While Indonesia offers several visa categories designed to support different stages of the investment journey, selecting the wrong Investor Visa in Indonesia can result in delays, compliance issues, and unnecessary costs.
This guide is specifically made to break down the options of the Stay Permits you can choose, from doing market research to beginning your investment in Indonesia.
How to Invest in Indonesia as a Foreigner
Before making a minimum investment or establishing a company, foreign investors in Indonesia should understand the general investment process.
Most investors follow a progression that begins with market exploration and ultimately leads to company establishment and long-term residency.
Typical Investment Journey in Indonesia
| Stage | Purpose | Recommended Visa |
| Market Research | Explore opportunities and meet partners | Pre-Investment Visa |
| Business Planning | Conduct feasibility studies and negotiations | Business Visa |
| Company Establishment | Register a PT PMA | Investor KITAS |
| Long-Term Investment | Significant capital contribution | Golden Visa |
For most foreign investors, the journey begins with a Pre-Investment Visa.
Pre-Investment Visa Index C & D
A Pre-Investment Visa is a visa specifically designed for individuals who wish to explore investment opportunities before committing capital.
This visa allows foreign nationals to:
- Attend business meetings
- Conduct market research
- Evaluate commercial opportunities
- Meet potential partners
- Explore locations for business expansion
- Assess investment feasibility
Importantly, holders are not permitted to undertake employment activities or generate income in Indonesia.
Single Entry Visa C12
The Single Entry Business Visa is one of the most popular options for prospective investors.
It allows visitors to enter Indonesia for business-related activities such as:
- Market surveys
- Site inspections
- Business negotiations
- Partnership discussions
- Due diligence activities
Once the holder leaves Indonesia, the visa becomes invalid and a new application is required for future visits.
This option is often suitable for investors conducting a specific project or exploratory visit.
Multiple Entry Visa D12
For investors who frequently travel between Indonesia and other countries, a Multiple Entry Visa may provide greater flexibility.
Key benefits include:
- Multiple entries during the visa validity period
- Reduced administrative burden
- Suitable for regional investors
- Convenient for ongoing business development
Many investors evaluating opportunities in Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, and other regions choose this option before proceeding with company incorporation
Investor Visa KITAS E28
Once a PT PMA has been established, shareholders may become eligible for an Investor KITAS.
The Investor KITAS is a long-term stay permit granted to foreign investors who hold shares in a foreign-owned company registered in Indonesia.
Unlike a Working KITAS, an Investor KITAS generally does not require a separate work permit for shareholders acting in qualifying corporate roles.
Who Can Apply?
Typically, applicants include:
- Shareholders of PT PMA companies
- Company founders
- Directors
- Commissioners
To qualify, the applicant must satisfy share ownership and corporate requirements established by Indonesian Immigration and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
Key Benefits of an Investor KITAS
| Benefit | Description |
| Long-term stay | 1 or 2-year permit |
| Multiple entry facility | Travel freely in and out of Indonesia |
| Business management | Participate in company operations |
| Family sponsorship | Support spouse and dependent visas |
| Simplified compliance | No separate work permit for qualifying investors |
For many foreign investors, this remains the most practical pathway for managing a business in Indonesia while maintaining residency.
Golden Visa KITAS E33B
Indonesia introduced the Golden Visa programme to attract high-value foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and globally recognised talent.
Unlike conventional Investor KITAS arrangements, the Golden Visa offers significantly longer residency periods.
Golden Visa Duration
| Visa Type | Validity |
| Golden Visa | 5 Years |
| Extended Golden Visa | 10 Years |
The programme is intended to support long-term economic contributions and strategic investments.
Investment Requirements
Individual investors generally need to commit substantial financial resources through:
- PT PMA investment
- Government bonds
- Public company shares
- Bank deposits
- Approved investment instruments
The required investment value varies depending on the chosen visa duration and investment structure.
For high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term certainty in Indonesia, the Golden Visa offers one of the most attractive residency solutions currently available.
PT PMA Establishment
The most common corporate structure for foreign investors is a PT PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing).
A PT PMA is a foreign-owned limited liability company authorised to conduct business activities in Indonesia.
Key PT PMA Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
| Legal Entity | PT PMA |
| Minimum Investment Plan | IDR 10 billion |
| Shareholders | Minimum two parties |
| Business Classification | KBLI-compliant |
| Registration Authority | Ministry of Law and Human Rights |
After incorporation, the company may apply for:
- Business licences
- Tax registration
- Operational permits
- Investor KITAS sponsorship
The appropriate corporate structure should always be assessed against the company’s intended activities and investment objectives.
Comparing Indonesia’s Investment Visa Options
| Feature | Single Entry Business Visa | Multiple Entry Visa | Investor KITAS | Golden Visa |
| Market Research | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Business Meetings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Long-Term Stay | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PT PMA Ownership | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | Optional |
| Multiple Entry | Limited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Duration | Short-term | Multi-visit | 1-2 Years | 5-10 Years |
FAQs About Indonesia Investment
Can I work using an Investor KITAS in Indonesia?
An Investor KITAS is intended for shareholders, directors, or commissioners involved in managing a PT PMA.
While the permit allows participation in company management activities, operational employment roles may require different immigration arrangements depending on the position and responsibilities.
Professional guidance should always be obtained before undertaking employment activities.
Can I apply for an Investor KITAS e-visa?
Yes. Indonesia has released the e-visa version for every visa category/KITAS/KITAP that are processed through the official website of Imigrasi (evisa.imigrasi.go.id)
Can an Investor Visa be extended or converted to permanent residency in Indonesia?
Yes. Investor KITAS holders may renew their stay permits provided they continue meeting the applicable requirements.
After maintaining legal residency for a qualifying period, some investors may become eligible to apply for a permanent stay permit (KITAP), subject to prevailing Indonesian immigration regulations.
Can the Investor KITAS support Dependent Visas?
Yes. Investor KITAS holders can generally sponsor eligible family members, including spouses and children, through dependent stay permit arrangements.
This makes the Investor KITAS particularly attractive for entrepreneurs planning to relocate with their families.
Apply for a KITAS and Invest in Indonesia with LMI Consultancy
Navigating Indonesian immigration and investment regulations requires careful planning. Selecting the wrong visa category can result in delays, compliance issues, and unnecessary costs.
At LMI Consultancy, our specialists assist foreign investors through every stage of the investment process, including:
- Pre-Investment Visa applications
- Single Entry Business Visa services
- Multiple Entry Visa applications
- PT PMA establishment
- Investor KITAS processing
- Golden Visa applications
- Dependent Visa services
- Indonesian immigration compliance support
- Corporate and legal advisory services
Whether you are preparing to enter Indonesia for market research, establishing a PT PMA in Bali, or seeking long-term residency through an Investor KITAS or Golden Visa, our team can help ensure a smooth and compliant application process.
With the right structure, the right visa, and the right guidance, investing in Indonesia can become a strategic gateway to one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.
