Indonesia business visa: Requirements, fees and more

If you spend a lot of time in Indonesia for business, at some point it may become necessary to apply for a business visa. For example, if you spend more than 30 days in the country at a time.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting an Indonesian business visa as a Singapore resident. This includes the documents you’ll need, how to apply and crucially - how much it costs.

And while you’re preparing for your next business trip to Indonesia, make sure you have a cost-effective way to manage your money.

Open a multi-currency business account with Wise and you can pay suppliers, buy goods and cover all your business expenses during your stay in Indonesia. You’ll get the real, mid-market exchange rate on all your spending, and there are only low fees to pay.

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Types of Indonesia business visa

There is only one type of business visa for Indonesia, which is only required for work-related stays of 30 days or more. If each of your business trips is fewer than 30 days, you don’t need to worry about getting a visa.

If you are applying for an Indonesian business visa, you will need to choose between single and multiple entry.

A single entry visa will grant you permission to stay in Indonesia for business purposes for up to 60 days - although this can be extended upon application. If you’d like to hop over from Singapore to Indonesia multiple times in a year, you can apply for a multiple entry visa. This gives you access for 60 days per visit, and can’t be extended.¹

What documents do I need for an Indonesian business visa?

Singaporean residents need to provide certain documents to apply for a business visa for Indonesia. These include the following:²

• Current passport - valid for at least 6 months for a single entry visa
• Recent passport-size colour photographs of yourself
• A letter of invitation from your Indonesian sponsor (in Bahasa) - outlining the reason for the visit and its duration
• Copy of a resident permit or landing card (for short-term visitors)
• A business cover letter from your company in Singapore, stating the reason for the visit.
• Proof of adequate funds for living costs while in Indonesia.
• Copy of a return or onward journey ticket.

How to apply for an Indonesia business visa

Indonesia has recently introduced a new process for foreign visitors applying for visas. It used to be the case that you’d fill in an application form and apply at the Indonesian embassy in Singapore.

However, the visa application process has now gone online. Here’s an outline of the steps you’ll need to follow to apply for an Indonesia business visa from Singapore:³

1. Your sponsor in Indonesia will need to sign up for an account at the Indonesian consular website.
2. The sponsor will need to complete the visa application on your behalf, and pay the required fee
3. The application is verified and processed, before a decision is made on whether to grant or refuse the e-visa
4. Once the e-visa is granted, you are free to travel to Indonesia - there’s no need to visit an embassy in Singapore to pick up your visa in person.

Can I get an Indonesia business visa on arrival?

While it’s usually recommended to apply for your business visa in advance, while you’re still in Singapore, it is still possible to do it when you arrive. It is recommended to apply online for the visa as soon as possible after landing in Indonesia.

How long does it take to process?

The time it takes for your business visa to be approved can vary, but it should take no more than 5 working days⁴. However, there could be delays if you’ve not provided all the required documents or there is information missing from your application.

Fees for a business visa in Indonesia⁵

When you submit your application form, you’ll also need to pay an administration fee.

The fee to apply for a single entry visa in Indonesia is around S$67, while a multiple entry visa will cost around S$147.

If you’re applying for an Indonesia business visa on arrival, the cost is around S$48.

Manage international business payments easily (and save money) with Wise

If you’re setting up a base in Indonesia and want to send money to and from Singapore, you could save money with Wise.

Open a Wise Business borderless account and you can send, spend and receive money internationally with low fees and the real exchange rate.

Hold multiple currencies in your account at once, and switch between them whenever you want.

You can invoice like a local, and spend like one too using your own Wise Platinum Business debit card. This means that during your trip, you can cover all your essential expenses with just a tap of your contactless card.

You can either use your business Mastercard, or the debit card linked to your personal Wise account and get your business expenses reimbursed back home in Singapore. It’s completely up to you. Both options come with no hidden fees and automatic conversions if you don’t already have the currency in your account. It’s the handy, affordable way to spend overseas.

So, that’s it - all you need to know about applying for an Indonesia business visa from Singapore. It’s great news that the process has gone online, as it should make it quicker and easier to secure your visa. Good luck!

Sources used for this article:

Sources checked on 5 February 2021.