Who the Second Home Visa is for
The Second Home Visa is designed for foreign retirees who want a predictable, long term base in Indonesia with minimal bureaucratic overhead. It suits people who are comfortable parking USD 50,000 in an Indonesian bank for the duration of their stay, and who value the convenience of not having to renew their KITAS every year. It is particularly popular with retirees from Australia, Japan, the United States, Singapore and the United Kingdom who split their time between Bali and their home country.
If you are under 60 years old, this visa is not available to you. The closest alternative is the Retirement KITAS (E33F) from age 55 onwards, or the Investor KITAS for those building a life around an Indonesian business.
Core requirements
- Age 60 or over at the time of application. Spouses and dependent children can be included even if they are younger.
- USD 50,000 deposit placed in a state owned Indonesian bank account. Eligible banks include BNI, Mandiri, BRI and BTN. The deposit must remain throughout the validity of the visa.
- Monthly income of at least USD 3,000 from foreign sources, supported by recent bank statements or pension award letters (aligning with the general Indonesian retirement visa framework).
- Passport valid for at least 18 months with three blank pages.
- Health insurance covering at least the standard Indonesian immigration floor, though most applicants carry much higher international cover.
- Clean criminal record from your home country where required.
- Local sponsor, typically a licensed Indonesian agent. Kitas VIP provides sponsorship as part of the concierge service.
- No intention to work for any Indonesian employer or client.
How the deposit works
The USD 50,000 deposit is a practical, not punitive, requirement. It is held in your own name in a state owned Indonesian bank, it continues to earn interest at the bank's published retail rate, and it is fully accessible to you at the end of the visa if you choose not to renew. It is not a fee paid to immigration or an investment into a third party. Think of it as maintaining a minimum balance in a dedicated Indonesian savings account for the duration of your stay.
The deposit must actually be in place before the VITAS is approved. Kitas VIP coordinates with the chosen Indonesian bank so the funds transfer, account opening and certificate of deposit are aligned with the immigration application timeline.
Duration and renewal
The Second Home Visa is issued for up to 5 years in a single block, without the annual renewal treadmill of the standard Retirement KITAS. This is the headline benefit of the visa: peace of mind that you do not need to start a new immigration process every year. At the end of the 5 year period, you can renew the visa if you wish to continue living in Indonesia. The deposit can be maintained and rolled over into the next period.
After 5 years on the Second Home Visa you can, in many cases, pivot to KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit), which provides a 5 year permanent stay with even lighter renewal requirements and additional benefits.
Living in Indonesia as a Second Home Visa holder
Your KITAS unlocks the usual resident benefits. You can open personal bank accounts, sign long term residential leases, hold a local Indonesian driving licence, and register with your neighbourhood administration. Private healthcare in Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya is accessible, and many clinics accept international insurance directly. Second Home Visa holders are also exempt from some of the routine renewal and reporting that Working or Retirement KITAS holders face.
Second Home Visa versus Retirement KITAS
Both routes lead to long term residency in Indonesia for retirees, but they suit different profiles.
| Feature | Retirement KITAS (E33F) | Second Home Visa (E33E) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 55 | 60 |
| Financial requirement | USD 3,000 monthly income | USD 50,000 deposit in state bank + income |
| Duration | 1 year, renewed yearly up to 5 years | Up to 5 years in one block |
| Renewals | Annual | None during the 5 year block |
| Domestic helper required | Yes | No |
| Capital locked | No | Yes, USD 50,000 |
| Path to KITAP | After 5 years | After 5 years, often smoother |
If you have the capital available and you are at least 60, the Second Home Visa is usually the more convenient option. If you are younger or you do not want to tie up USD 50,000, the Retirement KITAS is the right choice.
Second Home Visa FAQ
Can I use the deposit for daily living expenses?
No. The USD 50,000 must remain in the designated account as evidence of your financial capacity. You can use other Indonesian or foreign accounts for day to day spending. Your household income, pensions and normal savings are entirely separate from the deposit.
Do I have to live in Indonesia full time?
No. Second Home Visa holders can travel in and out freely with their MERP re-entry permit. Many holders split time between Indonesia and their home country without jeopardising the visa, as long as the deposit stays in place.
Can I switch from Second Home Visa to another KITAS later?
Yes. If your circumstances change (for example you decide to open an Indonesian business and want to work locally), you can transition to an Investor KITAS or Working KITAS. Kitas VIP handles the transitions for clients as part of the concierge service.