Work Remotely from Indonesia: Complete Guide

Visa Options

Indonesia’s visa situation is improving for remote workers, though still more bureaucratic than Thailand:

B211A Visa (Social-Cultural Visa)

The most popular option for digital nomads:

• Initial stay: 60 days
• Extensions: Can extend 4 times (60 days each) for up to 6 months total
• Process: Apply through Indonesian embassy/consulate or use visa agent in Indonesia
• Requirements: Passport valid 6+ months, sponsorship letter, return ticket
• Cost: $50-80 for initial visa, ~$50-70 per extension
• Restrictions: Cannot be converted to work permit; must exit and reapply

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Limited option for short stays:

• Duration: 30 days, extendable once for 30 more days (60 days total)
• Cost: IDR 500,000 (~$32) plus extension fees
• Limitations: Shorter than B211A, still doesn’t permit employment

Digital Nomad Visa (Coming Soon)

Indonesia has announced plans for a dedicated digital nomad visa:

• Expected launch: 2024-2025
• Anticipated duration: 1-5 years
• Requirements: Proof of income, health insurance (details TBD)
• Status: Check latest updates before planning

Business Visa (Limited KITAS)

For longer-term stays through business sponsorship:

• Duration: 1-2 years
• Requirements: Indonesian sponsor (often requires company setup)
• More complex: Significantly more paperwork and cost

Important: Like most countries, tourist/social visas don’t legally permit work, even remote work. Many digital nomads use B211A while waiting for proper digital nomad visa framework.

Tax Implications

Tax Residency

You become an Indonesian tax resident if you:

• Stay 183+ days in any 12-month period, OR
• Have intention to reside in Indonesia (harder to define)

Tax Rules for Remote Workers

• Tax rates: Progressive 5% to 35%
• Foreign income: Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income
• Tax treaties: Indonesia has treaties with 70+ countries to prevent double taxation
• Reporting: Complex tax filing system; local accountant recommended

Practical Considerations

• Most short-term digital nomads (under 183 days) don’t trigger tax residency
• Banking and payment evidence can establish residency even under 183 days
• Keep detailed records of time in country
• Many nomads structure income through home country or foreign entities
• Enforcement is inconsistent but tightening

Recommendations

• Stay under 183 days if avoiding tax residency
• Consult Indonesian tax specialist if planning longer stays
• Understand tax treaty between Indonesia and your country
• Don’t register for tax ID (NPWP) unless required
• Use reputable visa agent who understands tax implications

Best Cities

Bali (Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak)

The ultimate digital nomad destination.

Canggu:

• Pros: Beach lifestyle, best coworking scene, massive expat community, surfing, cafes everywhere
• Cons: Traffic chaos, becoming overcrowded, “influencer” vibe, rising costs
• Cost: $1,000-2,000/month
• Best for: Social nomads, surfers, first-time Bali visitors

Ubud:

• Pros: Rice fields, yoga culture, artistic community, cooler weather, more authentic Bali feel
• Cons: Inland (no beach), limited nightlife, tourist crowds at attractions
• Cost: $800-1,500/month
• Best for: Wellness seekers, creatives, those wanting quieter pace

Seminyak:

• Pros: Beach clubs, upscale dining, shopping, more developed infrastructure
• Cons: Most expensive, touristy, less community feel
• Cost: $1,200-2,500/month
• Best for: Professionals with higher budgets, luxury seekers

Jakarta

Indonesia’s bustling capital (if you need city energy).

• Pros: Best infrastructure, fastest internet, major airports, business hub
• Cons: Traffic nightmare, pollution, expensive for Indonesia, not a “nomad” scene
• Cost: $1,000-2,000/month
• Best for: Corporate remote workers needing reliable connectivity and city amenities

Yogyakarta

Cultural heart of Java, growing remote work scene.

• Pros: Affordable, authentic culture, temples (Borobudur, Prambanan), friendly locals
• Cons: Limited expat community, basic infrastructure, less English spoken
• Cost: $600-1,200/month
• Best for: Cultural immersion, budget travelers, solo travelers

Lombok (Kuta, Senggigi)

Bali’s quieter neighbor.

• Pros: Beautiful beaches, less crowded, lower costs, surfing, diving
• Cons: Limited coworking, slower internet, fewer flights, developing infrastructure
• Cost: $700-1,400/month
• Best for: Those who want Bali vibes without Bali crowds

Labuan Bajo (Flores)

Gateway to Komodo, emerging remote work spot.

• Pros: Stunning natural beauty, diving/snorkeling, small expat community, adventure hub
• Cons: Remote location, limited infrastructure, expensive flights, basic internet
• Cost: $800-1,500/month
• Best for: Adventure seekers, divers, those wanting off-the-beaten-path

Timezone Overlap

Indonesia has three time zones, but most remote workers stay in Western Indonesia (Bali, Jakarta):

Western Indonesia Time (WIB, UTC+7) - Jakarta, Sumatra, West Java Central Indonesia Time (WITA, UTC+8) - Bali, Lombok, Sulawesi Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT, UTC+9) - Papua, Maluku

From Bali (WITA, UTC+8):

US Companies:

• East Coast (EST/EDT): 12-13 hours ahead
  • 9am EST = 9pm/10pm Bali
  • Overlap requires very late nights (9pm-1am) or very early mornings (4-8am)
• West Coast (PST/PDT): 15-16 hours ahead
  • Essentially impossible for real-time collaboration
  • Must be fully async or make significant sacrifices

EU Companies:

• UK (GMT/BST): 7-8 hours ahead
  • 9am UK = 4pm/5pm Bali
  • Good late afternoon overlap
• Central Europe (CET): 6-7 hours ahead
  • 9am CET = 3pm/4pm Bali
  • Excellent overlap for EU remote workers

APAC/Australia:

• Excellent overlap with Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney
• 0-3 hour differences make collaboration seamless

Reality Check: Bali is challenging for US companies unless you’re willing to work very late nights or early mornings. Consider this seriously before committing to long-term remote work from Indonesia with US employers.

Internet & Infrastructure

Internet Quality

Bali (Canggu/Seminyak/Ubud):

• Fiber available: 25-100 Mbps for $30-60/month
• Quality varies significantly by location
• Coworking spaces have 50-100 Mbps typically
• Mobile data (Telkomsel): 4G solid in main areas, 5G emerging
• Critical: Always test internet before renting long-term

Jakarta:

• Best in Indonesia: 100-300 Mbps fiber readily available
• Reliable connectivity even in residential areas

Other areas:

• Variable quality; can be quite slow
• Always have backup (mobile hotspot, coworking membership)

Power

• Electricity is generally reliable in Bali/Jakarta
• Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
• Bring surge protector; occasional outages happen
• Backup power banks essential

Coworking

Bali has world-class coworking:

• Dojo Bali (Canggu): $100-200/month
• Tropical Nomad (Canggu): $100/month
• Outpost (Ubud/Seminyak): $150-250/month
• Hubud (Ubud): $90-150/month

Most include fast internet, AC, coffee, community events.