Living in Bali, Indonesia offers a unique and enriching experience, but it’s essential to have the right documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free stay. Whether you are an expatriate or a long-term visitor, having the necessary paperwork will ease your stay and help you to be in line with the regulations and immigration rules. If you plan to move to Bali and are looking to buy a motorbike or a car or obtain proper health coverage, here is a comprehensive document checklist of essential documents you should have while living in Bali.
ITAS
If you plan to move to Bali, the first and most important immigration document to be considered a resident in Indonesia is the stay permit called KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas). The KITAS is delivered by the immigration department to foreigners meeting some requirements such as being an investor, a spouse of Indonesian, in retirement, a worker, a student, a remote worker or a KITAS holder having a dependent or a spouse.
The validity of the ITAS varies from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the type of visa. The foreigner can apply for permanent residence (ITAP – Izin Tinggal Tepat) after 5 years in a row with the same sponsor on its KITAS.
As a reminder, foreigners who are directors of a company or working in Indonesia are obligated to have a stay permit (KITAS) in line with the immigration rules. Having a KITAS is not a sufficient condition for working in Indonesia. Being a director in a company might involve applying for a working permit (IMTA).
Get professional legal advice for Indonesia
Indonesia’s legal system is complicated, with its many regulations, licences, and special rules for foreigners. Don’t make the mistake of trying to navigate it alone, and get the help of experienced consultants instead.
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SKTT and NIK Number
The SKTT (Surat Keterangan Tempat Tinggal) is a document attesting to your residency in Indonesia. It is a civil registration for each citizen or foreigner living in Indonesia. A foreigner with a KITAS or KITAP has to declare any change of residence to the immigration office and provide the SKTT with the correct address. This document is necessary to purchase a motorbike or a car or get an NIK Number.
The procedure to get an SKTT has to follow the
- Get a police report and declare your address
- Residents in Bali need to contact the local Banjar or go to the Desa, where their residence is located.
- Resident outside Bali, such as Jakarta, can declare their residency online
As a reminder, KITAS holders need to declare their new address to the immigration office and change the immigration office if the address is different from another immigration office.
The NIK (Nomor Induk Kependudukan) is a resident identification number valid for the lifetime of the individual. This number is a unique number for each resident or citizen. This number is important for several admission purposes, such as getting private insurance.
Also read: Remote Worker Visa (E33G): Visa for Digital Nomads in Bali
NPWP and EFIN
NPWP (Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak)
It is not the most pleasant document, but it is definitely one of the most important for any worker, resident, or investor with a KITAS in Indonesia. If you plan to move to Bali, the NPWP is an essential tax number for the taxpayer. The tax card is important for each KITAS holder who needs to declare their tax in Indonesia or wishes to become a tax resident.
The NPWP is necessary for tax administration purposes and is essential for the following:
- Tax Reporting: Individuals and entities use the NPWP to report their income and pay taxes. It is a requirement for filing annual tax returns.
- Banking: An NPWP is necessary to open bank accounts or to apply for loans, as it provides proof of tax registration.
- Business Transactions: Companies and businesses are required to have an NPWP to issue invoices, receive payments, and conduct transactions.
- Government Services: Various government services and permits may require an NPWP to process applications.
The tax card is mandatory for a foreign director in a company. The personal NPWP is different from the company NPWP. The tax card is available online with the tax office department. As director of the company, the director is responsible for declaring its personal tax to be able to declare the company tax.
A digital nomad or remote worker in Bali needs to also obtain its tax number if while residing more than 183 days in Indonesia willing to become a tax resident in Indonesia.
EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number)
The EFIN is necessary to log in to the tax office website. The taxpayer has to go to the tax office of its residence to get the identification number. This number is necessary to fulfil the annual tax report for companies and individuals.
Also read: Indonesia implements the “Bridge Visa”
SIM (Driving licence)
When visiting Bali as a tourist, an international driving license is mandatory for foreigners willing to drive a motorbike or a car. However, if you decide to move to Bali and obtain a KITAS, you must apply for a local driving license (SIM C to drive a motorbike).
The driving license can be obtained at the police station. Our team can assist in understanding the process.
BPJS.
Companies also have to subscribe to the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan for their employee in order to ensure any work accident to their employee, which is a legal document that ensures coverage for work-related accidents. This monthly subscription is compulsory. Companies also need to pay the BPJS Kesehatan to cover any health issues their employees may have.
After applying to the BPJS, the worker will receive a social security number and a card to present while going to the hospital or doctor in order to get some reimbursements.
ILA can accompany you to get all documents and ensure you are compliant with the regulations in Bali, Lombok or the rest of Indonesia. This document checklist will help you prepare for your move and ensure a smooth transition.
