Indonesia Business Visa: Procedures & Documents

4 min read|Last Updated: January 19, 2023|

Due to the demands of international businesses worldwide, it is common for businesses to hold meetings or conferences for their international counterparts. To enter Indonesia, these professionals have to apply for a visa to enter the country legally for business matters.

There are many types of visas in Indonesia, however, for this group of individuals, they will have to secure their Indonesian Business Visa.

What is a Business Visa?

An Indonesia business visa is designed for individuals visiting Indonesia for business-related purposes, without any intention to obtain any income in Indonesia. This differs from an Indonesian work permit.

The main purpose of the Indonesian Business Visa is to enable the holder to carry out business activities in Indonesia such as attending a conference or seminar. This does not include being employed or receiving a salary in Indonesia. The whole procedure will take 6 to 10 working days to complete.

This is usually undertaken by foreign entrepreneurs coming into Indonesia. For instance, entrepreneurs will head to Indonesia to direct business activities and research on the Indonesia market.

The business visa is also for foreigners who need to visit Indonesia to conduct business negotiations or to conduct work and/ or training assignments.

There are two types of Business Visa in Indonesia:

  • A multiple entry business visa you can enter (and leave) Indonesia various times within a one-year period

  • A single-entry business visa only allows you to enter Indonesia once

To obtain the business visa, you will require sponsorship from an Indonesia-based company.

Benefits of an Indonesia Business Visa

An Indonesia Business Visa has numerous benefits that makes businessmen’s travel easier, here are some benefits listed as compared to other Visas offered:

  • Fast and simple to obtain virtually
  • Cheaper than the work permit
  • Allowed for a maximum of 60 days stay in Indonesia per visit
  • Extension can be applied by leaving Indonesia in 60 days and coming back (crossing borders) or by applying for and obtaining a visa from the Indonesian Immigration Authority
  • The visa is valid for 1 year
  • A business visa is fitting for regular visitors visiting Indonesia without the intention of earning an income

Disadvantages of the Business Visa

Despite the benefits, it is important to also consider the drawbacks of applying for the Indonesia Business Visa, especially if you are looking for a long-term solution. These include:

  • The validity of the visa is only for 1 year
  • Limited to only 60 days stay in Indonesia per visit
  • Unlike the work permit, one cannot be employed in Indonesia with this visa
  • Require sponsorship from an Indonesian company or Indonesia–based company

Business Visa Sponsorship

All business visas must be sponsored by a legally incorporated Indonesian company, or entity registered in Indonesia, regardless foreign or locally-owned companies, or even a representative office.

Here are the requirements to apply for an Indonesian Business Visa:

  • A latest passport copy – valid for at least 18 months with at least two blank visa pages
  • A foreign Bank account statement showing at least $US 1,500
  • Return tickets showing when you enter into Indonesia and that you leave before 60 days pass
  • Indonesian embassy at your place of choice where you plan to pick up the visa
  • Proof of sufficient funds relative to your intended length of stay
  • Copies of sponsor company incorporation documents and letterhead

Application Process for the Business Visa in Indonesia

Prior to anything, the organisation or company that is granting you the sponsorship must submit visa application form online. All requested details must be filled accordingly and rightfully. Any mistake in the documents will result in delay or rejection of the application.

It takes approximately 6 to 10 working days for the Indonesian Immigration to process the invitation, and to issue a telex. The following step is converting the telex to a visa in the nearest Indonesian embassy abroad.

You can choose to convert the telex in any consulate of Indonesia abroad. Note that you will only get your actual visa in the embassy.

Nationalities That Cannot Apply for a Business Visa

It is also important to note that not all nationalities are allowed to apply for an Indonesian Business Visa. Professionals from the following nations are not permitted to apply for the visa under the Indonesian Immigration policy:

  • Afghanistan
  • Guinea
  • Israel
  • Iraq
  • North Korea
  • Cameroon
  • Liberia
  • Nigerian
  • Somalia

Note that having residence permit or a company in another country would not ease the process.

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FAQs

Can I work in Indonesia?2021-11-02T12:46:05+08:00

Under a Business Visa, an individual is not allowed to work to earn an income In Indonesia, the individual instead can convert their visa to a work visa if they intend to work to earn an income  

Is Indonesia a good place to work?2023-03-09T10:40:22+08:00

Indonesia has the biggest economy in South East Asia, this means that there is potential in the economic growth. Thus, Indonesia has a wide range of goods and services along with better standards of living.  

In the city of Jakarta and Bali, there is a large expat community as it is popular amongst tourists and travellers alike.  

What is the penalty for overstaying the period of a business visa?2021-11-02T12:44:24+08:00

The business visa allows a holder to stay in Indonesia for a period of 60 days. Each day overstaying the period indicated for a visa is charged at a rate of IDR 1,000,000 or USD 70.

How long does an application take for a Business Visa?2021-11-02T12:43:32+08:00

The entire process is expected to take 6-10 days if the complete set of required documents is submitted.  

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