible for ITAP (permanent residency equivalent).
🎓Student Visa (KITAS)
The Student Visa (Index C316) allows foreign nationals to study at Indonesian educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter from SEVP-certified school and Study Permit from Ministry of Education. Process: obtain Study Permit, apply for VITAS at embassy, convert to KITAS within 90 days of arrival. University sponsors the visa. Valid 1-2 years, extendable twice (max 2 years each). No work rights. Must register with local police (STM) and municipality (SKPPS) after KITAS issuance. Overstays penalized IDR 1M/day.
💼Work Visa (KITAS)
Indonesian work permits require employer sponsorship through a multi-step process: RPTKA (Foreign Worker Utilization Plan) from Ministry of Manpower, IMTA (work permit), then VITAS/KITAS. Employer must be registered Indonesian company. Position must require skills not available locally. Directors/Commissioners get 12-month KITAS; management roles may get 12 months; non-management typically 6 months non-extendable. $100 USD DPKK fund payment per month of visa validity required. Cannot work for multiple companies or positions.
Expat Life
View allCost of Living
Indonesia offers exceptionally affordable living, especially outside Jakarta. A comfortable lifestyle in Bali costs $1,500-2,500/month including housing, food, and transport. Budget-conscious expats can live on $800-1,200/month.
Healthcare
Private healthcare in Indonesia is adequate for routine care, with modern hospitals in Jakarta and Bali. For serious conditions, many expats fly to Singapore or Malaysia. International health insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Banking
Opening a bank account in Indonesia typically requires a KITAS or KITAP, though some banks accept tourist visas with sponsors. Major banks include BCA, Mandiri, BNI, and CIMB Niaga. International transfers are best handled through Wise or similar services.
Housing
Housing in Indonesia offers excellent value with diverse options from budget rooms to luxury villas. Bali dominates the expat rental market with monthly rentals from $300 (basic) to $3,000+ (premium villas). Annual leases offer 20-40% discounts.
Remote Work
Bali is one of the world's top digital nomad destinations with excellent coworking spaces, fast internet, and a thriving remote work community. The E33G Digital Nomad Visa provides legal status for remote workers earning $60K+ annually.
Language
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the national language. English proficiency is low nationally (ranked 80th globally) but moderate in Jakarta and tourist areas like Bali. Learning basic Indonesian greatly improves daily life and local relationships.
Safety
Indonesia is generally safe for expats with low violent crime rates. Main concerns are petty theft (especially bag snatching on scooters), traffic accidents, and natural disasters. Bali is considered very safe for tourists.
Climate & Weather
Indonesia has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry (May-September) and wet (October-April). Temperatures remain warm year-round (27-33°C/80-91°F). Humidity is high. Best time to visit Bali is dry season.
Food & Dining
Indonesian cuisine is delicious and affordable, with local warungs serving meals for $1-3. Bali has a thriving international food scene. Vegetarian options are plentiful. Food safety requires some caution with street food and tap water.
Transportation
Scooters dominate Indonesian transport, especially in Bali. Gojek and Grab provide cheap ride-hailing. Public transport is limited outside Jakarta. Renting or buying a scooter is common for expats but requires proper licensing.
Expat Community
Indonesia, especially Bali, has one of the world's most vibrant expat communities. Digital nomads, retirees, entrepreneurs, and long-term travelers create a diverse international scene with easy networking through coworking spaces and events.
Education
Indonesia has international schools in major cities catering to expat families. Quality varies significantly. Jakarta and Bali have well-established options. Higher education is affordable but not internationally ranked highly.
Family Life
Indonesia is family-friendly with affordable childcare, domestic help, and a culture that welcomes children. Expat families enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, especially in Bali, though international schooling is a significant expense.
Taxes
Indonesia taxes residents on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 35%. Digital nomads with the E33G visa are exempt from Indonesian tax on foreign income. Tax residency triggers at 183+ days presence.
Culture & Lifestyle
Indonesian culture is warm, family-oriented, and deeply spiritual. Bali's Hindu traditions create a unique atmosphere with daily offerings and ceremonies. Respecting local customs and hierarchy is important for positive expat experiences.
Cities
Questions
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