How to Set up a Business and Start Right Away in Indonesia: The Shortcuts

When talking about the world’s best investment destinations, it would be impossible not to include Indonesia. If you, as a foreign investor, are still wondering why starting a business in Indonesia is worth it, keep reading to find out.

Indonesia takes pride in being the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Moreover, in terms of purchasing power, Indonesia is now the 10th largest economy in the world. Added with a growing middle-class population, Indonesia is certainly the hot destination for foreign direct investments (FDI).

According to the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), the investment realization in 2019 exceeded beyond expectations. As much as IDR 809.6 trillion was poured into the archipelagic country throughout the year, which went far beyond the target of IDR 792 trillion.

Now that you are intrigued about whether you can be the next successful foreign entrepreneur in Indonesia, you can. As long as you are on the right track, setting up and starting a business in Indonesia is seamless and hassle free.

Our business incorporation specialists have prepared a handy guide that contains all the essentials you need to know about setting up a business in Indonesia, all in one place.

Starting a Business in Indonesia: The Shortcuts

Company Registration

Before you think about anything else, you should think about the right entity that satisfies your business needs. In Indonesia, the common entities available for foreigners are:

• Foreign Owned Company (PT PMA)
• Locally Owned Company (PT)
• Representative Office

After deciding the suitable business entity type, you need to pay attention to the following updates:

• Company registration process in Indonesia is done online through the Online Single Submission system
• Business establishment in Jakarta does not require certificate of domicile

Business License, Import License, and Other Licenses

A business license, which can be applied through the OSS, is required for all kinds of business activities and business entities in Indonesia.

After registering online at the OSS, each business will automatically get a Business Identity Number (NIB) one day after the registration, provided that all required documents are completely submitted.

Alongside the NIB, a business license will also be granted if your business does not require other licenses (industrial license, tourism license, etc.), which depends on the business sector your company is engaged in.

Updates on licenses can be found below:

• How to Secure Business License, Import License and Distribution License
• Super News: 45 Additional Business Fields no Longer Have to Apply for Additional Licenses
• Securing Industrial Business License in Indonesia is Now Easier as Requirements Have been Simplified

Foreign Employment

Foreign-owned companies and representative offices are permitted to employ foreign workers. Every foreigner who is to be employed, they are required to secure a work visa and a stay permit (KITAS).

Complete guidance and the latest updates on foreign employment in Indonesia can be found below:

• The Latest Presidential Regulation on Expatriate Placement Plan in Indonesia
• New Positions for Foreign Workers in Indonesia – September 2019 Updates
• Employment Contract in Indonesia at Your Fingertips
• Everything to Know about Employment of Foreigners and Their Termination Benefits in Indonesia

Recruiting employees, both foreign and local, can be costly and time-consuming, not to mention challenging, since an in-depth understanding of labor laws and payroll regulations is a must. What is more, to ensure that you recruit only the most qualified candidates, an employee background check is something you want to consider.

Solutions to tackle recruitment challenges can be found below:

• Human resources outsourcing in Indonesia
• Employer of Record helps companies and businesses in Indonesia
• Background check for employment in Indonesia

After Business Incorporation in Indonesia, What’s Next?

Now that your business is up and ready to run, your main focus should be on developing strategies to gain market presence, boost your brand, provide quality products and/or services to satisfy customers and earn profits, among others.

As such, focusing on non-generating tasks like accounting, tax filing and reporting and payroll processing is not necessary. They can be outsourced to experienced and knowledgeable specialists who know what they are doing. When outsourcing your business tasks, you can rest assured that all deadlines are met and compliance is fulfilled at all times, thus ensuring seamless business operations in Indonesia.

There are plenty of business tasks that you can outsource in Indonesia with the most important ones are as follows:

• Accounting and tax reporting
• Payroll processing
• Transfer pricing
• Audit and review

Setting up Your Business in Indonesia with Cekindo

If, after reading through all the essentials that you need to know about setting up a business and starting right away in Indonesia, you still have some questions or require further information, do not hesitate to contact us.

Our business incorporation specialists are more than happy to provide you with extensive guidance on starting a business in Indonesia. We also offer assistance in company registration, relocation to Indonesia, visa and permit application and business licenses, among others.

Fill in the form below to discuss your investment plan and setting up a business in Indonesia with our experts, who will respond to your message shortly.