Foreign Business Setup Guide

How to Start a Beauty Salon in Surabaya as a Russian Foreigner

Everything you need to know about licenses, company setup, and compliance requirements for Russian entrepreneurs opening a beauty salon in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Licenses Required

1

Est. Cost Range

Contact us

Timeline

1-15 days

Quick Answer

Yes, Russian foreigners can start a beauty salon in Surabaya, Indonesia. This business activity is open to foreign investment with up to 100% foreign ownership through a PT PMA (foreign-owned limited liability company).

You will need approximately 1 licenses and can expect the process to take 1-15 business days. The estimated government and service fees range from Rp 10,000,000 to Rp 50,000,000.

Foreign Ownership Rules

Foreign Ownership

Up to 100%

DNIB Status

open

Recommended Structure

PT PMA (Foreign Investment Company) (PT PMA)

As a foreign investor opening a beauty salon in Indonesia, you will typically establish a PT PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing) — a foreign-owned limited liability company. This is the standard legal entity for foreigners conducting business activities in Indonesia.

Minimum investment capital: Rp 10.000.000.000 ($645,161).

Surabaya — Local Compliance Guidance

Specific regulations, costs, and timelines that apply to businesses setting up in Surabaya.

Cost Adjustment

10% lower

Costs in Surabaya are approximately 10% lower than the national average due to local market conditions and regulatory requirements.

About Surabaya

Surabaya as East Java's capital offers streamlined processing. The local investment office is proactive with foreign investors. Lower operational costs than Jakarta or Bali. Surabaya has Indonesia's second-largest port, making it ideal for import/export businesses. The local DPMPTSP is known for relatively efficient processing.

Additional Local Requirements

These permits and requirements apply specifically in Surabaya, in addition to national requirements.

  • East Java Provincial Business Registration

Restrictions & Warnings

Industrial zone businesses require Surabaya Environmental Agency clearance

Certain areas near military installations have restricted business activities

Local Investment Authority

Authority Name

DPMPTSP Kota Surabaya

Contact

dpmptsp@surabaya.go.id

The local DPMPTSP (Investment and One Stop Integrated Service) office handles regional permits alongside the national OSS system.

Required KBLI Codes

KBLI (Klasifikasi Baku Lapangan Usaha Indonesia) codes identify your business activities in Indonesia's licensing system.

CodeRisk LevelForeign OwnershipDNIB Status
96120low100%open

Required Licenses & Permits

Licenses required to operate a beauty salon in Surabaya as a foreign-owned business.

Nomor Induk Berusaha(NIB)

business_id

Estimated Cost

Free

Free through OSS system

Processing Time

1 business days

Validity

Varies

Get Your Free Compliance Checklist

Tailored to your specific business type, location, and nationality.

Step-by-Step Setup Process

The typical process for a Russian entrepreneur setting up a beauty salon in Surabaya (10 steps).

1

Prepare Documentation

~7 days

Gather your passport, proof of address, and any relevant business qualifications. Foreign citizens should also prepare apostilled documents if required.

2

Reserve Your Company Name

~3 days

Submit 3 company name choices to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham) through the AHU Online system. Names must be in Bahasa Indonesia and at least 3 words.

3

Draft the Deed of Establishment

~7 days

Work with a local notary to prepare your company articles of association, including share structure and business activities (KBLI codes).

4

Register with Kemenkumham

~14 days

Submit the notarial deed for legal entity approval. Once approved, your company exists as a legal entity.

5

Obtain NIB through OSS

~1 day

Register on the OSS (Online Single Submission) system to get your NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha) - your primary business identification number. Select the appropriate KBLI codes for your business activities.

6

Apply for Sector-Specific Licenses

~14 days

Based on your KBLI codes and risk level, apply for any additional permits required to operate your business type in your chosen location.

Pro tip: License requirements vary significantly by business type and risk level. Low-risk businesses may only need NIB, while high-risk businesses need multiple sector permits.

7

Open a Corporate Bank Account

~14 days

Open an Indonesian bank account in the company name and deposit the required paid-up capital (minimum IDR 2.5 billion for PT PMA).

8

Register for Tax (NPWP & PKP)

~7 days

Obtain your company Tax ID (NPWP) and register as a taxable entrepreneur (PKP) if your revenue will exceed the IDR 4.8 billion threshold.

9

Apply for Work Permits (RPTKA & IMTA)

~30 days

Apply for the Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (RPTKA) and work permit (IMTA) through the Ministry of Manpower.

10

Obtain KITAS/KITAP Visa

~15 days

Apply for your stay permit (KITAS for temporary, KITAP for permanent) through immigration. This allows you to legally reside and work in Indonesia.

Estimated Total Timeline

112 days(4 months)

Based on mandatory steps processed sequentially. Actual timeline may vary depending on government processing speeds and document readiness. Some steps can run in parallel.

Estimated Costs Breakdown — Surabaya

Approximate government and service fees adjusted for Surabaya (10% below national average). Excludes ongoing operational costs.

ItemLow Estimate (IDR)High Estimate (IDR)USD Approx.
Company Establishment (Notary + Legal)Rp 13.500.000Rp 31.500.000$871 - $2,032
Kemenkumham RegistrationRp 900.000Rp 1.800.000$58 - $116
NIB / OSS Registration(Free (government))FreeFreeFree
Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB)(Free through OSS system)FreeFreeFree
Work Permit (RPTKA + IMTA)Rp 13.500.000Rp 22.500.000$871 - $1,452
KITAS VisaRp 4.500.000Rp 10.800.000$290 - $697
Virtual / Physical Office Address(Per year)Rp 4.500.000Rp 27.000.000$290 - $1,742
Total Estimated RangeRp 36.900.000Rp 93.600.000$2,381 - $6,039

Note: Minimum investment capital for a PT PMA is Rp 10.000.000.000 ($645,161). This is separate from the setup costs above.

Visa & Work Permit Requirements

As a Russiannational, you'll need the right visa to live and work in Indonesia while running your beauty salon.

Recommended: Investor

KITAS Investor

  • Duration: 24 months
  • Estimated cost: $1,500
  • Company sponsorship required
Learn more →

Alternative: Work Permit

KITAS Investor

  • Duration: 24 months
  • Min. salary: $1,200/month minimum
  • RPTKA approval needed first
Learn more →

Russian citizens can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days or on a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for tourism. However, to work and operate a business, you must obtain the appropriate stay permit (KITAS/KITAP).

Guidance for Russian Entrepreneurs

Country-specific information for Russian nationals setting up a business in Indonesia.

Recommended Visa Pathway

B211A initially, then Investor KITAS. Processing may take longer due to enhanced due diligence requirements. Digital Nomad Visa (B211A) popular for Bali-based Russians.

Estimated processing time: 45 business days

Tax Treaty Information

Russia-Indonesia DTA exists but enforcement is complex given current geopolitical situation. Consult specialist advisor on sanctions compliance.

Common Issues for Russian Nationals

Banking is the primary challenge - many Indonesian banks apply enhanced scrutiny

International sanctions may affect wire transfers

Bali has largest Russian expat community - strong support network

Some service providers may decline Russian clients due to compliance concerns

Document Requirements for Russian Citizens

  • Documents must be apostilled and translated to Indonesian by sworn translator
  • Criminal record from Russian Ministry of Interior
  • Additional due diligence documentation may be required by banks

Embassy & Consulate

Russian Embassy Jakarta: Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. X-7, No. 1-2, Kuningan, Jakarta. Russian Honorary Consul in Bali (not a full consulate; address varies - confirm directly with embassy).

Business Culture Tips

Bali has a well-established Russian community with Russian-language services available. Building personal relationships is valued in both Russian and Indonesian business culture.

Common Pitfalls & Tips

Operating on a Tourist Visa

Many foreigners try to start a business while on a tourist visa or VoA. This is illegal and can result in deportation and blacklisting. Always obtain proper business documentation first.

Using Nominee Structures Illegally

While nominee arrangements are common, undisclosed nominee structures violate Indonesian law. If foreign ownership is restricted, work with a qualified lawyer to find compliant alternatives.

Underestimating Capital Requirements

PT PMA companies have minimum investment and paid-up capital requirements. Ensure you meet these thresholds before starting the registration process for your beauty salon.

Ignoring Local Permits

Surabaya may have specific local permits (izin usaha) beyond national requirements. Check with the local DPMPTSP (investment office) for Surabaya-specific requirements.

Missing Tax Obligations

Indonesia has strict tax reporting requirements including monthly VAT returns, employee tax withholding (PPh 21), and annual corporate income tax. Non-compliance leads to significant penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Russian citizen own 100% of a beauty salon in Surabaya?

Yes, Russian nationals can own 100% of a beauty salon in Surabaya through a PT PMA (foreign-owned limited liability company). All 1 KBLI code required for this business type allow full foreign ownership.

What licenses do I need to start a beauty salon in Surabaya?

You will need 1 license to operate a beauty salon in Surabaya. These include: NIB. All licenses are obtained through Indonesia's OSS (Online Single Submission) system and sector-specific authorities.

How much does it cost to set up a beauty salon in Surabaya?

Costs vary depending on the specific licenses required and whether you use an agency. Budget approximately Rp 10,000,000 to Rp 50,000,000 for government fees and legal services, plus the Rp 10 billion minimum investment capital for a PT PMA.

How long does it take to set up a beauty salon in Surabaya?

The typical timeline is 1-15 business days from start to fully operational in Surabaya. This includes company registration, obtaining all 1 required license, and visa processing. Working with an experienced agent can help run some steps in parallel and reduce the total time.

Do I need a local partner to start a beauty salon in Indonesia?

No, you do not need a local partner. All 1 KBLI code for a beauty salon allow 100% foreign ownership, so you can establish a fully foreign-owned PT PMA in Surabaya without any Indonesian shareholders.

What visa do I need as a Russian to run a business in Indonesia?

You will need either an Investor KITAS (stay permit) or a Work KITAS, sponsored by your Indonesian company. Tourist visas and Visa on Arrival do not permit business activities. The Investor KITAS is typically recommended for business owners, while the Work KITAS is for employees of the company.

Can I operate my beauty salon from Surabaya remotely?

Your PT PMA must have a registered physical or virtual office address in Surabaya. You can manage operations remotely as long as you maintain compliance with tax and reporting obligations, including monthly VAT returns and quarterly LKPM (investment activity reports). Directors must attend certain regulatory meetings in person.

What are the ongoing compliance requirements?

You must file monthly tax returns (VAT, employee tax), submit an annual corporate tax return, renew applicable licenses (you have 1 to track), maintain LKPM (investment activity reports) quarterly, and keep company records with your notary. Non-compliance can result in license revocation and penalties.

Data verified against official Indonesian government sources

Every data point is marked with its verification status. We source from OSS.go.id, BKPM, Imigrasi.go.id, and Peraturan.go.id. This is informational guidance — always confirm with a licensed Indonesian lawyer for your specific situation.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Regulations in Indonesia change frequently. Always consult with a qualified Indonesian lawyer and licensed tax consultant before making business decisions. Information on this page was last reviewed in March 2025 and may not reflect the most current regulations. IndonesiaCompliance is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.