Indonesia has long been a top destination for digital nomads, thanks to its natural beauty, affordable living costs, and vibrant remote-working community. With tropical beaches, lush jungles, and a rich cultural heritage, Indonesia provides an idyllic setting for remote workers. However, navigating Indonesia’s visa system can be challenging for digital nomads. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about stay permits for remote workers in Indonesia, including the current visa options, how to apply, and the latest regulations for 2025.
A Digital Nomad Visa is specifically designed for remote workers who are employed by foreign companies or run their own online businesses. Unlike typical work visas, this visa allows individuals to work remotely from Indonesia without needing to be employed by a local business. It gives digital nomads the opportunity to live in Indonesia for extended periods while working for companies based outside the country.
As of 2025, Indonesia is in the process of introducing its Digital Nomad Visa, providing a more streamlined legal framework for remote workers. This visa is expected to make it easier for digital nomads to work legally in the country, offering more flexible terms and benefits than other visa types.
While the Digital Nomad Visa is still being finalized, there are several visa options currently available for remote workers looking to live in Indonesia.
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is the most common visa for tourists visiting Indonesia. It allows a stay of up to 30 days, with the possibility of extending for another 30 days. However, this visa is only suitable for tourists, and working (remotely or otherwise) while on a VOA is not permitted. Therefore, if you are planning to work remotely during your stay in Indonesia, you will need to explore other visa options.
The B211A Visa is a popular choice for digital nomads, allowing foreigners to stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days. This visa can be extended for an additional 6 months in total, making it an attractive option for those planning to stay longer. It is designed for social, cultural, and business purposes, so while it doesn’t allow for working directly for Indonesian employers, it is suitable for remote workers employed by companies outside of Indonesia.
The B211A visa is particularly favored by digital nomads because of its flexibility, but bear in mind that it does not allow you to engage in work that generates income from Indonesian companies. It’s perfect for digital nomads who are working for foreign clients or running online businesses.
Indonesia’s new Digital Nomad Visa is being developed to cater specifically to remote workers. This visa will allow digital nomads to live in Indonesia for extended periods, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years, with the possibility of extension.
The Digital Nomad Visa will allow foreign workers to legally work remotely for foreign companies without the restrictions placed on the B211A or Tourist Visas. It is a welcomed move to provide more clarity and support for the growing number of digital nomads in the country.
The Digital Nomad Visa will likely include benefits such as access to co-working spaces, affordable living, and the ability to work remotely without the complexities of other visa categories.
For digital nomads who plan to stay in Indonesia for a more extended period, the KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) might be an option. This visa typically applies to foreigners working with Indonesian companies, but it is also possible for digital nomads working for foreign companies to obtain a KITAS with a sponsor. A sponsor is typically required, and it can be either an Indonesian citizen or a local company. The KITAS allows for stays of up to 2 years and can be extended.
For digital nomads looking to stay in the country long-term, KITAS might be the most viable option. However, it comes with more stringent requirements compared to the B211A visa.
While the Digital Nomad Visa is still being finalized, here are the steps that digital nomads can follow to apply for other types of visas, such as the B211A or KITAS:
Indonesia is an ideal destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, excellent internet infrastructure, and vibrant expat community. Popular locations like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta are home to numerous co-working spaces, cafes, and networking events that allow digital nomads to collaborate, share ideas, and maintain a high level of productivity.
Additionally, Indonesia offers an unmatched lifestyle with its tropical climate, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes, allowing digital nomads to balance work and leisure effectively.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s Digital Nomad Visa, alongside the existing visa options, provides a fantastic opportunity for remote workers to live and work in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world. By understanding the various visa options and staying compliant with immigration regulations, digital nomads can enjoy their time in Indonesia while working remotely for foreign companies.
If you are planning to work remotely from Indonesia in 2025, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the visa options available and begin preparing for a rewarding experience in this vibrant Southeast Asian country. Stay updated on the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa, and be sure to check for any changes in visa regulations that may arise.
