Indonesia
IDNIndonesia is the world's largest archipelago nation and the fourth most populous country on Earth, a sprawling mosaic of over 17,000 islands, hundreds of ethnic groups, and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Bali has become one of the world's most recognised digital nomad and lifestyle destinations, drawing a large international community attracted by the island's spiritual culture, natural beauty, and affordable living. The country launched its Golden Visa programme in 2024 to attract high-net-worth individuals and investors with long-stay rights, signalling a new openness to international talent and capital.
→ If you hold a Indonesia passport, see the Indonesia nationality guidePassport Rank
#68
Visa-Free
74
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Jakarta
- Currency
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Languages
- Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
- Population
- 277,000,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Naturalisation
- 5 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Tropical
- English Proficiency Rank
- #81
Indices
Cost of Living
29
Safety
52
Healthcare
54
Quality of Life
132
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 5 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
Cost of Living by City
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| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta | $620 | $380 | $250 | $65 | $18 |
| Bali (Denpasar) | $550 | $320 | $230 | $60 | Free |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Jakarta
Rainfall range: 40–355 mm/month · Daylight 12h (winter) to 12h (summer)
Bali (Denpasar)
Rainfall range: 18–305 mm/month · Daylight 12h (winter) to 12h (summer)
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- 5
- Language Test
- Yes (Bahasa Indonesia proficiency required — formal written and spoken test)
- Civic Test
- Yes
- Oath Required
- Yes
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- $150
- Processing
- ~24 months
Real Estate
- Avg price/sqm (capital)
- $2,200
- Transaction taxes
- 5%
Foreign buyers: Foreign nationals are prohibited from owning freehold (Hak Milik) land or property in Indonesia. Foreigners may hold Hak Pakai (right of use, 30 years + 20 + 30 year renewals) for residential property above a minimum value threshold (IDR 5 billion in Jakarta). Nominee arrangements using Indonesian citizens are legally risky and formally prohibited. Jakarta CBD condominiums IDR 25,000,000-45,000,000/sqm ($1,600-3,000). Bali's new KITAS-holder property regulations allow some direct ownership of strata-title units. No dual nationality complicates long-term ownership strategies.
International Schools
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| School | City | Curriculum | Tuition (USD/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta Intercultural School | Jakarta | US + IB | $18,000–$32,000 |
Daily Life Logistics
Internet
60 Mbps median
40% fibre coverage
eSIM: Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, XL Axiata, Smartfren
Driving
IDP required
Local licence required after 12 months
Exchange eligible: Drives on the LEFT. IDP valid for foreign visitors. Expatriate residents must obtain Indonesian SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi) from local police authority. No bilateral exchange agreements; local test required. International driving in Bali popular but enforcement of licence requirements is inconsistent.
Pet Relocation
Quarantine: 14 days
Rabies titre required
EU pet passport: not accepted
Safety
GPI Rank
#46
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠taxi overcharging in Bali from airport without apps — use Bluebird or Grab
- ⚠"money changer" rate-switching scams in Kuta and Seminyak (Bali)
- ⚠temple entry scam requiring unnecessary sarong rental fees
- ⚠motorbike rental damage extortion schemes targeting tourists in Bali
Examples of areas to avoid: Glodok (Jakarta Chinatown) late at night, Pasar Baru area in central Jakarta after dark, Kuta (Bali) nightlife strip at peak hours — petty theft risk
LGBTQ+ Legal Status
- Same-Sex Marriage
- Not legal
- Civil Partnerships
- Not recognised
- Anti-Discrimination Law
- No
- ILGA Rank
- #135
Religious Life
- Halal Food
- Widely available
- Kosher Food
- Limited
- Prayer Facilities
- Common
Sample Citizenship Test Questions
Q1. Indonesia's national ideology and philosophical foundation, comprising five principles, is known by what name?
Answer: Pancasila
Source: Directorate General of Immigration — Indonesian Citizenship
Q2. In which year did Indonesia declare independence from Dutch colonial rule?
Answer: 1945
Source: Directorate General of Immigration — Indonesian Citizenship