How to Move to Indonesia: Step-by-Step (2026)

Honest note (please read): Indonesia’s visa, tax and property rules change frequently. Everything here is general information, current as of 2025–2026, and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Costs, income thresholds and visa names are indicative ranges that can change — always confirm the latest regulations with a licensed, Kantor-Imigrasi-registered consultant, lawyer or tax adviser before acting. We never recommend nominee property arrangements, working on a tourist visa, or visa-runs. We are a guide and concierge: for your situation we connect you to vetted, licensed professionals.

How to move to Indonesia in 2026 starts with getting the right visa, then planning your budget, housing, taxes, and healthcare in a realistic way. This step-by-step guide walks through the actual steps to relocate to Indonesia, with 2025–2026 numbers and a practical moving to Indonesia checklist you can sanity‑check with licensed professionals.

Last updated: June 2026 — Regulations and prices change often in Indonesia. Treat this as general information, not legal, immigration, or tax advice.

1. Decide your “why” – that drives your visa choice

Before you price movers or scroll property portals, be clear on why you want to live in Indonesia and how you’ll support yourself. That “why” decides your legal options.

Typical profiles:

Remote employee or freelancer paid from abroad
Retiree with foreign pension/savings
Investor starting or buying an Indonesian company
Employee hired by an Indonesian company
Spouse/parent of an Indonesian citizen
Long-stay visitor (slow traveller, sabbatical)

Everything else – tax residence, banking, school choices – flows from this.

2. Choose the right visa for your move

Indonesia has over a dozen visa types; only some make sense for a medium‑ or long‑term move. Below is a simplified snapshot based on rules in force or publicly announced by mid‑2026. Always confirm with a licensed Kantor-Imigrasi-registered consultant before you apply.

Key long‑stay visas in 2025–2026

Visa / Permit (2025–2026)	Main purpose	Stay length	Income / funds requirement*	Indicative official fees**
E33G Remote Worker KITAS	Live in Indonesia, work remotely for foreign employer/clients	Up to 1 year, extendable	Foreign-source income; typical proof ≥ US$2,000–3,000/month	Roughly IDR 8–15m govt fees / year
Retirement KITAS	Live in Indonesia aged 55+ (no work)	1 year, annually extendable	Proof of pension/savings; typical ≥ US$1,500–2,000/month	Roughly IDR 8–15m govt fees / year
Work KITAS (E-series)	Employed by Indonesian company	6–12 months, extendable	Company must sponsor and justify foreign hire	Govt: IDR 12m/year DPKK + visa/permit fees
Investor KITAS	Director/commissioner/shareholder actively involved in PT PMA	1–2 years, extendable	Company capital typically ≥ IDR 10 billion stated	Similar to work KITAS; no DPKK in some investor categories
Second Home	High‑net‑worth stay; no local work	5 or 10 years	Proof of funds or property; thresholds in the billions of IDR	Higher visa and permit fees; confirm latest schedule
Golden Visa (investment‑based)	Long‑term stay tied to substantial investment	5–10 years	Investment typically in the millions of USD	Premium fees; highly case‑specific
Visitor Visa (B211A etc.)	Medium‑term stay without residence status	60–180 days total with extensions	Sufficient funds for stay; no specific income level	Roughly IDR 1.5–5m govt fees per grant + extensions
Visa on Arrival (VoA)	Short stay tourism/business for eligible passports	30 days + 1 extension (total 60 days)	Return/onward ticket; basic funds	Flat fee per 30‑day period at airport/seaport

*These are typical ranges used by agents and case officers, not statutory minimums in all cases.
**Fees last verified June 2026. Expect consultant/service fees on top.

Visitor options for “try before you move”

If you’re not ready to commit, you can:

Enter on a Visa on Arrival (if your passport qualifies) for up to 60 days total.
Apply for a single‑entry visitor visa (often called B211A) for 60 days, usually extendable in‑country to 180 days.

These are fine for exploration or a scouting trip. They are not a long‑term solution. Using back‑to‑back visitor visas as a lifestyle is risky; immigration increasingly pushes frequent visitors to formal residence permits.

Mid‑journey CTA: if you’re unsure which visa fits your situation, you can plan your trip with our team. We walk through options over email or WhatsApp and then introduce licensed, Kantor‑Imigrasi‑registered visa consultants; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.

Living in Indonesia while working remotely – E33G

The E33G “remote worker” KITAS is designed for foreigners who:

Work for a foreign employer or foreign clients, and
Do not receive Indonesian‑source income.

Key points as of mid‑2026:

Issued initially for up to 1 year, renewable.
Requires proof of stable foreign income (payslips, contracts, bank statements).
You may not be employed by an Indonesian entity under this permit.
Tax status depends on your days in Indonesia and your broader situation – more on that below.

Retiring in Indonesia – Retirement KITAS

For those aged 55+ who want to settle in Bali, Java, Sumatra, or other regions:

Minimum age 55.
No local work or business management allowed.
Needs proof of pension/income, long‑term accommodation, and local insurance.
Usually processed through a licensed agent; DIY is rare in practice.

Working for an Indonesian company – Work KITAS

You usually do not choose this yourself. Your Indonesian employer:

Registers a position for foreign manpower.
Pays the mandatory skills development fund (DPKK), currently IDR 12 million per year per foreign worker (last verified June 2026).
Handles most of the work permit and KITAS process through a consultant.

Never work in Indonesia on a tourist or visitor visa, even online, if it’s for an Indonesian employer or clients. Immigration, manpower, and tax authorities cooperate more than they used to.

Investing and managing your own company – Investor KITAS

If you want to actively manage an Indonesian company (PT PMA – foreign investment company), the investor KITAS can make sense.

Broadly:

The company must meet minimum paid‑in capital thresholds (commonly framed as IDR 10 billion or more total investment in practice, depending on sector).
You hold a qualifying number of shares and are listed as director/commissioner.
You still need to comply with manpower rules and taxes.

Do not try to “borrow” a local company or use a casual nominee; improper structures can be unwound and may put your investment at risk.

Second Home and Golden Visa

These are for higher net‑worth profiles:

Second Home: 5–10 year stay for those who can show significant funds or ownership of eligible property in Indonesia.
Golden Visa: 5–10 year stay in exchange for substantial investment (e.g., in government bonds, bank deposits, or strategic sectors).

These schemes have changed several times since launch. Requirements run into the billions of rupiah or millions of US dollars. Always check the current rules with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant.

3. Understand basic tax and legal exposure

Moving to Indonesia is not just about visas. Staying too long or earning in the wrong place can create tax and legal obligations.

Personal income tax basics (2025–2026)

Indonesia taxes tax residents on their worldwide income, and non‑residents on Indonesian‑source income.

You are typically a tax resident if:

You stay in Indonesia for more than 183 days in any 12‑month period, or
You are present in Indonesia and intend to make it your home.

Personal income tax is generally progressive:

Low brackets start in the single‑digit percentages.
Top rates are in the low‑ to mid‑thirties percent for very high income.

Exact brackets and thresholds change; confirm the latest with a licensed tax adviser. Many remote workers and retirees choose to file in Indonesia once they cross the 183‑day line, but the correct answer depends on your home country, double‑taxation agreements, and your income structure.

Corporate and business rules

If you want to:

Invoice clients from Indonesia, or
Open a shop, bar, restaurant, or small business,

you almost always need a formal business entity, licensing, and (if you are active in management) the right KITAS class.

Avoid:

Registering businesses through informal nominees without proper contracts.
“Off-the-books” employment of staff.

These are common expat horror stories and can lead to fines, deportation, or losing your investment.

This is not tax or legal advice

Everything above is general information. Indonesian tax law, immigration law, and company law change often, and enforcement practices vary between regions. Before acting, speak to a licensed tax adviser and a Kantor-Imigrasi‑registered immigration consultant or lawyer who can look at your full picture.

4. Budget realistically – the 2026 cost picture

Jakarta and Bali are no longer “cheap” by regional standards, but they’re still manageable if you plan well. Here is a rough monthly overview for a single person, last verified June 2026.

Rent – modest local apartment (non‑touristy city): IDR 3–6 million per month
Rent – 1BR in expat‑heavy parts of Jakarta: IDR 7–15 million per month
Rent – simple 1–2BR house in Bali (Canggu/Sanur/Ubud areas): IDR 8–20 million per month equivalent (often paid 6–12 months up front)
Utilities (electricity, water, gas): IDR 800,000–2 million per month depending on AC use
Mobile data + home internet: IDR 300,000–800,000 per month total
Groceries and eating out (mixed local & Western): IDR 4–10 million per month for one person
Local transport (Gojek/Grab, occasional car rentals): IDR 1–4 million per month
Local health insurance (basic expat plans): Commonly starting around IDR 6–15 million per year; global plans cost more

Lifestyle drives everything: you can live frugally under IDR 10 million per month in smaller cities, or spend ten times that in South Jakarta or south Bali villas.

Up‑front relocation costs

Besides ongoing living costs, plan for:

Visa and KITAS fees: Government fees from roughly IDR 1.5–15 million per year depending on visa type, plus consultant fees which may match or exceed the official fees.
Advance rent: 6–12 months upfront is still common in Bali and some other areas for villas and houses.
Furnishing: Many properties are furnished, but decent furniture/appliances can add IDR 10–50 million if you start from scratch.
Flights & moving personal items: Varies widely; many people arrive with luggage only and buy locally.

5. Find somewhere to live – safely

Rental basics

You cannot directly buy land in Indonesia in your own name as a foreigner in the usual freehold way that Indonesians can. Long‑term foreigners often:

Rent long‑term (annual contracts), or
Use legal long‑lease or right‑to‑use structures that comply with current rules.

Avoid informal “nominee” arrangements where an Indonesian holds property on paper for you without proper legal protections. This is risky and can be challenged.

For rentals:

Always have a written contract in English and Indonesian.
Clarify who pays utilities, trash, internet, and community fees.
Inspect carefully in person if possible; leaks and electrical issues are common in older housing.

Popular destinations and realities

Bali: Huge expat presence, especially in Canggu, Uluwatu, Sanur, Ubud. High demand, rising prices, frequent construction noise. Good co‑working and international schools.
Jakarta area: Best for corporate roles, international schools, and healthcare. Heavy traffic and pollution but high convenience.
Yogyakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Medan, Makassar: More “real Indonesia”, lower costs, smaller expat communities.
Smaller islands (Lombok, Flores, etc.): Slower pace, less infrastructure. Power and internet reliability can be an issue.

6. Healthcare, insurance, and practical medical steps

Healthcare quality

Indonesia’s healthcare is mixed:

Major cities and Bali: reasonable private hospitals and clinics, especially for urgent care and routine needs.
Complex surgeries and serious conditions: many expats still prefer Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or their home country.

Insurance

Before you move:

Check if your current international health insurance covers Indonesia.
If not, consider an international plan or a good local private plan. Very cheap plans usually have limited coverage and high exclusions.

Some visa types require proof of health insurance at application. Evidence ranges from travel insurance to full medical cover depending on the visa; verify what’s acceptable for your chosen route.

Medical prep

Get routine check‑ups before moving; bring copies of prescriptions and medical summaries.
Ask your doctor about vaccinations relevant to Indonesia (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus, etc.). Official recommendations differ by country.

7. Schooling and moving with children

If you have school‑age children, research education first; it is usually one of the biggest line items.

Options:

International schools: Often follow IB, British, American, or other curricula. Fees can run into the tens of millions of rupiah per month; check each school’s current fee schedule.
National plus and local schools: More affordable, primarily Indonesian‑language environment.
Homeschooling or online schools: Common among remote‑working families, but check your home country’s rules on compulsory education.

Visa status of your children needs to align with your own (dependent KITAS, etc.), so include them in visa planning from the start.

8. Practical steps to relocate to Indonesia (checklist)

Here is a moving to Indonesia checklist you can adapt:

6–12 months before

Clarify your “why” and rough timeline.
Check your passport validity (aim for at least 18–24 months remaining).
Research visa options that match your situation (remote work, retirement, investment, work, family).
Speak with a licensed immigration consultant to confirm feasibility and documents needed.
Start budgeting: estimate monthly costs and one‑time move costs.

3–6 months before

Gather documents: degree certificates, marriage/birth certificates, bank statements, employment letters, police checks if required. Some may need notarisation and legalisation.
Choose your first landing city or island.
Shortlist neighbourhoods and possible long‑stay areas.
Obtain or adjust health insurance to cover Indonesia.
Discuss tax impact with a cross‑border tax adviser if your income is significant or complex.

1–3 months before

Confirm and submit visa application with a licensed consultant or directly if appropriate.
Book initial accommodation (4–8 weeks) via reputable platforms so you can house‑hunt calmly on arrival.
Decide what to ship versus buy locally; many expats bring only essentials.
Sort banking and cards; carry at least one backup card with low foreign transaction fees.

Arrival month

Register your address where required by local regulations (your consultant can advise).
Complete biometrics or in‑country steps for your KITAS, if applicable.
Get a local SIM card and set up mobile banking apps.
View long‑term rentals in person and sign a contract you understand.

First 6–12 months

Track days in Indonesia versus other countries for tax purposes.
Open local bank accounts if your visa type allows and if you need them.
Establish relationships with a local clinic, dentist, and possibly a tax adviser.
Decide whether Indonesia is a medium‑term base and plan for renewals or upgrades (KITAP, longer visas).

9. Long‑term stay and permanent options (KITAP)

After several years on certain KITAS types, you might be eligible for a KITAP (permanent stay permit).

Common pathways include:

Marriage to an Indonesian citizen, after a qualifying period.
Holding an investor or work KITAS for several consecutive years.
Certain retirement or Second Home situations, depending on current rules.

KITAP holders still need to comply with reporting requirements, tax rules, and any work‑permit obligations. “Permanent” here means “long‑term renewable”, not a citizenship path. Naturalisation is a different, stricter process.

10. Getting trustworthy help

Indonesia’s visa and tax landscape changes frequently. Agents range from excellent to very casual; “my friend can sort it” is a common prelude to problems.

To protect yourself:

Use consultants who are formally registered with Kantor Imigrasi (local immigration offices).
Ask for a clear written agreement: scope, fees, refund policy if the application is rejected for reasons under their control.
Be suspicious of anyone who guarantees outcomes or suggests “under the table” solutions.

On Moving to Indonesia, we only refer readers to licensed professionals we’d use ourselves. No one can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.

If you’d like a human sanity‑check on your plan, you can plan your trip with our relocation team. Share your situation over email or WhatsApp; we’ll point you to suitable visa categories and connect you with vetted experts for the formal advice and applications.

FAQs: Moving to Indonesia in 2026

Can I move to Indonesia and work remotely for a foreign company?

Yes, many foreigners do this via the E33G remote‑worker KITAS or by carefully managing their stay on visitor visas. Working for a foreign employer while living in Indonesia is legally different from working for an Indonesian company, but you still need an appropriate immigration status and may become a tax resident. Always confirm the right permit and your tax position with a licensed immigration consultant and tax adviser before you relocate.

How much money do I need to live in Indonesia each month?

As a rough 2025–2026 range, a single person can live modestly in a non‑touristy city from around IDR 8–12 million per month, while a more comfortable expat lifestyle in Jakarta or Bali often runs IDR 15–35 million or more. Families, international schools, and Western‑style housing increase costs significantly. These are general ballparks; build your own budget based on location and lifestyle.

Is it legal to work in Indonesia on a tourist or visitor visa?

No. You may not work for an Indonesian employer or earn Indonesian‑source income on a tourist or standard visitor visa. Some remote workers with foreign‑source income spend time in Indonesia on visitor visas, but this occupies a grey area that should be discussed with a qualified immigration and tax professional. For clear, longer‑term remote work, the E33G KITAS is the purpose‑built route.

Can foreigners buy property in Indonesia?

Foreigners cannot usually hold standard freehold land titles in their own name, but there are legal structures – such as certain right‑to‑use and long‑lease arrangements – that may be available under current rules. Informal nominee schemes, where an Indonesian holds property on paper for you without robust legal structuring, are risky and not recommended. Always work with an experienced property lawyer before committing money.

How long can I stay in Indonesia without becoming a tax resident?

Indonesia typically considers you a tax resident if you stay more than 183 days in any 12‑month period or if you are present with the intention of residing here. Crossing that threshold can expose your worldwide income to Indonesian tax, subject to relief under any tax treaty. Counting days alone is not always enough; discuss your specific pattern of travel and income with a cross‑border tax adviser before you commit to a long stay.