Thinking about moving to Indonesia?
With over 17,000 islands scattered across the equator, Indonesia is a perfect destination to live in whilst embracing the slow, deliberate pace of island life while staying connected to your global career.
As a remote worker or digital nomad, you can trade your office walls for the soft sand of a secluded beach or a quiet temple garden. The rise of flexible work means you can enjoy a more relaxed, fulfilling lifestyle, all without sacrificing your professional ambitions.
Working in Indonesia as an international talent is also a potential you would not want to miss. The dynamic economic landscape presents a compelling opportunity for international talent. The country’s economy has demonstrated robust growth, with a recent GDP growth rate of over 5%. This sustained expansion is fuelling a demand for skilled professionals, particularly in key sectors like services and technology, which are major employers of foreign workers.
Indonesia is more than a postcard; it’s a launchpad. Its strategic location makes it an ideal hub for entrepreneurs and professionals. The country’s close proximity to major markets like China, Australia, and Singapore means you can easily expand your business or tap into new opportunities.
But the real treasure lies in the country’s heart. A mosaic of over a hundred ethnic groups and languages, Indonesia’s culture is a tapestry of ancient traditions and modern expressions. Here, you’ll find a spiritual richness in the temples of Bali and a deep-rooted sense of community in every village. This is a country that invites you not just to stay, but to truly belong.
This article will highlight:
- Pros and Cons Living in Indonesia as an Expat
- Everything Expats Need to Know Before Moving to Indonesia
- Get to Know Indonesia Visas
- Insurance and Healthcare in Indonesia
- Education in Indonesia
- Working in Indonesia
- Opening a Business in Indonesia
- Buying Houses in Indonesia
- Tax Compliance in Indonesia
- Indonesia Expat Community
Pros and Cons Living in Indonesia as an Expat
Choosing to move to a country with a different rhythm of life is a big decision. While Indonesia is famously welcoming to foreigners, it’s essential to be prepared for both the highs and lows. The bustling big cities like Jakarta offer modern conveniences, while the laid-back pace of places like Bali provides a more relaxed experience.
Affordable Lifestyle
One of Indonesia’s biggest draws is its incredible affordability. Your money goes a long way here, allowing for a comfortable and often luxurious lifestyle. From housing to dining, costs are significantly lower than in many Western countries, making it a budget-friendly option for expats and digital nomads alike.
Beautiful Nature
Indonesia’s natural beauty is undeniable. Famous among international tourists with over 17,000 islands, it boasts an endless variety of landscapes, from volcanic peaks and lush jungles to pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Whether you’re a hiker, a diver, or simply someone who appreciates a stunning view, you’ll find an abundance of natural wonders to explore.
Easy Entry
For many, the process of settling in is relatively straightforward. Indonesia offers a range of visa options for those who want to live and work here, from business visas to social visas, making it a fairly easy country for foreigners to enter and establish a new life.
Friendly Community
The Indonesian people are renowned for their hospitality and warmth. It’s easy to feel at home here, as Indonesian citizens are genuinely friendly and curious about newcomers. The vibrant community of expats in Indonesia is also a major plus, providing a supportive network for those adjusting to their new home. This welcoming attitude makes it a great place for foreigners to move to.
Climate Change
Indonesia’s tropical climate means two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The rainy season can bring intense downpours and high humidity, which might be a big adjustment if you’re used to more temperate weather. While the constant warmth is a pro for many, the scorching hot days can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Potential Language Barriers
While a surprising number of Indonesians speak some English, a solid understanding of Bahasa Indonesia is key to truly integrating. Outside of major tourist hubs and big cities, communication can become a challenge. Learning the local language will greatly enhance your daily life and help you form deeper connections with the local community.
Extreme Time zone Gap
Depending on where you’re from, the time zone gap can be a significant hurdle. For life in Indonesia, coordinating with friends, family, or global colleagues in different parts of the world can require careful planning and often means working unusual hours.
Everything Expats Need to Know Before Moving to Indonesia
Currency in Indonesia
When you arrive, your wallet will quickly become familiar with the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, cash remains king for day-to-day transactions, especially in more rural areas. Don’t be surprised to find yourself carrying large stacks of bills, because IDR is a currency of many zeros! When setting up your banking, you’ll find that while many local banks cater to foreign nationals, having a multi-currency account or a reliable transfer service will make sending money to and from your home country a breeze.
Language in Indonesia
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, a relatively simple and phonetic language that is easy to pick up. While English is spoken in tourist hubs and by many business professionals, learning a few basic phrases in Bahasa will open up doors and endear you to the locals. In a country of over 700 languages, Bahasa Indonesia acts as a unifying force, but don’t be surprised to hear regional dialects like Javanese or Sundanese in different parts of the archipelago.
Cost of Living in Indonesia
Indonesia is known for its surprisingly low cost of living, which is a huge draw for expats and digital nomads. Your rent, groceries, and daily transportation will likely be a fraction of what you would pay back home. This affordability allows you to live a comfortable and often luxurious lifestyle, whether you’re renting a modern apartment in Jakarta or a serene villa in Bali. The low cost of living also frees up your budget for adventure, from island-hopping to exploring ancient temples.
Get to Know Indonesian Visas to Relocate to Indonesia
Before you can truly settle into the rhythm of your new life, you’ll need to navigate the world of Indonesian visas. The journey begins with your passport, and for many, a visit to an Indonesian Embassy or consulate in your home country. For those planning a long-term stay, visas like the KITAP are your golden ticket. The key is to understand the requirements and work closely with Indonesian Immigration to ensure a smooth transition when moving to a new country.
Visit Visas in Indonesia
If you’re looking to dip your toes into Indonesian life, a visit visa is your starting point. You’ll need to work with the Indonesian government to secure your stay permit card and ensure all your paperwork is in order before you arrive in Indonesia.
VoA (Visa on Arrival) Indonesia
For those spontaneous souls, the Visa on Arrival (VoA) is your entry into Indonesia. Valid for 30 days, it’s perfect for short stays and can be obtained directly at many international airports upon arrival.
Single Entry Tourist Visa
Planning a more extensive holiday? A Single Entry Tourist Visa allows for a longer, uninterrupted stay, giving you the time to truly explore the country’s breathtaking islands and cultures.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
For the constant wanderer, the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa offers the flexibility to come and go from Indonesia throughout the year, making it ideal for those who split their time between multiple destinations.
Business Visas: For the Entrepreneurial
Indonesia’s vibrant economy beckons. For those looking to set up shop or work with local partners, a business visa is essential.
Single Entry Business Visa
Perfect for a one-off project or an extended market research trip, the Single Entry Business Visa gives you the time you need to make a powerful first impression.
Multiple Entry Business Visa
If your work calls for frequent trips back and forth, the Multiple Entry Business Visa provides the freedom and flexibility to maintain your connections and oversee your business ventures with ease.
Visa Pre-Investment in Indonesia
For serious investors, the Visa Pre-Investment is a crucial step. It’s designed for individuals looking to explore significant business opportunities and lay the groundwork for their ventures, ensuring a smooth and strategic entry into Indonesia’s burgeoning market.
KITAS, KITAP and Other Stay Visa
If you’re keen for a long-term life in Indonesia, your journey will begin with a Stay Permit. The most common is the KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit), perfect for work assignments, family reunions, or long-term projects. For those ready to put down deeper roots, the KITAP offers the rare gift of permanent stay, typically valid for five years at a time. Both are official markers of your immigration status, unlocking everything from local banking to leasing property.
Investment Visas
Entrepreneurs and investors with visions of building a business in Indonesia will find the Investment Visa a powerful tool. Available in both KITAS and KITAP formats, this visa allows you to establish and manage a PT PMA (foreign-owned company), invest in local ventures, and participate actively in Indonesia’s growing economy.
An Investment KITAS offers temporary residency and is often the first step for those planning to transition into an Investment KITAP for long-term or permanent stay. Beyond the business benefits, these visas also confer residential stability and the ability to sponsor family members. Indonesia’s investment climate—spanning sectors from tourism to renewable energy—means opportunities are as diverse as the islands themselves.
Retirement Visas
Indonesia’s Retirement Visa scheme is tailored for expatriates aged 55 and above who wish to spend their golden years surrounded by tropical beauty. The Retirement KITAS grants a year of temporary stay, renewable annually, and requires proof of financial stability, health insurance, and accommodation.
After several years on a Retirement KITAS, eligible retirees can apply for a Retirement KITAP, ensuring a long-term, low-hassle residency. This path provides not only a stable immigration status but also the comfort of knowing you can truly settle in—whether it’s waking up to the sound of waves in Bali or enjoying slow mornings in the cool highlands of Java.
Dependent Visa Family in Indonesia
Relocating with loved ones? The Dependent Visa ensures your family can be part of your Indonesian adventure from the start. Available as both KITAS and KITAP, it’s designed for spouses, children, and other dependents—perfect if you have family in Indonesia and want to keep them close.
With a Dependent KITAS, family members can reside legally, access education, and enjoy a stable home life in Indonesia. Over time, this can be upgraded to a Dependent KITAP, aligning their residency status with yours and removing the stress of frequent renewals.
Indonesia Visa Requirements
Before embarking on your Indonesian chapter, it’s essential to prepare your documentation thoroughly. Typical Indonesia visa requirements include:
- a valid passport (with at least 18 months’ validity for certain long-term permits)
- recent photo in the specified format
- sponsorship letter from an eligible individual, company, or institution in Indonesia.
- and other document
Applications can be submitted through an embassy or consulate in your home country or processed locally at an immigration office once you arrive. Depending on the visa type, you may also need supporting documents such as proof of income, business licenses, marriage or birth certificates, and health insurance. Careful preparation ensures a smooth application process, bringing you one step closer to your new life in Indonesia.
Insurance & Healthcare in Indonesia
When you plan to live in Indonesia, having the right healthcare coverage is as essential as your passport. While the country offers both public and private medical facilities, many expats prefer health insurance that covers everything from hospital stays to specialist visits. Modern hospitals in major cities now integrate tech and digital services such as online appointments and digital health records, making care more accessible than ever.
For peace of mind, Social Expat recommends April Insurance as a trusted health insurance in Indonesia, offering flexible plans tailored to expat lifestyles.
You may also like: Navigating Indonesia’s Healthcare System: A Guide for Expats
Education in Indonesia
Indonesia’s diverse education landscape is increasingly international, with a growing demand for English teachers across private schools and language centres.
Expats with teaching experience will find opportunities in big cities and even in more remote cultural hubs. For families, there are excellent international schools offering globally recognised curricula—making it easier for children to thrive while embracing life in a new country.
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List of Schools in Indonesia: Best International School in Bali for Expat
Work in Indonesia
Indonesia is a rising star in Southeast Asia, attracting talent from across the globe. From multinational corporations to agile startups, opportunities abound for those ready to make the leap. If you’re considering international moving, be prepared to adapt to local customs, etiquette and warm hospitality that shapes the workplace culture.
Work Visas & Work Permit
Securing a job here requires the right paperwork, and that means navigating work visas & work permit requirements. A limited stay permit (KITAS) or permanent stay permit (KITAP) may be an option, but first you must prove that foreign nationals bring skills or expertise not readily available in the local workforce. This process involves both your employer and Indonesia’s immigration authorities, ensuring your role contributes meaningfully to the country’s development.
Aside from that, to be eligible to work in Indonesia, you must be supported with a Work Permit. The Indonesian work permit, often referred to as a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas), is a mandatory document for expatriates who wish to work in Indonesia. The KITAS functions as both a limited stay permit and a work permit, and is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration.
Opening a Company in Indonesia
If Indonesia feels like more than just your next travel stop and you’re ready to build something lasting, opening a company here can be your gateway to both personal and professional adventure. From the bustling streets of Jakarta to the co-working havens in Bali, the opportunities are as diverse as the islands themselves. Yes, the process involves paperwork, patience, and plenty of coffee—but with the right guidance, you’ll be on your way to planting real roots in the archipelago’s economy.
Company Registration
Think of Company Registration as your business’s official birth certificate. In Indonesia, this process involves choosing the right structure—often a PT PMA for foreign investors—registering it with the authorities, and making it legally ready to operate. It’s your first big step from idea to reality, and it ensures you’re building on a foundation that’s recognised by law. Once this is done, you’re no longer just “working in Indonesia”—you’re part of its business landscape.
Business Identity & Licenses
Every business here needs a clear identity and the right licenses to thrive. That means securing your Business Identification Number (NIB) and industry-specific permits. This isn’t just red tape—it’s what allows you to operate with confidence, sign contracts, and even open a business bank account. Consider it the passport for your company, granting it the freedom to grow, expand, and make an impact.
Buying Houses in Indonesia
Thinking of investing in property accommodation in Indonesia? Here’s everything you need to know: while Indonesia restricts foreign property ownership, there are legal structures that allow you to invest in real estate. Partnering with Lets Move Group can help you navigate the market, find the perfect home without breaking the bank, and even explore mortgage options for eligible buyers. Whether it’s a modern apartment in the city or a beachfront villa, expert guidance makes all the difference.
Housing options
Most expats choose to rent in their first years, enjoying flexibility while exploring neighbourhoods and lifestyles. Rentals range from chic urban apartments to spacious suburban homes.
For those looking to buy, home financing in Indonesia is possible under certain conditions, though it’s best to consult local experts to understand the rules and costs before committing.
Tax Compliance in Indonesia
Taxes might not be the most romantic part of expat life, but they’re the glue that keeps your business and lifestyle in good standing. Whether you’re a freelancer sipping coconut water in Canggu or running a corporate office in Surabaya, knowing the rules keeps you protected and respected.
Individual Tax Compliance
If you’re living in Indonesia for more than 183 days in a year, you’re considered a tax resident—and that means reporting your worldwide income to the local tax office. Filing an annual tax return ensures you meet your obligations while enjoying the benefits of life here. With the right advice, it’s less of a headache and more of a yearly check-in on your financial health.
Corporate Tax Compliance
Running a company means playing by the rules of corporate tax compliance. In Indonesia, that includes monthly and annual reporting, VAT (if applicable), and keeping your books transparent. It’s about building trust—not just with the government, but with your clients, partners, and employees. Done right, it’s one more sign your business is here for the long run.
Engaging with Expatriate Communities in Indonesia
Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can feel overwhelming until you find “your people.” In Indonesia, expat communities are as diverse as the islands themselves, offering friendship, professional networks, and a support system that makes settling in feel less like starting over and more like coming home. Whether you’re looking to share a meal, swap business insights, or join a weekend adventure, there’s a corner of the archipelago where you’ll feel instantly connected.
Expat Community in Jakarta
If you’re fresh off the plane, start with anchors that make the city feel navigable: co-working spaces in SCBD and Kuningan for serendipitous “desk neighbours,” sports clubs that meet at dawn before the traffic wakes, and language exchanges where your first Bahasa phrases earn more smiles than grammar points.
Professional circles are reliable springboards. For business people, International Chambers like American Chamber of Commerce can be one of the community to seek channels for a smooth sail doing business in Indonesia.
If you want a gentle on-ramp to the city’s social web, look for open mixers and themed nights. Many are newcomer-friendly and low-pressure. Community events like Social Expat Events curate casual meetups to blend professionals and creatives in one room, useful if you prefer to gain connections and knowledge in one night.
Expat Community in Bali
Bali is a global village where friendships bloom under the sun. It’s easy to meet new people organically, whether you’re working from a coworking space, surfing at the beach, or even coming alone to clubs and cafes.
The island’s relaxed pace encourages spontaneous conversations and connections with fellow travellers and long-term residents. For those seeking a more organised way to meet like-minded people, joining the Social Expat community in Bali is a great option. Their events are a fantastic way to break the ice and build meaningful relationships, making your transition into the island lifestyle feel effortless.
So, you’ve decided Indonesia might be your next chapter—or perhaps you’re still weighing the possibilities. Wherever you are on that journey, one thing’s certain: thriving here isn’t just about visas and logistics.
It’s about understanding the cultural nuances, knowing where to find support, and having access to a network that makes the unfamiliar feel like home.
If you are unsure about where to go and what to do in Indonesia, Social Expat is your certified best partner to navigate places, events, and everything about Indonesia! We’re here to ignite your journey, helping you navigate breathtaking hidden gems, uncover exclusive events, and dive deep into the rich tapestry of culture you’d love to know about. Your ultimate Indonesian experience begins with us—let the adventure begin!
