Work & Taxes in Indonesia: real experience from chats
Real experience of people from chats on «Work & Taxes» in Indonesia — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Announcement for a conference titled 'I AM BRAND: by Alpha Prime' focusing on personal branding trends in 2026, taking place on May 13-14 in Canggu, Bali. The conference will cover strategy, traffic, content formats, audience attraction, and AI tools.
Daily expenses for tourists in Bali typically average $100 per person per day, including accommodation, food, and transport. For long-term living, monthly budgets vary widely from $1,000 (budget/local lifestyle) to $3,000+ (tourist/Western-style comfort). Costs are highly dependent on accommodation type (villa vs. homestay) and frequency of eating out at European-style cafes.
Halal certification is becoming mandatory for various businesses in Indonesia. A service is offered to assist with the entire process, including ingredient audits, document submission, BPJPH compliance, and labeling. Other certifications and licenses can also be arranged.
Under Indonesian Company Law (UU PT No.40/2007), director and commissioner terms are limited to 5 years. Companies failing to renew board appointments face automatic blocks from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (AHU). Non-compliance results in personal liability for the director and restricted access to corporate accounts.
For extending tourist visas (like B1 or C1) in Bali, applications usually require a passport and supporting documents. If applying through an agency, payments can sometimes be made via Russian cards (SBP/T-Bank) depending on the agency's local payment gateway. Using biometric passports allows entry via e-gates, skipping manual immigration queues. Always carry small cash (IDR) for VOA fees at the airport.
Strongly advise remote workers visiting Bali on tourist visas or e-VOA against working with laptops in public cafes, as local immigration authorities and informants actively conduct raids against illegal workers. Recommend working privately from accommodations. Note that official remote worker KITAS options exist but require proof of high income (which local agencies often help bypass).
Bali is undergoing a transition in waste management regulations. Businesses (hotels, restaurants, cafes) are now required to manage and sort waste on-site. Unauthorized disposal or failure to comply with local height and zoning regulations for construction projects can result in immediate work stoppage and potential loss of permits.
The Indonesian government is implementing a star-rating system for villas and cracking down on unlicensed short-term rental properties. Approximately 1,600 non-compliant properties have been identified for potential removal from major booking platforms. Owners are being encouraged to formalize their business status to ensure market transparency.
Visa regulations for photographers on Bali: Commercial photography by foreigners on Bali generally requires a specific work visa. Tourist visas or C7/D7 visas are not suitable for commercial or paid photo/video projects, as any income or barter is considered business activity. The Directorate General of Immigration has been reinforcing these restrictions, emphasizing that C7/D7 visas are for performances, not employment.
Indonesia is transitioning from KBLI 2020 to KBLI 2025. The transition must be completed by June 18, 2026. PT PMA entities must verify their codes, as split codes may trigger new investment requirements or mandate charter amendments.
In May 2026, Indonesian authorities are scheduled to conduct administrative field audits of PT PMA (foreign-owned) companies in Bali. The audit targets corporate data verification, including company addresses, exact business activities, financial turnovers, and physical investments. Businesses must ensure that all corporate documentation, active licenses, and registered locations exactly match their actual day-to-day operations to avoid penalties.
Registering a drone in Indonesia for use on Bali and Java can be complex. Websites like sidopi may only cater to Indonesian citizens. Additionally, there are reports of significant fees for drone filming permits in popular locations.
Users are discussing the value and nature of business breakfasts and networking events, with some viewing them as opportunities for genuine connection and others as platforms for self-promotion and sales pitches.
Bali travel expenses vary significantly by lifestyle. Basic local meals (warungs) cost ~30k-50k IDR. Mid-range aesthetic restaurant dining costs ~200k-500k IDR per person. Massages range from 100k IDR to 2m+ IDR in luxury spas. Budgeting should account for taxes (usually 15-21% in restaurants) and transport time, as traffic congestion can significantly impact travel costs between districts like Uluwatu and Ubud.
Foreigners staying in Indonesia long-term must register their phone's IMEI. Registration must be done inside the airport customs zone upon arrival to be eligible for a $500 tax deduction. Exiting the arrival area before registering makes the process significantly more difficult.
Working as a self-employed foreigner (e.g., nail technician, tattoo artist, beautician) without a proper corporate KITAS and working permit (IMTA) is strictly illegal in Indonesia. "Protection fees" paid to locals do not protect from official immigration raids, especially those initiated from Jakarta. Penalties include deportation, blacklisting, and heavy fines (up to 100 million IDR to recover seized passports).
Job offer: Assistant needed for one day for private property tasks including garage cleaning and pushing a car into the garage. Payment is 6000 rubles plus a bonus of up to 1200 rubles for lunch.
For legal employment in Bali, a work visa/KITAS is required. Illegal work can lead to fines and deportation. Recommended resources for job searching include the Bali Forum 'Work' section, articles on finding work, and relevant Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and company websites. For assistance with visas, work permits, or business registration, contact 'Legal Indonesia'.
As of June 1, 2026, all Indonesian companies (PT) must file an annual report to the Ministry of Justice via the SABH/AHU system. Deadline for the 2025 financial year is June 30, 2026. Non-compliance results in written warnings and potential suspension of access to the AHU system, preventing changes to company structure or directors. Requirements include financial statements, activity reports, CSR reports (resource sector), supervisory reports, and director/commissioner salary data.
Indonesian immigration authorities are strictly enforcing visa compliance for content creators. Commercial activity (including brand collaborations, barter for stay, or paid filming) on a tourist visa is illegal and leads to deportation. A specific visa category for content creators is currently under development.
Digital services offered in Bali from May 30th to June 30th. Services include creating Telegram bots for bookings, auto-funnels, mini-apps, landing pages, and simple lead collection systems. The provider has experience with Telegram bots, AI, and landing pages and can assist with packaging ideas, offer structure, and sales logic. Available for meetings to discuss projects on a commercial basis.
Legal assistance is available for construction disputes in Bali. Lawyers can help analyze situations, assess risks, and guide clients through negotiations or legal actions. For consultations, contact TG/WA: 62 817 9677-771.
Legal assistance is available for construction dispute issues in Bali, including broken deadlines, altered terms, documentation problems, and lack of response after payment. Lawyers can analyze the situation, assess risks, and guide through negotiations or legal actions. Contact information: TG & WA: 62 817 9677-771.