An Easy Guide to Opening a Bank Account in Indonesia for Corporations

Opening a bank account in Indonesia is one of the primary steps you have to go through to start a company in the country. It is equally important to both local and foreign companies.

Over the years, Indonesia has seen immense growth and has a powerful economy with a wide array of business sectors. Therefore, having a corporate bank account in Indonesia does not only show the reliability of your company, but it is also one of the requirements for company incorporation.

It may seem easy to open a bank account in Indonesia, especially with the regulatory amendment from the Ministry of Finance a few years back. But there are still crucial steps and paperwork involved that you may overlook.

Also, you will have to consider the type of bank account that is suitable for your business. Here are some important details you need to know when you consider opening a bank account in Indonesia.

The Importance of Opening a Bank Account in Indonesia for Businesses

Not only that it’s part of the requirements of company incorporation, having a corporate bank account in Indonesia allows businesses to make use of other bank services for their operations.

Partnering with a financial institution further decreases the burden that a business owner and their employees have to deal with when it comes to financial administration. A financial institution in which a business has its corporate account can also provide the business with various business solutions that will benefit their business growth or expansion.

Business owners need to know that no company can share a corporate bank account with another company in Indonesia. This is because each legal entity is unique and it must have its own corporate account. One corporate account is not allowed for multiple company incorporations in Indonesia.

Opening a Corporate Bank Account in Indonesia

There are two circumstances for opening a corporate bank account in Indonesia for foreigners:

• Before the PT PMA is established
• After the PT PMA is established

The major difference between the two options is that not all banks in Indonesia allow foreign companies to register their bank accounts before the completion of the incorporation.

Before the PT PMA Is Established

These are the documents in their copies required when you’re in the process of registering your PT PMA:

• NPWP card (tax identification number)
• Domicile letter
• AKTA (deed of establishment)
• SIUP (business license)
• Identity cards of all directors, shareholders, and signers
• Notary’s cover note stating that the approval of AKTA from the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights is still in the midst of the process
• Letter of Attorney

Within a month after you have applied for the bank account, you will also need to present the following to the bank:

• AKTA from the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights
• SIUP
• Copy of TDP (company registration certificate)

After the PT PMA Is Established

After your PT PMA is incorporated, you have to present all the required documents to the bank you select. Almost all banks in Indonesia permit you to open a bank account after you have completed the PT PMA establishment.

You will have to submit the following documents in their copies:

• NPWP card
• Domicile letter
• AKTA
• SIUP
• Identity cards of all directors, shareholders, and signers
• TDP
• Approval of AKTA from the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights

Opening a Bank Account from Abroad

For foreigners, you may open a bank account from abroad if you are not in Indonesia physically. This can be done through the assistance from Cekindo.

All you need to do is to fulfill certain criteria and submit the required documents as well as the authorisation letter.

How Cekindo Can Assist

A company will be required to open a bank account to engage in all sorts of businesses and industries. The good news is, opening a bank account in Indonesia is not a difficult procedure for business owners.

However, the requirements may be different depending on the size of the company, as well as the company’s business activities.

Cekindo can guide you through the process of opening a bank account in Indonesia. Our experienced consultants can help you get ready for all necessary documents to facilitate your account opening application.

We will also assist you in choosing the bank based on your business objectives. Everything will be fulfilled within a short period with minimal involvement on your part.

To make use of Cekindo’s services, talk to us now by filling in the form below.