What the E33G is and who it is for
The Digital Nomad KITAS is Indonesia's response to the global rise of remote work. It was launched to formally welcome foreigners who earn a living outside the country but want to spend an extended period living in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia. Unlike a tourist visa, it grants a proper 1 year Limited Stay Permit that opens access to long term rentals, local bank accounts and a driving licence.
The visa is deliberately not a freelancer visa in the sense of allowing you to take Indonesian clients. The core legal condition is simple: your income must come entirely from outside Indonesia, from a non-Indonesian employer or non-Indonesian clients. If you take on Indonesian work, you step outside the scope of the E33G and should be on a Working KITAS instead.
Eligibility: the 2026 requirements
- Annual income of at least USD 60,000 from foreign sources, evidenced by recent tax returns, employer letters or consistent bank deposits.
- Bank statement showing at least USD 2,000 in the applicant's personal account for the three consecutive months before lodging the application.
- Employment contract with a non-Indonesian company, or equivalent freelance contracts with non-Indonesian clients, signed and dated.
- Passport valid for at least 18 months from the date of application with at least three blank pages.
- Clean criminal record, which may require a basic background check from your home country for some applicants.
- Health insurance covering the full period of stay in Indonesia.
- Not being a citizen of restricted countries. A small list of nationalities is excluded on security grounds. Kitas VIP confirms eligibility at intake.
How the application works end to end
- Start the Kitas VIP application and upload your passport. We confirm eligibility within one business day.
- Provide your most recent income documentation: tax return, employer letter or equivalent.
- Upload three months of bank statements showing the USD 2,000 balance threshold.
- We prepare the VITAS submission and lodge it through the official eVisa portal.
- Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on season and workload.
- Once the eVisa is approved, you travel to Indonesia. We meet you at the local immigration office to convert to KITAS within 30 days of arrival.
- Your KITAS is valid for 1 year. We renew up to 60 days before expiry, for up to five consecutive renewals.
Living in Indonesia as a remote worker
The E33G unlocks rights that are important for settling in properly. You can sign long term residential leases (12 months and above), open a personal Indonesian bank account, apply for a local driving licence, and register with the local neighbourhood authority. Health services at private hospitals in Bali and Jakarta are readily accessible as a KITAS holder, and many expat clinics accept international insurance plans directly.
The most popular bases for E33G holders are Canggu, Ubud and Seminyak in Bali, followed by South Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Lombok. Indonesia's internet infrastructure has improved dramatically, and fibre speeds in the major expat hubs comfortably support video calls and remote work at US and European quality levels.
Tax considerations
This is where remote workers most often ask for clarity. Indonesia's general rule is that anyone present in the country for more than 183 days in a 12 month period becomes an Indonesian tax resident, liable to personal income tax on worldwide income. However the government has signalled, and Kitas VIP confirms via its partner tax practices, that E33G holders whose income is entirely foreign sourced and whose employer has no Indonesian presence are in practice not subject to Indonesian tax on that foreign income, provided the E33G conditions are fully respected.
Because tax treaties, domicile rules and specific fact patterns matter, we strongly recommend speaking to a qualified Indonesian tax adviser for your individual case. Kitas VIP can introduce you to trusted partners as part of the concierge service.
Digital Nomad KITAS versus tourist visa
Many remote workers initially try to live in Indonesia on a B1 tourist visa or visa on arrival extension. This works for short stays but fails for real residency. Tourist visas do not allow long term rentals beyond six months, do not support bank account opening, and do not permit you to register with local authorities. The E33G is the correct legal path for anyone who wants to stay in Indonesia seriously for more than a few months.
Digital Nomad KITAS FAQ
Can I freelance for US clients on the E33G?
Yes. The E33G specifically allows remote work for non-Indonesian clients. US based freelance contracts, paid directly into your foreign bank account, fall squarely within the scope of the visa. You must not take on Indonesian clients while on the E33G.
What if my income varies month to month?
Indonesia looks at annualised income, not monthly consistency. If your recent 12 month total exceeds USD 60,000, you qualify even if specific months were quieter. Bank statements and tax returns are weighed together to show the overall picture.
Can my partner come with me?
Yes. Spouses and children can be included on a dependent KITAS under index E31, running alongside the principal E33G. We bundle family applications at a reduced concierge rate.
How soon can I actually move?
Most applicants are on the ground in Indonesia 4 to 6 weeks after starting the application, including document preparation, VITAS approval and travel. Fast track cases with complete documents can be approved sooner.