Keep An Eye Out For The Digital Nomad Visa In Indonesia

Indonesia is a tourist hotspot, and many digital nomads choose to spend months out of every year working in destinations such as Bali. Indonesia is very popular because of its beaches, islands, temples, and other natural attractions. Many tourists who visit Indonesia are interested in a spiritual and natural experience. Overall, Indonesia has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, and it’s a short flight away from many key destinations in Asia. Indonesia can potentially emerge as a stronger ecotourism destination in the coming years.

The Digital Nomad Visa in Indonesia is a program specifically designed to attract remote workers and freelancers from foreign countries. This visa offers a unique opportunity for individuals who wish to combine work and travel in the enchanting Indonesian archipelago. Foreigners who are eligible for this visa can enjoy the benefits of living and working in Indonesia while experiencing the country's rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant lifestyle.

The Digital Nomad Visa caters to a growing community of digital workers who rely on their computers and internet connection to perform their jobs independently. This visa provides the freedom and flexibility to choose their desired location within Indonesia, allowing them to explore different cities, towns, and remote areas that suit their preferences and work requirements.

The Digital Nomad Visa in Indonesia is a program specifically designed to attract remote workers and freelancers from foreign countries

Tourism

Tourism is a significant part of Indonesia’s economy, and the government wants to boost tourism arrival numbers from 2022 to 2023. The tourism industry employed around 2.9 million people before 2020, and the government hopes to improve these numbers with this program. The tourism industry accounts for 4.1% of Indonesia’s GDP, so this program will have a positive impact on Indonesia's growth. Although this sounds significant, it is crucial to note that Thailand attracted between 35-39 million tourists/year in the years leading up to Covid. Meanwhile, Indonesia only attracted 16 million tourists in 2019. Indonesia has the potential to expand its tourism industry, and this digital nomad visa is a significant driver of this growth.

Indonesian Rupiah

Cost of Living

Many digital nomads are also drawn to Indonesia because of the relatively lower cost of living. Many people can live in Indonesia for under $1,000 USD/month and save more than they would have if they lived in other destinations. Depending on your lifestyle, you may need a budget of around $700 USD/month to $2500 USD/month. Indonesia’s minimum wage system is similar to the USA. It varies depending on the province, district and sector, and values can range from around $82 USD/month to $232 USD/month in larger cities. Costs vary significantly from city to city, and Bali, in particular, is much more expensive. According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom apartment in Bali is around $300-660 USD/month. Other expenses in Indonesia are relatively cheap. Some internet plans are less than $10 USD/month, while some local meals can cost less than $1.

Indonesia Overview

Indonesia is known as a beautiful archipelago to visit while working abroad. Many digital nomads have already made this 17,000-island nation a hub for themselves, although until now, it has only been for a short period of time. Those wishing for a longer stay in this paradise-like country can apply for it. Indonesia is opening its borders to those who enjoy working while living a vacation.

Indonesia’s projected digital nomad visa is a straightforward process and one of the most prolonged existing digital nomad visas. The most popular visa among digital nomads is the B211a Business Visa, which allows you to work remotely while in Indonesia for a period of 60 days. You can extend the visa for 60 days two more times to a maximum total of six months.

By obtaining this visa, digital nomads can enjoy the independence to work remotely while immersing themselves in Indonesia's unique culture and local way of life. They have the opportunity to interact with locals, explore the hidden gems of the country, and experience the authentic flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

Indonesia offers a wide range of services and facilities tailored to digital workers and their needs. There are co-working spaces, cafes, and dedicated hubs equipped with high-speed internet connections and comfortable work environments, allowing individuals to work efficiently and effectively while enjoying their stay in the country.

Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency.

By obtaining this visa, digital nomads can enjoy the independence to work remotely

HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN INDONESIA WITH THE DIGITAL NOMAD VISA?

Although there have been discussions about introducing a five-year digital nomad visa for Bali, the approved visa will only permit remote workers to reside in Bali for a maximum of 60 days. However, this initial visa can be prolonged twice, granting an additional 60 days each time. It is important to note that this is not a multiple-entry visa, and if you exit the country, you will need to reapply to gain re-entry. 

The government hopes this program can help attract up to 3.6 million overseas travellers over the next year. Indonesia is a popular tourist destination and an unofficial hub for digital nomads. This program will stand out globally due to Indonesia’s tourism appeal and longer visa length.

Related content: Romania’s New Digital Nomad Visa For Expats

Visa Program

The new Indonesian digital nomad visa is special because digital nomads will not have to pay taxes in Indonesia, even if they spend more than 183 days per year in the country. This is a positive factor, given that the tax rate in Indonesia can be as high as 35%. Most digital nomads would have had to pay more than 15%. As other countries are changing their laws and modifying the definition of a digital nomad, other countries may likely follow suit. But until then, Indonesia is very appealing, as many entrepreneurs will not have to worry about double taxation.

With the Digital Nomad Visa, foreigners can stay in Indonesia for an extended period, often up to one year, depending on the type of visa obtained. This provides ample time to truly immerse oneself in the Indonesian culture, explore different places across the archipelago, and build lasting connections with the local community.

One of the key advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa is that it attracts not only individual workers but also investors and their families. This visa program enables investors to explore business opportunities in Indonesia while enjoying the benefits of a digital nomad lifestyle. It offers the opportunity to experience the country's diverse landscapes, engage with local communities, and potentially invest in various sectors of the Indonesian economy.

Indonesia is very appealing, as many entrepreneurs will not have to worry about double taxation

Requirement and Eligibility

Since the official program has not been launched yet, many requirements are unknown. For example, the current income requirements are unspecified.

Some of the requirements currently set include the following:

• The person’s income must come from outside of Indonesia to be considered a digital nomad;
• Must be paid in a foreign bank account outside of Indonesia;
• A person can also receive approval if they operate a company abroad and do business outside of Indonesia.

There will likely be other supporting documentation requirements, including financial information, personal documents, a statement of purpose, and a criminal background check.

Takeaway 

The Digital Nomad Visa in Indonesia opens up a world of possibilities for remote workers, freelancers, and those seeking a lifestyle that combines work and travel. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and affordable living costs, Indonesia provides an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking adventure, inspiration, and a unique work environment. Whether it's the bustling cities, serene beaches, or tranquil mountain retreats, Indonesia offers a plethora of places to explore and spaces to work, allowing digital nomads to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Digital nomads should definitely keep this program on their radar, as Indonesia’s digital nomad visa may be one of the most attractive options. Some key appeals include Indonesia’s low cost of living. Indonesia is also located a short flight away from many tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, making it an excellent expat hotspot for those who want to explore the region. If the income requirements are not too lofty and the application process is straightforward. In that case, this program should easily be able to attract millions of digital nomads to Indonesia in the coming years.

Embark on a transformative journey of knowledge and inspiration by seizing the opportunity to purchase the ultimate Digital Nomad Visa book today.