Foreign Business Setup Guide
How to Start a Design Studio in Bali as an Australian Foreigner
Everything you need to know about licenses, company setup, and compliance requirements for Australian entrepreneurs opening a design studio in Bali, Indonesia.
Licenses Required
1
Est. Cost Range
Contact us
Timeline
6-20 days
Quick Answer
Yes, Australian foreigners can start a design studio in Bali, 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 design studio 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).
Bali — Local Compliance Guidance
Specific regulations, costs, and timelines that apply to businesses setting up in Bali.
Cost Adjustment
15% higher
Costs in Bali are approximately 15% higher than the national average due to local market conditions and regulatory requirements.
Timeline Adjustment
+5 business days
Processing times in Bali typically take 5 additional business days compared to the national average.
About Bali
Bali has unique provincial regulations. F&B businesses in tourist zones face stricter environmental and noise requirements. The Bali Provincial Investment Board (DPMPTSP Provinsi Bali) handles local permits alongside the national OSS system.
Additional Local Requirements
These permits and requirements apply specifically in Bali, in addition to national requirements.
- Bali Provincial Tourism Permit
- Environmental Impact Assessment for coastal areas
Restrictions & Warnings
Special zoning regulations in tourist areas (Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud)
Alcohol licensing requires additional Bali Governor approval
Beach-front businesses require coastal permit from Marine Ministry
Local Investment Authority
Authority Name
DPMPTSP Provinsi Bali
Contact
dpmptsp@baliprov.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74100 | low | 100% | open |
Required Licenses & Permits
Licenses required to operate a design studio in Bali 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
Get Your Free Compliance Checklist
Tailored to your specific business type, location, and nationality.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
The typical process for a Australian entrepreneur setting up a design studio in Bali (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 — Bali
Approximate government and service fees adjusted for Bali (15% above national average). Excludes ongoing operational costs.
| Item | Low Estimate (IDR) | High Estimate (IDR) | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Establishment (Notary + Legal) | Rp 17.250.000 | Rp 40.250.000 | $1,113 - $2,597 |
| Kemenkumham Registration | Rp 1.150.000 | Rp 2.300.000 | $74 - $148 |
| NIB / OSS Registration(Free (government)) | Free | Free | Free |
| Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB)(Free through OSS system) | Free | Free | Free |
| Work Permit (RPTKA + IMTA) | Rp 17.250.000 | Rp 28.750.000 | $1,113 - $1,855 |
| KITAS Visa | Rp 5.750.000 | Rp 13.800.000 | $371 - $890 |
| Virtual / Physical Office Address(Per year) | Rp 5.750.000 | Rp 34.500.000 | $371 - $2,226 |
| Total Estimated Range | Rp 47.150.000 | Rp 119.600.000 | $3,042 - $7,716 |
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 Australiannational, you'll need the right visa to live and work in Indonesia while running your design studio.
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
Australian 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 Australian Entrepreneurs
Country-specific information for Australian nationals setting up a business in Indonesia.
Recommended Visa Pathway
Investor KITAS recommended. Australia has streamlined processing under IA-CEPA (Indonesia-Australia trade agreement). B211A for exploration phase.
Estimated processing time: 30 business days
Tax Treaty Information
Indonesia-Australia Tax Treaty (DTA) in effect since 1992. Modified by OECD Multilateral Instrument (MLI) effective 2019. Australia taxes worldwide income. Foreign Income Tax Offset available for Indonesian taxes paid.
Trade Agreements & Bilateral Benefits
IA-CEPA (Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) provides preferential market access and reduced barriers for Australian businesses.
Common Issues for Australian Nationals
IA-CEPA agreement provides preferential market access for certain sectors
Australian superannuation has no totalization with Indonesia
Bali is most popular location - competition is high
Dual taxation on rental income common issue
Document Requirements for Australian Citizens
- Documents must be apostilled (Hague Convention)
- Australian Federal Police check required for KITAS
- DFAT can authenticate documents for Indonesian use
Embassy & Consulate
Australian Embassy Jakarta: Jl. Patra Kuningan Raya Kav 1-4, Jakarta. Australian Consulate Bali: Jl. Tantular No.32, Renon, Denpasar.
Business Culture Tips
Australians are perceived positively in Bali. Direct communication style should be softened for Indonesian business culture. "Rubber time" (jam karet) means meetings may not start punctually.
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 design studio.
Ignoring Local Permits
Bali may have specific local permits (izin usaha) beyond national requirements. Check with the local DPMPTSP (investment office) for Bali-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 Australian citizen own 100% of a design studio in Bali?
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Yes, Australian nationals can own 100% of a design studio in Bali 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 design studio in Bali?
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You will need 1 license to operate a design studio in Bali. 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 design studio in Bali?
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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 design studio in Bali?
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The typical timeline is 6-20 business days from start to fully operational in Bali. 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 design studio in Indonesia?
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No, you do not need a local partner. All 1 KBLI code for a design studio allow 100% foreign ownership, so you can establish a fully foreign-owned PT PMA in Bali without any Indonesian shareholders.
What visa do I need as an Australian 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 design studio from Bali remotely?
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Your PT PMA must have a registered physical or virtual office address in Bali. 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.