Entering Indonesia—and specifically its tourism capital, Bali—for serious business has long been a legal gray area. International entrepreneurs often relied on tourist visas for deep market research, facing constant scrutiny from immigration officials while scouting land or vetting partners. This uncertainty made conducting due diligence a high-stakes gamble, often carrying the threat of deportation if activities were misconstrued as work.
Relying on short-term solutions for significant investment is now reckless. The gap between a casual visit and a full residency permit left serious players forcing “visa runs” to reset their stay. In the current digital landscape of 2026, these patterns are increasingly flagged by the system, creating a need for a stable, legal footing to conduct feasibility studies safely in Bali and beyond.
The answer is the 2026 Pre-Investment Visa. Categorized under the C12 and D12 indices, this permit is specifically designed to bridge the gap between tourism and permanent investment. It offers a structured, compliant pathway for field surveys and partnership meetings, ensuring investors have the necessary time to make informed decisions before establishing a full company.
Table of Contents
- Purpose of the Investor Scouting Permit
- Comparing C12 and D12 Entry Options
- Eligibility and Financial Prerequisites
- Step-by-Step Application Workflow
- Real Story: From Tourist to Serious Investor
- Allowed Activities vs Prohibited Work
- Risks of Overstay and Misuse
- Transitioning to a PT PMA Structure
- FAQ's about Market Entry Permits
Purpose of the Investor Scouting Permit
The primary function of this permit is to facilitate “serious scouting.” It is tailored for foreign nationals who are in the crucial phase of exploring business opportunities—such as opening a resort in Bali—but are not yet ready to establish a legal entity (PT PMA). Unlike a standard tourist visa, which is strictly for leisure, the Pre-Investment Visa acknowledges the need for professional activities such as property checks, meeting with potential local partners, and conducting on-site feasibility studies.
It is critical to understand that this permit fits into a specific niche. It does not replace the Investor KITAS, nor does it allow for active business operations. You cannot sell goods, receive payments from Indonesian clients, or run daily operations. Instead, it provides a compliant shield against immigration audits for the preparatory work that precedes a major investment, ensuring that your initial market entry steps are fully legal.
Comparing C12 and D12 Entry Options
In the updated immigration framework for 2026, there are two main variations of this permit to suit different strategic needs: the C12 and the D12. The C12 is a Single-Entry instrument. It typically grants an initial stay of up to 180 days (6 months) in a single visit. This is ideal for investors planning one intensive period of research—for example, a six-month market study in Bali—before returning to their home country to finalize their investment decision.
For those requiring more flexibility, the D12 is the Multiple-Entry variant. This Pre-Investment Visa is generally valid for 1 or 2 years, allowing the holder to enter and exit Bali or Jakarta repeatedly. While agency sources often cite a stay allowance of up to 180 days per entry, precise extension rules for the D12 are sometimes inconsistent across different providers and remain “Not confirmed” as a universal rule. This option is best suited for an investor who needs to fly in and out for negotiations and site visits over a longer horizon.
Eligibility and Financial Prerequisites
To qualify for the Pre-Investment Visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are bona fide investors. This is not a permit for casual travelers or digital nomads seeking a long holiday in Bali. The eligibility criteria are designed by immigration authorities to filter for serious intent. Generally, there are no nationality restrictions, although citizens from calling-visa countries must clear separate security procedures.
Documentation requirements are stricter than for tourism. You must hold a passport with a minimum validity of 12 to 18 months, depending on the duration of the visa requested. Crucially, proof of funds is a major barrier to entry; applicants must provide personal bank statements showing a minimum balance of USD 5,000 over the last three months. Additionally, a sponsor is mandatory. This must be a registered Indonesian company or a specialized visa agency in Bali that issues a guarantee letter stating your intent to conduct pre-investment activities.
Step-by-Step Application Workflow
The application process has been digitized to streamline entry for foreign investors. The first step involves your sponsor. Whether you use a corporate partner or a visa agency in Bali, they must prepare the necessary corporate documents and invitation letters outlining your investment plan. Once these are ready, the application is submitted through the official government e-visa system, where your passport scan, photo, and financial proofs are uploaded for immigration review.
Processing times in 2026 typically range from 5 to 10 working days, though “express” options may be available depending on the provider. The government fee (PNBP) is usually included in agency packages, which can range from IDR 7.5 million to IDR 12 million depending on the validity period, though the exact official fee line items are “Not confirmed” in public tariff tables. Once the Pre-Investment Visa is approved, it is emailed as a PDF. You generally have 90 days from the date of issuance to enter Indonesia and activate the permit at an immigration checkpoint.
Real Story: From Tourist to Serious Investor
In September 2025, Julian, a renewable energy consultant from Germany, found himself at a crossroads. He had spent most of the previous year stuck in a “visa run” cycle—flying from Bali to Singapore every 60 days just to keep his solar farm research alive in Lombok. The constant travel was more than an inconvenience; it was a barrier to business.
“I was trying to negotiate a 25-year land lease while on a 30-day holiday stamp,” Julian recalls. “Local officials and immigration officers in Bali were hesitant to take me seriously. To them, I looked like a tourist who might disappear next week.”
In November 2025, Julian decided to stop “hacking” the system and applied for the D12 Pre-Investment Visa. By early December, his visa was approved, granting him an initial 180-day stay.
From December 2025 through May 2026, Julian’s permit allows him to stay grounded in Indonesia. He is currently using this time to conduct deep-soil testing and finalize negotiations with landowners in Bali and Lombok without the “ticking clock” of a tourist visa hanging over his head. By the time he finishes his feasibility study this spring, he plans to transition directly to a PT PMA structure. The D12 didn’t just give Julian time; it gave him the professional standing he needed.
Allowed Activities vs Prohibited Work
Clarity on allowed activities is the difference between compliance and deportation. Under the Pre-Investment Visa, you are explicitly authorized to conduct field surveys, feasibility studies, and market research. You can meet with potential vendors, inspect factories, and perform due diligence on properties in Bali. Tourism and visiting friends are also generally permitted as secondary activities.
However, the prohibitions are strict. You cannot engage in any form of employment. This means you cannot take a salary from an Indonesian entity, sign contracts as a service provider, or manage daily operations. For example, if you are scouting a location for a restaurant in Bali, you can inspect the building, but you cannot work the cash register or manage the renovation crew. Direct conversion to a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) is also not automatic; this permit is a bridge, not a residency status defined by immigration law.
Risks of Overstay and Misuse
While the Pre-Investment Visa offers longer stays, it carries significant risks if misused. Overstaying your per-entry limit—whether it is 60 or 180 days—incurs a severe administrative fine, currently set at IDR 1,000,000 per day. Accumulating a significant overstay can lead to detention by immigration, deportation, and a long-term ban from re-entering Bali. Because extension rules for D12 can be ambiguous, relying on unconfirmed extension policies is a common pitfall.
Another major risk is using this visa as a backdoor for residency. Living in Bali full-time on a D12 without moving toward a legitimate company setup raises red flags. Immigration authorities monitor foreign nationals who appear to be residing rather than researching. Furthermore, ensure your sponsor is credible. Using a fictitious or blacklisted sponsor can result in your visa being revoked.
Transitioning to a PT PMA Structure
The ultimate goal for most holders of a Pre-Investment Visa is to establish a foreign-owned company, known as a PT PMA. Once your feasibility studies in Bali are complete and you are ready to deploy capital, the next step is to incorporate your entity. This involves meeting the investment realization requirements set by the Ministry of Investment (BKPM), which currently requires a total investment plan of IDR 10 billion.
At this stage, you will transition from the scouting phase to active management. This requires applying for an Investor KITAS (Index E28). It is important to note that the D12 does not automatically convert; you must apply for the new KITAS separately. For investors navigating this complex financial transition in 2026, consulting a trusted tax management company is highly recommended.
FAQ's about Market Entry Permits
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Can I work legally in Bali with a D12 permit?
No, the D12 permit strictly prohibits active employment or earning a salary in Bali; it is for research and investment planning only.
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How long can I stay on each visit with a D12 visa in 2026?
Most D12 visas allow for a stay of up to 180 days per entry, though extension rules vary and should be verified with your sponsor or immigration advisor.
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Is the USD 5,000 proof of funds mandatory?
Yes, providing a bank statement showing at least USD 5,000 over the last three months is a standard requirement for the Pre-Investment Visa to satisfy immigration checks.
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Can I convert my Pre-Investment permit directly to an Investor KITAS in Bali?
Generally, no; you must establish your PT PMA first and then apply for the Investor KITAS separately, often requiring an exit and re-entry to Bali.
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What happens if I overstay my visa?
You will face a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day, and significant overstays can lead to deportation and being blacklisted from entering Bali and the rest of Indonesia.
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Can I bring my family with me on this visa in 2026?
The D12 is an individual permit; family members would typically need their own visit visas or dependent visas once you obtain a full KITAS.
