Indonesia is a popular retirement destination for seniors due to its diverse culture, agreeable weather, and reasonably priced cost of living. To be eligible to reside in Indonesia as a retiree, you must register for and be granted an Indonesian Retirement Visa.
This type of visa offers a variety of benefits that are not available with other residence visas, such as:
- It is feasible to establish a bank account in Indonesia.
- A driver’s license issued by the local government is accessible.
- A Multiple-department Re-Permit (MERP) is available for purchase, which allows you to enter and depart the country as frequently as necessary.
- A vehicle that you acquire and register in your name
- You will be cognizant of the regional savings and expenses.
The Indonesia Retirement Visa application process and document eligibility criteria will be discussed in this post.
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Who is eligible to apply for a retirement visa in Indonesia?
You are eligible to apply for an Indonesian retirement visa if you satisfy the following criteria:
- You are at least fifty-five years old.
- You have no intention of working in Indonesia.
- In Indonesia, you are financially autonomous due to a pension or other sources of income (at least US$ 18,000 per year) that do not require you to work.
- Health insurance is available in Indonesia.
- You execute a lease that is at least one year in duration.
- In Indonesia, you will either hire a chauffeur or a domestic assistant/maid.
You are a citizen of one of the following countries:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Egypt
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- India
- Iran
- Ireland
- The island of Iceland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- The Principality of Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg is a
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Monaco
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- The Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- The Russian Federation
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Republic of Korea
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- The United States
Documents Required for a Retirement Visa in Indonesia
The submission of a variety of supporting documentation is a prerequisite for the application of an Indonesian retirement visa. These include:
- Pages from your passport in their entirety. The passport must be valid for a minimum of another 18 months and still contain six unfilled visa pages.
- A letter of sponsorship from the retirement center that is overseeing your visa application
- A letter from you stating that you have obtained a residence in Indonesia, that you have no intention of working there, and that you will employ a domestic assistant or maid.
- A duplicate of your health and life insurance policies. The process for obtaining foreign health insurance for expatriates is as follows.
- If you are renting your accommodation: The rental agreement comprises the name of the landowner or landlord, the address of the residence or apartment, the rent amount, and a copy of the landowner’s or landlord’s identity card (KTP).
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself, such as bank account statements or pension records. Your monthly income must be at least $1,500, or $18,000 annually.
- Your Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Passport-sized photographs
How do I apply for a retirement visa to Indonesia?
To register for a retirement visa in Indonesia, you must designate an Indonesian retirement/travel agency as your sponsor. The organizations that are eligible to serve as sponsors are designated by the Indonesian Directorate General of the Immigration and Tourism Department.
They are required to apply to the Indonesian immigration officials on your behalf, as you are not permitted to register independently. These businesses will be knowledgeable about the types of documents that must be submitted and the process for obtaining them, as well as information on leasing an apartment, obtaining health insurance, and other related topics.
Conduct thorough research on the organization you intend to employ to guarantee its credibility.
Benefits of Indonesian Retirement Visa
- Long-term Residence: The Retirement Visa is an excellent choice for retirees seeking a long-term residence in Indonesia, as it allows for a stay of up to five years with the option to extend.
- Multiple Entry: The Retirement Visa allows holders to enter and depart Indonesia on multiple occasions during the visa’s validity, thereby enabling them to travel more easily.
- Cost-Effective: The Retirement Visa is commonly more cost-effective in terms of fees and financial requirements than other residency options.
- No Work Restrictions: Although the visa forbids retirees from working for an Indonesian employer, they are permitted to participate in activities such as managing personal enterprises or volunteering.
- Property Ownership: Retirees are permitted to invest in property, which enables them to either own or rent residences in Indonesia, provided that they satisfy specific criteria.
- Healthcare Accessibility: Indonesia’s healthcare system is expanding, and retirees have access to a variety of medical services, such as private hospitals and clinics that specialize in expatriate care.
- Cultural Immersion: Retirees in Indonesia have the opportunity to fully experience the rich culture, diverse communities, and stunning landscapes of the country, thereby enriching their retirement experience.
- Social Connections: The existence of a lively expatriate community in Indonesia facilitates the establishment of a social network and the social interaction of retirees.
- Tax Benefits: Retirees may be eligible for favorable tax policies in Indonesia, particularly if their income is sourced from abroad, contingent upon their unique circumstances.
- Application Ease: The process of obtaining a Retirement Visa is relatively straightforward, particularly when working with a service or agent that specializes in visa applications.
Upon approval of the retirement visa
Upon the approval of your Retirement Visa application, the Indonesian Immigration Department will send you a formal confirmation. This confirmation must be submitted to the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your vicinity. This could occur in your own country or in a neighboring country.
- To ascertain the requirements for applications, it is necessary to contact the Embassy/Consulate or consult their website. It may be necessary to arrange a meeting.
- Accumulate the necessary documentation to apply for a retirement visa in Indonesia. The Embassy/Consulate will provide you with the necessary documents.
- Make the payment for the Indonesian visa fee. The payment procedure varies depending on the specific Embassy or Consulate. Although some establishments accept cash, others may require that you submit your payment through a financial institution.
- The documents may be submitted to the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate by mail or in person.
- Once a decision has been reached, you should return to retrieve your passport and other documentation. If you apply to mail, the Embassy or Consulate will send these to you.
- After receiving your retirement visa from the Embassy or Consulate, you are eligible to travel to Indonesia; however, you must first register for a residency permit.
When Your Retirement Visa Enables You to Enter Indonesia
Once you have arrived in Indonesia using your entry visa, you must promptly visit the Immigration Office to convert it into a Temporary Residence Permit (KITAS). The residence card you receive at the Embassy or Consulate is referred to as a KITAS, and it functions as evidence of your temporary immigration status in Indonesia.
Your agency should be able to assist you with the KITAS application procedure, but you will still need to visit the Immigration Department Office in person to have your picture and fingerprints taken.
Is it possible to work in Indonesia with a retirement visa?
Under no circumstances is it permissible to labor while possessing an Indonesian retirement visa. Work in Indonesia is restricted to foreign nationals who possess an Indonesian work visa or a work permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How much money do you need to retire to Indonesia?
Retirees must comply with the statement of commitment to save funds in an account in their own name at a state-owned bank worth at least US$50,000 (fifty thousand US dollars) or the equivalent which must be fulfilled within a maximum period of 90 (ninety) days from the date the Limited Stay Permit is granted.
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How can I get a 10-year visa in Indonesia?
What is the Second Home Visa to Indonesia? The Second Home Visa is a long-term visa to Indonesia that allows individuals to live in the country for up to 10 years. To obtain this visa, one needs to either open a deposit in an Indonesian bank or purchase real estate with a minimum value of $130,000.
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Is Indonesia a good place to retire?
With its rich cultural tapestry, stunning natural beauty, and warm tropical climate, Indonesia provides an ideal setting for a relaxed and enriching retirement. The cost of retiring in Indonesia can be significantly lower than in many Western countries, making it an attractive destination for retirees.
