How to Start a Business in Indonesia in 2023? Know the Latest Changes

There is no better time than 2023 when starting a business in Indonesia as a foreigner. The Indonesian government has recently implemented various more business-friendly policies to improve the country’s investment climate.

Suppose you are a foreign investor looking to invest and conduct business in Indonesia. In that case, you can be relieved that business incorporation in Indonesia is getting much easier and more convenient today.

Starting a Business in Indonesia as a Foreigner in 2023: Know the Latest Changes

Registering a Company

If the company registration process previously required at least two months to be completed, the case is different in 2023. A foreign investor can have their company registered in between one and 1.5 months.

Moreover, if you plan to establish your business in Jakarta, you must not submit Company Domicile (SKDP). This regulation has been running effectively since May 2019.

Working Immediately with an Investor KITAS

If you are a foreign investor who will fill the positions of a shareholder, director, or commissioner, an Investor KITAS is available for you. The good news is that this stay permit allows you to work immediately.

Furthermore, an Investor KITAS has noteworthy benefits, including easy application and waiver of work permit government fee (DPKK).

There are two options available for Investor KITAS. As a foreign investor, you can choose whether to apply for the 1-year KITAS or 2-year KITAS. Both types of KITAS allow you to enter and leave Indonesia multiple times as long as your KITAS remains valid.

To enjoy the benefits of an Investor KITAS, you must invest a minimum of IDR 1 billion in sponsored shares. And the company is required to have an invested capital of more than IDR 10 billion. Businesses can Start Operations Right Away.

As if the two changes elaborated above were not enough, your business can start operating immediately as long as it has secured a Business Identification Number (NIB) that can be applied through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, which has been upgraded to OSS 1.1. In other words, no additional licenses are required.

Forty-five business fields have been added, namely call center, event organizer, travel agency (ticketing), and education and training (among others). For more details, please get in touch with our business consultants.

How to Register a Company in Indonesia in 2023?

For your business to be able to operate in Indonesia, you will need to register a company. For a seamless start, you need to choose a legal entity.

The most common options of legal entities available for foreign investors in Indonesia are Foreign Limited Liability Companies (PT PMA), Local Limited Liability Companies (PT,) and Representative Offices.

More about PT PMA

Since most foreign investors would choose to incorporate a PT PMA in Indonesia, we will elaborate more about the nature of PT PMA.

The foreign ownership for a PT PMA ranges from as little as 1% to 100%. To know more about foreign ownership in Indonesia, you should read through the Negative Investment List or consult with our specialist. Moreover, a PT PMA can employ foreign workers.

What are the Requirements for Setting up a PT PMA?

For a PT PMA to operate in Indonesia, it should consist of at least one director and one commissioner (one of which must be an Indonesian), plus two shareholders (can be foreign or local individuals or corporations, or a combination of both).

A PT PMA requires at least IDR 10 billion of capital investment, with a minimum paid-up capital of also IDR 10 billion as well.

A domicile letter is still required for company registration in Indonesia except for Jakarta. Knowing that a residential address is strictly prohibited for business in Indonesia is essential. To avoid the high cost of building a new office, you can always opt for a virtual or serviced office in Indonesia.

How to Establish a PT PMA via OSS?

As briefly mentioned above, to streamline the establishment process of a business entity, you have to apply via the OSS to obtain the NIB and other relevant licenses.

In short, the process is as follows:

1. Approval of company name: it should consist of three words that are not vulgar or obscene.
2. Deed of Incorporation: it should include an Article of Association, and a notary must be present.
3. Approval of legal entity: After the notary submits the Deed of Incorporation, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights will approve.
4. Registration of Tax ID (NPWP): A valid NPWP is required for securing other companies’ licenses, banking activities, and fulfilling tax obligations.
5. Domicile Letter: Required to show the location of your business.
6. Application of NIB: A unique company profile number that guarantees an immediate operation, provided that no additional licenses are needed. Alongside NIB, Business License(s) and Location Permit will also be granted one day following the registration via OSS. NIB also serves as an import license and customs identification number to be used for the customs clearance process.
7. Application of other licenses: Depending on the business sector, additional permits such as commercial and tourism licenses may be required before operation.

Read more: How to Obtain KITAS Indonesia for Investment in Surabaya and Batam

Taking Care of Permits and BankAccountst to Relocate to Indonesia

After your business is successfully incorporated in Indonesia, you must secure stay and work permits for your foreign employees and ensure a bank account. If you are unsure about the process of both, you are welcome to discuss it with us.

Be Aware of Changes that May Take Placeshortlye

Implementation of Omnibus Law

Despite the recent business-friendly policies, many complicated regulations hampering foreign investments remain. Through the implementation of the Omnibus Law, thousands of laws are to be amended, including taxation and labor.

No more Negative Investment List

The Negative Investment List in Indonesia may soon be replaced by a Positive Investment List, also known as a Priority List. More business sectors will welcome foreign investments, such as automotive, coal gasification, electronics, and export-oriented and import-substitution.

How InCorp Can Assist in Starting a Business in Indonesia

It is essential to note that policies and regulations may constantly change in Indonesia to encourage more foreign direct investments. You can refer to this guide on business incorporation in Indonesia.

However, you are recommended to contact our business experts to get the most updated policies and regulations related to starting a business in Indonesia as a foreigner in 2023.

In addition to providing fresh guidance, our specialist can assist you in delivering market-entry and corporate secretarial services.

If you require further information and reliable assistance in starting a business in Indonesia, particularly in company registration, business licenses, visas, permits,s and product registration, among others, reach out to us by filling in the form below.