When I first considered expanding my business to Indonesia, I was excited — the market potential, the talent, the energy. But then came the bureaucracy. And the first big question I stumbled upon was deceptively simple:

“Which visa do I need?”

Like many other foreign entrepreneurs, I assumed a business visa would cover it. I wasn’t planning to open a factory just yet — just meet some partners, explore coworking spaces, maybe sign a few deals.

Turns out, that assumption could’ve cost me.

The Business Visa Trap

The business visa sounds perfect at first glance. It lets you enter Indonesia, attend meetings, explore opportunities — great, right?

But there’s a catch: you can’t work.
Not even manage operations. Not even legally sign contracts or hire staff.

It’s meant for people who are looking, not doing.
And I was already building.

KITAS: The Real Work Permit

Next, I learned about the KITAS — Indonesia’s temporary stay permit.

This is the visa you need if you’re planning to actually work or stay long-term. If you’re an employee, an executive, or a specialist sent by your company, this is your path. But it’s not a simple one.

You need a local sponsor (usually your company), approval from the Ministry of Manpower, and a specific job role that’s allowed for foreign workers.

It’s doable — but you need to know what you’re doing. Or work with someone who does.

What About the Investor KITAS?

Here’s where things got interesting.

As a company owner, I discovered that I could apply for an Investor KITAS — no separate work permit required.
No salary requirement. No hassle with the Ministry of Manpower.

As long as I was officially listed as a director or commissioner in my own foreign-owned company (a PT PMA), I could live in Indonesia, run the business, and come and go freely.

That was the moment I realized: picking the right visa isn’t just a legal formality. It shapes how fast — and how safely — you can grow your business.

The Right Visa Can Save You Months

Looking back, I wish I had someone guiding me from the start.
Someone who didn’t just hand me forms, but actually asked:
“What’s your role? What are your plans for the next 12 months? Where do you want to be in 3 years?”

That’s exactly why I now recommend companies like Accura.

They don’t just file paperwork — they listen, plan, and handle it all, so you don’t waste time (or worse, break the rules you didn’t even know existed).

Whether you’re just exploring Indonesia or already setting up shop, your visa is the foundation of everything. Choose it wisely.

And if you’d rather not go through the trial-and-error phase like I did?
Accura’s team is one message away. Visit accura.co.id for more information.