Indonesia Business Visa: A Complete Guide for International Professionals
r123-share-title

Last updated October 28, 2025 · 5 min read · by Imam

Indonesia business visa. Photograph: jackmac34 via Pixabay

Applying for a business visa to Indonesia can be straightforward, with the right preparation.

Whether you’re attending conferences, conducting market research, or exploring investment opportunities, here’s everything you need to know clearly, concisely, and accurately.

Why You Need a Business Visa

A business visa (also known as Visit Visa Type B211A—Business) allows foreign nationals to enter Indonesia specifically for business activities such as attending meetings, negotiations, feasibility studies, or trade discussions, not for employment or earning an income locally.

This visa is distinct from a tourist visa. For instance, a tourist visa or Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) is not meant for structured business activities and may even lead to complications if used inappropriately.

Types of Business Visas Offered

Single-Entry Business Visa

Valid for up to 60 days and extendable, commonly up to four times (sometimes up to 180 days total).
Suitable for a single visit, typically used for meetings or short-term assignments.

Multiple-Entry Business Visa (MEBV)

Grants 1-year validity, allowing multiple entries with stays of up to 60 days per visit.
Requires separate entry/exit per visit.
Initially introduced on a trial basis in late 2022.

Golden Visa (Investor Scheme)

Long-term visa options, 5 years or 10 years, granted in exchange for substantial investments:
- 5-year visa: Set up a company worth US$2.5 million, or invest US$350,000 in bonds/stocks/deposits.
- 10-year visa: US$5 million in a company, or US$700,000 in financial instruments.
- For corporate investors: US$25 million (5-year), US$50 million (10-year).
- Lower thresholds apply if investing in the new capital city.
Nearly 300 investors have already benefited, bringing in US$123 million.

Looking for a place to stay in Jakarta’s CBD? The Elements Apartment offers an elegant, modern living experience right in the heart of Rasuna Epicentrum, Kuningan, one of Jakarta’s most established and well-planned neighborhoods.

Preparing Your Application: What You Need

Indonesia business visa. Stock photo: jackmac34 via Pixabay

Valid Passport

For single-entry: valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival.
For multiple-entry: your passport must be valid for a minimum of 18 months from the date of your arrival. This is to ensure your passport covers the full 1-year validity of the visa.

Sponsor in Indonesia

A locally registered company or entrepreneur must act as the immigration sponsor and apply through the Directorate General of Immigration online portal.

Invitation Letter & Business Cover Letter

From the Indonesian sponsor with visit purpose and duration details.
From your own company explaining the business purpose.

Supporting Documents

Passport photo(s) with white background.
Round-trip flight itinerary or ticket proof.
(In some cases) A guarantee letter, or alternatively, an immigration guarantee deposit from abroad.
Payment of visa fee, typically about US$50–100 depending on visa type.

Processing

The process has been streamlined. You no longer need to visit a consulate or embassy to get a physical visa stamp.
The modern system issues an e-Visa (electronic visa). Once your application is approved, the e-Visa will be sent directly to your email. You can simply print it out and present it to the immigration officer upon your arrival in Indonesia.
Review time generally around 5 working days.

Practical Insights & Common Pitfalls

Don’t overstay. Exceeding your visa duration incurs fines (e.g., ~IDR 1 million/day) and may result in detention or deportation.
No work. Business visas do not permit generating income, working, or supervising operations. Those activities require a work permit (KITAS) and additional authorization.
Sponsor must apply on your behalf via the official immigration portal, not you directly, so early planning is critical.

Summary

Visa Type	Validity	Stay per Entry	Extendable	Purpose
Single-Entry Business Visa	60 days (+ extensions)	Up to 60 days	Yes (several times)	Meetings- negotiations & research
Multiple-Entry Business Visa	1 year	Up to 60 days each	Yes (re-enter)	Frequent short business visits
Golden Visa (Investor)	5 or 10 years	Long-term residence	Yes	Major investors

Final Tips for Applicants

Start early. Arrange your sponsor and documentation well in advance.
Double-check passport validity and number of blank pages.
Choose the right visa. Single-entry for short trips, multiple-entry if you’ll visit often, or Golden Visa if investing big.
Use the official Indonesian e-Visa portal, avoid unofficial agencies.
Keep digital and printed copies of approval letters and visa confirmations when entering the country.

By understanding the differences between visa types and meeting all sponsor, documentation, and authorization requirements, you’ll be well-equipped to conduct business in Indonesia efficiently, legally, and confidently.