Startup Visa Indonesia for Foreign Founders (Full Guide)

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Indonesia’s tech ecosystem is booming, but many international entrepreneurs are surprised to learn that there is no dedicated “startup visa Indonesia for foreign founders”, at least not yet. 

However, foreign founders can launch or join startups in Indonesia through several immigration and company-registration pathways that legally allow business setup, investment, and management.

This guide explains the current options, legal requirements, and practical steps for founders planning to build a startup in Indonesia.

Is There a Startup Visa in Indonesia?

As of 2025, Indonesia does not provide a specific startup visa category. Instead, foreign founders typically rely on:

1. Investor Visa (Second Home / Investor KITAS / Index 313–314)
2. Business Visa (Index 211A) for market research, early-stage activities
3. Work (Employment) KITAS if the founder takes an operational role
4. Company establishment (PT PMA), the official method for foreigners to own and run a startup

Option 1: Investor KITAS, The Closest Equivalent to a Startup Visa

The Investor KITAS is the most common route for foreign founders because it allows you to reside in Indonesia while running a company you invest in.

Requirements

To qualify, the founder must invest through a foreign-owned company (PT PMA) and be listed as a shareholder. The minimum investment is typically interpreted as:

• IDR 10 billion total investment per business activity, including capital and assets.

Benefits

• You may live and manage the company in Indonesia.
• No need to pay monthly foreign worker payroll levy (DKP-TKA) if using Investor KITAS instead of Work KITAS.
• 1- or 2-year renewable stay permit.

This route is often considered the “startup visa alternative” for serious founders.

Option 2: Business Visa (B211A) for Early-Stage Founders

If you’re still exploring the market, meeting investors, or conducting feasibility studies, a B211A business visa is useful.

Allowed Activities

• Market research
• Early-stage fundraising
• Attending meetings, conferences, accelerators
• Exploring suppliers or potential partners

Not Allowed

• Hands-on work inside the startup
• Receiving salary in Indonesia
• Managing day-to-day operational roles

Source: Indonesia Immigration Information on B211A business visas (various authorized visa agents referencing Permenkumham No. 22/2023).

This visa is ideal for the pre-launch phase of the startup journey.

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Option 3: Work KITAS, For Founders With Operational Roles

If the founder holds an active operational position (e.g., CEO, CTO, Head of Product), a Work KITAS is often required.

Requirements

• Employer sponsorship (your own PT PMA can sponsor you)
• Approved RPTKA (Foreign Manpower Utilization Plan)
• Valid job position listed under Indonesia’s allowed foreign employment categories

A Work KITAS is necessary if you intend to perform day-to-day tasks rather than purely hold a shareholder/director role.

Option 4: Establish a PT PMA, The Legal Path to Run a Startup

To operate legally, foreign founders must use a PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing), a foreign direct-investment company.

What a PT PMA Allows

• 100% foreign ownership (for many sectors under the Positive Investment List)
• Issuance of Investor KITAS and Work KITAS
• Full legal authority to operate as a business entity
• Ability to hire employees, open bank accounts, and partner with local firms

Investment Structure

The typical minimum structure is:

• IDR 10 billion total investment
• Paid-up capital often interpreted as IDR 2.5 billion minimum

For founders with limited early capital, this is an important financial consideration.

Read more:

Indonesia Startup Ecosystem: Growth, Innovation, and the Road Ahead

What Foreign Founders Should Prepare

1. A Clear Business Model and Permitted Business Classification (KBLI)

Indonesia’s licensing system requires correct classification for digital platforms, marketplaces, SaaS companies, etc.

2. Proof of Investment or Capital Plan

Mandatory for Investor KITAS eligibility.

3. Legal Compliance and Reporting

PT PMAs must submit:

• Investment reports (LKPM)
• Annual tax filings
• Manpower compliance if employing staff

4. Choosing the Right Immigration Strategy

Your decision depends on whether you’re:

• Exploring: Business Visa
• Launching: PT PMA + Investor KITAS
• Actively running operations: PT PMA + Work KITAS

Why Indonesia Attracts Foreign Founders

Foreign entrepreneurs choose Indonesia because of:

• A population of 280+ million and a massive digital consumer base
• Rapidly growing tech adoption (SEA’s largest internet market)
• Strong startup ecosystems in Jakarta, Bandung, Bali, and Yogyakarta
• Increasing investor interest from regional VCs

Indonesia’s market potential is huge, which is why founders look for startup-visa-like pathways even before such a program exists.

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A formal “startup visa Indonesia for foreign founders” does not currently exist, but Indonesia provides several immigration and corporate structures that allow founders to build and operate startups legally.

The most common route is: 

PT PMA → Investor KITAS → (optional) Work KITAS

With careful planning and the right visa strategy, foreign founders can launch innovative companies in one of Asia’s most dynamic digital markets.