Foreign Business Setup Guide
How to Start an Import/Export Business in Bandung as a Korean Foreigner
Everything you need to know about licenses, company setup, and compliance requirements for Korean entrepreneurs opening a import/export business in Bandung, Indonesia.
Licenses Required
2
Est. Cost Range
$55 - $274
Timeline
5-39 days
Quick Answer
Yes, Korean foreigners can start a import/export business in Bandung, 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 2 licenses and can expect the process to take 5-39 business days. The estimated government and service fees range from Rp 850.000 to Rp 4.250.000.
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 import/export business 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).
Bandung — Local Compliance Guidance
Specific regulations, costs, and timelines that apply to businesses setting up in Bandung.
Cost Adjustment
15% lower
Costs in Bandung are approximately 15% lower than the national average due to local market conditions and regulatory requirements.
Timeline Adjustment
+3 business days
Processing times in Bandung typically take 3 additional business days compared to the national average.
About Bandung
Bandung is emerging as a tech and creative hub. Lower operational costs make it attractive for startups. The local government actively promotes digital economy businesses. Bandung's creative economy ecosystem includes co-working spaces, tech incubators, and a growing talent pool from its universities (ITB, Unpad).
Additional Local Requirements
These permits and requirements apply specifically in Bandung, in addition to national requirements.
- West Java Provincial Business Registration
Restrictions & Warnings
Bandung has limited industrial zoning - manufacturing may require relocation to outskirts
Traffic congestion may impact logistics-dependent businesses
Local Investment Authority
Authority Name
DPMPTSP Kota Bandung
Contact
dpmptsp@bandung.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46100 | medium | 100% | open |
Required Licenses & Permits
Licenses required to operate a import/export business in Bandung 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 Usaha Perdagangan (Trading License)
sector_specific
▾
Izin Usaha Perdagangan (Trading License)
sector_specific
Estimated Cost
Rp 1.000.000 - Rp 5.000.000
Trading license through OSS. Cost varies by trade scale.
Processing Time
7 business days
Validity
60 months (renewable)
Get Your Free Compliance Checklist
Tailored to your specific business type, location, and nationality.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
The typical process for a Korean entrepreneur setting up a import/export business in Bandung (11 steps).
Prepare Documentation
~7 daysGather your passport, proof of address, apostilled documents, and prepare a detailed trading business plan including product categories, target markets, and trade volume projections.
Reserve Company Name via AHU Online
~3 daysSubmit 3 company name choices to Kemenkumham through the AHU Online system. Trading company 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 code 46100 (wholesale trade). Import-export businesses have specific capital requirements and must clearly define trading activities.
Register with Kemenkumham
~14 daysSubmit the notarial deed for legal entity approval. Your PT PMA will be registered with trade-specific KBLI codes.
Obtain NIB through OSS
~1 dayRegister on OSS to get your NIB. Select KBLI code 46100 for wholesale/import-export trade. Trading businesses are typically classified as medium-to-high risk.
Apply for API (Importer Identification Number)
~14 daysObtain your Angka Pengenal Importir through OSS. Choose API-U (Umum/General) for general trading companies or API-P (Produsen/Producer) if importing raw materials for manufacturing.
Pro tip: API-U for general trading, API-P for producer importers. Choose based on business model. API-U allows trading imported goods; API-P restricts imports to own production use.
Apply for NPIK (Product-Specific Import License)
~14 daysIf importing regulated product categories, obtain the Nomor Pengenal Importir Khusus. Required for electronics, textiles, footwear, toys, and food/beverages.
Pro tip: Required for specific product categories. Check your HS code restrictions before importing. Not all products need NPIK - check the latest Permendag for your product category.
Register with Customs (DJBC)
~7 daysRegister your company with Direktorat Jenderal Bea dan Cukai (Customs and Excise). Obtain your customs access code and set up electronic customs declaration (PDE) capabilities.
Open Corporate Bank Account with Trade Finance
~14 daysOpen a corporate bank account at a bank with strong trade finance capabilities (BCA, Mandiri, BNI). Set up Letter of Credit (L/C), trade payment, and foreign currency transaction facilities.
Register for Tax (NPWP & PKP)
~7 daysObtain company NPWP and register as PKP. Import-export businesses must understand import duties, VAT on imports (11%), and income tax prepayments (PPh 22) on imported goods.
Apply for Work Permits (RPTKA/IMTA) & KITAS
~45 daysApply for RPTKA and IMTA through the Ministry of Manpower, then obtain KITAS stay permits through immigration.
Estimated Total Timeline
133 days(5 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 — Bandung
Approximate government and service fees adjusted for Bandung (15% below national average). Excludes ongoing operational costs.
| Item | Low Estimate (IDR) | High Estimate (IDR) | USD Approx. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Establishment (Notary + Legal) | Rp 12.750.000 | Rp 29.750.000 | $823 - $1,919 |
| Kemenkumham Registration | Rp 850.000 | Rp 1.700.000 | $55 - $110 |
| NIB / OSS Registration(Free (government)) | Free | Free | Free |
| Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB)(Free through OSS system) | Free | Free | Free |
| Izin Usaha Perdagangan (Trading License)(Trading license through OSS. Cost varies by trade scale.) | Rp 850.000 | Rp 4.250.000 | $55 - $274 |
| Work Permit (RPTKA + IMTA) | Rp 12.750.000 | Rp 21.250.000 | $823 - $1,371 |
| KITAS Visa | Rp 4.250.000 | Rp 10.200.000 | $274 - $658 |
| Virtual / Physical Office Address(Per year) | Rp 4.250.000 | Rp 25.500.000 | $274 - $1,645 |
| Total Estimated Range | Rp 35.700.000 | Rp 92.650.000 | $2,303 - $5,977 |
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 import/export business.
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 import/export business.
Ignoring Local Permits
Bandung may have specific local permits (izin usaha) beyond national requirements. Check with the local DPMPTSP (investment office) for Bandung-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 import/export business in Bandung?
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Yes, Korean nationals can own 100% of a import/export business in Bandung 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 import/export business in Bandung?
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You will need 2 licenses to operate a import/export business in Bandung. These include: NIB, Izin Usaha Perdagangan (Trading License). 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 import/export business in Bandung?
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Based on the 2 required licenses, government and service fees for a import/export business in Bandung range from Rp 850.000 to Rp 4.250.000 (approximately $55 to $274). 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 import/export business in Bandung?
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The typical timeline is 5-39 business days from start to fully operational in Bandung. This includes company registration, obtaining all 2 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 import/export business in Indonesia?
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No, you do not need a local partner. All 1 KBLI code for a import/export business allow 100% foreign ownership, so you can establish a fully foreign-owned PT PMA in Bandung 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 import/export business from Bandung remotely?
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Your PT PMA must have a registered physical or virtual office address in Bandung. 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 2 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.