Planning a corporate visit to the archipelago often starts with confusion. Is it a B211A? A C-type permit? Can I inspect a factory without a work permit? For many international professionals, the line between a legal business visit and illegal employment is dangerously thin. The consequences of crossing this line—deportation and blacklisting—are severe enough to derail major deals.
In 2026, the Indonesian immigration landscape has shifted towards digital precision. The Single Entry Business Visa Indonesia (often categorized under C-indexes) is the primary tool for conducting meetings, signing contracts, and exploring investments in economic hubs like Jakarta and Bali. Yet, navigating the specific requirements and avoiding “work” classifications remains a challenge for unprepared travelers.
This guide provides a definitive roadmap for securing your entry permit, ensuring your trip is compliant and productive. By understanding the specific activities allowed and utilizing the official immigration portal, you can confidently enter the country to grow your network without risking your legal standing.
Table of Contents
- Defining the 2026 Single Entry Business Visa
- Permitted Activities vs. Prohibited Work
- Document Requirements and Sponsorship
- Step-by-Step Online Application Process
- Real Story: A Near-Miss in South Jakarta
- Validity, Extensions, and Exit Rules
- Strategic Use Cases: Bali vs. Jakarta
- Key Risks and Common Compliance Mistakes
- FAQ's about Single Entry Business Visa Indonesia
Defining the 2026 Single Entry Business Visa
The Single Entry Business Visa Indonesia is a specific category of the Visit Visa, now primarily identified under the “C-type” or 211A lineage in the 2026 immigration framework. It is designed for foreigners who need to enter Indonesia for non-income-generating business purposes. Unlike a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit), this is not a residency permit, nor is it a work visa. It is strictly a visit visa that acknowledges the need for professional engagement.
Crucially, this visa is “Single Entry.” This means that once you leave Indonesian territory, the visa is invalid, regardless of how many days were left on your stay permit. If you need to fly to Singapore for a weekend meeting and return to Jakarta, you would need a new visa or a different Multiple Entry permit. Understanding this limitation is vital for planning your travel logistics, especially if your itinerary involves regional travel across Southeast Asia.
Permitted Activities vs. Prohibited Work
The most critical aspect of this visa is adhering to the strict definition of “business activities.” You are explicitly allowed to conduct business conversations, attend meetings, negotiate and sign contracts, and inspect production sites or goods. You can also participate in conferences, exhibitions, and trade fairs. These activities are viewed as supporting business relations, not engaging in local employment.
Conversely, you are strictly prohibited from selling goods or services directly to consumers in Indonesia. You cannot supervise production on a day-to-day basis, nor can you receive a salary, wage, or any form of compensation from an Indonesian entity. If you are found sitting at a desk “managing” a team or physically working on a production line, you are violating the terms of your C-Index Commercial Entry, which can lead to immediate detention and deportation.
Document Requirements and Sponsorship
To successfully apply for this visa, you must prepare a specific set of documents that meet 2026 standards. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. You will also need a recent color photograph with a background color specified by the portal (usually red or white), and proof of sufficient funds—typically a bank statement showing at least USD 2,000* or equivalent to cover your living expenses.
Sponsorship is a key component. For a business-purpose visa, you generally need a sponsor letter from an Indonesian legal entity (PT or PT PMA). This letter must detail the purpose of your visit, your itinerary, and a guarantee of your conduct while in the country. If you do not have a local partner entity yet, some agencies can act as sponsors, but be wary of “shell” sponsors that have no real operations.
*(Disclaimer: Amounts may be changed at any time without prior notice by the authorized authority.)
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
The application process has been centralized through the Directorate General of Immigration’s e-Visa portal. First, create an account on the official website. Select the “Single Entry Visit Visa” option and choose the specific business purpose that matches your intent. Upload your digital documents, ensuring they are high-resolution and clearly legible.
Once your documents are uploaded, you will proceed to payment. The official government fee for a 60-day Single Entry Business Visa Indonesia starts at IDR 1,500,000*, though this is subject to change depending on the exact sub-category. Payment can be made via credit card or SIMPONI codes. After payment, processing usually takes 5 to 10 working days. Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent to your email as a PDF. You must print this document and save a digital copy to present at immigration upon arrival.
*(Disclaimer: Amounts may be changed at any time without prior notice by the authorized authority.)
Real Story: A Near-Miss in South Jakarta
Marcus, a consultant from Melbourne, landed in Jakarta on a C2 Single Entry Business Visa. His schedule was perfect: boardroom meetings in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) and an inspection of a furniture factory in Tangerang.
On the third day, Marcus was at the factory. Wanting to be helpful, he opened his laptop at a production desk and began typing out a new workflow for the local staff. Suddenly, three officers in black “Imigrasi” vests arrived for a routine inspection. They saw Marcus—laptop open, surrounded by local employees—and asked for his IMTA (Work Permit).
Marcus panicked. To the officers, he wasn’t “inspecting”; he was “managing.” He immediately called his legal sponsor. They explained to the officers that Marcus was merely a foreign advisor reviewing quality standards—a permitted activity—and not a manager receiving a local salary.
The officers let him go with a stern warning: “Meetings happen in boardrooms; work happens at desks. Don’t confuse the two.” Marcus finished his deal, but he never sat at a staff desk again. He learned that in Jakarta, your physical posture determines your legal status.
Validity, Extensions, and Exit Rules
The standard initial stay for this Indonesian Business Visit Permit is 60 days. If your business dealings require more time, you can extend this visa twice, each for an additional 60 days, giving you a maximum continuous stay of 180 days. However, extensions are not automatic. You must apply for an extension at a local immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) before your current stay expires.
This process involves a mandatory in-person visit for biometric capture (photo and fingerprints) and an interview. You cannot just pay an agent to do it for you while you sit by the pool. Furthermore, strict “exit rules” apply. If you overstay even by one day, you face a fine of IDR 1,000,000* per day. If you leave the country at any point during your validity period, the visa is void, and you must apply for a brand new one to return.
*(Disclaimer: Amounts may be changed at any time without prior notice by the authorized authority.)
Strategic Use Cases: Bali vs. Jakarta
While the visa is valid nationwide, the use cases often differ by region. In Jakarta, the focus is typically on corporate governance: attending shareholder meetings, negotiating with government ministries, or inspecting heavy industry sites. The scrutiny here is high, and professional attire and conduct are expected at all times to align with your visa status.
In Bali, this Standard Business Visit Authorization is frequently used for investment scouting. Entrepreneurs visit to inspect potential villa developments, meet with local management companies, or attend creative industry conferences. While the atmosphere is more relaxed, immigration enforcement is equally strict. Using this visa to “test run” living in Bali as a digital nomad while working for clients back home is a grey area that carries significant risk if discovered.
Key Risks and Common Compliance Mistakes
The most dangerous mistake is misalignment of intent. Applying for a business visa when you actually intend to work as a freelance photographer or yoga instructor is fraud. Immigration officers are trained to spot inconsistencies between your visa type and your daily activities. Another common risk is the “shell sponsor.” If your sponsor company is found to be fictitious or non-compliant during an audit, your visa can be cancelled immediately.
Additionally, travelers often forget the 6-month passport validity rule. Arriving with a passport that expires in five months will result in denied entry, regardless of your valid visa. Finally, never assume that a “business visa” allows you to bypass customs duties on commercial samples. Bringing in suitcases of goods to “show clients” without proper customs declarations can lead to confiscation and fines at the airport.
FAQ's about Single Entry Business Visa Indonesia
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Can I receive a salary from an Indonesian company with this visa?
No. Receiving any form of remuneration, salary, or wage from an Indonesian source is strictly prohibited and constitutes illegal employment.
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How long does it take to process the Single Entry Business Visa?
Standard processing time is typically 5 to 10 working days, excluding weekends and public holidays. It is advisable to apply at least two weeks before your trip.
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Can I bring my family with me on this visa?
No, this visa is for the individual applicant only. Family members must apply for their own separate visas, such as a Tourist Visit Visa.
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Is this visa valid for multiple entries?
No. As the name suggests, the Single Entry Business Visa Indonesia is valid for one entry only. Once you leave, it is void.
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Can I convert this visa into a KITAS (residency permit) later?
In some specific cases, a business visit visa can be converted to a KITAS onshore, but the regulations are complex and subject to change. It is safer to apply for the correct KITAS offshore if residency is your goal.
