Indonesia's digital nomad visa (B219) allows foreign remote workers to live in Bali for up to 1 year, renewable. It covers work performed for foreign employers or clients only — you cannot serve Indonesian clients or employ local staff. The visa costs approximately IDR 10 million and requires proof of income (typically USD 2,000+/month). For running a business in Indonesia, you need a PT PMA with an Investor KITAS instead.
What the digital nomad visa is
The B219 (also called E33G or "Second Home Visa" in some contexts) is Indonesia's answer to the global digital nomad visa trend. It's designed for remote workers who want to live in Bali while working for companies or clients outside Indonesia.
Key features:
- Valid for up to 1 year, renewable
- Covers work for foreign employers/clients only
- No Indonesian tax on offshore income
- No requirement to establish an Indonesian company
- Available to citizens of most countries
Who it's for — and who it's not for
Good fit
- Remote employees working for a European or American company
- Freelancers with exclusively foreign clients
- Digital entrepreneurs whose business entity and clients are all outside Indonesia
- Writers, designers, developers billing overseas clients
Not suitable
- Anyone with Indonesian clients or customers
- Anyone hiring Indonesian staff
- Anyone wanting to register a company in Indonesia
- Anyone selling goods or services within Indonesia
- Anyone wanting permanent residency
The critical distinction: the digital nomad visa covers offshore income only. The moment you invoice an Indonesian client, hire an Indonesian employee, or conduct business within Indonesia's economy, you're outside the visa's scope and need a PT PMA.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport validity | Minimum 18 months |
| Proof of income | Bank statements showing USD 2,000+/month or employment contract |
| Health insurance | International coverage valid in Indonesia |
| Criminal background check | From country of residence |
| Photo | Passport-style, recent |
| Application form | Completed online through Indonesia's visa portal |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking or rental agreement for initial period |
Application process
- Apply online through the Indonesian immigration portal (visa-online.imigrasi.go.id)
- Upload documents — passport, income proof, insurance, photo
- Pay application fee — approximately IDR 10 million
- Receive approval — typically 5–15 business days
- Convert on arrival — enter Indonesia, visit immigration office for KITAS conversion
- Biometric capture — fingerprinting and photo at immigration
Alternative: apply through an Indonesian visa agent for a smoother process (agent fee: IDR 2–5 million on top of the visa fee).
Cost comparison
| Digital nomad visa | PT PMA + Investor KITAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | ~IDR 10 million (EUR 560) | ~IDR 50–85 million (EUR 2,800–4,800) |
| Annual renewal | ~IDR 8 million | ~IDR 15–20 million |
| Can run Indonesian business | No | Yes |
| Can hire local staff | No | Yes |
| Bank account | Limited (personal only) | Full corporate + personal |
| Tax obligation | Offshore income exempt | Worldwide income taxed |
| Path to permanent residency | No | Yes (KITAS → KITAP) |
Limitations you should know
No Indonesian income
The visa explicitly prohibits earning from Indonesian sources. This means:
- No invoicing Indonesian companies
- No selling products or services to Indonesian customers
- No employment by Indonesian entities
- No consulting for Indonesian businesses
No business registration
You cannot establish any form of Indonesian business entity on a digital nomad visa. If your work evolves to include Indonesian clients or you want to build a local presence, you'll need to transition to a PT PMA.
Tax considerations
While offshore income is technically exempt from Indonesian taxation under the digital nomad visa framework, this is an evolving area. Indonesia's tax authorities are increasingly scrutinising foreign residents, and the interpretation of "offshore income" may tighten.
European tax obligations remain. Your home country likely still considers you a tax resident if you don't formally deregister. The digital nomad visa doesn't change your EU tax status — it only affects your Indonesian tax position.
Limited banking
Most Indonesian banks won't open a full account for digital nomad visa holders. You may be limited to basic savings accounts without internet banking or credit facilities. Many digital nomads rely on Wise, Revolut, or home-country accounts.
When to upgrade to a PT PMA
Common trigger points for transitioning from digital nomad visa to PT PMA:
- You land an Indonesian client — even one local client means you need a PT PMA
- You want to hire local staff — even a part-time assistant
- You've been in Bali 2+ years — time to formalise your presence
- You want to buy or lease property — KITAS from a PT PMA is stronger for property access
- Your income grows significantly — proper corporate structuring becomes tax-efficient
- You want permanent residency — the KITAS → KITAP path requires a PT PMA
The transition from digital nomad visa to PT PMA typically takes 4–6 weeks and can be done without leaving Indonesia.
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use the digital nomad visa to test Bali before committing to a PT PMA?+
Yes — this is one of the best use cases. The digital nomad visa lets you live in Bali for up to a year while maintaining your existing business structure abroad. Use this time to explore the market, build local relationships, and decide whether a PT PMA makes sense for your next phase.
Do I need to leave Indonesia to renew the digital nomad visa?+
Current policy allows onshore renewal at the local immigration office. You do not need to leave Indonesia to renew. However, immigration policies change — confirm the current process with your visa agent before your renewal date.
Can my spouse and family join me on the digital nomad visa?+
Your spouse and dependents can apply for dependent visas linked to your digital nomad visa. Each dependent pays a separate application fee and must meet their own documentation requirements. Dependent visa holders cannot work.
What if immigration finds out I have Indonesian clients?+
Working outside the scope of your visa is a violation. Consequences can include fines, visa cancellation, deportation, and a re-entry ban. If your business involves any Indonesian income, register a PT PMA and get the proper visa before it becomes an enforcement issue.