What documents are needed on Bali

Moving to Bali — or investing here — requires more than a passport and a dream.

Behind the relaxed island lifestyle lies a clear legal framework: immigration, property, taxation, and business operations all depend on proper documentation.

This guide from DDA Real Estate explains what documents foreigners need in Bali in 2025 — from visa setup to land ownership and company registration.

Immigration & Visas

Every foreigner entering Indonesia must hold a valid passport and visa.

The right visa depends on your goals — short-term travel, business, or permanent residence.

Main visa categories (2025):

• Tourist Visa / e-VoA (Electronic Visa on Arrival): 30–60 days, non-extendable beyond one renewal.
• Business Visa (B211A): 60–180 days, for market research or meetings.
• Digital Nomad Visa: Up to 5 years, tax-free for remote income earned abroad.
• KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit): 6–12 months, renewable; for investors, workers, retirees, and dependents.
• KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit): 5 years, renewable; available after 3 years of continuous KITAS.

Required for KITAS:

• Passport valid for 6+ months
• Sponsorship (employer or PT PMA)
• Tax ID (NPWP)
• Health insurance
• Digital photo and biometrics

Always apply through licensed visa agents or directly on the E-Visa 2.0 system at imigrasi.go.id.

Timeline Overview

Process	Authority	Typical Duration
KITAS Application	Immigration	2–4 weeks
Domicile Letter	Village Office (Kelurahan)	2–3 days
STM (Police Report)	Local Police Station	1–2 days
PT PMA Setup	BKPM / Notary	3–6 weeks

Timelines vary depending on your visa type, sponsor, and region — plan ahead to avoid overstays or penalties.

Residency Documents

Once you obtain your KITAS, you must register your presence locally.

Key residency documents:

• Domicile Letter (Surat Keterangan Domisili): Proof of your residence; issued by your Kelurahan (village office).
• STM (Surat Tanda Melapor): Police registration confirming your stay.
• Since 2023, many regions now integrate STM into online police reporting — check if your Banjar still requires a physical copy.

These documents are essential for opening a bank account, enrolling children in school, or applying for healthcare.

Business and Company Documents

If you’re opening a business, Bali requires a formal structure through PT PMA (foreign-owned company).

Key company documents:

• Deed of Establishment (Akta Pendirian) — prepared by a notary.
• NIB (Business Identification Number) — generated via the OSS system.
• NPWP (Tax ID) — for tax and payroll obligations.
• BKPM Investment Approval Letter — confirms registration under foreign investment rules.
• Investor KITAS — allows directors/shareholders to live and work in Indonesia.

For small-scale operations (consulting, wellness, F&B), your NIB defines the business code (KBLI). Make sure it matches your real activity — incorrect KBLI codes can trigger tax audits or penalties.

With professional assistance, PT PMA setup takes 3–6 weeks from notary signing to tax activation.

Property & Real Estate Documents

Buying or leasing property in Bali requires verified documentation — otherwise, you risk losing your investment.

Document	Purpose
SHM (Sertifikat Hak Milik)	Freehold title (for Indonesian citizens only)
HGB (Hak Guna Bangunan)	Building rights for PT PMA and companies
Lease Agreement (Hak Sewa)	Long-term rental right (25–80 years)
PBG (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung)	Construction permit replacing IMB
SLF (Sertifikat Laik Fungsi)	Confirms building safety and functionality
PBB (Tax Receipt)	Proof that land and building taxes are paid
Zoning Confirmation (RTRW)	Defines permitted land use (residential, tourism, etc.)

Warning: Avoid “nominee agreements” where land is held in a local’s name “on your behalf.” These contracts have no legal standing and are not protected under Indonesian law. Always use a PT PMA or leasehold structure.

Pro Tip — Land Verification

Hire a licensed surveyor (patok survey) to re-measure the plot before signing.

Even minor boundary mismatches can cause future disputes or permit issues.

A professional survey ensures the land matches the BPN registry coordinates and official map boundaries.

Daily Life Documents

To live and operate day-to-day, you’ll need:

• SIM (Driver’s License): Issued by Polri; SIM C for scooters, SIM A for cars.
• NPWP (Tax ID): Required for any financial, rental, or business activity.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory for visa renewals and hospital access.
• Bank Account Documentation: Passport, KITAS, NPWP, and domicile letter.

Keep digital and paper copies — Bali offices often require both.

Document Validity & Renewal

Document	Validity	Renewal
KITAS	6–12 months	Renewable annually
SIM (Driver’s License)	5 years	Renewal at Polri
PT PMA License	Indefinite	Requires annual tax and OSS filings
PBG / SLF	Permanent (if no changes)	Update after major renovation

Renew on time to avoid fines or loss of status — Indonesian authorities track visa and tax compliance electronically.

Before You Buy or Sign — Key Property Documents

Before paying a deposit or signing a contract, request these verified copies:

• Land Certificate (SHM or HGB)
• Land Book Copy from BPN
• Zoning Confirmation (RTRW Letter)
• PBG + SLF (if a building exists)
• PBB (Tax Receipt) showing taxes paid

These five papers form your legal shield against fraud.
If one is missing — don’t proceed until verified by a notary.

Real Contacts & Resources

Institution	Purpose	Contact
Imigrasi Denpasar	Visas and KITAS/KITAP applications	imigrasi.go.id
BKPM / OSS Indonesia	PT PMA and business registration	oss.go.id
BPN (Badan Pertanahan Nasional)	Land title and ownership verification	bpn.go.id
Dinas Tata Ruang	Zoning and land-use approval	Local Regency Office
Polresta Denpasar	Police reports and STM registration	Hotline 110

Read also: Property Contracts And Due Diligence In Bali And Indonesia How to Get a Long Term Stay Visa for Bali Visa for Bali.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I live in Bali with a tourist visa long-term?
  No. Tourist and business visas don’t grant residency. For long-term living, apply for KITAS or KITAP.
• Do I need a Tax ID (NPWP) as an expat?
  Yes, if you hold a KITAS and earn or spend money in Indonesia. It’s also required for property transactions and company registration.
• Who can help me verify land ownership?
  Licensed notaries or legal consultants. DDA Real Estate can coordinate due diligence directly through BPN.

DDA Real Estate — Legal and Business Assistance on Bali

DDA Real Estate helps foreigners establish life and business on Bali with full legal compliance.

Our services include:

• PT PMA registration and tax setup
• KITAS and visa applications
• Property verification and notary assistance
• Zoning and land-use due diligence

From paperwork to property, we make relocation to Bali simple, transparent, and secure.