Indonesia announced its 5-year digital nomad visa (E33G KITAS) in late 2024 as response to Bali’s nomad invasion. The combination of 5 years validity + foreign income tax exemption + family inclusion makes it potentially the world’s best digital nomad visa.
Last verified: May 6, 2026.
E33G overview
- Validity: 5 years (multi-entry)
- Renewable: Yes, for additional 5 years
- Income threshold: $60,000 USD/year minimum
- Bank deposit required: $2,000 USD in Indonesian bank account
- Family inclusion: Spouse + children up to age 18 (or 23 if studying)
- Tax treatment: NO Indonesian income tax on foreign-source income
- Path to permanent residence: After 5 years on E33G, eligible for Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP)
- Cost: ~$300 USD initial application + similar for renewal
Eligibility requirements 2026
- Non-Indonesian citizen
- Remote work for non-Indonesian employer/clients: employees of foreign companies, freelancers, business owners not earning from Indonesian sources
- Income proof: $60,000 USD/year minimum, demonstrated via 12 months of bank statements or employment contract
- Bank deposit: $2,000 USD in qualifying Indonesian bank (Mandiri, BCA, BNI, BRI), held minimum 3 months before application
- Health insurance: private coverage valid in Indonesia for visa duration
- Background check: no criminal record
- Indonesian sponsor: required (visa agency, hotel, or Indonesian citizen)
Application process
Step 1: Use authorized agent or apply online via molina
Indonesian visa system uses online portal molina.imigrasi.go.id. Most foreigners use authorized agents:
- Cost via agent: $1,500-3,000 USD all-in (visa fees + agent service)
- Self-application: ~$300 USD government fee
- Authorized agencies: Cekindo, Emerhub, Bali Indo Visa, Outsite Bali
- Timeline: 4-8 weeks total
Step 2: Submit documents
- Passport scan (24+ months validity)
- Photos (white background, 4x6cm)
- Employment contract OR business documentation
- 12 months bank statements showing $60K+ annual income
- Indonesian bank deposit certificate ($2,000+)
- Health insurance certificate
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Sponsor letter from agent or Indonesian citizen/business
- Application fee payment
Step 3: Receive Telex visa + travel to Indonesia
After approval, you receive a ‘telex visa’ authorizing arrival. Travel to Indonesia within 90 days. On arrival, immigration stamps you in for 30 days to complete in-Indonesia processing.
Step 4: In-Indonesia processing (the canjeb)
- Within 30 days of arrival, visit immigration office to convert telex to actual KITAS card
- Biometrics + photos + interview
- Receive temporary residence card (KITAS): 1-3 weeks
- Apply for SKTT (Citizen ID equivalent for foreigners)
- Optional: Indonesian tax ID (NPWP)
Cost of living on Indonesia E33G
Bali (most popular destination):
- Canggu villa with pool: $800-1,800/month
- Ubud jungle villa: $600-1,500/month
- Mid-range expat apartment: $400-900/month
- Coworking (Outpost, Tropical Nomad, Dojo): $150-300/month
- Groceries: $200-400/month
- Restaurants (mix western + local): $300-600/month
- Total mid-range: $1,400-2,800/month
- Total premium villa lifestyle: $3,500-6,000/month
Outside Bali (Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok): 30-50% cheaper.
Tax exemption deep-dive
E33G’s standout feature: explicit foreign income tax exemption. The mechanism:
- Indonesia 183-day rule: normally, spending 183+ days/year in Indonesia = tax-resident on worldwide income
- E33G exception: nomad visa holders explicitly NOT taxed on foreign-source income, even if 183+ days
- What still gets taxed: any Indonesian-source income (Indonesian rental, Indonesian client work). Stay clean from Indonesian sources
- Home country tax: still applies. US citizens pay US tax regardless. UK residents may have ongoing obligations
- Wealth tax + property: Indonesia doesn’t have wealth tax. Property tax modest (~0.1-0.2% annually)
Family on E33G
Spouse + children inclusion is a major advantage:
- Each family member gets dependent KITAS
- Spouse work rights: separate work permit if they want to work for Indonesian companies. Free if working remotely for foreign employer
- Children’s schooling: Bali has excellent international schools (Green School, Canggu Community School, Bali International School). $5,000-25,000/year tuition
- Healthcare: mandatory health insurance covers family
Path to KITAP (permanent residence)
After 5 years on E33G, eligible for KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap):
- 5-year permanent residence card, renewable indefinitely
- Right to work without permit
- Can purchase land via specific structures (foreigners normally cannot own land in Indonesia)
- Path to Indonesian citizenship: 5+ years on KITAP + Indonesian language test + integration
- Most don’t pursue citizenship: Indonesia doesn’t allow dual citizenship for adults. KITAP indefinite is preferred
Common mistakes E33G applicants make
- Insufficient bank statements: 12 months at $60K+/year. Quality of evidence matters
- Indonesian bank deposit too late: $2,000 must be held 3+ months before application. Plan ahead
- Working for Indonesian companies: breaks the tax exemption + can revoke visa
- Not registering at local kelurahan: mandatory within 24 hours of moving accommodation
- Missing the 30-day canjeb deadline: arrive in Indonesia, complete in-country processing within 30 days. Strict
- Banking complexity: Indonesian banks require physical visits + Indonesian language. Use translator if needed
FAQ
Can I bring my dog or cat?
Yes, but Indonesia has strict pet importation rules. Need rabies vaccine certificate, microchip, health certificate from your vet, sometimes quarantine. Allow 2-3 months prep + ~$1,500-3,000 USD costs.
Can I drive in Indonesia on home license?
Need International Driving Permit + home country license. Indonesian license exchange possible after KITAS issued. Many expats just use scooters with IDP.
Property purchase on E33G?
Foreigners cannot own freehold land directly in Indonesia. Workarounds: long-term lease (Hak Pakai – up to 80 years), or purchase via Indonesian PMA company. Real estate professionals essential.
What if I want to stay less than 5 years?
Then E33G might be over-engineered for you. Consider B211A (60-day visa, extendable to 180 days, ~$300 cost) or simply tourist visas for shorter stays.
How does this compare to Thailand DTV?
Thailand DTV: 5 years validity, $500/month income, much cheaper, but 180-day per entry limit + new tax law on remittances. Indonesia E33G: same 5 years, $60K/year requirement, but no day limits + clear tax exemption. E33G better for full-time expats; DTV better for nomads who travel a lot.
Bottom line: E33G value
E33G is one of the world’s best digital nomad visas IF you can clear the $60K income threshold + want long-term Indonesia base. The 5-year validity + family inclusion + tax exemption are unmatched globally. For Bali-bound nomads earning $60K+, this is the right answer.
Related: Bali B211A short-stay visa · things to do in Bali.
✓ Last verified: May 6, 2026.