Key takeaways
- Indonesia’s Golden Visa (E28C) offers 5- or 10-year renewable residency for investors meeting threshold requirements — from USD 350,000 for individual investors to USD 50 million for corporate directors.
- The property route is real: purchasing a qualifying Indonesian residential apartment worth at least USD 1,000,000 qualifies for the 10-year Golden Visa.
- The Second Home Visa is the lower-threshold alternative: USD 130,000 (IDR 2 billion) in property ownership or bank deposit grants 5 or 10 years residency.
- Major perks: no physical presence requirement, fast-track airport lanes, no need to apply for ITAS at immigration office, family inclusion, fully online application via the Molina portal.
- Critical caveat: spending 183+ days/year in Indonesia triggers tax residency on worldwide income. Plan accordingly.
Indonesia’s Golden Visa program — formally Visa Tinggal Terbatas E28C — launched in 2023 and matured significantly through 2025-2026. For high-net-worth investors considering Bali, Lombok, or Jakarta as a base, the Golden Visa now represents a streamlined, fully-online pathway to long-term residency. This guide reflects the rules in effect in May 2026, including the Permenkumham 22/2023 framework, PMK 82/2023 on financial qualifying investments, and the January 2026 introduction of the Golden Visa Nusantara track for IKN-related investments.
If you’re at the research stage of a Bali property + residency plan, this is the legal framework you’ll need to master. Our team at Bali Exception coordinates Golden Visa applications alongside property acquisitions every month — the two decisions are tightly linked, and structuring them together saves both money and time.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This article provides educational information based on Indonesian immigration regulations as of May 2026. It is not legal or immigration advice. Indonesian Golden Visa rules continue to evolve, and specific cases may require additional considerations (source-of-funds verification, tax residency planning, family inclusion). Before any application, consult a qualified Indonesian immigration consultant. Bali Exception’s legal partners handle Golden Visa applications routinely — schedule a consultation here.
What is the Indonesia Golden Visa (E28C)?
Established under Permenkumham (Minister of Law) Regulation No. 22 of 2023 and Minister of Finance Regulation No. 82 of 2023, Indonesia’s Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit granted to foreign nationals making significant investments in the country. The program aims to attract foreign investment and talent to boost Indonesia’s economic development and make it possible for foreigners can stay in Bali for longer.
What you actually receive
- VITAS (Visit Visa for Limited Stay): automatically converts to ITAS on arrival
- ITAS (Limited Stay Permit, E28C-coded): renewable 5- or 10-year residency
- Multiple-entry permission: no re-entry permit needed for travel
- Fast-track airport lanes: at Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta) and Ngurah Rai (Bali)
- No ITAS application requirement: Golden Visa holders skip the standard immigration office process
- Family inclusion: spouse and children eligible (with additional fees)
- After 3 years: eligible to apply for ITAP (permanent residency equivalent)
What it does NOT include
- Citizenship: Indonesia does not offer citizenship-by-investment. The Golden Visa is residency-only.
- Right to local employment: you cannot take a salaried job from an Indonesian employer (you can run businesses you own / are a director of)
- Tax exemption: if you spend 183+ days/year in Indonesia, you become a tax resident on worldwide income
- Automatic property ownership: Hak Milik (freehold) remains restricted to Indonesian citizens regardless of visa status
Golden Visa vs Second Home Visa: which one fits you?
This is the question almost every prospective HNW resident asks. Both are legitimate long-stay visas, but they target different investor profiles.
| Criterion | Second Home Visa | Golden Visa (E28C) |
| Minimum financial commitment | USD 130,000 (IDR 2 billion) bank deposit OR property | USD 350,000 (5-year) / USD 700,000 or $1M property (10-year) |
| Duration | 5 or 10 years | 5 or 10 years |
| Application process | Online + immigration office | 100% online via Molina portal |
| Approval timeline | 4–8 weeks | 2–6 weeks |
| Fast-track airport lanes | No | Yes |
| ITAS exemption | No (still need ITAS process) | Yes (skip ITAS step) |
| Right to work / business | Run businesses you own; no local employment | Run businesses you own; no local employment |
| Path to ITAP (PR equivalent) | After 3 years | After 3 years |
| Best for | Retirees, lifestyle relocators, smaller investors | HNW investors, business operators, status-conscious applicants |
Source: Bali Exception analysis based on Permenkumham 22/2023, PMK 82/2023, and 2026 immigration practice. Verify current details with a licensed consultant.
ℹ️ Quick decision rule
If your total Indonesia-deployable capital is under $300K, the Second Home Visa is your route ($130K threshold, simpler). If you’re deploying $350K+ and value the prestige + fast-track perks, go Golden Visa. If you’re targeting $1M+ in residential property anyway, the Golden Visa property route is essentially ‘free’ — you’d be deploying that capital for the property regardless.
The 5 Golden Visa categories explained
Category 1 — Individual investor (no Indonesian company)
The most common route for HNW property investors. Doesn’t require establishing an Indonesian company.
- 5-year Golden Visa: Invest USD 350,000 in Indonesian government bonds, IDX-listed shares, or mutual funds
- 10-year Golden Visa: Invest USD 700,000 in same instruments OR purchase a residential apartment worth at least USD 1,000,000
- Investment must be deposited within 90 days of arrival in Indonesia
- Investment must be maintained throughout the visa period — early withdrawal can trigger cancellation
- Plus: proof of monthly income of $5,000+ OR equivalent savings
Category 2 — Individual investor establishing a company
- 5-year Golden Visa: Establish company + invest USD 2.5 million (~IDR 38 billion)
- 10-year Golden Visa: Establish company + invest USD 5 million (~IDR 76 billion)
Best for entrepreneurs setting up substantial Indonesian operations — typically PT PMA structures with hospitality, tech, or real estate development thesis.
Category 3 — Corporate investor (directors & commissioners)
- 5-year Golden Visa: Establish company + invest USD 25 million (~IDR 380 billion)
- 10-year Golden Visa: Establish company + invest USD 50 million (~IDR 760 billion)
- Plus: proof of overseas business turnover of at least USD 100,000
Reserved for substantial multinational deployments. The directors and commissioners of the qualifying company receive Golden Visas.
Category 4 — Global Talent
Reserved for foreign individuals with exceptional expertise in science, technology, arts, or culture. Cannot be self-applied — must be nominated by a central Indonesian government agency. Famous early recipient: Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO), Shin Tae-Yong (Indonesian national football team coach).
Category 5 — Golden Visa Nusantara (NEW — January 2026)
Introduced in January 2026 specifically for investors involved in developing Indonesia’s new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) in East Kalimantan. Investment thresholds are reduced compared to standard corporate categories. Eligibility limited to investors affiliated with prescribed international accounting/professional services firms or those investing in approved IKN projects. Highly specialized — most readers won’t qualify.
The property route: $1M apartment for 10-year residency
This is the route most relevant to Bali Exception clients. Buying a qualifying Indonesian residential apartment worth at least USD 1,000,000 unlocks the 10-year Golden Visa — without needing a $700,000 financial deposit.
⚠️ Critical eligibility detail
The property route applies specifically to RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS (condominiums) with appropriate title structure. Standalone villas on individually-titled land are not eligible for this route as foreigners cannot hold the underlying Hak Milik (freehold) title. Compliant property options typically include luxury apartments held under Hak Pakai (Right to Use) or via PT PMA holding HGB title. Verify eligibility with a qualified consultant before committing capital.
How the property route works in practice
- Identify a qualifying property (luxury apartment, $1M+ value, eligible title structure)
- Sign preliminary agreement with deposit held in notary escrow
- Apply for Golden Visa via Molina portal with property purchase commitment
- Receive VITAS approval (2–6 weeks)
- Enter Indonesia with VITAS, complete property purchase within 90 days
- Submit proof of property ownership to Immigration to convert VITAS to ITAS (E28C)
- Maintain property ownership throughout the 10-year visa period
Property route advantages over financial route
- Tangible asset vs. locked-up bonds/shares
- Generates rental income (if structured properly via PT PMA, 8-15% gross yield typical for Bali villa-style apartments)
- Captures property appreciation (Bali prime markets continue to grow 7-15% annually)
- Lifestyle dividend — actually USE the property as a residence
- Aligns with most HNW intentions (buying Bali property anyway)
If you’re considering the property route, the parallel decision is which property structure to use (leasehold vs PT PMA HGB vs Hak Pakai) and which area to target. Our complete Bali property law guide covers structure decisions in detail. For market positioning, see our Best Areas to Invest in Bali in 2026.
💰 BIG opportunity for 2026 buyers
If you’re using the Golden Visa property route AND your qualifying purchase is a ready-to-occupy property under IDR 5 billion (~$320K, applies in lower-tier scenarios) — you may also qualify for PMK 90/2025’s 100% government-borne VAT on the first IDR 2 billion. This stacks. A $1M+ apartment purchase falls outside this incentive’s price cap, but ancillary purchases or smaller initial properties before scaling up to the $1M threshold can capture both. Our team handles this layered structuring.
The 10 priority countries (2026 fast-track)
In 2026, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration designated 10 priority countries for Golden Visa fast-track processing. Citizens of these nations don’t get reduced thresholds, but their applications receive accelerated review and smoother inter-agency coordination.
| Region | Priority countries |
| Asia-Pacific | Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, China |
| Americas | United States, Canada |
| Middle East | United Arab Emirates |
| Europe | United Kingdom, Germany |
Verify current priority list with the Directorate General of Immigration as designations may evolve.
Application process: step-by-step via the Molina portal
Indonesia digitalized the Golden Visa application process in 2024 via the Molina online portal (operated by the Directorate General of Immigration). The full application is now online — no embassy visits, no in-person interviews.
Step 1 — Pre-qualification & source-of-funds audit
Before applying, ensure your qualifying capital can be traced through legitimate banking channels. Indonesian Immigration conducts increasingly rigorous source-of-funds checks. Prepare bank statements showing the origin of your $350K-$1M+ qualifying amount over the prior 6-12 months.
Step 2 — Document preparation
- Passport (12+ months validity)
- Bank statement showing minimum $5,000/month income or equivalent savings
- Statement of investment commitment (matching your chosen category)
- Curriculum vitae
- Proof of address in home country
- Recent passport-style photo
- Police clearance certificate from country of origin (if required)
- Health insurance covering Indonesia
Step 3 — Online application via Molina
Register on evisa.imigrasi.go.id, complete the E28C application form, upload all documents, pay application fees online (Visa, Mastercard, JCB).
Step 4 — Application review
Standard processing: 2-6 weeks. Priority country applications often closer to 2-3 weeks. Source-of-funds checks may extend timeline if discrepancies surface.
Step 5 — VITAS issuance
On approval, you receive a VITAS (Visit Visa for Limited Stay) electronically. Print or save digitally.
Step 6 — Arrival in Indonesia
Enter Indonesia within 90 days of VITAS issuance. At immigration, your VITAS automatically converts to ITAS (E28C-coded) — no separate ITAS application required. This is a major time-saver vs. standard residency permits.
Step 7 — Investment placement (within 90 days)
Within 90 days of entering Indonesia, complete your qualifying investment: open Indonesian bank account for government bond purchases, complete property acquisition, or finalize stock/mutual fund deposit. Submit proof to Immigration.
Step 8 — Re-entry permit & ongoing compliance
Multi-entry re-entry permit issued automatically. Maintain qualifying investment for the duration of the visa. After 3 years of continuous residency, you become eligible to apply for ITAP (permanent residency equivalent).
Costs, fees & ongoing obligations
| Cost item | Amount | Notes |
| 5-year Golden Visa fee | IDR 13M (~USD 800) | Government application fee |
| 10-year Golden Visa fee | IDR 19.5M (~USD 1,200) | Government application fee |
| Legal/consultant fees | USD 3,000–USD 8,000 | Optional but strongly recommended |
| Family member inclusion (each) | USD 800–USD 1,500 | Spouse + dependent children |
| Source-of-funds audit | USD 1,000–USD 3,000 | If complex international structure |
| Annual reporting | Free | Investment proof required at renewal |
| ITAP conversion (after 3 years) | IDR 15M (~USD 950) | Permanent residency-equivalent |
Tax residency: the 183-day rule
⚠️ Critical tax consideration
Holding the Golden Visa does NOT automatically make you a tax resident. However, if you spend 183 days or more in Indonesia within any 12-month period, you become an Indonesian tax resident — meaning your worldwide income becomes potentially subject to Indonesian taxation. For HNW individuals with global income streams, this can have significant implications. Plan your time in Indonesia carefully, and consult a cross-border tax advisor before applying.
Practical strategies HNW Golden Visa holders use:
- Stay under 183 days/year: treat Indonesia as a base, not exclusive residence
- Embrace tax residency: if Indonesian tax burden is favorable vs. home jurisdiction
- Structure income through PT PMA: corporate income tax may be more efficient than personal
- Use the dependents structure: family members may have different residency days, optimizing collectively
Family inclusion & dependents
The Golden Visa explicitly permits family inclusion — a major selling point for HNW applicants relocating with families.
- Spouse: Eligible for derived Golden Visa status. Standard fee per spouse: $800–$1,500.
- Dependent children: Up to 18 (or 21 if in full-time education) qualify. Same fee structure.
- Partners/unmarried: Indonesia recognizes only legally married spouses for visa derivation purposes.
- Schools: Children of Golden Visa holders can enroll in Indonesian and international schools (Canggu Community School, Sunrise School, Lycée Français de Bali, etc.)
Comparison with regional alternatives
HNW investors often compare Indonesia’s program against other Asian and global golden visa offerings. Quick benchmark:
| Program | Min. investment | Duration | Citizenship path | Tax residency option |
| Indonesia Golden Visa | USD 350K | 5–10 yrs | No | Yes (183 days) |
| Thailand LTR Visa | USD 80K passive | 10 yrs | No | Limited tax options |
| Malaysia MM2H | USD 70K deposit | Renewable | No | Yes |
| Portugal Golden Visa (real estate suspended) | EUR 500K (funds only) | 5 yrs | Yes (5 yrs) | Yes |
| UAE Golden Visa | AED 2M (~USD 545K) property | 10 yrs | No | 0% personal tax |
Indonesia’s positioning: Mid-tier investment threshold, no citizenship path (a downside vs. Portugal historically), no tax exemption (downside vs. UAE), but unique lifestyle proposition (Bali) and significant property appreciation potential (upside vs. Thailand/Malaysia mature markets). For investors prioritizing lifestyle + property capital growth, Indonesia is increasingly competitive.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Indonesia Golden Visa cost in 2026?
Application fees: IDR 13 million (~USD 800) for the 5-year visa, IDR 19.5 million (~USD 1,200) for the 10-year. Plus the qualifying investment ranging from USD 350,000 (financial route) to USD 50 million (corporate route). Plus optional legal/consultant fees of USD 3,000–8,000.
Can I get the Golden Visa by buying property in Bali?
Yes — purchasing a residential apartment worth at least USD 1,000,000 qualifies for the 10-year Golden Visa. Critical caveats: must be an APARTMENT (not standalone villa on Hak Milik land), with eligible title structure (Hak Pakai, or via PT PMA HGB). Standalone villas don’t qualify directly for the property route — but can qualify indirectly through PT PMA structures.
What’s the difference between the Golden Visa and Second Home Visa?
The Second Home Visa requires only USD 130,000 (IDR 2 billion) in property or bank deposit and grants 5 or 10 years residency. The Golden Visa requires minimum USD 350,000 but offers fast-track processing, no ITAS step, airport priority lanes, and 100% online application. Second Home Visa = better value for smaller deployments. Golden Visa = premium status for HNW investors.
Does the Golden Visa give me Indonesian citizenship?
No. Indonesia does not offer citizenship-by-investment. The Golden Visa is a long-term renewable residency permit. After 3 years of continuous residency, holders can apply for ITAP (permanent residency-equivalent). Full Indonesian citizenship typically requires many years of continuous residence and demonstrated ties to Indonesia, and is granted at government discretion.
Can my family come with me on the Golden Visa?
Yes. Spouse and dependent children (up to 18, or 21 if in full-time education) are eligible for derived Golden Visa status. Each family member typically incurs an additional fee of USD 800–1,500. Same duration as primary applicant.
Do I need to live in Indonesia full-time to keep the Golden Visa?
No. There is no minimum physical presence requirement — you can keep your Golden Visa valid while spending most of the year outside Indonesia. However, if you spend 183+ days/year inside Indonesia, you become a tax resident with worldwide income exposure — plan accordingly.
How long does the Golden Visa application take?
Standard processing: 2-6 weeks via the Molina online portal. Priority country applications (USA, Singapore, UK, etc.) often closer to 2-3 weeks. Source-of-funds audits or document complications can extend timelines.
Can I work in Indonesia on a Golden Visa?
You can run businesses you own or are a director/commissioner of (e.g., your PT PMA hospitality business). You CANNOT take salaried employment from an Indonesian employer — that requires a separate work permit (KITAS Working). Most HNW Golden Visa holders run remote businesses or manage Indonesian investments rather than seeking local employment.
Is the Golden Visa suitable for digital nomads?
No — and this is an important correction to widely-circulated outdated advice. Indonesia launched the E33G Remote Worker Visa specifically for digital nomads in 2024. The Golden Visa’s investment thresholds are far above what most digital nomads need — use E33G instead, which is purpose-built for remote workers earning foreign income.
What happens if I withdraw my qualifying investment early?
Early withdrawal of the qualifying investment without immediately reinvesting in another qualifying asset typically triggers Golden Visa cancellation. Plan your capital deployment with the full visa duration in mind. Government bonds and IDX shares can typically be rolled over; property sales require structuring of replacement investments.
Ready to apply for an Indonesia Golden Visa?
Bali Exception coordinates Golden Visa applications alongside property acquisitions for international clients. The two decisions are tightly linked — your visa structure influences your property structure (and vice versa), and getting it right can save you tens of thousands of dollars and months of delay. Our legal partners handle Molina portal applications, source-of-funds audits, property due diligence, and family inclusion paperwork as integrated workflows.
