Retirement visa Indonesia: The essential guide

For many Singaporeans, Indonesia is a dream retirement destination. A beautiful, exotic archipelago with a warm climate, Indonesia also offers a diverse culture and very affordable cost of living.

If this sounds perfect for you, one of the first things you’ll need to kickstart your retirement planning is a visa. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a retirement visa for Indonesia, from eligibility to fees.

We’ll also take a quick look at how solutions such as the Wise multi-currency account could help you save money on relocation expenses, as well as your spending while you’re living in Indonesia.

But first, let’s take a look at the Indonesian visa types available for Singaporean retirees.

Is there more than one type of Indonesia retirement visa?

If you want to retire to Indonesia from Singapore, there’s just one visa type available. This is the Temporary Stay Visa for Retirees, also known as a KITAS. It’s specially designed for foreign retirees aged 55 or over.

Once approved, this multiple-entry visa lasts for one year and can be renewed annually up to five times. This gives you a maximum stay of five years. After this time, you’ll be eligible to apply for a Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP).¹

One of the main things to remember with the Indonesia retirement visa is that holders are not allowed to work while in the country. This means you can’t earn an income in Indonesia, even from part-time work.

Retirement visa Indonesia requirements - what documents will I need?

If you’re a Singapore resident over 55, you should be eligible to apply for the Indonesia retirement visa. Here’s what paperwork you’ll need to have ready:²

• Copy of your current passport with at least 18 months validity remaining
• Recent photographs of yourself
• A sponsor letter from an appointed travel agency (who will also need to supply copies of their tax ID and company business licence)
• Evidence of your employment and educational history
• Proof that you have at least 1,500 USD (around 2,000 SGD) a month in pension income
• Health and life insurance documents
• Proof of accommodation in Indonesia - such as a home lease agreement for one year
• A statement confirming you’ll employ at least two Indonesian workers (i.e. for cleaning/gardening services).

How to apply for an Indonesian retirement visa from Singapore

Ready to apply? If you have all your documentation ready, you’ll need to find a licensed travel agency to act as your sponsor. They will advise you on the required paperwork, help you complete the application forms and submit the application on your behalf.

Once your visa application is approved, you can head to the nearest Indonesian consular office in Singapore with your confirmation document to complete any further necessary processes. Alternatively, you’ll receive an e-Visa to print, which allows you to enter Indonesia.

On arrival, you’ll need to provide a photo and fingerprints to the Indonesian immigration office. They’ll issue you with your KITAS Stay Permit and you’ll be legally permitted to remain in Indonesia for one year.

How long does it take to get an Indonesian visa?

The time it takes to approve your visa and complete all the paperwork can vary from case to case, and depending on which travel agency submits your application.

In general though, it should take around 10 business days for your retirement visa application to be processed. ³

Fees for Indonesia retirement visa applications

There are a few fees to pay when applying for a retirement visa for Indonesia. These include a ~19 SGD visa approval fee and a ~200 SGD fee² for your temporary stay visa.

Save money on relocation expenses with Wise

While you’re starting to gather documents for your Indonesia retirement visa application, it’s a good time to think about how you’ll cover your relocation expenses - including paying your visa application fees.

Open a free multi-currency Wise account and you can send money between Singapore and Indonesia for low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. This could be as much as 7x cheaper than using your bank for these essential international payments.

And when you’re all settled into blissful retired life in Indonesia, you can continue using your Wise account to send money to family in Singapore or all over the world. You can even get a Wise multi-currency card, with which you can spend in the local currency of over 200 countries worldwide.

So, that’s pretty much it - everything you need to know about getting a retirement visa for Indonesia. We’ve covered how to apply, how much it’ll cost you and the rather long list of documents you’ll need.

But the great thing about Indonesia’s visa system is the necessity to apply through a travel agency, who can handle all the details for you. Just make sure you choose your agency carefully, opting for one with a good reputation and the right credentials.

Good luck!

Sources used for this article:

Sources checked on 23 February 2021