tl;dr: Indonesia offers a digital nomad visa
If you're a digital nomad looking for a new destination to work remotely, Indonesia has recently introduced a digital nomad visa that allows you to stay and work in the country legally. In this article, we will explore what a digital nomad visa is, the benefits of the Indonesia digital nomad visa, eligibility requirements, the application process, associated costs, and what it's like to live and work as a digital nomad in Indonesia.
In the wake of the pandemic, numerous individuals have taken the opportunity to reconsider their life choices, and working remotely has emerged as a popular preference. Embracing a lifestyle of remote work enables them to savor a life of freedom and adventure, beyond the confines of a traditional office.
Indonesia, particularly Bali, has become a cherished destination for many remote workers. With its stunning beaches, captivating landscapes, diverse wildlife, and delectable cuisine, it offers a dreamy backdrop for work and play. However, to work legally in Indonesia, a digital nomad visa is essential.
But does Indonesia indeed offer digital nomad visas? The answer is not yet, but there have been discussions about launching one. The proposed digital nomad visa is envisioned to be valid for five years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional five years. However, as of now, the visa has not been officially introduced.
Not to worry, though! Digital nomads can still work remotely in Indonesia through the B211a visit visa. While not specifically designed for remote workers, it serves as a suitable option for those seeking to work from this enchanting country.
What is a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa is a special type of visa that allows individuals who work remotely to live and work in a foreign country for an extended period of time. It provides legal permission to work in the country without the need for a traditional work visa or work permit.
The digital nomad visa is designed to attract location-independent professionals and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the local economy while enjoying the benefits of living in a new country.
🏝️Benefits of working as a digital nomad in Indonesia
If you're considering Indonesia as your digital nomad destination, get ready to enjoy a host of wonderful advantages:
- Easy Visa Process: Obtaining the visa is a breeze with a quick and straightforward online application process, ensuring you can get to work and explore Indonesia in no time.
- Tax Benefits: As a digital nomad in Indonesia, you won't be required to pay taxes for the initial six months, giving you more financial flexibility.
- Thriving Digital Nomad Community: Indonesia, especially Bali, is a haven for digital nomads, offering numerous coworking spaces, cafes, and accommodations where you can easily connect and collaborate with fellow remote workers.
- Mesmerizing Natural Beauty: Indonesia's diverse landscapes will leave you spellbound, from volcanoes and jungles to lush gardens and majestic mountains, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.
- Delectable Cuisine: Indonesia's rich culinary heritage, influenced by various ethnic groups, offers a delightful array of dishes bursting with unique flavors and spices. Indulge in Indonesian satay, fried rice, beef rendang, and more.
- Affordable Living: Enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with a low cost of living compared to other Southeast Asian countries. For a family of four, estimated monthly expenses are $1,508.4, while for a single person, it's around $432.2.
🛂 Requirements for B211a Visa (Visit Visa for Remote Work)
To apply for the B211a visa and work remotely in Indonesia, digital nomads must meet the following essential requirements:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must have a minimum validity of 12 months from your intended date of entry into Indonesia. For a stay of 60 days, your passport should be valid for at least six months.
- Passport-Size Photograph: Provide a recent passport-sized photo measuring 3cm x 4cm or 4cm x 6cm, taken within the last three months against a white background.
- Proof of Funds: Show bank statements confirming that you possess a minimum bank balance of $2,000. This evidence demonstrates your financial ability to sustain yourself during your stay in Indonesia.
- Return Ticket: Present a valid return ticket to your home country, demonstrating your intention to leave Indonesia before your visa expires and preventing any overstay.
- Health Protocols Confirmation: A letter stating your commitment to abide by all of Indonesia's health protocols during your stay.
- Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination: Provide documentation showing that you have been vaccinated against Covid-19.
- Health or Travel Insurance: Obtain health or travel insurance that includes:
- Coverage for health financing.
- A statement of willingness to pay for Covid-19 treatment if affected during your stay in Indonesia.
Meeting these requirements ensures a smooth application process for the B211a visa, enabling you to work remotely and savor the captivating wonders of Indonesia. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in this beautiful country while maintaining compliance with all necessary regulations. 🛫🏝️
🌴Applying for a B211a Visa in Indonesia – Step by Step
To apply for a B211a visa and work as a digital nomad in Indonesia, follow these steps:
- Prepare Necessary Documents: Gather all required documents listed under “What Are the Requirements for the B211a Visa?”
- Complete Online Application: Access the government's official immigration website to fill out the B211a visa application. Create an account and provide accurate information.
- Pay the Application Fee: After submitting your visa application, proceed to pay the relevant fee.
- Await Approval: The processing time typically takes seven to fourteen days. Once approved, you have 90 days to enter Indonesia from the date of visa issuance, after which your visa validity period begins.
B211a Visa Fees:
- Single-entry visa (valid for 60 days) – 2,000,000 Rp per person ($131.23)
- Single-entry visa (valid for 180 days) – 6,000,000 Rp per person ($393.70)
- Single-entry visa for tourists (valid for 60 days) – 1,500,000 Rp per person ($98.43)
Duration of Stay: The B211a visa allows you to stay in Indonesia for 60 days from your arrival. You can extend it twice, each time for an additional 60 days.
Processing Time: The Indonesian immigration office typically takes seven to fourteen days to approve the B211a visa.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Indonesia: For the first 183 days, digital nomads in Indonesia are exempt from paying taxes. After 183 days, tax rates vary based on income brackets:
- 0 – 60 million Rp: 5%
- 60 million – 250 million Rp: 15%
- 250 million – 500 million Rp: 25%
- 500 million – 5 billion Rp: 30%
- 5 billion Rp+: 35%
Other Tax Information:
- Withholding tax rate for non-residents: 20%
- Corporate income tax rate: 25%
- Value Added Tax (VAT) rate: 10%
- Luxury goods sales tax rate: 10% to 125%
🌐 Alternatives to the Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa
If the Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa is not available yet, or if it doesn't suit your situation, don't worry! Indonesia offers various other visa options depending on your purpose of stay. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Indonesia Tourist Visa: If you plan to explore Indonesia for a short duration, you can opt for the tourist visa. Depending on your nationality, you may enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days or apply for a tourist visa with the option to renew. However, remember that a tourist visa does not permit you to work in Indonesia.
- Indonesia Business Visa: For business-related activities like attending meetings, signing deals, or exploring business opportunities, an Indonesia business visa is suitable. You are not allowed to work for an Indonesian company on this visa.
- Indonesia Work Visa: If you have a job offer from an Indonesian company, you can apply for the Indonesia work visa with the sponsorship of your employer. The work visa typically has a validity period of three months to one year.
- Indonesia Student Visa: International students looking to study in Indonesia need to apply for an Indonesia student visa. This visa is essential for pursuing educational programs in the country.
- Indonesia Retirement Visa: Retirees seeking to spend their golden years in Indonesia can apply for the retirement visa. It provides a one-year validity and can be renewed for up to five years.
🌏Living and working as a digital nomad in Indonesia
Popular digital nomad destinations in Indonesia
Indonesia offers a wide range of popular digital nomad destinations that combine natural beauty, vibrant culture, and modern amenities. Here are some of the top destinations for digital nomads in Indonesia:
- Bali: Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali is a dream destination for digital nomads. It offers stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, a vibrant arts scene, and a thriving community of remote workers. Ubud and Canggu are popular digital nomad hubs in Bali.
- Ubud: Nestled in the heart of Bali, Ubud is famous for its lush green landscapes, yoga retreats, and spiritual vibe. It provides a peaceful and inspirational setting for remote work.
- Canggu: Located along Bali's southwestern coast, Canggu is a trendy and laid-back area with excellent co-working spaces, cafes, and a lively surf culture.
- Yogyakarta: Known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites, Yogyakarta offers a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities. It's a great place for immersing in Indonesian culture while working remotely.
- Bandung: This creative city is renowned for its art, design, and coffee culture. It has a growing number of co-working spaces and a vibrant digital nomad community.
- Lombok: Bali's neighboring island, Lombok, boasts picturesque beaches, waterfalls, and trekking opportunities. It's a quieter and more serene alternative to Bali.
- Gili Islands: A group of three small islands near Lombok, the Gili Islands offer a serene escape with clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and a slower pace of life.
- Jakarta: As Indonesia's capital, Jakarta is a bustling metropolis with modern amenities, co-working spaces, and a thriving business scene.
- Surabaya: The second-largest city in Indonesia, Surabaya offers a mix of traditional culture and modern infrastructure, making it a suitable destination for digital nomads.
- Batu Karas: A lesser-known gem on Java's south coast, Batu Karas is a quiet and relaxing destination for digital nomads who seek a tranquil beachside retreat.
Each destination in Indonesia offers a unique experience, making it an exciting and diverse country for digital nomads to explore while working remotely.
Cost of living in Indonesia
The cost of living in Indonesia can vary depending on your lifestyle and location. Generally, it is more affordable compared to many Western countries.
Accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment are relatively inexpensive, allowing digital nomads to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Sample Prices (USD):
- Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: $1.64
- Meal for two people: $16.39
- One-way ticket (local transportation): $0.33
- Monthly pass (regular price): $9.84
- Essential utilities per month: $60.03
- 1-bedroom apartment in the City Center: $282.40
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the Center: $170.12
- 3-bedroom apartment in the City Center: $691.14
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the Center: $395.97
Discover the wonders of Indonesia while enjoying the perks of remote work in this captivating country. Experience the thrill of digital nomad life against the backdrop of Indonesia's natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Internet and infrastructure for remote work
Indonesia has made significant improvements in its internet infrastructure in recent years. Major cities and popular tourist destinations offer reliable and high-speed internet connections, making it easier for digital nomads to work remotely.
Coworking spaces and cafes with free Wi-Fi are also widely available, providing convenient work environments.
✨Conclusion
The Indonesia digital nomad visa offers an exciting opportunity for remote workers and entrepreneurs to live and work in this beautiful country. With the ability to work remotely, longer stay durations, and access to local amenities, Indonesia provides an ideal environment for digital nomads.
By meeting the eligibility requirements, going through the application process, and considering the associated costs, you can embark on a rewarding digital nomad journey in Indonesia.
Originally posted 2023-08-02 03:08:38.
