For frequent travelers to Bali, the routine of queuing for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) every single trip can quickly become a frustrating and expensive bottleneck. Whether you are commuting from Singapore for weekend breaks or flying in from Perth monthly to oversee a villa build, applying for a new permit each time wastes hours at immigration and piles up unnecessary costs. The old days of limited options are gone, but the new system of alphanumeric visa codes has left many visitors confused about which path offers the best flexibility.
The solution lies in the newly restructured “D-Category” visas, specifically designed for those who need to enter and exit the archipelago repeatedly without the administrative headache. In 2026, the government has streamlined these permits to cater to distinct groups: pure tourists, business professionals, and prospective investors. Choosing the right Multiple Entry Visa not only saves you money in the long run but also grants you the peace of mind that comes with having a valid travel document in your pocket for up to five years.
However, selecting the wrong category can lead to severe compliance issues, especially regarding sponsorship and permitted activities. This guide breaks down the three primary multiple-entry options available to regular visitors, clarifying the differences between the D1, D2, and D12 permits. By understanding the specific scope of each, you can secure the right legal footing for your frequent visits to the Island of the Gods. For official application portals, always refer to the Directorate General of Immigration.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the New D-Category Visa Codes
- D1 Visa: The Solution for Frequent Tourists
- D2 Visa: For Business Travelers and Consultants
- D12 Visa: The Investor's Scouting Tool
- Real Story: The "Bali Regular" Who Saved Millions
- Critical Rules: 60-Day Limits and Extensions
- Sponsorship Requirements Explained
- Who Should Avoid These Visas
- FAQ's about Multiple Entry Visa
Understanding the New D-Category Visa Codes
The Indonesian immigration system has undergone a significant overhaul, moving away from generic labels to specific alphanumeric codes. For frequent travelers, the “D-Category” is now the gold standard for a Multiple Entry Visa. Unlike the single-entry B211 of the past, these new permits are issued with validity periods typically ranging from one to five years, allowing for repeated entries during that timeframe.
The primary advantage of this category is the elimination of repetitive paperwork. Once approved, you hold a digital visa that allows you to bypass the VoA payment counters entirely. However, it is crucial to note that “multiple entry” does not mean “unlimited stay.” Each entry triggers a specific stay permit—usually 60 days—which must be respected rigidly. The D-category is strictly for visit purposes, meaning it does not authorize you to work for a local employer or receive a salary in Indonesia.
D1 Visa: The Solution for Frequent Tourists
The D1 Visa is the designated Multiple Entry Visa for genuine tourists. It is ideal for “Bali regulars”—those who consider the island their second home for holidays, social visits to friends, or non-work leisure. If you find yourself flying into Denpasar three or four times a year for surfing trips or family vacations, this is likely the most cost-effective option for you.
Validity for the D1 can be issued for 1, 2, or even 5 years. Regardless of the total validity, each time you arrive in Indonesia, you are granted a 60-day stay permit. This is significantly longer than the standard 30-day VoA, giving you ample time to explore without the immediate pressure of an extension. However, this visa requires a sponsor, typically a registered Indonesian travel agency or hotel, ensuring that your activities remain strictly within the realm of tourism.
D2 Visa: For Business Travelers and Consultants
For entrepreneurs and corporate executives, the D2 Visa serves as the professional counterpart to the D1. This Multiple Entry Visa is specifically crafted for business purposes, such as attending conferences, conducting negotiations, or checking on export quality. It effectively bridges the gap for professionals who need to be on the ground frequently but are not employed by an Indonesian company.
Like the tourist variant, the D2 allows for stay periods of 60 days per entry. The key difference lies in the sponsorship; a D2 application must be supported by an Indonesian business entity, such as a PT PMA or a local partner company. It is the preferred choice for consultants who fly in for high-level strategy meetings or pre-sales activities. Remember, while you can conduct business meetings, you cannot engage in hands-on work that produces goods or services for local clients.
D12 Visa: The Investor's Scouting Tool
The D12 Pre-Investment Visa is a relatively new addition, targeted at foreign investors who are in the early stages of establishing a business in Indonesia. If you are planning to set up a PT PMA (Foreign Direct Investment Company) but need to fly in and out for site visits, meetings with notaries, or due diligence, the D12 is your strategic tool.
This Multiple Entry Visa allows you to conduct all necessary pre-investment activities without the need for a full investor KITAS, which requires a company to already be established. It offers the same 60-day stay pattern but is specifically recognized for investment preparation. If you are exploring property options or meeting with a trusted villa management company to discuss future operations, holding a D12 demonstrates legitimate intent to the authorities.
Real Story: The "Bali Regular" Who Saved Millions
Meet Sarah, a 34-year-old freelance graphic designer from Perth, Australia. Sarah loves Bali and visits practically every month to surf and unwind. For years, she relied on the Visa on Arrival (VoA), paying IDR 500,000 every time she landed, plus the extension fees whenever she decided to stay closer to six weeks.
The Cost of Convenience: In 2024 alone, Sarah made 8 trips. She spent IDR 4,000,000 just on entry fees, plus another IDR 4,000,000 on extensions and agent fees to avoid the immigration office queues. More frustrating was the time wasted—hours spent in lines instead of in the ocean.
The Switch: In early 2025, she applied for a 5-year D1 Multiple Entry Visa. The upfront cost was higher (around IDR 15 million including sponsorship), but the math worked in her favor.
The Outcome: By 2026, Sarah simply scans her passport at the autogate and walks through. She no longer calculates 30-day limits or rushes to agents for extensions. Over the 5-year period, she projects saving over IDR 25 million in fees, not to mention the invaluable time saved. She now enjoys her 60-day entry limit stress-free.
Critical Rules: 60-Day Limits and Extensions
The most common misconception about holding a Multiple Entry Visa is that it allows continuous residence. It does not. The “60-day cap” is a hard rule. Every time you enter Indonesia, the clock starts ticking. On day 60, you must either have processed an extension (if applicable to your specific visa sub-type and current regulations) or, more commonly, exit the country.
Many holders use this as an opportunity for a “visa run”—a quick flight to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur—before returning to activate a fresh 60-day period. While this is permitted, Immigration officers are vigilant. If your entry and exit patterns suggest you are de facto living in Indonesia rather than visiting, you may face questioning. Always ensure you exit before your stay permit expires to avoid the hefty overstay fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day.
Sponsorship Requirements Explained
Unlike the Visa on Arrival which requires no sponsor, applying for a D-category visa demands a guarantor. This is the gatekeeper mechanism for the Indonesian government. For a D1 Tourist visa, your sponsor must be a corporation operating in the tourism sector—you cannot just ask a local friend to sponsor you.
For the D2 Business visa, the sponsor must be the Indonesian company you are visiting or collaborating with. This ensures there is a local entity responsible for your conduct while you are in the country. The D12 Pre-Investment visa is unique as it often allows for self-sponsorship or sponsorship by a government investment body, reflecting its purpose to attract capital. Ensuring your sponsor is legitimate is critical; using “ghost sponsors” (agencies that don’t actually exist) is a primary reason for visa revocations.
Who Should Avoid These Visas
While convenient, a Multiple Entry Visa is not a substitute for a work permit. If your primary intention is to work for an Indonesian employer, manage staff daily, or receive a salary in Rupiah, using a D1 or D2 visa is illegal. These are “Visit Visas,” not “Work Visas.”
Foreigners caught working on a visit visa face deportation and blacklisting. Furthermore, if you plan to stay in Indonesia for 6 months or more consecutively without leaving, a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) is a far better option than constantly resetting a visit visa. The multiple-entry option is strictly for those whose lives and livelihoods remain anchored outside of Indonesia, but who require frequent access to the country.
FAQ's about Multiple Entry Visa
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Can I work on a Multiple Entry Visa in Bali?
No, absolutely not. The D1, D2, and D12 visas are strictly for visiting purposes (tourism, business meetings, investment scouting). Engaging in paid employment or generating local income is illegal.
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How long can I stay on each visit?
You are granted a maximum stay of 60 days per entry. You must exit the country or extend your stay (if the specific visa rules allows) before this period expires.
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Do I need a sponsor for a Multiple Entry Visa?
Yes. The D1 requires a tourism sponsor (agency/hotel), and the D2 requires a corporate sponsor. The D12 has specific investment sponsorship rules.
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Can I extend the 60-day stay limit?
Generally, yes, most D-category visas can be extended, usually for another 60 days. However, rules change frequently, so check your specific visa sticker or consult an agent.
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What is the difference between D1 and D2 visas?
The D1 is for Tourism (leisure, family), while the D2 is for Business (meetings, conferences). The sponsorship requirements differ accordingly.
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Is the D12 visa right for setting up a PT PMA?
Yes, the D12 is designed specifically for pre-investment activities like meeting notaries and site inspections before your company is fully legally established.
