Moving to Indonesia in 2026: The Complete Guide for New Arrivals
To move to Indonesia in 2026, choose a route through the Directorate General of Immigration — commonly the KITAS limited-stay permit for work (with employer sponsorship) or investment, the Second Home or remote-worker visas, or the Golden Visa for investors. Working requires employer sponsorship and work authorisation. Formalise the correct permit rather than relying on visa runs, learn some Bahasa Indonesia, and budget for popular areas like Bali where prices have risen.
Quick answer
To move to Indonesia in 2026, choose a route through the Directorate General of Immigration — commonly the KITAS limited-stay permit for work (with employer sponsorship) or investment, the Second Home or remote-worker visas, or the Golden Visa for investors. Working requires employer sponsorship and work authorisation. Formalise the correct permit rather than relying on visa runs, learn some Bahasa Indonesia, and budget for popular areas like Bali where prices have risen.
Step One: Choose Your Route
The KITAS is the limited-stay permit used for work — with employer sponsorship and work authorisation — or investment. The Second Home and remote-worker visas target those who can support themselves, and the Golden Visa offers longer residence for significant investors, alongside study and family routes.
Because deposit, income and investment thresholds for the Second Home and Golden visas are updated, confirm the current requirements on the Directorate General of Immigration website. Work-based KITAS requires a sponsoring employer, so line that up first if you intend to work.
Step Two: Permits and Sponsorship
KITAS holders register and may receive a stay-permit card, and work-based routes require the employer to arrange the necessary work authorisation. Getting your status right underpins banking, longer leases and services.
Informal arrangements and repeated visa runs carry real risk, so formalising the correct permit for your situation is the foundation of a stable stay, particularly for those working or investing.
Step Three: Healthcare and Daily Setup
Indonesia has public and private healthcare, and expats commonly use private clinics and international insurance for quality and convenience. Arranging coverage is part of settling in.
A local bank account can depend on holding the right permit, so plan around your KITAS or other visa. Setting up housing and services is smoother once your status is confirmed.
Step Four: Cost, Housing and Regions
Indonesia is affordable, and Bali in particular offers a strong lifestyle at low cost, though popular areas have seen rising prices. Landlords often expect longer-term payment upfront, and where you settle — Bali, Jakarta or elsewhere — shapes your budget and lifestyle.
Keep a financial buffer, and research your target area's rental norms, which can differ from Western expectations, especially the upfront payment culture in popular expat destinations.
Step Five: Language and Settling In
English is widely spoken in Bali, Jakarta's international sectors and tourism, so expat-hub life is manageable. But Bahasa Indonesia runs official processes and life beyond those bubbles, and it is one of the more approachable languages to learn.
SettleBuddy's Language Lab teaches the real situations of a move in usable form, helping you handle immigration, housing and daily life. With low costs and a major lifestyle draw, Indonesia rewards movers who formalise their status properly.
Where SettleBuddy comes in
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Explore SettleBuddy →Key takeaways
- Routes include the KITAS (work/investment), Second Home and remote-worker visas, and the Golden Visa.
- Working requires employer sponsorship and work authorisation tied to the KITAS.
- Formalise the correct permit rather than relying on visa runs — informal stays carry risk.
- Expats commonly use private healthcare and international insurance.
- Confirm current deposit/income/investment thresholds on the Directorate General of Immigration site.
FAQ
How do I move to Indonesia in 2026?
Choose a route through the Directorate General of Immigration — the KITAS (work with employer sponsorship, or investment), the Second Home or remote-worker visas, or the Golden Visa for investors. Working requires sponsorship and work authorisation. Confirm current thresholds officially, and formalise the correct permit rather than relying on visa runs.
What is a KITAS?
The KITAS is Indonesia's limited-stay permit, used for work (with employer sponsorship and work authorisation) or investment. It underpins longer stays, banking and leases. Work-based KITAS requires a sponsoring employer, so confirm the current process on the immigration website.
What visas suit remote workers or investors?
Indonesia offers Second Home and remote-worker routes for those who can support themselves, and a Golden Visa for significant investors. Their deposit, income and investment thresholds are updated, so verify the current requirements before applying.
How does healthcare work in Indonesia?
Indonesia has public and private healthcare, and expats commonly use private clinics and international insurance for quality and convenience. Arranging coverage is part of settling in, once your permit and status are in place.
Do I need Bahasa Indonesia?
English is widely spoken in Bali, Jakarta's international sectors and tourism, so expat-hub life is manageable. But Bahasa Indonesia runs official processes and life beyond those areas. It is comparatively approachable, and functional ability smooths bureaucracy and integration.
Official sources
The regulated facts in this guide are drawn from official government sources. Rules and figures change — always confirm the current detail on the official page before you act.