Legal Guide to Remote Work Visas in Indonesia: Work Remotely, Stay Compliant

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Indonesia is rapidly emerging as one of Asia’s most attractive hubs for remote work, supported by its expanding digital infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and rich cultural diversity. 

As more professionals choose to base themselves in Bali, Jakarta, or other growing tech destinations, understanding the legal requirements for remote work visas becomes increasingly essential. 

It’s not only about staying compliant, but also about unlocking the full range of opportunities the country offers. 

This legal guide to remote work visas in Indonesia provides a clear overview of the regulations, visa options, and practical steps every remote worker should know before making Indonesia their base.

Legal Guide to Remote Work Visas in Indonesia

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Indonesia offers a dedicated visa for remote workers the E33G Remote Worker Visa, which is issued together with a Temporary Resident Permit (KITAS). 

This visa is designed for individuals employed by foreign companies and supported by a valid employment contract. 

Freelancers or independent contractors may also apply, provided they can demonstrate consistent income and active contracts from overseas clients. 

Under this visa, remote workers are strictly prohibited from taking jobs or receiving payments from Indonesian companies, all income must originate from outside the country to ensure full compliance with local regulations. 

The E33G visa is granted for one year and can be renewed once, allowing a maximum stay of up to two years.

Read also: How to Rent Property in Indonesia as a Foreigner: Rules, Requirements, and Best Practices

Requirements for Remote Work Visas

If you want to fully understand the legal guide to remote work visas in Indonesia, you also need to be familiar with the key requirements. 

To apply for the Remote Worker Visa, you must prepare the following documents:

• A passport that remains valid
• A digital photo in passport format
• An employment agreement from a company based outside Indonesia
• Evidence of an annual income of at least USD 60,000
• Bank statements showing a minimum balance of USD 2,000 over the past three months
• Health insurance coverage (strongly recommended).

Tax Rules for Remote Workers

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Remote workers in Indonesia who stay for 183 days or more within any 12-month period are considered tax residents, meaning they may be subject to Indonesian income tax. 

Fortunately, many countries have Double Tax Agreements (DTAs) with Indonesia to prevent individuals from being taxed twice on the same income. 

If your home country has a DTA in place, it’s essential to review the details to understand whether your tax obligations can be reduced or even exempted under certain conditions.

This rule differs from the typical situation of digital nomads. 

Digital nomads usually stay in Indonesia for a shorter period and therefore do not become tax residents. 

As long as their stay remains under 183 days, they generally won’t owe income tax in Indonesia.

However, once they exceed that threshold, they may be required to comply with Indonesian tax regulations.

Read also: Property Management Services in Indonesia for Expats

That’s the essential legal guide to remote work visas in Indonesia highlighting the key points every remote worker should keep in mind. 

Hopefully, this overview helps you navigate the requirements with greater clarity and confidence.

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