The beautiful country of Indonesia is the definition of “paradise on earth” This sunny place certainly strikes several peoples’ attention and influences them to move here. Though a lot of us see Indonesia as a travel destination, a less-known fact is that it is a perfect place for digital nomads and remote workers. Housing various hiking spots, trendy coffee shops, and beaches, Indonesia is more than just a tourist attraction.
If you are someone who doesn’t want to move there permanently but a month or two doesn’t sound enough then the new Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa is the best option for you. If you wish to learn about this new visa, keep reading this article.
Does Indonesia have a Digital Nomad Visa?
As of April 2024, Indonesia has launched its very own digital nomad visa and joined the list of countries that accommodate remote workers in a special way.
While this single-entry visa has similar benefits to that of an Indonesia B211a business visa or tourist visa, this one is more precise and focused on remote workers. Officially known as the Indonesian Remote Worker Visa (E33G) Program, Indonesia’s remote work visa allows you to stay in the country for one year while working remotely for your foreign employer.
The Indonesian government has introduced this visa in hopes of increasing its revenue, boosting its local economy, and improving its tourism industry.
Who can Apply for the Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa?
Some eligibility requirements must be fulfilled in order to apply for an Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa. Take a look below to see if you stand up to the eligibility criteria:
- Remote workers, employed by a foreign company
- Business owner, in a foreign country
- No engagement with local companies
- Self-employed individuals (foreign nationals), providing services to foreign employers and clients
- Meet the minimum income requirements (discussed below)
- Must not be a resident of the following countries: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Guinea, Israel, Kosovo, Liberia, Nigeria, North Korea, and Somalia.
However, please note that this visa is most suitable for remote workers who are employed by non-Indonesian companies. If you are self-employed, a B211a visa will be much more suitable for you.
How do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Indonesia?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for an Indonesian Visa
- Choose your application method
Before you move on with anything else, you need to determine your method of application. You can either go to an Indonesian embassy or consulate in your country or apply online. Both methods are feasible but the former will incur additional costs.
In-person application
- Make an appointment
If you decide to apply in person then you should preferably make an appointment with your nearest consulate. The agent can guide you through the following requirements and clear any doubts.
- Gather your documents
Once your appointment is made, you should start preparing all the necessary documents. This will include things such as proof of income and proof of residence etc. The accuracy of your documents will influence the processing time for your application.
- Submission
Now you need to show up to your appointment and submit the documents along with the application form. The agent can guide you on how to acquire that form.
- Wait for feedback
Now that you have done everything on your part, all you need to do is wait. The relevant Indonesian authorities will process your application at their earliest convenience and send feedback. Upon receiving approval, you can enter Indonesia.
- Apply for your KITAS online
Once you have entered Indonesia with your digital nomad visa, you must apply for a Kartu Ijin Tinggal Terbatas (KITAS). This is a temporary residence card that validates your stay in the country.
Online application
It is speculated that the application process will be held digitally in the beginning. Hence If you are submitting your Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa application online, all you need to do is go to the online portal and go along with each step.
Remember, you still need to prepare your documents, fill out the application form, and pay the fee.
How Much Does it Cost?
An Indonesian digital nomad visa (E33G visa) has a visa application fee of $150. This fee must be paid during the application process. Other than that, you’ll also need to pay an amount of 165$ USD to acquire the residence card (KITAS) once you have landed in Indonesia.
If you are applying through an embassy, their costs will have to be considered as well.
Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
If you’re someone who is thinking about applying for an Indonesia digital nomad visa then these are the applications and documentation you should start gathering.
Necessary documents
You must have the following documents ready:
- Valid passport: a passport that will remain valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Indonesia.
- Valid health insurance: health insurance that will remain valid and cover all expenses for the duration of your entire stay.
- Proof of employment: applicants must submit proof that they are currently working for a business based outside of Indonesia. This could be proved by the submission of a contract of employment, Payslips, or any other documents.
- Remote job: applicants must be able to prove that if they are not employed by a foreign company, they are either self-employed or they are working as freelancers. You can prove this by submitting adequate business documentation.
- Clean criminal record: you must be able to prove that you have not been convicted of any crimes in your home country or current country of residence. You can easily get certificates from a local police station.
- Passport photos
- Personal bank statements from the previous three months to show proof of funds
Financial requirements
In order to be deemed eligible for a Taiwan digital nomad visa, you must be able to prove your financial stability, have sufficient balance in your bank account, and meet the annual income criteria. This visa has a minimum amount requirement of 60,000$ USD per year.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomads and remote workers would be happy to learn that the visa processing time for a Bali digital nomad visa doesn’t take a long time. Your application will be processed within 7-10 working days of submission and you’ll receive an answer as soon as possible. As for the application process, you can complete it within 30 minutes.
Once you have received the visa, you’ll have 90 days to enter the country.
This is the standard time. However, it can change depending on the competency of the station or diplomatic mission in charge. It can also extend if your case worker or counselor finds that they need more details or documents.
Make sure to send an accurate application so it can be processed quickly.
Benefits of the Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa
Decent internet
The internet speeds in Indonesia have improved over time but the authorities are still working on it. Most cafes, accommodations, and coworking spaces offer high-speed internet and free wifi.
If you prioritise consistent internet then it’ll be a good idea to buy a sim card upon arriving in Indonesia. The mobile data is cheap, reliable, and fast enough to keep you satisfied! There are several good providers in the country but Telkomsel is one of the best options. You can compare data packages and get a lot of data at affordable rates.
Safe
The Republic of Indonesia is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. Speaking in a general sense, this country is a good place for solo travelers and digital nomads. You can walk alone at night because the streets are usually filled at all times. In simple words, this Asian country is a lively place where friendly locals and tourists are always around. However, petty crimes are not unheard of. It is always recommended to remain cautious in a foreign country.
Rich culture, natural beauty, and good food
Indonesia is a tapestry that allows you to immerse in its rich culture via numerous activities. This country houses plenty of ancient temples and its island, Bali, is especially famous among tourists. You can also experience the culture through lively dance performances, traditions, local festivals, and Balinese art forms. English is commonly spoken in the area but if you want to blend in with the locals, it might be a good idea to learn the mother tongue. The local language, Bahasa Indonesia is an easy language spoken widely by the expat community.
Natural beauty and good food
Indonesia’s natural beauty is one of the many things that make it a desirable digital nomad hotspot. This country is surrounded by beautiful oceans, scenic waterfalls, and stunning landscapes. You can spend time among lush greenery and reconnect with nature! You can also admire the popular destinations and see the hype for yourself. All in all, Indonesia has plenty to offer to nature lovers.
As for the food, Indonesia has a delicious, rich, and flavorful cuisine. You’ll see a lot of diversity in the local food and find it to be traditional. There are various cafes and restaurants located around town that serve amazing food. Additionally, street vendors also offer mouthwatering items!
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Indonesia?
Luckily for remote workers, Indonesia has a very flexible tax policy. Digital nomads are only supposed to pay taxes on the income generated within the country. This means they won’t be subject to their other income i.e. the money they earn from remote work.
Renew Digital Nomad Visa Indonesia
The Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa remains valid for a period of 12 months which is a longer period than several other countries offer. To make things better, this visa also allows you to apply for a renewal once the initial year has passed.
This means you can enjoy Indonesia’s beautiful landscapes and culture for a total of 2 years without any interruption. There’s also an apparent potential for a dependent visa (that will let you bring family members).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are not eligible for an Indonesian digital nomad visa?
Citizens from the following countries can not apply for a digital nomad visa in Indonesia: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Guinea, Israel, Kosovo, Liberia, Nigeria, North Korea, and Somalia.
Does Indonesia offer visa-on-arrival?
A good option is getting a “visa on arrival”. You can simply enter Indonesia and get a visa before immigration. The average cost is estimated to be 35$ (32.62€).
What is the weather like in Indonesia?
Indonesia experiences a rainy season from November to April and a dry season for the rest of the year. The best time to visit this country is during June and September.
What is the best place for digital nomads in Indonesia?
Ubud, Bali has plenty to offer for those who are willing to take a chance and trust their instincts. Most importantly, the scope of development seems really promising! You’ll also be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Ubud district is filled with rice paddies and hidden waterfalls. You are bound to be dazzled by this town’s beauty each day you spend here.
Can EU citizens enter Indonesia without a visa?
Yes, all nationalities including but not limited to EU, US, UK, and Canada require a visa to enter and stay in Indonesia.
Final Thoughts
In addition to being a dream destination for tourists, the country of Indonesia is a perfect place for digital nomads as well. To sum it up, Indonesia is a mesmerizing concoction of serene waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes, low cost of living, refreshing nature, and so much more.
If you are ready to explore it, make sure to learn about its visa policies. This article discussed Indonesia’s digital nomad visa program and the process that concerns it. We hope it answered all your questions, provided the list of necessary documents, and helped you evaluate the visa policy of this country. If you require any further information, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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