How can Singaporean Entrepreneurs Set Up A PT PMA in Indonesia?

Before being able to successfully run a business and penetrate the Indonesian market, company registration in Indonesia is required as part of the business incorporation process. This applies to all foreign entrepreneurs, including Singaporean entrepreneurs.

More and more Singaporean entrepreneurs have flocked into Indonesia to start businesses in various sectors and industries.

With a total investment of USD 8.9 billion in 2020, according to the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Singapore topped the list of the biggest foreign investors in Indonesia.

What is more, Singapore is Indonesia’s fifth-largest destination for non-oil and gas goods export. The export of non-oil/gas items from Indonesia to Singapore has a yearly total value of US$9 billion.

In addition to the active trades between both countries, Singapore and Indonesia’s joint development in the Kendal Industrial Estate has already attracted more than 43 tenants.

The Kendal Industrial Estate in Central Java is a joint project between Singapore and Indonesia, with an expected investment of up to IDR 200 trillion (US$ 14 trillion).

The investment from Singapore in Indonesia will attract at least 300 tenants, providing 500,000 job opportunities by the end of 2025. This estate is set to develop in three phases with a total land occupation of 2,700 hectares. In line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0, the investment opportunities for Singapore’s investors are limitless.

If you are one of the Singaporean entrepreneurs who intend to expand to Indonesia, you may want to set up a foreign-owned company (PT PMA), the most common option chosen by foreign entrepreneurs.

This article further discusses PT PMA in Indonesia and how to set up one.

Foreign Company Setup in Indonesia: What is PT PMA?

A PT PMA, or a foreign-owned company in Indonesia, is a limited liability company with the injection of foreign capital or investment.

A company is considered a PT PMA even with as little as 1% of foreign ownership. This is the most common form of company setup in Indonesia for foreigners to start generating income from their business activities.

Negative Investment List in Indonesia

Though relatively simple to set up in Indonesia, the percentage of foreign ownership may be restricted for certain business sectors under the Negative Investment List (NIL).

According to the NIL, some sectors are fully close to foreign investments, and some sectors are only partially open to foreign ownership. This list is usually updated once every three years.

Therefore, it is advisable for business owners to refer to the latest version. For any inquiries on setting up your PT PMA in compliance with NIL, you can also reach out to Cekindo for more information.

PT PMA Requirements for Investors from Singapore

There are requirements you, as an investor from Singapore, need to meet before you can set up a PT PMA in Indonesia:

PT PMA Shareholders

As a PT PMA in Indonesia, your business will require a minimum of two shareholders. The shareholders can be corporate shareholders or individuals.

Apart from shareholders, a PT PMA needs at least one director and one commissioner. Both the director and the commissioner can be either a foreigner or a local national.

However, we encourage the director to be an Indonesian because this local individual is responsible for the operations of the company.

Initial Paid-Up Capital of PT PMA

IDR 10 billion is the minimum paid-up capital for PT PMA in Indonesia. You will need to prove your paid-up capital by providing a signed capital statement letter or transferring the capital to your PT PMA’s bank account.

The first option is more practical because the second option requires you to have a bank account – which, you may not have it since your company is still in the process of incorporation.

Location of Your PT PMA Company

It is also a requirement for you to determine your business location before your investment application submission. In other words, you need to have a registered business address for your PT PMA incorporation to be successful.

Foreign Company Registration Process in Indonesia

The entire registration and establishment process, including all procedures, takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Foreign Company Setup in Indonesia with Cekindo

Cekindo is a part of In.Corp Group in Singapore, one of the largest Asian based corporate service providers. We have incorporated 20,000+ entities in the last 10 years and successfully conducted 12,000+ compliance transactions every year.

With our presence in Singapore, you would not have to fly to Indonesia to register your company, especially now amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The experienced consultants of Cekindo in Singapore will lead you through the entire PT PMA setup process in the most professional and efficient manner. We will also handle all paperwork and submission procedure on your behalf, so you can have peace of mind.

Get in touch with us by filling in the form below should you require further information on company registration, particularly foreign company (PT PMA) establishment or set up in Indonesia.