Starting a business in Indonesia (foreign-owned setup)

Starting A Business in Indonesia (Foreign-Owned Setup): FAQ

  • InCorp Editorial Team
  • 3 November 2023
  • 7 reading time

Suppose you have been planning to start a foreign-owned business in Indonesia. One of the first few barometers you should be well acquainted with is Indonesia’s EoDB (Ease of Doing Business) – The World Bank has placed Indonesia at rank 73, with an improvement of 1.4% score change.

The World Bank has also reclassified Indonesia with a middle-income status in early 2021. This is mainly because of its consistent economic growth (before the COVID-19 crisis). As the Indonesian government continues to digitalize its ecosystem, we can expect the time to set up a company to shorten and with fewer clicks.

However snappy this process might be, new business owners must understand the regulations on setting up a business in Indonesia. To start you off on the right foot, we have compiled a list of FAQs.

How to Start a Business in Indonesia: FAQ

1. What are the types of legal entities in Indonesia?

Firstly, there are 3 common types of legal business entities in Indonesia.

2. What types of companies limit foreign ownership in Indonesia?

The prevailing document and regulation new business owners need to refer to is Indonesia’s Positive Investment List (previously referred to as Indonesia’s Negative Investment List – DNI)

The foreign ownership percentage share, entity types (i.e., PT, PT PMA, RO), business sectors, and business lines (locally referred to as KBLI) are outlined in Indonesia’s Positive Investment List. It is a comprehensive document that details thousands of KBLIs, each with a different set of regulations. It is, therefore, important to first understand what KBLI your business falls under.

3. How long does it take to start a business in Indonesia?

Starting a business in Indonesia ranges from 1 to 3 months – the time taken depends on how quickly business owners can send company documents, deeds, and reports to their market-entry consultants to fulfill the process. Companies that have their full set of documents ready can start operating in under 30 working days from the time their documents are submitted to the Indonesian authorities.

4. How to obtain a Domicile Letter?

A Domicile Letter (locally referred to as a Surat Keterangan Domisili) is legal proof that you have registered your company’s office location or address. All foreign-owned companies are legally required to own an office during their incorporation.

To obtain a Domicile Letter, all that is required is an office lease agreement. Domicile Letters are issued by both the Kelurahan (administrative village) and Kecamatan (city/regency’s subdivision). It is worth noting a residential address is unacceptable as a business address.

For business owners looking to start small, a Virtual or Serviced Office is a solution for obtaining your Domicile Letter and space for small teams to remain productive.

5. What are the capital requirements for starting a foreign-owned business in Indonesia?

To start a PT PMA in Indonesia, business owners must invest a paid-up capital of IDR 10 billion (approx. USD680,000+). This paid-up capital is required at the start of the company incorporation and excludes building and land assets. This regulation was passed in June 2021 with no sanction details should a company fail to meet these requirements.

The Indonesian economy is mainly sustained by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) – it generates 50% of its GDP and accounts for the largest (approx. 58 million) MSMEs in ASEAN. It is often regarded as the backbone of Indonesia’s economy and requires the segment to flourish.

6. What activities are allowed for a Representative Office?

A Branch or Representative Office in Indonesia is commonly used for, but not limited to, market research of investment opportunities, building early-stage market presence, building vendor relations, branding and promotions, research, and development. A Rep Office is also suitable for companies looking to set up a back or support office (e.g., call centers or design houses).

From the examples listed above, the common thread between them is that these business activities do not generate revenue for the business – this remains the key characteristic of a Rep Office. To provide a clearer idea, here are some actions a Representative Office in Indonesia cannot carry out.

  • Engagement in any trading (including export and import) and commercial activities that can generate profits
  • Entering a business contract on behalf of the parent company or providing a service for a fee
  • Participation in the management or operation of any of its branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates in Indonesia
  • Issuance of invoices and receipts

7. Can a foreigner start a PT local company?

The answer to your question lies in Indonesia’s Positive Investment List (previously referred to as Indonesia’s Negative Investment List – DNI). Please scroll up to question 2 in this FAQ for more.

8. Can a foreign-owned company hire a foreigner?

Yes, a foreign-owned company can employ foreigners and sponsor their work permits (locally called a Work KITAS). However, it is essential to note some sectors do not permit foreign employment. Here are

  • Supply Chain Management (including procurement and logistics)
  • Human Resource
  • Legal & Compliance
  • Quality Control and Inspection
  • Health, Safety, and Environment

HR is often the main obstacle for newly set up companies. Please find out how we can help recruit, select, and draft employment contracts with our HR consulting capabilities.

9. What is the exact process of starting a foreign business in Indonesia?

The key steps to starting a business in Indonesia are as follows:

The following documents must be submitted to BKPM to start a foreign company, PT PMA, in Indonesia:

  • Principle license and business license
  • Domicile letter
  • Deed of establishment
  • Approval of Business Registration Number (NIB)
  • Tax identification number (NPWP)
  • Taxable entrepreneur confirmation (PKP)
  • Company welfare report and manpower report
  • Proof of deposit of capital requirement (IDR 10 billion)

Incorporating a PT PMA requires at least two shareholders  – a President Commissioner and a President Director. At least one shareholder must be a foreign national or foreign entity.

10. What is the OSS (Online Single Submission) System in Indonesia?

OSS is a new licensing application administered by BKPM – Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board. It is an online platform designed to improve the ease of doing business in Indonesia by housing all company-related information into one platform, thus facilitating business players to acquire business licenses related to their company and sector more efficiently.

It is also a central system used by various Indonesian government authorities and agencies –  including the General Law Administration System, the Indonesia National Single Window (INSW), and the Information System of Population Administration.

11. Can A Foreigner Own 100% of A Business in Indonesia?

No, in most cases, foreigners cannot own 100% of a business in Indonesia. The Indonesian government typically requires foreign investors to partner with a local entity or individual.

12. What Visas Are Usually Required for Company Owners in Indonesia?

Foreign company owners in Indonesia typically need a Business Visa (KITAS) and a work permit (IMTA) to operate their business in the country legally.

13. What are the types of activities where foreign ownership is possible but restricted to less than 100%?

Some activities, such as retail and distribution, may allow foreign ownership, but it is often limited to less than 100%. Specific regulations and restrictions vary based on the business sector.

14. What are the types of companies where foreign investment is strictly prohibited?

Certain sectors, like defense and primary agriculture, prohibit foreign investment in Indonesia. These restrictions are in place to protect national interests and industries.

How Can InCorp Indonesia Help

As a leading consulting firm, we are here to help build better businesses and their communities in emerging SEA countries. Our client portfolio includes global players such as ExxonMobil, Tokopedia, Samsung, and Tencent. Our vast in-house capabilities enable us to customize turnkey solutions to serve our clients and their unique needs.

Daris Salam

COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia

With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships.

Get in touch with us.

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Frequent Asked Questions

As their names suggest, the main differences between the three business kinds in Indonesia lie in the businesses and the purpose of their incorporation. Local company owners (PT) must be Indonesian citizens, as even 1 percent of foreign ownership is not allowed. This type of company is not limited to entering any business field, and restrictions on incorporation are not so tight. On the contrary, a foreign-owned company (PT PMA) is open to international investors, but the maximal percentage of foreign shares differs in various business sectors. Contact InCorp to get the most updated information on the Negative Investment List. International investors tend to open representative offices as a first step to understanding the Indonesian market before setting up a limited liability company. This type is used for marketing and promotion activities and needs the right to sell directly and receive income.

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.

Yes, this mainly applies to import and export businesses. Instead of establishing a company, you can use an under-name import service, an importer of record.

It should take between 30 to 45 days.