Moving to Indonesia — Relocation Guide

An archipelago of 17,000 islands, offering everything from Bali's beaches to Jakarta's bustle.

Indonesia at a Glance

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago — over 17,000 islands stretching across more than 5,000 kilometers of equatorial ocean, home to 280 million people speaking over 700 languages. For most foreigners, Indonesia means one of two things: Bali or Jakarta. Bali has become the global capital of digital nomad culture, offering an intoxicating combination of affordable living, surfing, yoga, rice terrace landscapes, Hindu temple ceremonies, and a massive international community centered around Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak. Jakarta, by contrast, is a sprawling, chaotic megacity of 30+ million people where serious business gets done — the financial hub, government center, and home to multinational regional offices. Life in Indonesia moves on 'jam karet' (rubber time) — schedules are flexible, appointments are approximate, and patience is a daily requirement. The cost of living is remarkably low, allowing foreigners with moderate incomes to live extremely well. Locals are exceptionally warm, community-oriented, and hospitable. However, the bureaucracy is notoriously opaque and frequently changing — immigration rules shift without warning, enforcement varies by region and officer, and having a reliable local agent or fixer is practically essential. Infrastructure varies wildly between islands: Jakarta has modern highways and skyscrapers, Bali has legendary traffic jams on narrow roads, and many outer islands have limited electricity and internet. Indonesia rewards those who embrace uncertainty, build genuine local relationships, and approach daily life with humor and flexibility.

Relocation Realities

Life & Economics

Low living costs but income opportunities are limited locally.

Housing

Expats favor gated villas or condos. Contracts can be informal.

Work & Income

Local employment restricted. Remote work common.

Healthcare

Private hospitals good in Jakarta/Bali. Rural care limited.

Taxes & Social System

Low enforcement. Minimal safety net.

Climate & Seasons

Tropical with rainy and dry seasons.

Who Is Indonesia For?

For remote workers chasing island life, surf culture, or Bali's creative scene — best suited for those with foreign income who accept bureaucratic opacity and infrastructure gaps as the price of paradise.

Visa Options for Indonesia

Visa on Arrival (VOA) — Available at major airports and seaports for citizens of 90+ countries. Costs IDR 500,000 (approximately $32 USD). Grants 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office. The extension process takes 5-7 working days and requires a visit to the immigration office where you entered the country.
B211A Visit Visa (Social/Tourist) — A 60-day visit visa that can be extended twice for 60 days each, providing up to 180 days total. Applied for online through the Indonesian immigration portal or through a visa agent. Requires a sponsor (can be a travel agent or visa service company). This is the most common visa for digital nomads and long-term visitors. Cannot legally be used for employment with Indonesian companies.
KITAS (Limited Stay Permit — Working) — The standard work permit for foreign employees of Indonesian-registered companies. The employer applies through the Ministry of Manpower for an IMTA (work permit) and then processes the KITAS through immigration. Requirements include a work plan (RPTKA), university degree, and relevant experience. The process is complex, expensive (costs are borne by the employer), and typically handled by immigration agents.
Second Home Visa — For foreign nationals who can demonstrate financial means of approximately IDR 2 billion ($130,000 USD) in savings or property, or a combination thereof. Allows long-term residency without traditional employer sponsorship. Can be used for remote work and studying but not for employment with Indonesian companies.
E33G Digital Nomad Visa (Bali) — Indonesia introduced a dedicated digital nomad visa allowing remote workers to live and work remotely from Indonesia (primarily Bali). Applicants must earn at least $2,000/month from foreign sources and have comprehensive health insurance. Income earned in Indonesia is tax-exempt under this program. Applied for through designated agents or the immigration portal.

Key Requirements for Moving to Indonesia

SKTT/STM (Domicile Registration)

When staying outside of hotels for an extended period, foreign residents may need to register their presence with the local Banjar (community association) or RT/RW (neighborhood association). Requirements vary by area and enforcement is inconsistent, but in many parts of Bali and Java, landlords are expected to report foreign tenants.

NPWP (Tax Identification Number)

Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak — the Indonesian tax identification number issued by the Directorate General of Taxes. Required for anyone holding a KITAS or KITAP (permanent stay permit) and earning income in Indonesia. Can be obtained at the local tax office (Kantor Pajak) with your passport and KITAS.

IMEI Registration (Phone Registration)

Indonesia requires all mobile phones used with local SIM cards to have their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) registered with customs. Phones brought into the country by travelers are allowed a 90-day grace period, after which the IMEI must be registered or the device will be blocked from Indonesian mobile networks.

Bank Account

Foreign residents can open accounts at major Indonesian banks including Bank Central Asia (BCA), Bank Mandiri, BNI, and CIMB Niaga. A KITAS is required for full accounts with ATM cards and internet banking. Some banks offer limited accounts for tourist visa holders. BCA is the most widely accepted for domestic transfers.

Culture in Indonesia

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, but its cultural identity is far more complex than any single religion. The national philosophy "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity) reflects the extraordinary variety of ethnic groups, religions, and traditions across the archipelago. Bali is predominantly Hindu, with daily offerings (canang sari) placed on sidewalks, temple ceremonies, and a deeply spiritual relationship with nature. Java blends Islam with ancient Javanese traditions and mysticism. Social interactions across Indonesia are governed by a strong emphasis on harmony, politeness, and avoiding conflict. Indonesians rarely say "no" directly — "belum" (not yet) or "mungkin" (maybe) are common substitutes. Losing your temper in public causes both you and the other person to lose face, and the social consequences can be severe. Food is central to social life: eating together, sharing dishes, and trying local specialties are key bonding activities. Indonesian cuisine is extraordinarily diverse, with each island and ethnic group contributing distinctive dishes.

Never point with your index finger — use your thumb (with fingers curled) or an open palm gesture. Pointing with a finger is considered rude across Indonesia.
Use your right hand for giving and receiving items, eating, and handshakes. The left hand is considered unclean. If you must use both hands, that is also acceptable.
Getting visibly angry in public is one of the worst social mistakes you can make. Indonesians value "sabar" (patience) and "tenang" (calm). Losing your temper results in immediate loss of respect and cooperation.
In Bali, step around (never on) the canang sari offerings placed on the ground outside homes and shops. These are daily religious offerings to the spirits, and stepping on them is deeply disrespectful.
Dress modestly when visiting temples (sarong and sash required at Balinese temples) and mosques (long sleeves, head covering for women). In everyday life, Bali is relaxed about dress, while Java and other Muslim-majority areas expect more modest clothing.

Common Mistakes When Moving to Indonesia

Getting angry in public. This is perhaps the single most important cultural rule in Indonesia. Raising your voice, showing frustration, or confronting someone aggressively causes them to lose face, which is deeply humiliating. You will lose all cooperation and respect immediately. Stay calm, smile, and address issues privately and politely.
Using the left hand to pay, shake hands, or pass items. The left hand is considered unclean across Indonesian culture. Always use your right hand for social interactions, or use both hands together for extra politeness.
Driving a motorbike without a valid International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement. Your home license is not valid in Indonesia. Without an IDP, you are driving illegally, your insurance is void, and police can fine you at checkpoints. If you have an accident without proper documentation, you may be held legally and financially responsible regardless of fault.
Drinking tap water or brushing teeth with tap water. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Indonesia. Use bottled or filtered water (gallon refill stations are everywhere and cost IDR 5,000-8,000). "Bali belly" from contaminated water or ice is extremely common among newcomers.
Stepping on Balinese canang sari offerings or treating temple ceremonies as photo opportunities. The daily offerings placed on the ground are active religious practice, not decoration. Temples during ceremonies require a sarong and sash, and visitors should observe quietly rather than pushing through crowds for photographs.

Things to Know About Indonesia

Traffic and Safety: Bali traffic is chaotic and motorbike accidents involving foreigners are extremely common. Wear a helmet always, drive defensively, and ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers motorbike use. Indonesia has one of the highest road accident rates in Southeast Asia.
Alcohol Risks: Imported alcohol is heavily taxed (a bottle of wine can cost $20-50 USD in shops). Local spirits, particularly arak (palm liquor), are cheap but carry real risks — methanol poisoning from unregulated batches kills several foreigners every year. Only drink arak from trusted, established sources.
Immigration Enforcement: Visa rules change frequently and enforcement is inconsistent between regions and officers. Working on a tourist visa is technically illegal and, while rarely enforced against remote workers, can result in detention and deportation if caught. Keep copies of your visa, passport, and extension receipts at all times.
Corruption and Informal Payments: You may encounter police asking for on-the-spot "fines" (especially for motorbike infractions). While illegal, this practice is common. Having copies of your documents (not originals) and a small amount of cash can help navigate these situations. Remain calm and polite.
Natural Disasters: Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis are real risks. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, follow BMKG (weather and geophysics agency) warnings, and ensure your accommodation has structural integrity. Bali experienced significant earthquakes in 2018.