Frequent business travel to Indonesia can be chaotic without the right permit, often leaving executives stuck with single-entry options that waste time on repeated applications. Worse, using the wrong visa for high-level meetings can trigger immigration raids or questioning at the border.
Misunderstanding the strict “no work” rule on a multiple entry visa can lead to deportation or hefty fines for your local sponsor, turning a simple business trip into a legal nightmare.
This is a major source of frustration for foreign investors who feel trapped between the need for frequent access and the fear of violating local labor laws. In 2026, the D2 multiple entry visa (formerly known as D212) is the strategic solution, but it is now tightly defined and monitored.
It is designed specifically for frequent short trips, not for residency or employment, and requires a registered Indonesian sponsor to vouch for your activities.
The solution lies in understanding the specific eligibility and limitations of this permit before you book your flight. This guide breaks down the D2 and D12 regulations, sponsor requirements, and permitted activities to keep your business trips compliant.
By securing the right multiple entry visa through the official channels, you can focus on your negotiations and site visits without the looming threat of immigration issues. For official application portals, the Directorate General of Immigration is the primary resource for all e-visa submissions.
Table of Contents
- Visa Types: Validity and Permitted Activities
- Eligibility and Core Requirements
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Permitted Activities vs Prohibited Work
- Real Story: The Furniture Consultant in Seminyak
- Overstays Penalties and Common Mistakes
- Pre-Investment Visa D12 Specifics
- Long Validity Options and Future Trends
- FAQs about Multiple Entry Visa
Visa Types: Validity and Permitted Activities
The landscape for business travel in 2026 is dominated by the D2 permit. According to the Directorate General of Immigration, this visa allows foreigners to make frequent short visits to Indonesia for business purposes.
The standard D2 visa grants a stay of up to 60 days per entry and is typically valid for one year. This structure is ideal for executives who need to pop in and out of Jakarta or Bali for meetings without the hassle of applying for a new visa every single time.
While some service providers mention long-validity options of up to five or even ten years, these are often subject to specific nationality agreements and policy updates that are not confirmed for all applicants.
The core rule remains consistent: you receive a specific allowance of days per visit (usually 60), and you must exit the country before that period expires to reset your clock. It is crucial to note that while extensions were once common, the current system emphasizes the “multiple entry” nature, meaning frequent exits are expected rather than continuous in-country extensions on this business permit.
Eligibility and Core Requirements
Securing a D2 visa requires more than just a passport and a ticket; it hinges on having a valid Indonesian sponsor. The Embassy’s official business-visit guidelines state that a local entity, such as a PT PMA or a government institution, must act as the guarantor.
This sponsor is legally responsible for your conduct and must submit the application on your behalf. Individuals generally cannot sponsor a business visa; it must be a corporate body.
Documentation is rigorous. Applicants typically need a passport with at least 18 months of validity to accommodate the one-year visa duration. A recent color photograph and a bank statement showing a personal balance of at least USD 2,000 (or equivalent) over the last three months are standard requirements.
Immigration may also request proof of your relationship with the sponsor, such as an invitation letter detailing the purpose of your visits, to ensure the permit is being used for legitimate business coordination and not hidden employment.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application for this frequent travel visa has shifted almost entirely to digital channels in 2026. The process begins with the sponsor, not the traveler. The Indonesian guarantor must access the official immigration e-Visa system to submit the request.
They will upload the company’s legal documents and the applicant’s personal data. Once the submission is reviewed, the Directorate General of Immigration issues a Letter of Visa Authorization.
After the authorization is granted, the applicant or sponsor completes the issuance process by paying the government fee, which is listed around IDR 4,000,000 for a standard one-year D2. Once approved, the e-Visa is sent via email.
Travelers must be careful to activate the visa by entering Indonesia within 90 days of issuance; failure to do so can void the permit, requiring a fresh application and fee payment. Processing times vary, but business-visa specialists estimate 5–14 working days for a complete cycle.
Permitted Activities vs Prohibited Work
The distinction between “business” and “work” is the most dangerous gray area for holders of a business permit. You are legally permitted to attend meetings, seminars, and conferences.
You can conduct business negotiations, sign contracts, and perform inspections of offices or factories. Essentially, if you are overseeing an investment or coordinating with partners at a high level, you are within the safe zone of the D2.
However, activities that generate income within Indonesia or resemble day-to-day employment are strictly prohibited. You cannot be on the payroll of an Indonesian company, nor can you directly sell goods or services to the public.
Supervising daily operations on a factory floor or sitting at a desk doing operational tasks from 9-to-5 can be construed as “working,” which requires a KITAS. Immigration officers are trained to spot foreigners abusing a multiple entry visa for de facto employment, and the penalties are severe.
Real Story: The Furniture Consultant in Seminyak
Meet Laura, a 48-year-old furniture design consultant from Sweden. Laura spent years flying between Stockholm, Jepara, and Bali to oversee production quality for his European clients.
For a long time, he relied on the Visa on Arrival (VOA), performing tedious “visa runs” to Singapore every 30 or 60 days. The constant travel and endless queues began to impact his schedule, but the real wake-up call came when an immigration officer pulled him aside to question his monthly entries.
Laura faced a tense moment as the officer flipped through his passport, asking why a “tourist” needed to visit a wood factory in Central Java every month. He narrowly avoided deportation but was given a stern warning.
That was when he used our services to secure a proper D2 multiple entry visa. We connected him with his local PT PMA partner to act as the official sponsor and handled the online submission.
This shift completely transformed his business operations. With the D2 visa, Laura now enters the priority lane with confidence, knowing his “business discussions” are fully compliant. He no longer fears the immigration counter and can focus on quality control during his 60-day windows.
He learned that for frequent business travel, the cost of a proper multiple entry visa is a small price to pay for peace of mind and legal safety.
Overstays Penalties and Common Mistakes
One of the most expensive mistakes a traveler can make is ignoring the 60-day limit of this entry permit. Unlike a residence permit, the clock does not stop; you must physically leave Indonesia before the 60th day. Overstaying results in a fine of approximately USD 70 per day. While a few days might be settled with cash at the airport, significant overstays can lead to detention, deportation, and a long-term ban from re-entering the country.
Another common error is using this visa to “live” in Indonesia by performing immediate “visa runs” or back-to-back entries. While the D2 allows frequent entry, staying in Indonesia almost continuously without spending significant time abroad can raise red flags. Immigration may suspect you are residing in Indonesia illegally.
Additionally, failing to update your address with your sponsor can cause issues if immigration conducts a random spot check. Sponsors who facilitate misuse face their own set of sanctions, ranging from fines to the suspension of their ability to sponsor future visas.
Pre-Investment Visa D12 Specifics
For investors who have not yet established a company to act as a sponsor, the D12 Pre-Investment permit is a vital alternative. This visa targets foreigners exploring business setups, such as conducting feasibility studies, field surveys, or site visits.
Unlike the D2, which requires a corporate sponsor, the D12 often has different sponsorship requirements, sometimes allowing for a bond or floating guarantee depending on current policy.
The D12 typically offers a validity of 1 to 2 years with a stay of up to 180 days per visit, though this is longer than the standard D2 and subject to strict verification. It is specifically designed for the “pre-setup” phase.
Once your PT PMA is established, you are generally expected to switch to a work KITAS or a Director KITAS. Using a pre-investment permit for established operational management is a compliance mismatch that should be avoided.
Long Validity Options and Future Trends
The Indonesian immigration system is in a state of modernization, with discussions about extending the validity of these business visas to 5 or even 10 years for citizens of high-investment countries.
While these 5-year options are listed in some regulations, their availability varies by nationality and often requires a higher sponsorship tier or investment track record. These long-term options are not guaranteed for every applicant in 2026.
Future trends point towards stricter digital enforcement. The integration of tax and immigration data means that foreigners on a business visa who trigger tax residency status (by staying more than 183 days in a year) might face automated scrutiny.
Business travelers should monitor these regulatory shifts. While the convenience of a multiple entry visa is undeniable, the government is increasingly using data to ensure it is not used as a loophole for tax-free residency.
FAQs about Multiple Entry Visa
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Can I work on a multiple entry visa in Indonesia?
No. You strictly cannot work for an Indonesian company or receive a salary. The multiple entry visa allows for meetings, inspections, and signing contracts, but not employment.
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How long can I stay on a D2 multiple entry visa?
The standard allowance is up to 60 days per entry. You must leave the country before this period expires to avoid overstay fines.
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Who can sponsor my multiple entry business visa?
A registered Indonesian company (PT or PT PMA) or a government institution must be your sponsor. Individuals generally cannot sponsor this visa type.
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What is the penalty for overstaying my visa?
The penalty is approximately USD 70 (IDR 1,000,000) per day of overstay. Serious overstays can result in deportation and blacklisting.
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Can I convert my multiple entry visa to a KITAS?
Conversion is possible in certain cases without leaving the country, but it is not guaranteed and depends on current immigration policy.
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Do I need a bank statement for the application?
Yes, you typically need to provide a bank statement showing a minimum balance of USD 2,000 to prove you can support yourself during your trips.
