Trying to figure out which legal documents you need while living in Bali, Indonesia can be overwhelming 😩 especially when you’re dealing with different visa types, language barriers, and government offices.
Many foreigners in Bali end up confused, wasting time or getting rejected just because they missed one paper or misunderstood the process. Worse, some pay for the wrong service or get scammed by unlicensed agents. 😓
That’s where trusted Bali visa services can help. Whether you’re setting up a business, extending a stay, or translating documents, visa agencies in Bali assist with the most important legal paperwork—saving you stress and helping you stay compliant. ✅
“I had no idea I needed a sworn translation and SKCK for my visa renewal,” says Matteo from Italy. “The agency handled everything, and I got my KITAS renewed with zero issues. Totally worth it!”🧾
For example, foreigners often need help with KITAS, KITAP, IMTA, PT PMA setup, document legalization, or even getting a certified apostille. These aren’t things you want to DIY in a new country. 📌📑
Wondering which documents you might need help with? Let’s walk through the top 10 legal documents that Bali visa experts can handle for you—so you can focus on enjoying life in paradise. 🌺📋
Table of Contents
- KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) 🛂
- VOA, B211 Visa, and Visa Extensions📆
- Work Permit (IMTA)💼
- Investor KITAS💸
- PT PMA Company Setup Documents 🏢
- SKCK (Police Clearance Certificate) 👮
- Sworn Translation (Terjemahan Tersumpah) 🌐
- Sponsor Letters for Visa Applications ✉️
- Document Legalization or Notarization📑
- Apostille Services (via Kemenkumham)📜
- FAQs About Legal Documents Bali Visa Services❓
KITAS (Limited Stay Permit)
A KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is the most common visa type for foreigners staying long-term in Indonesia. It’s a limited stay permit valid for 6–12 months and can be extended.
You can get a KITAS through work, investment, retirement, or marriage. It allows you to legally live in Bali, register utilities, open a bank account, and more.
The process starts before entering Indonesia, usually with a Visa Telex approval from immigration. Once you arrive, you’ll convert it into a KITAS at the local immigration office. This permit is the base for a legal stay in Bali. ✅
VOA, B211 Visa, and Visa Extensions
Coming for a shorter stay or scoping out Bali before committing? You’ll likely enter with one of these:
- VOA (Visa on Arrival): 30 days, extendable once
- B211A Visa: 60 days, extendable 2–4 times
- Tourist visa extensions: done via agents or immigration
The VOA is easy to get at the airport, but B211 is better for remote workers or business meetings. Just remember: you can’t work on either of these! ❌
Use these visas as stepping stones while preparing your long-term setup like a KITAS or PT PMA.
Work Permit (IMTA)
If you’re getting a Work KITAS, you’ll also need a work permit, known as the IMTA. This is issued by the Ministry of Manpower and must be secured by your employer.
It legally allows you to perform paid work in Indonesia. Without an IMTA, working in Bali is considered illegal, even if you have a valid KITAS.
Employers must prove they need a foreigner for the job, and they must pay a fee called DKPTKA (USD 100/month). Always confirm your company is handling this properly! 📋
Investor KITAS
Planning to run a business in Bali? The Investor KITAS (Index 313 or 314) is ideal. It allows company owners or directors of a PT PMA to stay in Bali without a work permit.
Benefits:
✅ No monthly DKPTKA fee
✅ Multiple-entry access
✅ Faster processing than work KITAS
You’ll need to show your name on the PT PMA’s Deed of Establishment and meet the minimum capital requirements (usually IDR 1 billion in shares).
It’s perfect for entrepreneurs who want to live and manage their business in Bali legally.
PT PMA Company Setup Documents
To legally run a business as a foreigner, you must set up a PT PMA (foreign-owned company). This requires several key documents:
- Deed of Establishment (Akta Pendirian)
- NIB (Business ID)
- NPWP (Tax ID)
- Business licenses (OSS, SIUP)
These documents are issued through Indonesia’s Online Single Submission (OSS) system. Once complete, your PT PMA can hire staff, open bank accounts, and apply for Investor KITAS.
This is a big step, but essential for legal operations in Bali. ⚖️
SKCK (Police Clearance Certificate)
Some visa applications, especially long-term or work-related ones, require a SKCK (Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian).
This document shows you have no criminal record and is issued by the Indonesian police.
You’ll need:
Fingerprint records
Passport copy
Sponsor letter
Passport photos
SKCKs are typically valid for 6 months and may be required for visa renewals, KITAS upgrades, or naturalization processes. It’s also needed for Apostille or legalization. 🖐️
Sworn Translation (Terjemahan Tersumpah)
If your documents are not in Bahasa Indonesia, they must be translated by a sworn translator (penerjemah tersumpah). This applies to:
Birth/marriage certificates
University diplomas
Financial records
Criminal background checks
Only certified translations are accepted by immigration, not DIY or Google Translate. Sworn translators are legally recognized and stamp each page.
Using the right translator can save weeks of processing time—and prevent rejection! 🔍
Sponsor Letters for Visa Applications
Most Indonesian visas, including B211, Work KITAS, and Retirement KITAS, require a sponsor letter. This letter confirms that an individual or company in Indonesia takes responsibility for your stay.
It must include:
Sponsor’s full name and ID
Your details (passport, purpose, duration)
Letterhead and signature
Without this letter, your visa application may be rejected. Many foreigners use agents or lawyers to provide legitimate sponsorships. 📑
Document Legalization or Notarization
For official documents to be used in Indonesia, they often need legalization or notarization. This proves they’re real and properly issued.
Notarization: Certified by a local Indonesian notary
Legalization: Stamped by the Ministry of Law & Human Rights or the Embassy
Examples include: company papers, marriage books, or diplomas.
Always check if the document is needed in original or legalized form—requirements vary depending on visa type. ✅
Apostille Services (via Kemenkumham)
Indonesia joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2021, making it easier to legalize foreign documents.
If your document is from a member country, you can now get it apostilled instead of going through a full consular legalization.
In Indonesia, apostilles are handled by Kemenkumham (Ministry of Law and Human Rights).
This process is used for:
Birth certificates
Academic records
Police clearance
Apostilles simplify international document use—and are a big step forward for expats in Bali! ✨
FAQs About Legal Documents Bali Visa Services
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Do I need a KITAS if I’m just staying for a few months?
No. For short stays without work, you can use a B211 visa or Visa on Arrival (VOA).
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Can I work remotely in Bali on a tourist visa?
Technically no. It's a legal grey area, and immigration may penalize you if they interpret it as working.
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How long does it take to set up a PT PMA?
Usually 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly you prepare the required documents and secure licenses.
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Is a sworn translation really required?
Yes! Government offices often reject non-certified translations. Only use sworn translators to avoid delays.
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Who can help me with all of these documents?
A local visa agency or legal consultant can assist. Many offer full-service packages to handle everything.
