If you’re a foreigner planning a long-term stay in Bali, Indonesia, obtaining a residence certificate, also known as “Surat Keterangan Domisili” or “Proof of Residence,” is crucial.
This document serves as official evidence of your place of residence and is required for various legal and administrative purposes.
In this essential guide, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for a residence certificate, making your transition to life in Bali smoother and less stressful.
Whether you’re an expat, digital nomad, or retiree, understanding the importance of this document and the steps involved in obtaining it will help you navigate your long-term stay in this beautiful Indonesian island with ease.
What is Letter of Domicile/Residence Certificate?
The Letter of Domicile (Surat Keterangan Domisili) is an official document issued by an authorized official, serving as proof that a newcomer has reported their presence and has a fixed place of residence.
It is a single sheet of paper and is valid for only six months.
Uses of The Letter of Domicile (Surat Keterangan Domisili)
The Letter of Domicile is utilized for various administrative and legal purposes:
- It is necessary for applying for KITAS/KITAP (temporary/permanent stay permits in Indonesia).
- It is required to open a bank account in Indonesia, additionally certain banks like BANK PERMATA may not require a KITAS for opening a new account.
- It is used to manage company registration and tax documentation.
Required Documents
To obtain a Letter of Domicile, the following documents are needed:
- A photocopy of your passport
- Four photographs sized 4 x 6 cm
- A Police Report Certificate or Surat Tanda Melapor (STM) from the Police, which can be obtained from the local police station appropriate to your residential area.
- A ‘Surat Pengantar” from the local Kelian (neighborhood head) where you reside, which will serve as an introduction to apply for the Letter of Domicile at the village office.
Procedure
The procedure for obtaining the Letter of Domicile involves several steps:
- First, obtain the Police Report or Surat Tanda Melapor (STM) from the local police station that corresponds to your residence.
The police will ask questions about your personal information. You can meet your agent at the police station, and they will assist you in obtaining this document.
If you reside in North Kuta District, you can visit the North Kuta Police Station.
The North Kuta Police Station handles administrative matters solely within the North Kuta District area, which includes Kerobokan Kelod Subdistrict, Kerobokan Subdistrict, Kerobokan Kaja Subdistrict, Tibubeneng Village, Canggu Village, and Dalung Village.
- Next, your agent can visit the nearest Kelian (neighborhood head) to get an introductory form.
- Finally, your agent will proceed to the “Kantor Desa” (Village Office) of your area to apply for the Letter of Domicile by submitting the required documents.
Processing Time
The processing time for obtaining the Letter of Domicile typically ranges from 3 to 5 working days, depending on the region. Once processed, the document can be collected.
Cost
For information about the fee for obtaining the Letter of Domicile, please contact us via WhatsApp.
Location (Case Study: Tibubeneng)
For residents of Desa Tibubeneng (Canggu area), the Letter of Domicile can be processed at:
Kantor Desa Tibubeneng
Jl. Segara Perancak No.1, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Operating Hours: weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM; Closed on weekends.
Resources
- Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who needs to obtain a Certificate of Residence/Letter of Domicile in Bali?
Foreign nationals planning a long-term stay in Bali, such as expatriates, digital nomads, or retirees, need to obtain a Certificate of Residence for various legal and administrative tasks.
- I live in Lovina but I am planning to set up a company soon. Can I obtain the Letter of Domicile in the Canggu area?
Certainly. If your company is located in Canggu, then you can apply for a Letter of Domicile in the Canggu area.
- I am a traveler with a Visa on Arrival (VOA) and I want to apply for a bank account in Bali. How can I do that?
If you wish to open a bank account in Bali, you can visit PERMATA BANK in Kerobokan. Inform the teller that you are interested in buying land in Bali; this will help facilitate the processing of your application. Simply submit your passport and the Letter of Domicile. You will receive an ATM card that functions like a debit card and is compatible with Visa or MasterCard networks.
- How long does it take to process a Certificate of Residence in Bali?
The processing time for a Certificate of Residence generally takes about 3-5 days, depending on the procedures at the local village or sub-district office.
- What are the primary uses of a Certificate of Residence in Bali?
The Certificate of Residence is used to apply for KITAS, company registration, tax administration, and banking services, such as opening a corporate bank account or applying for loans.
Contact Us for Assistance with Your Certificate of Residence in Bali.
