Moving to Indonesia
Indonesia is a paradise for travelers and immigrants, combining many unique cultures.
Moving to Indonesia is a popular choice among expats. Here you can find the lifestyle that suits you.
If you want to immerse yourself in the cycle of modern life, settle in the capital Jakarta or other major cities. Here, centuries-old traditions are combined with state-of-the-art technology. And if you dream of a moderate life in the lap of nature, choose one of the sparsely populated islands. Indonesia is generous in its offerings.
Discover this diversity of cultures, cuisines and landscapes. A move to Indonesia will provide you with unforgettable experiences for years to come.
Popular places to live in Indonesia:
Jakarta: The capital of Indonesia and the largest city, which is the economic and cultural center of the country.
Bali: Although Bali is more of an island than a city, it attracts many foreign residents due to its beautiful nature, beaches and unique atmosphere.
Surabaya: The second largest city in Indonesia, located on the island of Java. This city plays an important role in the country's economy.
Medan: Medan is located on the island of Sumatra and is an important economic and commercial center.
Bandung: A city on the island of Java known for its architecture, culture and educational institutions.
Makassar: Makassar is located on the island of Celebes and is an important port and economic center of the region.
These cities offer a variety of options for living and working, and the choice depends on individual preferences, career opportunities and lifestyle.
Requirements for moving to Indonesia:
If you are planning to move to Indonesia, you should prepare the necessary documents in advance so that the process goes smoothly.
- Passport. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the planned date of entry. If it expires earlier, apply for a new passport at the embassy in good time.
- Visa. Depending on the purpose of your visit, you will need the appropriate type of visa:
- Work visa. A visa with a residence permit is issued for employment in Indonesia. You must present a confirmation from your employer.
- Study visa. Issued for the duration of your studies at an Indonesian university. A certificate from an educational institution is required.
- Family reunification visa. For moving in with relatives - Indonesian nationals.
- Visa for pensioners. For foreigners who are over 55 years old against proof of pension income.
- The VITAS temporary residence visa allows you to stay in Indonesia for up to one year with the possibility of extension. Allows you to apply for a residence permit.
- The KITAS temporary residence permit is issued for a period of 5 years.
- You can obtain a permanent residence permit KITAP after you have lived in Indonesia for 3 years with a residence permit.
Find out in advance about the visa requirements for your visa category. The visa centers can help you obtain the necessary documents and speed up processing.
Obtaining your passport and visa in good time will help you avoid stress before you leave. Plan your trip to Indonesia 2-3 months in advance so that you have enough time to complete all the formalities.
Real estate in Indonesia:
The real estate market in Indonesia offers a wide range of housing options in different price segments.
The cost of renting and buying an apartment depends on the area and the type of property:
- The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 240 euros per month.
- A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs an average of 350 euros per month.
- A two-room apartment for a family in the city center costs around 670 euros per month. In the suburbs, the price is lower - around 380 euros.
- Private houses on the outskirts of Jakarta can be rented from 500 euros per month.
- The cost of buying a property also varies. A square meter in the center of Jakarta costs at least 1800 euros.
- In other major cities such as Surabaya, the price per square meter starts at 1500 euros.
- Properties in the suburbs are cheaper - from 1000 euros per square meter.
When choosing an apartment in Indonesia, it is important to consider the budget and location, as well as the area's infrastructure and transport links. Thanks to the variety of offers, it is possible to find the best property in Indonesia.
Living in Indonesia: costs and accommodation
When moving to Indonesia, you will find that the cost of living is relatively low, especially for those who choose to immigrate from the European Union or the United States. A large portion of your budget will go towards the cost of living, especially if you opt for accommodation in the center of Jakarta or other major cities. However, food is available at relatively low prices, and the cost of fuel and utilities compares favorably to most Western countries.
For those moving to Indonesia alone, whether for work or study, the average cost of living is around €700 per month. For expats moving to Indonesia with their family, the monthly cost of living can be around €1,400. These figures include accommodation, food, transportation, services and other necessary expenses.
Healthcare in Indonesia
The healthcare system in Indonesia does not always meet Western standards, and in some areas it can be difficult to find quality medical care.
It is important to know that the universal healthcare system applies to locals but not to foreigners. Therefore, if you are traveling to Indonesia, be prepared to use private medical facilities if necessary.
When entering Indonesia, it is advisable to ask your doctor about the need for additional vaccinations and also specify the exact location of your stay. While conditions are usually relatively safe in urban areas, there is a risk of contracting malaria and other infectious diseases in rural areas.
If you are being treated in private clinics, you should note that payment for services is often made in cash, as not all clinics accept cards.
Working in Indonesia:
Indonesia offers interesting employment opportunities for foreign professionals. Here are the most sought-after areas:
- English teaching. High demand in public schools and language centers. You can also consider a job as a teacher for other subjects or as an educator.
- Work in multinational companies. Large foreign companies regularly send employees to Indonesian subsidiaries.
- Exporting and importing goods. Many companies deliver Indonesian goods abroad and vice versa. Logisticians, sales managers are needed.
- Tourism sector. Hotels, travel agencies, restaurants. Opportunities for tour guides, entertainers, staff.
- IT sector. Outsourcing of programmers, developers, technical support specialists.
The pros and cons of living in Indonesia:
Advantages:
Cultural diversity: Indonesia offers an amazing mix of cultures and traditions due to its diverse ethnic groups.
Beautiful nature: The country has stunning natural beauty, including beaches, jungles, volcanoes and rice terraces.
Affordability: Living in Indonesia is relatively cheap, especially compared to Western countries.
Warm climate: The climate is mostly warm and humid, which can be attractive to those who prefer warm weather.
Opportunities for expats: There are many opportunities for foreign professionals, especially in education and business.
Hospitality of the locals: Locals are generally friendly and helpful.
Disadvantages:
Quality of healthcare: The healthcare system does not always meet Western standards, especially in remote areas.
Transportation problems: There are problems with transportation infrastructure in some major cities, including traffic congestion and overloaded public transport.
Language barrier: Knowledge of Bahasa (Indonesian language) can be important, especially outside tourist areas.
Risks of natural disasters: Indonesia is prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters.
Water quality and environmental problems: In some places there can be problems with water quality and the environment.