How to Obtain A Certificate of Incorporation in Indonesia

Understanding The Importance of Certificate of Incorporation in Indonesia

  • InCorp Editorial Team
  • 23 June 2025
  • 5 minutes reading time

In Indonesia, obtaining a certificate of incorporation is essential for legitimizing your business. This document, issued by the authorities after successful company registration, verifies the legal existence of your corporation and grants you the ability to operate officially. 

​​Understanding Certification of Incorporation in Indonesia

A certificate of incorporation in Indonesia signifies that a company has been officially registered and legally established as a legal entity. This certificate reflects the company’s legal status as a separate entity from its owners, providing legal protection against its liabilities and obligations.

What is Certification of Incorporation Used For?

A certificate of incorporation is a crucial legal document that signifies a company’s official recognition by the state and authorization to engage in business activities. This document establishes the company as a separate legal entity and outlines important details such as the company’s name, location, business purpose, and authorized shares. 

It is also important for various business transactions, including opening bank accounts, applying for loans, and engaging with business partners.

Types of Business Incorporation

How to Obtain A Certificate of Incorporation in Indonesia

There are two types of business incorporations, each with distinct advantages and considerations. Understanding their differences is crucial for any entrepreneur looking to establish a solid foundation for their business.

Acquisition

It involves one company, the acquirer, gaining control over the acquired company’s net assets and operations by transferring certain assets, recognizing liabilities, or issuing shares.

Pooling of Interest

It is a business combination in which the shareholders of the merging companies collectively control all or nearly all of the combined entity’s net assets and operations. They share the risks and benefits, and no single party is identified as the acquirer.

Requirements to Obtain A Certificate of Incorporation of the Company

There are several requirements to obtain your incorporation certificate. Firstly, the company’s founders need to sign the Deed of Establishment, and a notary will help submit all necessary documents to the relevant authority. The required documents are:

  • Copy of the Deed of Establishment signed by all shareholders
  • Copy of ID (Passport for foreigners and KTP for Indonesian citizens) of the Board of Directors (BOD) and Board of Commissioners (BOC)
  • Copy of NPWP (Tax ID) for BOD and BOC (for Indonesian citizens only)
  • Copy of Statement Letter of Deposit Capital signed by the founders or proof of transfer of paid-up capital
  • Copy of ID/Passport for individual shareholders
  • Copy of Deed of Establishment, Deed of Amendment (if any), and Ministry of Law and Human Rights approval (for Indonesian companies as shareholders)
  • Copy of NPWP of the company (for Indonesian companies as shareholders)
  • Copy of Articles of Association and general meeting of shareholders minutes (if any) (for foreign companies as shareholders)

In addition, it should be noted that the certificate of incorporation does not have a duration or expiry date. The certificate will remain valid even if you amend the company’s duration as stated in the Deed of Establishment.

The Ministry of Law and Human Rights will issue a ministry approval certificate for any changes to the company’s duration. If a duration is specified in the Deed of Establishment, you must renew it before it expires.

The Process of Getting A Certificate of Incorporation

You must go through the following comprehensive process to obtain your incorporation certificate. This step-by-step guide will ensure you meet all the legal requirements and properly establish your business as a recognized entity.

  • Visit your Indonesian Government’s website and navigate the business portal or filings section.
  • Follow the online instructions to start your filing process. You may need to create an account before submitting your business documents.
  • Provide all the necessary information for the application. Review your application carefully for accuracy before submitting it. The process may be delayed if amendments are required, and additional fees may be incurred.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation, including a processing timeline. You should automatically receive an acceptance notice and confirmation of your certificate of incorporation. If there is no progress after several weeks, consider contacting the Indonesian Government for an update.

Content of A Company’s Certificate of Incorporation

A certificate of incorporation is a fundamental document that officially registers a company as a legal entity. This certificate contains essential details that validate the company’s existence and legal standing. The specific information included in your company’s certificate of incorporation is as follows:

  • The company’s name
  • The place of establishment
  • The date of incorporation
  • The certificate number

Content of an Attachment to the Certificate of Incorporation

In addition to the main certificate, an attachment provides further crucial details about the company’s structure and capital. You will need your certificate of incorporation to apply for a business license, participate in tenders, or amend the Deed of Establishment and any subsequent Deed of Amendment. This attachment includes:

  • The authorized and paid-up share capital
  • The number and value of issued shares
  • The composition of shareholders
  • The composition of directors and commissioners

Therefore, the certificate of incorporation is critical for your business’s legal operation and management in Indonesia.

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Obtain A Certificate of Incorporation with InCorp Indonesia

Obtaining a certificate of incorporation in Indonesia can be time-consuming due to the complex regulations involved. However, InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) is here to assist you.

We offer comprehensive company registration and business licensing services to simplify the legal process. Our expertise ensures your business meets all regulatory requirements, allowing you to focus on growth and success. 

Fill out the form below to get started with our seamless incorporation services and take the first step towards establishing your business with confidence.

Verified by

Daris Salam

COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia

With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

    Dividends can be distributed from company net profits after allocating reserves, depending on a positive profit balance. Approval from the general meeting of shareholders is necessary. Interim dividends may be distributed if specific requirements are met.

    Register the product with BPOM (National Agency of Food and Drugs) and MoH (Ministry of Health). The type of testing and document requirements depend on the type of product you want to register. Also, the time frame for registration could vary between 3 to 15 months.

    For tax purposes in Indonesia, companies must maintain their books in Rupiah, using the Indonesian language, and store them within the country. Exceptions for using USD and English in bookkeeping require prior notification to the authorities and any use of languages other than Indonesian needs approval from the Ministry of Finance.

    Investors considering investments in Indonesia should assess existing International Investment Agreements between Indonesia and other countries. Having a business presence in countries with such agreements may offer incentives like stronger investment protection and higher foreign shareholding in Indonesia.

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Disclaimer

The information is provided by PT. Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind. We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials. We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website.