wattsl
Hi all
This is my first posting to this forum, and I really enjoy logging in every day and reading the posts.
I know there have been tonnes of postings of visas, starting up a business, but I’m still a little unsure of a few things.
I’m thinking of purchasing a villa freehold (using the nominee structure) and would initially like to go over to Bali for 6 months at a time (not to work). However, eventually I would like to move there permanently and use the villa to run workshops for people in the UK. As I would be conducting business in Indonesia, I assume I would need a business visa – are these expensive to get and how long to they last? Would I be required to purchase the villa using a PMA (I’m hoping I won’t!) I’m also a little concerned about any business-related monthly costs/taxes, etc., as I cannot see the business pulling in much money straight away.
Finally, with regard to social visas (which I would require when moving there permanently if the business idea doesn’t pan out), am I right in thinking that because you can only renew these up to a maximum of 4 times a year, it is impossible to stay in Bali on this basis permanently? i.e. would you have to leave for a few months every year?
I hope to be able to contribute to the forum in the future, although as I like in the UK, my knowledge is fairly limited at the moment!
Thank you in advance
Lou
Roy
Lou, first order of business is, welcome to the forum! Thanks for joining and “kicking in.”
Last question first, and this is regarding the social/cultural visa....you are a little confused which is no surprise, as the Indonesian immigration and visa regulations are confusing and convoluted to say the least. Moreover, it is not uncommon for one to get erroneous information when contacting the Indonesian Embassy in their own country.
The S/B visa is renewable, in Indonesia, for four months after its initial 60 day issue period. This renewal has to be made on a month by month basis, up to four months. Ostensibly, it is a half year visa, i.e. initially good for 60 days, and then renewable for another four months....without leaving Indonesia. To renew the S/B visa, once the initial 60 days have past, and all four 30 day extensions have been issued, you need to leave Indonesia to re-apply for a new one. Day trips to Singapore are not an uncommon way to accomplish this.
There are many expats on Bali who have lived here for years on an S/B visa. As long as that person is not in business, and not eligible for the retirement visa, it’s no big deal...so long as your sponsor, (for the S/B visa) remains the same.
At the upper right of this page you are reading now, you will see four link tabs. One of these is titled VISA Indonesia. This is a link to PT Bali Ide. This is an excellent and highly professional firm that handles visa and other legal affairs for expats on Bali.
The issues you ask about concerning business visas are far more complicated and require professional and specialized care to handle them correctly. I hate to see so many “would be” expats in Bali fall into the “penny wise, pound foolish” trap, trying to save a few bucks, but missing the whole deal.
Not to brag, but to make my point, I am married to a Balinese, and have lived here for almost eight years. My brother in law is a member of the Balinese legislature. Others of my family members are in high positions in immigration, Intell, the TNI and Polda. In spite of this potential influence that I may, or may not be able to rely on, I use Bali Ide for all my visa needs. The fact also is, so do most all of my expat friends.
This is the best possible advice I can give you. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Nydave
Due to bad planning on my behalf I had to use Voa this time,i always come with a social visa but screwed up this time,
I'm not familiar how the extension works,i arrived on Dec 5th
And the visa is valid for 30 days,which means it runs out around Jan 4th,
Do any of you know how long it takes to extend the Voa,does it take 2-3 visits to immigration like when extending the social visa or is it done in one day,
I'm not sure what days immigration is open or closed because of the holidays,
Apologies for asking a question that has probably been answered here before,
Appreciate any advice
Normy
The extension time is same as social. About 1 to 2 weeks before expiry. I think Government offices close on the western public holidays, same as the banks. If doing it yourself yes it is usually 3 visits. Photo and fingerprints done.
davita
NYdave...
Did you arrive on a passport which permitted, and used the free VOA, which is NOT extendable, or did you pay the US$35 VOA.... which does.
spicyayam
Just be careful with the holidays. Immigration is going to be closed on: 24, 25, 26, 27, 31 of December and on 1, 2, 3 of January:
Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Khusus Ngurah Rai Holidays Working Schedule | Visa For Bali
Nydave
Thanks for all the advice guys,i thought it might be a quicker process than the social,im in Surabaya and here when extending the social it involves only 2 visits,Davita I payed for the visa,i didn't take the free one,Happy Holidays everyone
davita
Nydave wroteThanks for all the advice guys,i thought it might be a quicker process than the social,im in Surabaya and here when extending the social it involves only 2 visits,Davita I payed for the visa,i didn't take the free one,Happy Holidays everyone
That's good as the paid VOA can be extended once for 30 days.
In future you might try the 60 day tourist visa from the nearest RI Embassy/Consul to where you live. It is relatively easy to get and doesn't require any sponsor...it can last 90 days prior to entering Indonesia and allows 60 days after entering. I also know many people who have extended that visa in Bali as it has the same number as a Sosbud.
Nydave
Yes I'm in Surabaya,boring and all as it is,but I have finally found a cafe herereal close to my house that has beer,and that's where I am right now chilling out with my son and having a few Bintangs,its definitely different from when I lived in bali,only ones who speak English are my wife and son,he is about to be 6 yrs old end of the month,not like going down to Jimmys bar in Sanur and striking up conversation with any of the expats thereBut for now it is what it is,
We will move back to Bali next August,
Davita thanks a million for the info on the 60 day tourist visa,i never heard of that before,since 2006 , have always stayed in RI from end of Nov to end of April and have always used the Social visaHowever because of my work back in Ny this year I left it too late to get the Social,see I bought my ticket and forgot about our Thanks Giving Holiday which is always on a Thursday,however the Indo Consulate also took off the Friday which meant I wouldn't have the visa in time for my flight,all my fault for not applying earlierBelieve me it won't happen againThanks again for all the advice,and I hope you are feeling much better,
