Foreign Business Setup Guide
How to Start an Import/Export Business in Surabaya as a Singaporean Foreigner
Everything you need to know about licenses, company setup, and compliance requirements for Singaporean entrepreneurs opening a import/export business in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Licenses Required
2
Est. Cost Range
$58 - $290
Timeline
2-36 days
Quick Answer
Yes, Singaporean foreigners can start a import/export business in Surabaya, 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 2-36 business days. The estimated government and service fees range from Rp 900.000 to Rp 4.500.000.
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).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46100 | medium | 100% | open |
Required Licenses & Permits
Licenses required to operate a import/export business 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
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 Singaporean entrepreneur setting up a import/export business in Surabaya (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 — 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 |
| Izin Usaha Perdagangan (Trading License)(Trading license through OSS. Cost varies by trade scale.) | Rp 900.000 | Rp 4.500.000 | $58 - $290 |
| 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 37.800.000 | Rp 98.100.000 | $2,439 - $6,329 |
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 Singaporeannational, 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
Singaporean 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 Singaporean Entrepreneurs
Country-specific information for Singaporean nationals setting up a business in Indonesia.
Recommended Visa Pathway
Investor KITAS. Singaporean nationals benefit from ASEAN Business Travel Card (ABTC) for short visits. Visa-free entry for 30 days. Full ASEAN economic community benefits apply.
Estimated processing time: 20 business days
Tax Treaty Information
Singapore-Indonesia DTA active. Singapore does not tax foreign-sourced income. ASEAN framework provides preferential treatment. No capital gains tax in Singapore simplifies exit planning.
Trade Agreements & Bilateral Benefits
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) provides full preferential treatment. Batam-Bintan-Karimun (BBK) special economic zone near Singapore. ASEAN Business Travel Card (ABTC) for simplified travel.
Common Issues for Singaporean Nationals
ASEAN membership provides significant advantages - tariff reductions, easier permits
Singapore-incorporated holding structures common for Indonesian subsidiaries
Proximity enables frequent travel - no visa needed for short visits
BIA (Batam-Bintan-Karimun) special economic zone offers additional benefits near Singapore
Document Requirements for Singaporean Citizens
- Documents authenticated by Singapore Academy of Law
- Criminal record from Singapore Police Force
- Singapore company registration with ACRA if using holding structure
Embassy & Consulate
Singapore Embassy Jakarta: Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. X/4. Singapore Business Federation has Indonesia desk.
Business Culture Tips
Singaporeans adapt easily to Indonesian business culture due to shared Malay heritage and language similarities. English and Mandarin widely useful. Short travel distance enables frequent oversight.
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
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 Singaporean citizen own 100% of a import/export business in Surabaya?
▾
Yes, Singaporean nationals can own 100% of a import/export business in Surabaya 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 Surabaya?
▾
You will need 2 licenses to operate a import/export business in Surabaya. 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 Surabaya?
▾
Based on the 2 required licenses, government and service fees for a import/export business in Surabaya range from Rp 900.000 to Rp 4.500.000 (approximately $58 to $290). 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 Surabaya?
▾
The typical timeline is 2-36 business days from start to fully operational in Surabaya. 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?
▾
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 Surabaya without any Indonesian shareholders.
What visa do I need as a Singaporean 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 import/export business 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 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.