Foreigners Working In Bali: What Do I Need To Ensure To Work Legitimately In Indonesia?
First Thing First
Many foreigners working in Indonesia share concerns about safety and security when working legitimately. These concerns stem from real difficulties, as numerous occasions have arisen where foreigners experience difficulties and persecutions for sharing and in some cases, for promoting their works.
Why Do Foreigners Experience These Issues?
According to Indonesian immigration law, only foreigners holding certain visas and permits can work legally. The primary working visa falls under the C31-Limited Stay Visa (Multiple Entry category), though a B211A Single Entry Visa may also enable work with limited scope.
About C31-Limited Stay Visa
This visa allows foreigners to choose stay periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years, with re-entry and extension options. It includes several sub-categories:
- Working Visa (C312)
- Foreign Direct Investment Visa (C313 & C314)
- Training & Research Visa (C315)
- Education (C316)
- Family Unification Visa (C317)
- Repatriation Visa (C318)
Working Visa (C312)
Targets foreigners identified as experts or workers, including those conducting skills trials. The term "workers" encompasses:
- Persons conducting activities related to certain professions and receiving payment
- Creating commercially-characterized movies with relevant authority permits
- Installing and repairing machines
- Holding art performances, music, or sport events
- Performing after-sales service
Foreign Direct Investment Visa (C313 & C314)
Applies to foreign nationals conducting investment activities in Indonesia with varying maximum stays (2, 5, or 10 years) and corresponding capital requirements.
Digital Nomad Visa (Bonus Round)
Despite initial 2021 discussions, no Digital Nomad Visa has materialized. Indonesia instead introduced the Second Home Limited Stay Visa in 2022, available for 5 or 10 years to remote workers employed by companies outside Indonesia, among other categories.
Conclusion
Foreigners planning visible work in Indonesia require appropriate visas matching their work field. Holding the correct visa and understanding its legal capacity facilitates legitimate, conducive employment.