Foreign Business Setup Guide
How to Start an Education Institution in Jakarta as an Australian Foreigner
Everything you need to know about licenses, company setup, and compliance requirements for Australian entrepreneurs opening a education institution in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Licenses Required
3
Est. Cost Range
$968 - $5,645
Timeline
117-173 days
Quick Answer
Yes, Australian foreigners can start a education institution in Jakarta, 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 117-173 business days. The estimated government and service fees range from Rp 15.000.000 to Rp 87.500.000.
Foreign Ownership Rules
Foreign Ownership
Up to 67%
DNIB Status
conditional
Recommended Structure
PT PMA (Foreign Investment Company) (PT PMA)
As a foreign investor opening a education institution 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).
Jakarta — Local Compliance Guidance
Specific regulations, costs, and timelines that apply to businesses setting up in Jakarta.
Cost Adjustment
25% higher
Costs in Jakarta are approximately 25% higher than the national average due to local market conditions and regulatory requirements.
Timeline Adjustment
+10 business days
Processing times in Jakarta typically take 10 additional business days compared to the national average.
About Jakarta
Jakarta as the capital has the most complex regulatory environment. The DPMPTSP Provinsi DKI Jakarta handles local investment and licensing services with 318 service points operating 100% online. Office space costs are the highest in Indonesia, and a physical or virtual office in a recognized business zone is required for company domicile.
Additional Local Requirements
These permits and requirements apply specifically in Jakarta, in addition to national requirements.
- Jakarta Business Domicile Letter (SKDU)
- Jakarta Environmental Monitoring (UKL-UPL for medium risk)
Restrictions & Warnings
Jakarta has strict zoning - verify business activity is allowed in your area
Traffic impact assessment required for large venues
Higher minimum wage (UMR DKI Jakarta) affects staffing costs
Local Investment Authority
Authority Name
DPMPTSP Provinsi DKI Jakarta
Contact
ptsp@jakarta.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 education institution in Jakarta 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
Izin Pendirian Satuan Pendidikan (Education Establishment License)
sector_specific
▾
Izin Pendirian Satuan Pendidikan (Education Establishment License)
sector_specific
Estimated Cost
Rp 10.000.000 - Rp 50.000.000
Varies by education level and province
Processing Time
90 business days
Validity
Varies
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
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Step-by-Step Setup Process
The typical process for a Australian entrepreneur setting up a education institution in Jakarta (13 steps).
Prepare Documentation Including Curriculum
~14 daysGather passport, proof of address, apostilled documents, and prepare a comprehensive education business plan including curriculum framework, teaching methodology, target student demographics, and facility requirements.
Reserve Company Name via AHU Online
~3 daysSubmit 3 company name choices to Kemenkumham through the AHU Online system. Education institution names must reflect the educational nature of the business.
Draft Deed of Establishment with Notary
~7 daysWork with a notary to prepare articles of association with KBLI codes 85411/85499 for education services. Education institutions often operate as Yayasan (foundation) or PT PMA.
Register with Kemenkumham
~14 daysSubmit the notarial deed for legal entity approval. Education entities require specific registration reflecting their educational purpose.
Obtain NIB through OSS
~1 dayRegister on OSS to get your NIB. Select appropriate KBLI codes for your education type. Education institutions are typically classified as medium-to-high risk.
Apply for Izin Lokasi (Location Permit)
~14 daysObtain location approval confirming your premises is zoned for educational use. Schools have specific requirements for building size, outdoor space, and distance from hazards.
Apply for Education License (Izin Pendirian Satuan Pendidikan)
~60 daysObtain the Education Establishment License from the local Dinas Pendidikan (Education Office) or Ministry of Education for international schools.
Pro tip: Requires curriculum approval from Ministry of Education. International schools need additional accreditation. The Indonesian national curriculum component is mandatory even for international schools.
Building Safety Inspection
~14 daysPass a mandatory building safety inspection covering structural integrity, fire safety, emergency exits, and accessibility for students with disabilities.
Apply for PBG (Building Permit) for New Construction
~30 daysIf constructing new educational facilities, apply for PBG from the local government. Education buildings have specific safety and accessibility requirements.
Open Corporate Bank Account
~14 daysOpen a corporate bank account and deposit the required paid-up capital. Education institutions may also need to set up tuition payment collection systems.
Register for Tax (NPWP & PKP)
~7 daysObtain company NPWP and register as PKP. Education services have specific VAT exemptions - formal education is generally VAT-exempt, while non-formal education may be subject to VAT.
Hire Certified Indonesian Teaching Staff
~30 daysRecruit and hire Indonesian national teachers who meet the certification requirements set by the Ministry of Education. This is a regulatory requirement before commencing operations.
Pro tip: Minimum 30% of teaching staff must be Indonesian nationals. Foreign teachers need Indonesian language proficiency and recognized teaching certifications from their home country.
Apply for Work Permits & KITAS for Foreign Teachers
~45 daysApply for RPTKA and IMTA for all foreign teaching staff. Education sector work permits have specific requirements including teaching qualifications verification.
Estimated Total Timeline
253 days(9 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 — Jakarta
Approximate government and service fees adjusted for Jakarta (25% above national average). Excludes ongoing operational costs.
| Item | Low Estimate (IDR) | High Estimate (IDR) | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Establishment (Notary + Legal) | Rp 18.750.000 | Rp 43.750.000 | $1,210 - $2,823 |
| Kemenkumham Registration | Rp 1.250.000 | Rp 2.500.000 | $81 - $161 |
| NIB / OSS Registration(Free (government)) | Free | Free | Free |
| Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB)(Free through OSS system) | Free | Free | Free |
| Izin Pendirian Satuan Pendidikan (Education Establishment License)(Varies by education level and province) | Rp 12.500.000 | Rp 62.500.000 | $806 - $4,032 |
| Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung (Building Approval) (PBG)(Based on building size and retribusi rate per m2. Higher in Jakarta/Bali.) | Rp 2.500.000 | Rp 25.000.000 | $161 - $1,613 |
| Work Permit (RPTKA + IMTA) | Rp 18.750.000 | Rp 31.250.000 | $1,210 - $2,016 |
| KITAS Visa | Rp 6.250.000 | Rp 15.000.000 | $403 - $968 |
| Virtual / Physical Office Address(Per year) | Rp 6.250.000 | Rp 37.500.000 | $403 - $2,419 |
| Total Estimated Range | Rp 66.250.000 | Rp 217.500.000 | $4,274 - $14,032 |
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 education institution.
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 education institution.
Ignoring Local Permits
Jakarta may have specific local permits (izin usaha) beyond national requirements. Check with the local DPMPTSP (investment office) for Jakarta-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 education institution in Jakarta?
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Australian nationals can own up to 67% of a education institution in Jakarta through a PT PMA. Ownership limits range from 49% to 67% depending on the specific business activity.
What licenses do I need to start a education institution in Jakarta?
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You will need 3 licenses to operate a education institution in Jakarta. These include: NIB, Izin Pendirian Satuan Pendidikan (Education Establishment License), 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 education institution in Jakarta?
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Based on the 3 required licenses, government and service fees for a education institution in Jakarta range from Rp 15.000.000 to Rp 87.500.000 (approximately $968 to $5,645). 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 education institution in Jakarta?
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The typical timeline is 117-173 business days from start to fully operational in Jakarta. 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 education institution in Indonesia?
▾
Yes, a local partner is required for 2 of your 2 KBLI codes which limit foreign ownership to 49%. The Indonesian shareholder must hold at least 51% 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 an Australian 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 education institution from Jakarta remotely?
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Your PT PMA must have a registered physical or virtual office address in Jakarta. 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.