building permit bali - imb

Your Quick Guide to Building Permit (IMB) in Bali

  • InCorp Editorial Team
  • 27 August 2019
  • 4 reading time

If you are ready to start a business in Bali, you surely need to prepare yourself to get familiar with the property market, licenses, and permits required on the island. This includes knowing what IMB permit or building permit is in Bali, and why you need that.

The use of a building permit in Bali is not complicated. The permit is used to construct buildings with designs and structures that are comfortable and safe by law. It also makes sure that the building is consistent with the allocations of land.

This article will serve as your guide to building permits (IMB) in Bali.

What is an IMB?

IMB stands for Izin Mendirikan Bangunan. Also, as mentioned, IMB is a permit to establish a building. To be more exact, IMB is a building registration document and it tells you the purpose of a building. In other words, how a building can be used in accordance with the applicable law. IMB is most often used for residential and commercial purposes.

In addition to the Land Certificate, IMB is the most important permit when it comes to properties in Bali. It is not only used for constructing the building at the beginning but is also utilized throughout the entire period of the building.

securing imb bali

All Buildings in Bali are Required to Secure an IMB

In accordance with Indonesian law, all buildings in Bali must secure IMB building permit. It is the responsibility of the building’s owner to do that. As such, if you rent a building, it is your landlord’s responsibility to obtain an IMB. But, if you are the owner, then the responsibility will fall on you.

You will face problems if you buy or rent a building without an IMB. In addition, a building that is used for a purpose that is different from what is stated on the IMB is illegal as well. Hence, you need to be extra careful to make sure the exact use matches the written purpose on IMB.

Town Planning and Land Zoning in Bali

Town planning and land zoning (also called spatial planning) are required in Bali throughout the entire island. A guideline is known as the Province Regional Spatial Plan, or Rencana Tata Ruang Wilayah Provinsi (RTRWP) shows how lands are required to be used in Bali.

The goal of spatial planning is to create towns and cities that are livable. Under the master document RTRWP as mentioned earlier, lands are allocated for specific purposes only and the types of property built on the land are controlled.

So, IMB comes into play, for sure, in spatial planning. The first stage of acquiring an IMB requires you to check the land zoning of the land. This is to ensure that under the town planning regulation, the purpose of land use is permitted in the particular zone.

Don’t try to forgo the IMB process. What is more, you are encouraged to go through the IMB process with a professional. Failure to obtain an IMB will not only bring you serious legal complications, but will also threaten the safety and quality of living of the people in Bali.

How to Secure an IMB in Bali

If you are leasing or buying land or property in Bali, it is plain to see that IMB is extremely important as it is part of the spatial planning process.

You should apply for your IMB at the Department of Town Planning and Settlements. Successful IMB comes with a metal plate that you need to put in the front part of your building.

Documents that you need to secure an IMB in Bali are stated below:

  • A land certificate
  • Izin kavling
  • Building drawings
  • Correct land zoning
  • Signed permission of neighboring properties’ owners
  • Services and structural drawings

How Cekindo Can Help

Cekindo is a professional team with a mission to provide the best licensing and permit services for you in Bali. We have years of experience in assisting clients with licenses and permits applications.

If you require further information on IMB in Bali, do not hesitate to contact us. Fill in the form below or visit us in our office in Badung.

David Susandi

Branch Manager – Bali Office at InCorp Indonesia

Holding 11 years of experience in various roles, including project manager, operational manager, and corporate strategist, David Susandi is a prominent figure for many entrepreneurial organizations expanding in Indonesia.

Get in touch with us.

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Frequent Asked Questions

There are three things business owners need to consider before setting up a business in Indonesia: the type of business entity, capital requirements, and regulations.

Indonesian regulations separate local companies from foreign companies. Generally, foreign-owned companies (PT PMA) have more limitations than their local counterparts (Local PT). However, to pursue more foreign direct investment in the country, the government has taken several bold initiatives to increase the ease of doing business and provide numerous attractive incentives for foreign investors.

There are two main types, namely, primary business licenses and non-primary business licenses. The primary ones commonly apply to various industries, such as general and industrial business licenses. Additional non-primary ones are included, depending on the operations of your business. Examples of non-primary business licenses are operational and commercial licenses.

Yes, you must apply for it to be able to issue work permits for your foreign employees. This permanent business license is also a prerequisite for the applications for other business licenses and import licenses.