Foreign Business Setup Guide
How to Start a Retail Store in Yogyakarta as a German Foreigner
Everything you need to know about licenses, company setup, and compliance requirements for German entrepreneurs opening a retail store in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Licenses Required
2
Est. Cost Range
$52 - $258
Timeline
7-41 days
Quick Answer
Yes, German foreigners can start a retail store 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 2 licenses and can expect the process to take 7-41 business days. The estimated government and service fees range from Rp 800.000 to Rp 4.000.000.
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 retail store 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47191 | low | 100% | open |
Required Licenses & Permits
Licenses required to operate a retail store in Yogyakarta 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 German entrepreneur setting up a retail store in Yogyakarta (11 steps).
Prepare Documentation
~7 daysGather your passport, proof of address, apostilled documents, and prepare a retail business plan including product range, store layout, and location analysis.
Reserve Company Name via AHU Online
~3 daysSubmit 3 company name choices to Kemenkumham through the AHU Online system. 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 47191 (retail trade). Define your retail product categories clearly in the deed.
Register with Kemenkumham
~14 daysSubmit the notarial deed for legal entity approval. Your PT PMA will be registered with retail trade KBLI codes.
Obtain NIB through OSS
~1 dayRegister on OSS to get your NIB. Select KBLI code 47191 for retail activities. Retail stores are typically classified as medium-risk.
Apply for Izin Lokasi (Location Permit)
~14 daysObtain location approval from local government confirming your chosen premises is zoned for commercial retail operations.
Apply for SIUP or Trading License
~7 daysObtain the Surat Izin Usaha Perdagangan (Trade Business License) or equivalent through OSS. This authorizes your company to conduct retail trading activities.
Obtain PBG (Building Permit) for Renovations
Optional~21 daysIf renovating or fitting out your retail premises, apply for the Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung (PBG) from the local government for any structural changes.
Open Corporate Bank Account
~14 daysOpen a corporate bank account at a major Indonesian bank and deposit the required paid-up capital. Set up POS payment processing for your retail store.
Register for Tax (NPWP & PKP)
~7 daysObtain company NPWP and register as PKP. Retail stores must collect 11% VAT on sales and issue tax invoices through e-Faktur for B2B transactions.
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
119 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 |
| Izin Usaha Perdagangan (Trading License)(Trading license through OSS. Cost varies by trade scale.) | Rp 800.000 | Rp 4.000.000 | $52 - $258 |
| 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 33.600.000 | Rp 87.200.000 | $2,168 - $5,626 |
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 Germannational, you'll need the right visa to live and work in Indonesia while running your retail store.
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
German 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 German Entrepreneurs
Country-specific information for German nationals setting up a business in Indonesia.
Recommended Visa Pathway
Investor KITAS. German nationals process through standard pathway. EU-ASEAN business dialogue may provide future benefits. B211A for exploration.
Estimated processing time: 30 business days
Tax Treaty Information
Germany-Indonesia DTA active. Germany taxes worldwide income. Sozialversicherung (social insurance) has no totalization agreement with Indonesia.
Trade Agreements & Bilateral Benefits
EU-ASEAN business dialogue framework. German-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (EKONID/AHK) provides strong institutional support.
Common Issues for German Nationals
EKONID is an excellent resource for German businesses entering Indonesia
German engineering/manufacturing companies are highly respected
AHK (German Chamber) provides market entry support
German quality standards may exceed Indonesian requirements - plan for adaptation
Document Requirements for German Citizens
- Apostille from German court (Amtsgericht)
- Police certificate (Fuehrungszeugnis) from Bundesjustizamt
- University degree recognition through KMK if needed
Embassy & Consulate
German Embassy Jakarta: Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.1. German-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (EKONID) provides excellent business advisory services.
Business Culture Tips
German precision and planning are respected in Indonesian business. However, flexibility is key as processes may take longer than expected. EKONID provides valuable local guidance and networking.
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 retail store.
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 German citizen own 100% of a retail store in Yogyakarta?
▾
Yes, German nationals can own 100% of a retail store in Yogyakarta 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 retail store in Yogyakarta?
▾
You will need 2 licenses to operate a retail store in Yogyakarta. 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 retail store in Yogyakarta?
▾
Based on the 2 required licenses, government and service fees for a retail store in Yogyakarta range from Rp 800.000 to Rp 4.000.000 (approximately $52 to $258). 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 retail store in Yogyakarta?
▾
The typical timeline is 7-41 business days from start to fully operational in Yogyakarta. 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 retail store in Indonesia?
▾
No, you do not need a local partner. All 1 KBLI code for a retail store 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 German 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 retail store from Yogyakarta remotely?
▾
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?
▾
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.