All you need to know about Business Visa issues by Indonesia

The moment one thinks of Indonesia, the next word that comes to the mind is Bali. Beautiful location. Tourist attraction. A fun place to visit. Also, then there is the economy to think about. Indonesia has the largest economy in Southeast Asia. It is the 16th largest in the world, taking into consideration the nominal GDP and 7th largest with respect to GDP (PPP). Do not forget to take into account another factor that plays a key role in the market economy – the administration of the prices of the variety of essential goods in Indonesia, including electricity and rice.

Indonesia is a nation that depends on government budget spending and the domestic market. While starting a business in Indonesia, these factors play a critical role in its success. After the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the government stepped up and took point on a substantial portion of the private sector assets. Action taken was in the form of acquiring non-performing bank loans, debt restructuring, and selling of the companies in custody to the private sector. Since then, the economy has seen a reasonable growth rate to over four to six per cent lately.

In 2012, Indonesia replaced India as the second-fastest-growing G-20 economy, behind China. Since then, the annual growth rate has slowed down and stagnates at a rate of 5%

Let us also take a look at a few challenges of doing business in Indonesia.

• A rather complex bureaucracy
• Uncertain legal environment
• Unpredictable regulations
• lack of complete transparency
• Expensive logistics
• Developing infrastructure
• Lethargic business culture leading to slow turnaround time

The significant jump in Indonesia’s ranking is based on the reforms made in various factors such as starting a business, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, paying taxes, trading across borders and enforcing contracts. Direct investment is among the top growth contributors for the economy.

Once you know what you have to look out for, you can be prepared to take on the legalities with a better frame of mind. Here is all you need to know about business visa issued in Indonesia.

Authority

The Indonesian Business Visa is issued by Indonesian Consulate General. The purpose of this visa is for normal business activities such as attending a conference or seminar. The visa does not include visits taken up for employment or for receiving any payments while in the country.

Types of entries

Single Entry Visa

• The stay can be extended to upto 60 days
• The extension must be applied for and obtained from the immigration authorities in Indonesia.

Multiple Entry Visa

This is issued upon the authorisation of the Indonesia’s Immigration Office. The applicant’s counterpart in the country applies locally on his or her behalf. After a written approval from the immigration authority, the applicant will apply for the visa by providing the rest of the required documents as stated below.

Upto 12-month validity

• This is issued upon the authorisation of Indonesia’s Immigration Office. The applicant’s counterpart in the country applies locally on his or her behalf. After a written approval from the immigration authority, the applicant will apply for the visa by providing the rest of the required documents as stated below.

The business visa will be issued within six working days from receipt of the application, subject to the accuracy of the documents submitted.

The following documents must be submitted.

• Required documents for business which should be submitted are as follow :
• Passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia)
• One completed visa application form
• One coloured passport size photograph
• Passports must have at least two fully blank unused pages
• Travel itinerary air ticket (proof of booking), including details of onward or return journey
• Hotel Reservation
• Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover the cost of the applicant’s intended stay in Indonesia (hard copy of 3 month personal bank statement within not less than 10.000 AED at closing statement).
• Two supporting letters (less than 1 month validity), each from the applicant firm in UAE and sponsor/counterpart in Indonesia setting out the reason and duration of the proposed visit, and responsibility for accommodation/maintenance costs.
• Copy of local ID (KTP = Kartu Tanda Penduduk) or Passport of sponsor/counterpart in Indonesia.

To attend a conference/seminar:

• Passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia)
• One completed visa application form
• One coloured passport size photograph
• Passports must have at least two fully blank unused pages
• Copy of the driver’s license with home address (must match the address on the visa application form)
• Travel itinerary air ticket (proof of booking), including details of onward or return journey
• Hotel Reservation
• Must be a UAE Resident (with at least one month exceeding the validity of the requested visa)
• Evidence that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover the cost of the applicant’s intended stay in Indonesia (hard copy of 3 month personal bank statement within not less than 10.000 AED at closing statement).
• Two supporting letters (less than 1 month validity), each from the applicant firm in UAE and sponsor/counterpart in Indonesia setting out the reason and duration of the proposed visit, and responsibility for accommodation/maintenance costs.
• Copy of local ID (KTP = Kartu Tanda Penduduk) or Passport of sponsor/counterpart in Indonesia.
• A letter/invitation from the conference host setting out details, including nature, duration and programme of the conference/seminar. It must be printed on the company letterhead.

You must provide two colour, passport-type photographs that meet the following criteria:

• Be taken within the last three months
• Be printed on photo paper of high quality
• Be taken against an all-white background
• Provide the full frontal view with a neutral expression
• No eyeglasses or headwear (except for religious purposes)

Fees (which must be paid either in cash or postal order only) :

• Single Entry : 185 AE Dirham
• Multiple Entry : 405 AE Dirham
• Telex Visa : 55 AE Dirham
• Fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
• Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports are exempted from the mentioned fees.

Come 2020; the GDP is expected to quadruple in Indonesia. Fast-rising and ambitious in nature, the growth is bound to be more inclusive. A nation that is politically stable and economically strong, Indonesia is emerging as a global powerhouse in Asia. This is a country worth watching out for.