Indonesia

Moving to Indonesia

Indonesia is a country located in Southeast Asia, comprising more than 17,000 islands. It is the world's largest island country and the 14th-largest country by land area. Indonesia is known for its beautiful beaches, temples, and natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and national parks. It is also home to a rich and diverse culture, with hundreds of ethnic groups and languages.

The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta, which is a large and modern city with a mix of traditional and modern architecture. Other major cities in Indonesia include Surabaya, Medan, and Bandung.

The climate in Indonesia is tropical, with high humidity and temperatures that remain fairly constant throughout the year. It is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.

Indonesia has a mixed economy, with a large informal sector and a significant agricultural sector. It is a member of the G20 and is the 16th-largest economy in the world. The official language is Indonesian, and the country has a diverse mix of religions, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Living in Indonesia

Indonesia can be a great place to live as an expat, with its diverse culture, friendly people, and beautiful natural surroundings. However, living in any new country can also have its challenges, and it's important to be prepared and do your research before making the move. Here are a few things to consider:

Cost of living: The cost of living in Indonesia varies depending on where you live and your lifestyle. Some expats find it to be relatively inexpensive, while others may find it more expensive than their home country, especially in larger cities like Jakarta.

Language: While many people in Indonesia speak English, especially in urban areas, it can be helpful to learn some basic Indonesian phrases to communicate with locals.

Culture: Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, and there are certain cultural norms and customs that you should be aware of and respect. For example, it is important to dress modestly, and it is considered rude to touch someone with your left hand.

Infrastructure: Infrastructure in Indonesia can vary greatly, with some areas having modern amenities and others lacking basic necessities. This can be especially challenging in more rural areas.

Overall, living in Indonesia as an expat can be a rewarding and enriching experience. It's important to be open-minded and adaptable, and to be prepared for some challenges as you adjust to living in a new country.

Immigration & Visa Options for Indonesia

There are several types of visas available for those who want to visit Indonesia. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay. Here are some of the main types of visas available:

Tourist visa: This is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, and it can be extended for an additional 30 days. It is issued to those who want to visit Indonesia for leisure or tourism purposes.

Business visa: This is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 60 days. It is issued to those who want to visit Indonesia for business purposes, such as attending meetings or negotiating contracts.

Social-cultural visa: This is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 60 days. It is issued to those who want to visit Indonesia for social, cultural, or research purposes.

Working visa: This is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 12 months. It is issued to those who want to work in Indonesia, either as an employee of a local company or as a freelancer.

Retirement visa: This is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years. It is issued to those who are 55 years of age or older and want to retire in Indonesia.

Do I need a visa for Indonesia?

Whether or not you need a visa to visit Indonesia depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit. Some nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry to Indonesia for a limited period of time, while others are required to obtain a visa before traveling.

Citizens of certain countries, including Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, are eligible for visa-free entry to Indonesia for a period of 30 days. This allows them to visit Indonesia for tourism or short business purposes without the need to obtain a visa in advance.

If you want to stay in Indonesia for longer than 30 days or if you want to visit Indonesia for a different purpose (such as working or studying), you will need to apply for the appropriate visa before traveling. You can do this by contacting the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country.

It is important to note that visa-free entry is not the same as a visa, and it does not allow you to work or engage in any other activities that are not permitted under a tourist visa. It is also important to make sure you have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity when you enter Indonesia.

Top-Places to live in Indonesia

Indonesia is a large and diverse country, with a variety of places to live that cater to different interests and lifestyles. Here are a few of the top places to live in Indonesia, based on factors such as cost of living, safety, and access to amenities:

Bali: Bali is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike, known for its beautiful beaches, surf spots, and vibrant nightlife. It has a relatively high cost of living compared to other parts of Indonesia, but it offers a wide range of amenities and a large expat community.

Jakarta: Jakarta is the capital and largest city in Indonesia, with a population of over 10 million. It is a modern and cosmopolitan city, with a mix of traditional and modern architecture, and it is home to a large number of international companies. However, Jakarta can be congested and polluted, and the cost of living can be high.

Yogyakarta: Yogyakarta is a city in central Java known for its cultural and historical significance. It is home to a number of temples, palaces, and museums, and it is a popular destination for students and artists. The cost of living in Yogyakarta is relatively low, and it is a good place for those who want to experience traditional Indonesian culture.

Bandung: Bandung is a city in West Java known for its cooler climate, beautiful natural surroundings, and shopping. It is home to a number of universities and has a thriving creative scene. The cost of living in Bandung is relatively low, and it is a good option for those who want a more laid-back lifestyle.

Ultimately, the best place to live in Indonesia will depend on your personal preferences and needs. It is a good idea to do some research and visit different places before making a decision.

Working Remotely in Indonesia

It is definitely possible to work remotely in Indonesia. With the widespread availability of high-speed internet and the growing trend of remote work, many people are able to work from anywhere in the world.

If you want to work remotely in Indonesia, you will need to make sure you have the necessary resources and infrastructure, such as a reliable internet connection and a suitable place to work. It is also important to consider any visa and immigration requirements, as well as any tax implications of working in Indonesia.

One option for those who want to work remotely in Indonesia is to apply for a working visa, which allows you to work in Indonesia as an employee of a local company or as a freelancer. This requires you to meet certain requirements and follow specific procedures, and it is important to make sure you have the right visa for your purpose of work.

Another option is to visit Indonesia on a tourist visa and work remotely while you are there. However, it is important to note that a tourist visa does not allow you to work in Indonesia, and you should be careful not to engage in any activities that are not permitted under a tourist visa.

Likely the best option for digital nomads and remote workers will be the recently introduced Digital Nomad visa for Indonesia!

Overall, it is possible to work remotely in Indonesia, but it is important to do your research and make sure you have all the necessary resources and documents before making the move.