In Indonesia, foreign investment is facilitated by the establishment of a PT PMA, a specific type of legal business structure.
A Penanaman Modal Asing ( PT PMA), or foreign investment business entity, enables foreign entities to establish and own Indonesian companies. This framework supports foreign direct investment, enabling sole foreign ownership or partnerships with local investors. This corporate structure permits foreign entities to invest in, operate, and manage Indonesian businesses.
PT PMA registration caters to foreign investors aiming to establish a company or enhance their business presence in Indonesia. This framework legally enables foreign investors to engage in diverse sectors of the Indonesian economy, with certain stipulations and regulatory oversight. The following are several key advantages of establishing a PT PMA:
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Perseroan Terbatas (PT) is the Indonesian term for a Limited Liability Company, which is one of the most common legal structures for conducting business activities in Indonesia. A PT company is recognized as a separate legal entity, meaning its shareholders have limited liability—their responsibility for the company’s debts is limited to the amount of capital they invested.
There are two primary types of PT companies in Indonesia:
The PT PMA structure allows foreign investors to hold partial or full percentage of foreign ownership, depending on the business sector as outlined in the Positive Investment List. Both types of companies must be registered with the Indonesian government and obtain necessary licenses through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system.
The Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (commonly known as BKPM) is the primary government body responsible for overseeing and facilitating both domestic and foreign investment in Indonesia. It plays a central role in approving company establishment for foreign investors, particularly for those setting up a PT PMA.
BKPM regulates key requirements such as:
By coordinating with BKPM, foreign investors can ensure their business structure aligns with Indonesian law, while also gaining access to certain incentives and streamlined procedures through official channels.
Specifically, shareholders need to provide a capital of IDR 10 billion (about USD 660,000). This plan outlines how the company will allocate its capital and resources for its operational activities.
Determining ownership representation in Indonesian foreign investment companies is complex, varying based on specific regulations. Although some nominee arrangements offer flexibility, restrictions apply, particularly to sectors on the Negative Investment List. To properly address this, you should seek advice from legal and business professionals with Indonesian law expertise.
No, the tax burden isn’t uniform across all business types in Indonesia. The tax responsibilities of PT PMAs and PTs include corporate income tax, withholding tax, and VAT, additionally include LKPM for PT PMA. Meanwhile, the Representative office only files withholding tax and LKPM report.
Disclaimer : Our services in LMI Consultancy provide consulting services focused on ensuring client compliance with applicable immigration and legal regulations in Indonesia. We do not provide or facilitate the production of official government documents, nor do we offer any expedited or preferential access to government services.
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