Permanent residence (KITAP) in Indonesia by investment in 2024
Foreigners holding a valid temporary residence permit (KITAS) in Indonesia can apply for a 5-year permanent residence permit (KITAP) in Bali, provided they have legally resided in the country for at least five years. The KITAP essentially converts temporary residency into permanent residency.
After renewing the KITAP twice, the holder of a Permanent Residence Card may be eligible for Indonesian citizenship.
In this article, we’ll explore how to obtain a permanent residence permit in Bali from start to finish, the bureaucratic procedures involved, and the pros and cons of moving to Indonesia as seen by expats.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Indonesia
According to the Bali Government Tourism Office, 2.39 million foreign tourists visited the island from January to May 2024. This figure represents a 27.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 1.87 million visitors. By the end of the year, the tourist flow is expected to reach around 6 million.
In 2024, 26.9% of tourists to Bali come from Europe, while another 23.84% come from Australia, Indonesia’s largest and traditional source of tourists.
Why Expats Are Moving to Bali
Indonesia has been ranked the third-best destination for expats by InterNations. According to their survey, 84% of expats (compared to a global average of 68%) are satisfied with their decision to move to Bali for permanent residence.
Affordability Compared to Home Markets
86% of InterNations respondents say their disposable household income is sufficient to live comfortably in Bali, compared to 70% globally.
Nearly two-thirds of expats (64%) rate housing affordability positively, almost double the global average of 34%. Additionally, 61% of respondents find it easy to secure accommodation in Bali, compared to 45% globally.
Better Work-Life Balance
79% of expats in Bali report achieving a comfortable work-life balance, compared to 60% globally. On average, expats in Bali work 38.8 hours per week, which is less than the global average of 42.5 hours.
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Feeling at Home in Bali
85% of respondents feel welcome in Bali, 22 percentage points above the global average. Nine out of ten expats agree that locals are friendly towards foreigners, compared to 61% globally.
Challenges for Expats
Despite the advantages, there are some drawbacks to living in Indonesia. According to the same InterNations survey, Indonesia ranks in the bottom 10 for digital environment accessibility:
- high-speed Internet: 49th place;
- cashless payment options: 45th place;
- online government services: 47th place;
- unrestricted access to online services: 44th place.
The quality of healthcare is another significant concern, with the country ranking 48th. Less than two in five expats (39%) are satisfied with healthcare quality, compared to 66% globally. Only 46% of expats view healthcare accessibility positively, compared to 68% globally.
How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Bali Through Investment
One of the easiest ways for foreign nationals to legalise their stay in Indonesia is by obtaining a KITAS, a temporary residence permit valid for 1 to 10 years.
A newer subtype, the Second Home KITAS, was introduced in 2022, allowing foreigners to obtain a residence permit through real estate investments of $1 million or more.
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To apply, one must provide a statement of ownership and a passport with at least three years of validity.
The Second Home KITAS is issued for up to 5 years. Once the permit expires, the property owner can immediately apply for a Bali permanent residence permit for investment for another 5 years, with the option to extend.
Required Documents for a Residence Permit in Bali
A residence permit is issued on the basis of an application submitted by the foreigner, guarantor or responsible person to the head of the immigration office in the place of residence.
- a valid passport;
- a valid KITAS;
- an Integration Statement (Pernyataan Integrasi);
- proof of fulfilling investment obligations (such as a real estate ownership statement).
The conversion from KITAS to KITAP takes a maximum of five working days from the date of application. According to regulations, the physical Permanent Residence Card should be received within 15 working days of KITAP approval.
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Other Ways to Move to Bali for Permanent Residency
The Indonesian Permanent Residency Programme is not limited to Investment KITAS programme. All holders of temporary residence permits can participate in the programme. Below are some additional pathways:
Employment
A worker’s KITAS is initially issued based on a valid contract between the foreign worker and an Indonesian employer. To convert a worker’s KITAS to KITAP, the foreign worker must submit an application to the migration office with the following documents:
- a valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity;
- an integration application signed by the applicant;
- a letter of guarantee from the employer or sponsor.
Study
In order to obtain a student KITAS, you need to prove your studies at one of the accredited universities in Indonesia. The university must assist with the submission of documents for the study authorization to the Indonesian Directorate General of Higher Education.
The guarantor (representative of the university), acting as a guarantor for the foreign student, independently collects the package of documents and submits the application to the authorised officer of the Directorate General of Immigration.
Conversion of the student’s KITAS to KITAP takes place upon completion of studies. Graduating student will be able to qualify the temporary residence permit for permanent residence permit if he/she has spent a total of 5 years in Indonesia during his/her studies.
Marriage
The simplest way to obtain a KITAS and eventually a KITAP is through marriage to an Indonesian citizen. After two years of marriage, the foreign spouse can convert their KITAS into a KITAP. Required documents include:
- a passport valid for at least six months;
- an application from the Indonesian spouse;
- proof of funds to live in Indonesia (e.g., a bank statement);
- a 3×4 colour photograph;
- marriage registration record translated into Indonesian (if registered outside; Indonesia) or a marriage certificate (if registered in Indonesia).
Business
A residence permit is available to large foreign investors, allowing them to stay in Indonesia for 2, 5, or 10 years, depending on the investment amount. The minimum authorised capital to obtain a KITAS in Indonesia is 10 billion rupiah (approximately $645,000).
Read more about investment residence permit in Bali in our article.
After five years of legal residence in Bali under an investment residence permit, the applicant can apply for KITAP by proving the investment that served as the basis for the initial KITAS.
Family Reunification
Foreign nationals residing in Indonesia can obtain a limited stay family reunification visa for their minor children. A parent or guarantor must apply to the Directorate General of Immigration, providing:
- a valid passport for the child with at least six months’ validity;
- proof of financial means to live in Indonesia;
- a current colour photograph of the child;
- a translated birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable);
- a valid KITAS or KITAP of the parents.
Retirement
To qualify for a retirement KITAS, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- be at least 55 years old;
- have a long-term rental agreement in Indonesia;
- provide proof of income of at least $3,000 per month;
- submit a statement of intent to deposit at least $50,000 in a state-owned Indonesian bank.
The retirement visa is issued for one year and can be extended annually for up to five years. After this period, the applicant can apply for a permanent residence permit in Indonesia.
Financially Independent Individuals (Digital Nomad Visa)
In April 2024, the Indonesian government launched the Digital Nomad visa programme. This visa allows foreign citizens to live in Indonesia and work remotely for one year, with the option to extend.
The main requirement is proof of an annual income of at least $60,000.
The visa allows for unlimited entry into Indonesia during its validity and grants the right to work on projects for foreign companies while in Indonesia. If the requirements are met, the visa can be extended to include family members, and after five years, it may be converted to a permanent residence permit.
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Can You Live in Bali Without a Residence Permit?
Many expats in Bali legalise their stay using the Single-Entry Visitor Visa Type C (formerly B211A). This visa is issued for 60 days and can be extended twice, for a total stay of up to 180 days. After six months, the foreigner must obtain a new visa.
Required Documents for a Type C Visa:
- a passport valid for at least six months after arrival in Indonesia;
- a bank statement showing a minimum balance of $2,000 or equivalent;
- a recent colour photograph;
- a surety bond from an Indonesian citizen or an invitation from an Indonesian legal entity.
Required Documents and Cost of Moving to Bali
Before moving to Bali long-term, it’s recommended to gather all necessary documents for future applications for residence permits and permanent residency. Frequently requested documents include:
- a valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months;
- a sponsorship letter or guarantee from a sponsor (e.g., spouse, parent, educational institution, or employer);
- proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses;
- a 3×4 colour photograph;
- documents confirming the purpose of stay (e.g., tickets, invitations, contracts) are often required for business or investment-related KITAS applications.
Requirements for Different Types of KITAS:
- proof of enrolment in an Indonesian educational institution for a Study KITAS;
- a work contract or employment letter from your employer for a Working KITAS;
- marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates for a Family Reunification KITAS;
- documentation such as proof of investment, share ownership certificates, company registration documents, or bank statements for an Investment KITAS.
Cost of Moving to Bali
Upon arrival, visa processing costs $31, plus an additional $10 tourist fee. The cost for processing other visa types ranges from $125 for a Single-Entry visa to $1,214 for an investor business visa.
Housing and Utilities
When searching for rental housing in Bali, plan for monthly rental costs ranging from $600 to $1,500. Additionally, utilities for a 70-square-metre townhouse typically amount to around $245, with electricity costs averaging about $100.
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