Foreign Business Setup Guide
How to Start a Consulting Firm in Yogyakarta as a Korean Foreigner
Everything you need to know about licenses, company setup, and compliance requirements for Korean entrepreneurs opening a consulting firm in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Licenses Required
1
Est. Cost Range
Contact us
Timeline
6-20 days
Quick Answer
Yes, Korean foreigners can start a consulting firm in Yogyakarta, 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 6-20 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 consulting firm 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).
Yogyakarta — Local Compliance Guidance
Specific regulations, costs, and timelines that apply to businesses setting up in Yogyakarta.
Cost Adjustment
20% lower
Costs in Yogyakarta are approximately 20% lower than the national average due to local market conditions and regulatory requirements.
Timeline Adjustment
+5 business days
Processing times in Yogyakarta typically take 5 additional business days compared to the national average.
About Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta as a Special Region (DIY) has unique regulations governed by the Sultanate. Land ownership is restricted under Sultanate rules - the 1975 vice-governor instruction prohibits land ownership by non-native Indonesians, and Sultan Ground (Tanah SG) can only be leased. Lower costs but limited commercial infrastructure outside the city center. Cultural heritage requirements can add time for businesses in the Malioboro/Keraton area.
Additional Local Requirements
These permits and requirements apply specifically in Yogyakarta, in addition to national requirements.
- Special Region cultural impact assessment for businesses in heritage zones
Restrictions & Warnings
Yogyakarta Special Region has unique land ownership rules - foreigners cannot own land directly
Businesses near Keraton (Sultan Palace) require cultural preservation approval
Sultanate ground lease (Sultan Ground) applies to most land - review carefully with a local lawyer
Local Investment Authority
Authority Name
DPMPTSP DIY
Contact
dpmptsp@jogjaprov.go.id
The local DPMPTSP (Investment and One Stop Integrated Service) office handles regional permits alongside the national OSS system.
Required Licenses & Permits
Licenses required to operate a consulting firm in Yogyakarta as a foreign-owned business.
Nomor Induk Berusaha(NIB)
business_id
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Nomor Induk Berusaha(NIB)
business_id
Estimated Cost
Free
Free through OSS system
Processing Time
1 business days
Validity
Varies
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Step-by-Step Setup Process
The typical process for a Korean entrepreneur setting up a consulting firm in Yogyakarta (9 steps).
Prepare Documentation
~5 daysGather your passport, proof of address, apostilled documents, and any professional certifications relevant to your consulting specialty (legal, accounting, engineering, management, etc.).
Reserve Company Name via AHU Online
~3 daysSubmit 3 company name choices to Kemenkumham through the AHU Online system. Consulting firm names must be in Bahasa Indonesia with at least 3 words.
Draft Deed of Establishment with Notary
~7 daysWork with a notary to prepare articles of association with KBLI codes 70201 (management consulting) or 70209 (other consulting). Define your consulting scope clearly in the deed.
Register with Kemenkumham
~14 daysSubmit the notarial deed for legal entity approval. Your PT PMA will be registered with consulting-specific KBLI codes.
Obtain NIB through OSS
~1 dayRegister on OSS to get your NIB. Most consulting firms fall under low-risk classification, requiring only the NIB as their primary business license.
Obtain Professional License (if regulated field)
Optional~14 daysIf your consulting is in a regulated field (legal, accounting, tax, engineering, architecture), register with the relevant professional body and obtain additional professional licenses.
Pro tip: Legal, accounting, and engineering consulting require professional body registration. Tax consulting needs a Kuasa Hukum Pajak license. Check if your specialty is regulated.
Open Corporate Bank Account
~14 daysOpen a corporate bank account at a major Indonesian bank and deposit the required paid-up capital (minimum IDR 2.5 billion for PT PMA).
Register for Tax (NPWP & PKP)
~7 daysObtain company NPWP and register as PKP. Consulting services are subject to 11% VAT. Cross-border consulting may have withholding tax implications.
Apply for Work Permits (RPTKA/IMTA) & KITAS
~45 daysApply for RPTKA and IMTA through the Ministry of Manpower. Consulting companies must demonstrate specialized expertise that justifies hiring foreign consultants over local professionals.
Estimated Total Timeline
96 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 — Yogyakarta
Approximate government and service fees adjusted for Yogyakarta (20% below national average). Excludes ongoing operational costs.
| Item | Low Estimate (IDR) | High Estimate (IDR) | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Establishment (Notary + Legal) | Rp 12.000.000 | Rp 28.000.000 | $774 - $1,806 |
| Kemenkumham Registration | Rp 800.000 | Rp 1.600.000 | $52 - $103 |
| NIB / OSS Registration(Free (government)) | Free | Free | Free |
| Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB)(Free through OSS system) | Free | Free | Free |
| Work Permit (RPTKA + IMTA) | Rp 12.000.000 | Rp 20.000.000 | $774 - $1,290 |
| KITAS Visa | Rp 4.000.000 | Rp 9.600.000 | $258 - $619 |
| Virtual / Physical Office Address(Per year) | Rp 4.000.000 | Rp 24.000.000 | $258 - $1,548 |
| Total Estimated Range | Rp 32.800.000 | Rp 83.200.000 | $2,116 - $5,368 |
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 Koreannational, you'll need the right visa to live and work in Indonesia while running your consulting firm.
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
Korean 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 Korean Entrepreneurs
Country-specific information for Korean nationals setting up a business in Indonesia.
Recommended Visa Pathway
Investor KITAS. Korean nationals benefit from ASEAN-Korea FTA. K-culture businesses (F&B, entertainment, beauty) have strong market demand.
Estimated processing time: 30 business days
Tax Treaty Information
Korea-Indonesia DTA active. South Korea taxes worldwide income. Korean pension contributions not transferable.
Trade Agreements & Bilateral Benefits
ASEAN-Korea FTA (AKFTA) provides tariff reductions and trade facilitation. Korea-Indonesia bilateral cooperation framework active.
Common Issues for Korean Nationals
K-culture wave creates business opportunities in F&B, beauty, entertainment
Large existing Korean community in Jakarta (Kebayoran area)
Korean-Indonesian bilingual staff readily available
Competition high in Korean restaurant segment
Document Requirements for Korean Citizens
- Apostille from Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Criminal record from Korean National Police Agency
- Korean degree verification through Ministry of Education
Embassy & Consulate
Korean Embassy Jakarta: Jl. Jenderal Gatot Subroto Kav.57. KOTRA Jakarta office for trade assistance.
Business Culture Tips
Korean culture is very popular in Indonesia due to K-pop and K-drama. This creates natural brand affinity for Korean businesses. Hierarchy and respect for elders align between cultures.
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 consulting firm.
Ignoring Local Permits
Yogyakarta may have specific local permits (izin usaha) beyond national requirements. Check with the local DPMPTSP (investment office) for Yogyakarta-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 Korean citizen own 100% of a consulting firm in Yogyakarta?
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Yes, Korean nationals can own 100% of a consulting firm in Yogyakarta through a PT PMA (foreign-owned limited liability company). All 2 KBLI codes required for this business type allow full foreign ownership.
What licenses do I need to start a consulting firm in Yogyakarta?
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You will need 1 license to operate a consulting firm in Yogyakarta. 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 consulting firm in Yogyakarta?
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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 consulting firm in Yogyakarta?
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The typical timeline is 6-20 business days from start to fully operational in Yogyakarta. 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 consulting firm in Indonesia?
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No, you do not need a local partner. All 2 KBLI codes for a consulting firm allow 100% foreign ownership, so you can establish a fully foreign-owned PT PMA in Yogyakarta without any Indonesian shareholders.
What visa do I need as a Korean to run a business in Indonesia?
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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 consulting firm from Yogyakarta remotely?
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Your PT PMA must have a registered physical or virtual office address in Yogyakarta. 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?
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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.