Indonesia is preparing to introduce a new type of visa, aimed at long-term stays and made
to accommodate modern, working travellers. The new visa is expected to be popular in
locations like Bali, where working vacations have become a feature of the post-pandemic
tourism era.
The new digital nomad visa will allow foreign nationals to stay in Indonesia for up to five
years, making it the longest of its kind in the world. During their stay, digital nomads will be
permitted to work in Indonesia without paying tax (provided their income is derived from
companies based outside of Indonesia).
Minister for tourism, Sandiago Uno has stated the new visa represents a more general shift
away from short-term ‘sunseeker tourism’ to a more sustainable model. “In the past, the
three S was: sun, sea and sand,” explained the minister in a recent interview with
Bloomberg. “We’re moving it to ‘serenity, spirituality and sustainability’ – this way we’re
(also) getting better quality and (having a) better impact on the local economy,” he added.
It is not yet clear when the new visa will come into effect, or how travellers can apply for it.
At present, prospective digital nomads can apply for a number of temporary visas that allow
them to work from Indonesia. Options include the Visa on Arrival (VoA), which is valid for 30
days; the tourist visa, which can be renewed to last a total of 60 days; and a business visa
that can be extended to 180 days.
Uno and his ministry have targeted the return of 3.6 million foreign arrivals to Indonesia
next year. The proposed digital nomad visa, combined with increased emphasis on eco-
tourism and spiritual retreats, aims to attract higher spenders who stay longer – indicative
of Indonesia’s moves to focus more on quality rather than quantity with regards to foreign
arrivals.
