Foreign Business Setup Guide
How to Start a Tech Company in Bali as a Singaporean Foreigner
Everything you need to know about licenses, company setup, and compliance requirements for Singaporean entrepreneurs opening a tech company in Bali, Indonesia.
Licenses Required
1
Est. Cost Range
Contact us
Timeline
6-20 days
Quick Answer
Yes, Singaporean foreigners can start a tech company 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
priority, open
Recommended Structure
PT PMA (Foreign Investment Company) (PT PMA)
As a foreign investor opening a tech company 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 Licenses & Permits
Licenses required to operate a tech company 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
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Step-by-Step Setup Process
The typical process for a Singaporean entrepreneur setting up a tech company in Bali (9 steps).
Prepare Documentation
~5 daysGather your passport, proof of address, and apostilled documents. Tech companies typically have simpler documentation requirements since they are classified as low-risk businesses.
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 codes 62011 (software development) and/or 62012 (IT consulting). Tech companies can be 100% foreign-owned.
Register with Kemenkumham
~14 daysSubmit the notarial deed for legal entity approval. Your PT PMA will be established with technology-focused KBLI codes.
Obtain NIB through OSS
~1 dayRegister on OSS to get your NIB. Tech companies with KBLI 62011/62012 are typically low-risk classification, meaning NIB is often the only operational license required.
Pro tip: Tech companies are typically low-risk classification. NIB is often the only license needed. This makes tech one of the simplest business types to set up in Indonesia.
Open Corporate Bank Account
~14 daysOpen a corporate bank account in the company name. Deposit the required paid-up capital (minimum IDR 2.5 billion for PT PMA).
Pro tip: Digital banks (Jenius, Bank Jago) offer faster onboarding for tech companies. However, traditional banks (BCA, Mandiri) are still preferred for larger capital deposits.
Register for Tax (NPWP & PKP)
~7 daysObtain company NPWP and register as PKP if revenue exceeds IDR 4.8 billion annually. Tech companies may qualify for tax incentives in certain digital economy zones.
Register as Electronic System Operator (PSE)
Optional~14 daysIf your tech product or service processes Indonesian user data, register as a Private Electronic System Operator (PSE Lingkup Privat) through Kominfo.
Pro tip: Required if your tech product processes Indonesian user data. Register through Kominfo. Non-compliance can result in platform blocking in Indonesia.
Apply for Work Permits (RPTKA/IMTA) & KITAS
~45 daysApply for RPTKA and IMTA for foreign tech workers through the Ministry of Manpower, then obtain KITAS stay permits through immigration.
Estimated Total Timeline
96 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 Singaporeannational, you'll need the right visa to live and work in Indonesia while running your tech company.
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 tech company.
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 Singaporean citizen own 100% of a tech company in Bali?
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Yes, Singaporean nationals can own 100% of a tech company in Bali through a PT PMA (foreign-owned limited liability company). All 2 KBLI codes required for this business type allow full foreign ownership.
What licenses do I need to start a tech company in Bali?
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You will need 1 license to operate a tech company 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 tech company 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 tech company 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 tech company in Indonesia?
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No, you do not need a local partner. All 2 KBLI codes for a tech company 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 a Singaporean 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 tech company 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.