Starting a business in Indonesia requires more than simply incorporating a company. Every business, regardless of its size or industry, is required to obtain a Business Registration Number in Indonesia, officially known as the Business Identification Number (Nomor Induk Berusaha/NIB). Issued through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, the NIB serves as the primary business identity and forms the basis for obtaining additional licences and permits where required.
Following the implementation of Government Regulation (PP) No. 28 of 2025 on Risk-Based Business Licensing, Indonesia has streamlined its licensing framework by classifying businesses according to their operational risk. This enables companies to obtain licences that are proportionate to their business activities while ensuring compliance with Indonesian regulations.
Company Registration: Obtaining a Business Registration Number in Indonesia
A Business Identification Number (Nomor Induk Berusaha or NIB) is the official Business Registration Number in Indonesia issued through the OSS platform. Under Article 1 Paragraph 12 of Government Regulation No. 28 of 2025, the NIB serves as proof of business registration and the official identity of a company throughout its operations.
Every legal entity, including a PT PMA (foreign-owned company), a local limited liability company (PT), a Representative Office (KPPA), and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), must obtain an NIB before commencing commercial activities.
For foreign investors, the NIB is typically issued after the company has completed its incorporation process, including the execution of the Deed of Establishment, approval from the Ministry of Law, and registration through the OSS system. Companies must also obtain a Tax ID (NPWP) as part of their ongoing tax and corporate compliance obligations.
Beyond serving as a registration number, the NIB enables businesses to apply for sector-specific licences, standard certificates, import and export registrations, and other approvals required under Indonesia’s risk-based licensing framework.
Read more about Business Identification Number
Business Registration Number for Foreign-Owned Companies in Indonesia
Foreign investors entering the Indonesian market will generally establish one of the following business structures:
PT PMA (Foreign-Owned Company)
A PT PMA is the most common corporate structure for foreign investment in Indonesia. It allows foreign individuals or foreign corporations to become a shareholder in an Indonesian company, subject to prevailing investment regulations and the applicable Positive Investment List.
Once the company has completed its incorporation process, it may apply for its NIB through the OSS system before proceeding with additional operational licences.
Representative Office (KPPA)
A Representative Office is suitable for overseas companies wishing to conduct market research, business promotion, or liaison activities in Indonesia without generating revenue locally.
Although its activities are more limited than those of a PT PMA, a Representative Office must also obtain an NIB where required under the applicable licensing framework.
Risk-Based Business Licensing in Indonesia
Indonesia no longer applies identical licensing requirements to every business. Instead, licensing obligations are determined according to the risk level of each business activity under the relevant KBLI (Indonesia Standard Industrial Classification).
Businesses operating in low-risk sectors generally require only an NIB to commence operations. Medium-low risk businesses must obtain both an NIB and a Standard Certificate based on a self-declaration of compliance.
For medium-high risk businesses, the Standard Certificate is issued only after verification by the relevant government authority, while high-risk industries require both an NIB and a formal business licence before operations may begin. Industries such as healthcare, energy, aviation and certain manufacturing sectors commonly fall into this category.
Special Provisions for Micro and Small Enterprises (UMK)
Indonesia provides additional incentives for Micro and Small Enterprises (UMK) operating in low-risk sectors.
For qualifying businesses, the NIB may also function as proof of compliance with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) where applicable, as well as a Halal self-declaration under Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance framework.
Businesses operating in medium-risk or high-risk sectors, however, must still obtain the required Standard Certificate and business licences alongside their NIB.
How to Register an NIB Online
Indonesia’s Online Single Submission (OSS) platform enables businesses to complete the registration process electronically.
Applicants first create an OSS account before submitting information relating to the company’s profile, shareholders, business activities, investment value, operational location and the appropriate KBLI classification. Based on this information, the OSS system automatically determines the business risk category and identifies any additional licences required.
Once the application has been completed and the required declarations submitted, the Business Identification Number is issued electronically.
How to Check a Company Registration Number in Indonesia
Businesses, investors and government agencies can verify a company’s Business Registration Number in Indonesia through two official government platforms.
The first option is the Indonesia National Single Window (INSW) portal, where searches can be conducted using the company’s Tax ID (NPWP) together with its NIB.
Alternatively, users may verify a company’s registration directly through the OSS portal by selecting the NIB search function and entering the Business Identification Number.
These government systems provide an efficient method of confirming whether a company has completed its official registration and licensing process.
Why Is an NIB Important for Businesses?
An NIB is considerably more than a registration number. It establishes a company’s legal identity within Indonesia’s business licensing framework and enables businesses to access additional regulatory approvals.
Without an NIB, a company must not proceed with many operational activities, including applying for sector-specific licences, obtaining import and export approvals, participating in government procurement, or expanding commercial operations.
For foreign investors establishing a PT PMA, the NIB also supports wider corporate compliance, including applications for business licences, tax registration, and in many cases, immigration processes relating to directors or foreign employees who require an Indonesian visa or stay permit.
Selecting the correct KBLI classification at the outset remains one of the most important aspects of company registration, as it determines both licensing requirements and future business activities.
Register Your Business Registration Number in Indonesia with LMI Consultancy
Obtaining a Business Registration Number in Indonesia is one of the first and most important steps when establishing a compliant business. However, navigating the OSS system, selecting the correct KBLI classification, preparing the Deed of Establishment, registering your Tax ID, and ensuring compliance with Indonesian regulations can be complex, particularly for foreign investors.
At LMI Consultancy, our corporate consultants provide comprehensive support throughout the incorporation process, from advising on the appropriate legal entity structure and shareholder arrangements to company establishment, OSS registration, NIB issuance, business licensing, tax registration, and immigration support for investors requiring an Indonesian visa. Whether you are establishing a PT PMA in Jakarta or expanding your business elsewhere in Indonesia, we help ensure your company is fully compliant with the latest regulatory requirements.
Speak with one of our consultants today for a free consultation and discover how LMI Consultancy can simplify your company registration in Indonesia.
