Indonesia considering 5 year remote working ("Influencer") visa

[AuroraB]

If you marry an Indonesian you initially need to apply VITAS at an overseas embassy that is then converted into a 1-2 year KITAS/MERP on arrival. You are not allowed to work in or from Indonesia, but still (on paper) liable for tax of worldwide income. Now it appears "influencers" can just apply for a 5 year visa, allowed to work remotely from Bali and not liable for overseas income. Wow.

Indonesia Considering Digital Nomad Visa Offering 5 Year Stays In Bali

Indonesia is revisiting discussions around the creation of a digital nomad visa that would make it easier for remote workers to live in Bali.

thebalisun.com

Maybe I should give this "influencer" profession a shot...

On the other hand it might not happen as it seems to be "difficult" to monitor what all these expats are doing in Bali:

No concrete plans yet for Bali digital nomad visa, official says | Coconuts

There has been loud chatter recently about a special long-term visa for digital nomads in Bali, but it seems nothing has been set in stone yet.

coconuts.co

 

[Mark]

Personally, I doubt this will ever happen. It's quite a difficult process to change the tax laws, and would require the whole government to get on board (especially the Ministry of Finance), as well as Parliament. Wishful thinking by the Tourism Minister is not enough. In any case, if it were to happen as reported, there would be a long queue of spousal Kitas/Kitap holders looking to change to this new program, including me

 

[AuroraB]

Apparently this digital nomad visa idea is now to be fast tracked. Now it is specifically mentioned that "Freelancers will soon be able to work tax-free in Indonesia ... as long as their earnings come from outside Indonesia". However, details are to be worked out...

According to "scanasia.com", see link below: "A total of 26 countries currently accept digital nomad visas: Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cabo Verde, Cayman Islands, Croatia, Curaçao, Dominica, Dubai, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montserrat, Norway, Seychelles, Spain, Taiwan, and The Czech Republic."

Scandinavian digital nomads could move to Bali - Scandasia

Freelancers will soon be able to work tax-free in Indonesia, including on the island of Bali.

scandasia.com

They’re calling it ‘workcation’: Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno fast tracks digital nomad visa plan | Coconuts

Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno’s endeavor to woo digital nomads from all over the world to visit Bali continues as the official expressed his desire for the Island of Gods to become a “workcation” hotspot.

coconuts.co

 

[spicyayam]

Like others have said, I don't think this will come into effect anytime soon. It is amazing how many times I have seen this headline popping up everywhere. Kind of like the one about foreigners being able to buy [freehold] property in Indonesia.

 

[PERtoDPS]

Like others have said, I don't think this will come into effect anytime soon. It is amazing how many times I have seen this headline popping up everywhere. Kind of like the one about foreigners being able to buy [freehold] property in Indonesia.

The year or two gone by I'd absolutely agree with you, but is this a possible indication of progress?

Minister Confirms Plans For Bali Digital Nomad Visa In Final Stages

Minster Uno shared the news that the much anticipate Bali Digital Nomad Visa is entering the final stages of preparation.

thebalisun.com

 

[AuroraB]

Another visa idea moving forward: Gov. reporting 'progress' on Second home visa. Still no details:

Indonesia to issue ‘second home’ visa for foreign retirees | Coconuts

Would you like to make Indonesia your home away from home? Soon, you will be able to thanks to a new visa that would mostly cater to foreign retirees.

coconuts.co

This Second home visa was in the news back in early 2021.

Bali - Indonesia to Launch Long Term or Second Home Visa Mid-2021

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economic, Sandiaga Uno announced his plan to establish a long-term visa valid for up to 5 years. Foreigners allow to invest and working in Indonesia legally.

bali.com

Compared to Malaysia it appears the idea is to offer half the duration (initial 5 vs 10 yrs) for double the deposit (IDR 2Milyar vs RM300,000)...​

 

[AuroraB]

From today news appears that the dedicated digital nomad visa idea has been put on hold. Probably parked in the 'too hard to do' spot.
Now the tourism minister is instead promoting use of B211 visa for digital nomads (instead of VoA) working for overseas companies, upgraded to KITAS if doing business locally. No further details offered.

Sandiaga: 3.000 Wisman Datangi Indonesia untuk Digital Nomad | Republika Online

Top 3 wisman digital nomad yang datangi Indonesia berasal dari Rusia, AS dan...

www.republika.co.id

Looks like agents already are offering KITAS 'packages' for digital nomads:

KITAS INDONESIA FOR DIGITAL NOMADS

emerhub.com

On another note the president is apparently fed up by immigration leadership after receiving numerous complaints related to VoA and KITAS.
I have assisted visitots with 30 days VoA extension, and it is required with 3 visits to immigration (similar to KITAS extension) which is a bit of a hazzle for those located far away from immigration office. This should be possible to apply and pay for online for tourists.

Jokowi's Anger and Shame at Immigration Services, Urges Reform

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) asked the Director General of Immigration to be replaced if he is unable to improve immigration services. The president made the

indonesiaexpat.id