Foreign Business Setup Guide
How to Start a Construction Company in Surabaya as a Chinese Foreigner
Everything you need to know about licenses, company setup, and compliance requirements for Chinese entrepreneurs opening a construction company in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Licenses Required
3
Est. Cost Range
$406 - $2,032
Timeline
31-87 days
Quick Answer
Yes, Chinese foreigners can start a construction company in Surabaya, Indonesia. This business activity is open to foreign investment with up to 67% foreign ownership through a PT PMA (foreign-owned limited liability company).
You will need approximately 3 licenses and can expect the process to take 31-87 business days. The estimated government and service fees range from Rp 6.300.000 to Rp 31.500.000.
Foreign Ownership Rules
Foreign Ownership
Up to 67%
DNIB Status
open
Recommended Structure
PT PMA (Foreign Investment Company) (PT PMA)
As a foreign investor opening a construction company 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.
| Code | Risk Level | Foreign Ownership | DNIB Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41011 | medium_high | 67% | open |
Required Licenses & Permits
Licenses required to operate a construction company in Surabaya as a foreign-owned business.
Nomor Induk Berusaha(NIB)
business_id
▾
Nomor Induk Berusaha(NIB)
business_id
Estimated Cost
Free
Free through OSS system
Processing Time
1 business days
Validity
Varies
Sertifikat Badan Usaha Jasa Konstruksi (Construction Services Certificate)(SBU)
sector_specific
▾
Sertifikat Badan Usaha Jasa Konstruksi (Construction Services Certificate)(SBU)
sector_specific
Estimated Cost
Rp 5.000.000 - Rp 15.000.000
Required for construction companies. Issued by LPJK.
Processing Time
14 business days
Validity
36 months (renewable)
Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung (Building Approval)(PBG)
location
▾
Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung (Building Approval)(PBG)
location
Estimated Cost
Rp 2.000.000 - Rp 20.000.000
Based on building size and retribusi rate per m2. Higher in Jakarta/Bali.
Processing Time
30 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 Chinese entrepreneur setting up a construction company in Surabaya (10 steps).
Prepare Documentation
~7 daysGather your passport, proof of address, and any relevant business qualifications. Foreign citizens should also prepare apostilled documents if required.
Reserve Your Company Name
~3 daysSubmit 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.
Draft the Deed of Establishment
~7 daysWork with a local notary to prepare your company articles of association, including share structure and business activities (KBLI codes).
Register with Kemenkumham
~14 daysSubmit the notarial deed for legal entity approval. Once approved, your company exists as a legal entity.
Obtain NIB through OSS
~1 dayRegister 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.
Apply for Sector-Specific Licenses
~14 daysBased 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.
Open a Corporate Bank Account
~14 daysOpen an Indonesian bank account in the company name and deposit the required paid-up capital (minimum IDR 2.5 billion for PT PMA).
Register for Tax (NPWP & PKP)
~7 daysObtain your company Tax ID (NPWP) and register as a taxable entrepreneur (PKP) if your revenue will exceed the IDR 4.8 billion threshold.
Apply for Work Permits (RPTKA & IMTA)
~30 daysApply for the Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (RPTKA) and work permit (IMTA) through the Ministry of Manpower.
Obtain KITAS/KITAP Visa
~15 daysApply 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.
| Item | Low Estimate (IDR) | High Estimate (IDR) | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Establishment (Notary + Legal) | Rp 13.500.000 | Rp 31.500.000 | $871 - $2,032 |
| Kemenkumham Registration | Rp 900.000 | Rp 1.800.000 | $58 - $116 |
| NIB / OSS Registration(Free (government)) | Free | Free | Free |
| Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB)(Free through OSS system) | Free | Free | Free |
| Sertifikat Badan Usaha Jasa Konstruksi (Construction Services Certificate) (SBU)(Required for construction companies. Issued by LPJK.) | Rp 4.500.000 | Rp 13.500.000 | $290 - $871 |
| Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung (Building Approval) (PBG)(Based on building size and retribusi rate per m2. Higher in Jakarta/Bali.) | Rp 1.800.000 | Rp 18.000.000 | $116 - $1,161 |
| Work Permit (RPTKA + IMTA) | Rp 13.500.000 | Rp 22.500.000 | $871 - $1,452 |
| KITAS Visa | Rp 4.500.000 | Rp 10.800.000 | $290 - $697 |
| Virtual / Physical Office Address(Per year) | Rp 4.500.000 | Rp 27.000.000 | $290 - $1,742 |
| Total Estimated Range | Rp 43.200.000 | Rp 125.100.000 | $2,787 - $8,071 |
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 Chinesenational, you'll need the right visa to live and work in Indonesia while running your construction company.
Recommended: Investor
KITAS Investor
- Duration: 24 months
- Estimated cost: $1,500
- Company sponsorship required
Alternative: Work Permit
KITAS Investor
- Duration: 24 months
- Min. salary: $1,200/month minimum
- RPTKA approval needed first
Chinese 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 Chinese Entrepreneurs
Country-specific information for Chinese nationals setting up a business in Indonesia.
Recommended Visa Pathway
Investor KITAS. Chinese nationals benefit from ASEAN+3 business facilitation. B211A available with sponsor.
Estimated processing time: 40 business days
Tax Treaty Information
China-Indonesia DTA active. China taxes worldwide income for residents. Transfer pricing scrutiny is high for Chinese-Indonesian business structures.
Trade Agreements & Bilateral Benefits
ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) provides tariff reductions. ASEAN+3 business facilitation framework applies.
Common Issues for Chinese Nationals
Language barrier is common - hire bilingual Indonesian-Chinese staff
Capital transfer from China subject to SAFE regulations (max $50,000/year for individuals)
Anti-Chinese sentiment exists in some regions - use local business partner
WeChat Pay/Alipay not widely accepted - need Indonesian banking
Document Requirements for Chinese Citizens
- Documents must be notarized by Chinese notary public and authenticated by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Criminal background check from local Public Security Bureau
- Education certificates must be verified by CDGDC
Embassy & Consulate
Chinese Embassy Jakarta: Jl. Mega Kuningan No.2. Chinese Consulates in Surabaya, Medan, and Denpasar.
Business Culture Tips
Indonesia has a significant ethnic Chinese population. Mandarin-speaking staff are available in major cities. Business dinners are common for relationship building. Gift-giving customs are similar.
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 construction company.
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 Chinese citizen own 100% of a construction company in Surabaya?
▾
Chinese nationals can own up to 67% of a construction company in Surabaya. The remaining 33% must be held by an Indonesian shareholder. This applies to all 1 KBLI code for this business type.
What licenses do I need to start a construction company in Surabaya?
▾
You will need 3 licenses to operate a construction company in Surabaya. These include: NIB, SBU, PBG. 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 construction company in Surabaya?
▾
Based on the 3 required licenses, government and service fees for a construction company in Surabaya range from Rp 6.300.000 to Rp 31.500.000 (approximately $406 to $2,032). This excludes the minimum investment capital of Rp 10 billion required for PT PMA companies, office rental, and ongoing operational costs.
How long does it take to set up a construction company in Surabaya?
▾
The typical timeline is 31-87 business days from start to fully operational in Surabaya. This includes company registration, obtaining all 3 required licenses, 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 construction company in Indonesia?
▾
Yes, a local partner is required for 1 of your 1 KBLI code which limit foreign ownership to 67%. The Indonesian shareholder must hold at least 33% of shares for those activities. Ensure you work with a reputable local partner and have a proper shareholder agreement drafted by a qualified lawyer.
What visa do I need as a Chinese 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 construction company 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 3 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.