The Guide to Moving to Indonesia

An archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, the fourth most populous country in the world, and a true cultural crossroads, Indonesia attracts thousands of expatriates every year, drawn by its exceptional quality of life, its dynamic economy, and its affordable cost of living. But moving to Indonesia takes careful planning: visa requirements, administrative procedures, housing, healthcare, education… there is a lot to sort out in advance. This complete guide walks you through everything you need to know to prepare your move to Indonesia with confidence.

Why Move to Indonesia?

Indonesia stands out as one of the most appealing expat destinations in Southeast Asia, and for good reason.

A Very Affordable Cost of Living

The cost of living in Indonesia is significantly lower than in most Western countries. A comfortable apartment in Bali or Bandung can be rented for a fraction of what it would cost in a major European city, and everyday expenses (food, transport, leisure) remain very accessible.

A Fast-Growing Economy

The largest economy in Southeast Asia offers real job opportunities across the digital, hospitality and tourism, education, and international trade sectors.

Exceptional Natural Surroundings

From the beaches of Bali to the volcanoes of Java and the tropical rainforests of Borneo, the diversity of Indonesia’s landscapes offers an incomparable living environment for nature lovers.

A Well-Established Expat Community

Several Indonesian cities have active expat communities, expat clubs, and professional networks that make cultural integration considerably easier.

A Rich and Welcoming Culture

Indonesians are known for their hospitality and openness towards foreigners, which makes everyday integration much smoother.

What Are the Key Steps to Moving to Indonesia?

Moving to Indonesia involves completing several administrative steps before and after your arrival. This includes applying for the right visa, updating your tax status, taking out health insurance, obtaining an international driver’s licence, and opening a local bank account.

Obtaining a Visa

Types of Visas in Indonesia

The type of visa you need to apply for depends on your personal situation (employed, entrepreneur, accompanying spouse…) and the length of your stay. Here are the main visa types to know:

• Visa Kunjungan Sosial Budaya (VKSB): the social and cultural visit visa is a single-entry visa valid for 60 days, renewable in-country. This tourist visa is suitable for temporary, non-profit stays.
• Visa Kunjungan Usaha (VKU): the business visa allows you to carry out commercial activities without direct employment in Indonesia. It is available as a single-entry or multiple-entry version.
• KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas): the temporary stay permit is essential for any long-term stay. It is issued for a period of 6 months to 2 years and can be renewed. It is available in employee, investor, or spouse versions.
• IMTA/IKTA (Ijin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing): the work permit for foreign nationals is mandatory for any salaried employment in Indonesia. It is generally obtained through the Indonesian employer.

How to Get an Indonesian Visa?

The visa application process varies depending on the type of visa required:

• Online: certain visas (including the electronic visa on arrival) can be applied for through the official Indonesian immigration portal. The process is straightforward but requires a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.
• Through the Indonesian Embassy: for residence visas and business visas, the application must be made before departure, directly at the embassy. A criminal record certificate, a letter of introduction, and proof of financial resources are generally required.
• Through a local sponsor (Surat Pernyataan Penjamin): the KITAS requires, in most cases, an Indonesian “sponsor” (employer, Indonesian spouse, or local company) who acts as guarantor with the immigration authorities.

Taking Out a Private International Health Insurance

The Indonesian public healthcare system (BPJS Kesehatan) is accessible to residents, but its benefits remain limited for expats. Taking out a private international health insurance is strongly recommended to ensure adequate healthcare coverage once you arrive in Indonesia. The Caisse des Français à l’étranger (CFE) also offers social protection for French expats wishing to maintain their basic coverage.

Getting an International Driver Licence

An international driver’s licence (IDL) is required to drive legally in Indonesia. It must be obtained from the relevant authority in your home country before your departure. For long-term stays, it is recommended to exchange your home country licence for an Indonesian one (SIM) through the local authorities.

Opening a Bank Account in Indonesia

Opening a local bank account is essential for day-to-day life in Indonesia. Indonesia’s main banks (BCA, Mandiri, BNI) accept foreign nationals holding a valid KITAS. You will generally need to provide your passport, your stay permit, and a declaration of arrival.

Updating Your Tax Status

When leaving your home country, you must notify the relevant tax authorities of your change of tax residence. To become an Indonesian tax resident (more than 183 days per year in the country), you will be subject to local taxation. It is recommended to consult a tax advisor before your departure to anticipate your tax obligations.

How to Prepare for Moving to Indonesia?

Before packing your bags, here is the essential info on daily life, housing, healthcare, and education in Indonesia.

What Are the Best Places to Live in Indonesia as An Expat?

• Jakarta: the country’s economic capital is the main destination for expats working in multinational companies or embassies. It offers all the amenities of a global metropolis, but suffers from very heavy traffic and significant pollution.
• Bali: the Island of the Gods is by far the favourite destination for remote workers, creatives, and entrepreneurs. Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu have thriving ecosystems for digital nomads and expat communities.
• Bandung: located at altitude, two hours from Jakarta, Bandung enjoys a cooler climate and a good quality of life. Its academic dynamism and creative industries make it an attractive Indonesian city for professionals.
• Yogyakarta: a cultural and university city at the heart of Java, Yogyakarta appeals to expats looking for an authentic living environment, a particularly low cost of living, and a rich cultural life.

What Is the Cost of Living in Indonesia?

The cost of living in Indonesia is significantly lower than in most Western countries, although major cities like Jakarta show higher prices for certain imported goods. Here are some benchmarks:

• Accomodation: renting a modern apartment in an expat neighbourhood costs between €400 and €1,200 per month depending on the city and size. In Bali, a villa with a pool can be accessible from €600–€900/month.
• Food: shopping at the local market is very inexpensive. However, imported Western products are considerably more expensive.
• Transport: public transport is cheap. Renting a scooter costs around €70–€100 per month. Ride-hailing services in Indonesia (Gojek, Grab) are very well developed and affordable.
• Average monthly budget: an expat couple can live comfortably on €1,500 to €2,500 per month (including housing), depending on the city and lifestyle.

What is it Like to Live in Indonesia?

Daily life in Indonesia is characterised by the warmth of its people, a rich and varied gastronomy, and a pace of life different from the West. The official Indonesian language is Bahasa Indonesia, which is relatively easy to learn, and English is widely spoken in business districts and tourist areas.

Islam is practised by around 87% of the population, which is reflected in local customs (prayer times, Ramadan, dress codes in certain areas). Cultural integration involves respecting these codes, which helps build quality relationships with local people.

The Indonesian Healthcare System

The Indonesian healthcare system is developing rapidly but remains uneven depending on the region. In major cities such as Jakarta or Bali, international private clinics offer quality care at accessible prices. Outside urban areas, medical infrastructure can be more limited.

Before your departure, we recommend checking with your doctor which vaccinations are mandatory or recommended for Indonesia (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, dengue…) and taking out an international health insurance covering medical evacuations.

Working in Indonesia

The Indonesian job market is dynamic, but access for foreigners to certain positions is regulated. Job opportunities in Indonesia for expats are mainly concentrated in the following fields: oil and gas, energy and mining, information technology, education, tourism and hospitality, as well as NGOs and international organisations.

The average salary in Indonesia is well below Western levels. Seconded expats generally benefit from a package including accommodation, transport, and health coverage. Any salaried employment by a foreigner is subject to obtaining the IMTA/IKTA work permit, managed by the employer.

School Options in Indonesia

For families with children, schooling is a key consideration. Jakarta, Bali, and Bandung have a network of international schools (French, British, American, bilingual) offering recognised programmes. The Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger (AEFE) is present in Jakarta at the French School Jakarta.

Tuition fees at international schools are high: between €5,000 and €20,000 per year depending on the school and year level. Local public schools are accessible but teach in Bahasa Indonesia, which requires a good command of the language.

How to Ship Your Personal Belongings to Indonesia?

Luggage shipping to Indonesia and other personal belongings can be done by air freight or sea freight. Air freight is faster (5 to 10 days) but more expensive; it is suitable for small volumes and urgent shipments. Sea freight, which is less costly, is preferred for full household moves (transit time of 25 to 45 days depending on the port of destination). Using a specialist moving company guarantees optimal volume management, appropriate insurance, and end-to-end shipment tracking.

Customs Formalities

The importation of personal belongings into Indonesia is subject to specific customs rules. Here are the key points to know:

• Customs declaration: a complete customs declaration (detailed list of your personal belongings) is mandatory upon arrival. It must be submitted to the Indonesian Directorate General of Customs and Excise (Bea Cukai).
• Customs exemption: holders of a residence visa (KITAS) may benefit from a tax exemption on imported personal belongings, provided that these have been in your possession for more than 12 months and are not intended for resale.
• Required documents: valid passport, KITAS, detailed inventory of goods, bill of lading (sea freight) or airway bill (air freight), and proof of previous residence.

Restricted or Prohibited Items

Certain goods are strictly prohibited from import into Indonesia or are subject to specific regulations:

• Prohibited: narcotics, firearms and ammunition, pornographic materials, as well as certain chemicals and pesticides.
• Subject to declaration or restriction: certain electronic devices (drones, radio transmitters), devices with a battery, large quantities of medication (a medical prescription will be required), foodstuffs, and products of animal origin.
• 
  Customs duties and taxes: goods that do not qualify for the customs exemption may be subject to customs duties and Indonesian VAT (11%). It is advisable to use a specialist freight forwarder.

Use our services 

How to Move to Indonesia with a Pet?

Bringing your pet to Indonesia is possible but requires thorough preparation. Indonesia is a rabies-risk country; import controls are therefore strict, particularly for dogs and cats.

Required Documents

• International health certificate: issued by an accredited vet within 10 days before travel, it certifies the animal’s health and compliance with Indonesian health requirements.
• European pet passport: mandatory, it must show identification by microchip and an up-to-date vaccination record.
• Import permit: must be applied for through the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture before travel.
• Proof of residence permit: a copy of your KITAS or residence visa is generally required to justify the legitimacy of the journey.

Health Protocol to Follow

• Mandatory rabies vaccination: the vaccination must have been carried out at least 30 days before travel, with an up-to-date booster. A rabies antibody titre test (serological test) may be required depending on the destination island.
• Anti-parasite treatment: a treatment against fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms carried out by an accredited vet in the days before departure is generally required.
• Quarantine on arrival: a quarantine period may be imposed upon arrival depending on the island and the animal’s health status. Our teams will be able to advise you on the conditions in force at the time of your travel.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Indonesia?

The cost of moving to Indonesia varies depending on several factors: volume of goods, mode of transport (air or sea freight), destination city, and services included. Here are the main cost items to factor in:

Sea Freight

For a full international move (20 or 40-foot container), expect to pay between €3,000 and €8,000 depending on volume and operator. This is the most cost-effective solution for large volumes.

Air Freight

For urgent shipments or small volumes (suitcases, boxes), air freight is charged by weight and distance. Budget on average €5 to €15 per kg depending on the carrier.

Transport Insurance

Essential to protect your belongings during transit, it generally represents between 1 and 3% of the insured value of your goods.

Customs Duties and Taxes

Variable depending on the contents and your status — factor this into your overall budget.

Additional Services

Professional packing, temporary storage, home delivery… these services are offered as optional add-ons on top of the base rate.

For an accurate quote, don’t hesitate to contact our team.

Request a quote 

Useful Links

Here is a selection of official resources to help you with your move to Indonesia:

• Indonesian Embassy in France — for visa applications and entry formalities.
• French Embassy in Indonesia (Jakarta) — for consular registration and services for French nationals abroad.
• Caisse des Français à l’étranger (CFE) — to maintain your French social protection from Indonesia.
• Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration — for all official information on visas and stay permits.

Our Moving Services to Indonesia

As a specialist in international luggage and personal belongings transport, My Move supports you through every step of your move to Indonesia: from packing your belongings to delivering them to your home in Jakarta, Bali, Bandung, or anywhere else in Indonesia.

Our team handles all customs formalities, tracks your shipment, and coordinates with our local partners, so you can focus on what matters most: making your move to Indonesia a success. Whether you are sending a few suitcases or a full container, we have a solution tailored to your project and your budget.

Contact us