Working Remotely vs Making Money in Indonesia

It’s important to understand, that Visas are usually tied to the “TRAVEL PURPOSE”. This has implications on what a visitor is allowed to do – and what not; and also could have tax implications.

As a nomad you want to be allowed to work online; that’s the basic premise. However you must know, that you CANNOT work for clients in Indonesia or get paid here. If you do this, you violate the very basic travel purpose and also the tax laws. So as long as you work for someone abroad and make money abroad, and receive the money in your account abroad, it’s ok. Technically it is still your responsibility to pay “taxes” in the country where you make the money or in that sense where you are a resident and therefore what address you have on your invoice.

What is a suitable Visa for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers?

As long as you make sure you don’t violate the above, there are following main Visa options available that would allow you to live the life of a nomad or remote worker.

1.) Visa on Arrival – if you stay less than 60 days. Valid for 30 days and can be extended ONCE for another 30 days (available for many  nationalities – more info on VoA here).

2.) The Visit Visa B211A also sometimes called Social Visa, Cultural Visa (which is not really technical correct anymore). It is valid for 60 days, and can be extended twice for an additional 60 days each, giving you a total of 180days, without needing to leave the country. After these 180 days, you could apply for a B211A Business Visa ONSHORE (while in Indonesia), and also extend this twice.

The Visa on Arrival and the B211A Visa, both now cover following travel purposes: tourism, government duties, business talks, purchasing goods, meetings, as well as transiting.

3.) The Digital Nomad Visa is now called SECOND HOME VISA and is scheduled to be available at the end of 2022, but it will require a proof of funds of USD 140,000. If you can’t provide such an amount, please refer to option 1 or 2.

Other Visa options are available for living in Bali, yet they don’t really fall under the concept of “digital nomads” or remote workers:

If you are an investor then setting up a proper company and sponsoring an investor KITAS is the way to go.

If you get employed by a local company then you would need to get sponsored for a KITAS (work permit & temporary residency) by that company and can only work for that company within the job scope you are hired for.

Disclaimer:
Any information on this page is carefully researched. However we are not responsible nor liable for any information that might not be accurate or change.