Indonesia’s dynamic economy and strategic location make it an attractive destination for foreign investors. To facilitate investment exploration, the Indonesian government offers the Pre-Investment Visa (D12), designed for individuals looking to expand their business opportunities in Indonesia.
How can you secure one with ease? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the D12 visa, covering its purpose, requirements, and the detailed application process.
What is a pre-investment visa?
The Pre-Investment Visa (D12) is a multiple-entry visa issued by the Indonesian government to foreign investors intending to conduct pre-investment activities in Indonesia. These include market research, feasibility studies, and establishing business connections. The D12 visa does not permit holders to engage in employment or income-generating activities within Indonesia.
Key features of the D12 visa include:
- Multiple Entries: Allows unlimited entries and exits during the visa’s validity period.
- Stay Duration: Permits a stay of up to 180 days per entry.
- Validity Period: Available for 1 or 2 years, depending on the applicant’s preference and qualifications.
Read more: Indonesia’s visa guide for foreigners: 2025 updates
Why apply for a pre-investment visa: Key benefits
The Pre-Investment Visa D12 offers numerous advantages, making it a strategic choice for foreign investors considering business opportunities in Indonesia.
This is why you should consider applying for a pre-investment visa:
Multiple Entry Access
The D12 visa permits unrestricted entry and exit during its validity, allowing investors the flexibility to manage their schedules as needed.
Long-Term Stay
With up to 180 days permitted per entry, investors have sufficient time to explore the market, conduct due diligence, and meet potential partners without rushing into decisions.
Non-Work Requirement
Since the D12 visa does not involve employment, it’s easier to obtain compared to work permits or long-term KITAS options.
Preparation for KITAS
This visa serves as a preliminary step for individuals seeking to transition to a more permanent stay under the D12 KITAS once their investment plans are finalized.
Simplified Compliance
D12 Visa holders are exempt from local tax obligations and payroll registration, making initial engagement with the Indonesian market less complicated.
Who is eligible for the pre-investment visa?
The D12 Visa is tailored for a specific profile of foreign nationals seriously considering investing in Indonesia. Below are the most essential criteria:
- Foreign nationals with a genuine interest in investing in Indonesia, including entrepreneurs and company representatives assessing potential projects or partnerships.
- Applicants must hold a passport with a minimum validity of 12-18 months.
- Representatives of foreign enterprises with a clear non-working purpose, such as conducting feasibility studies, networking, or preparing to establish a company.
- Individuals must demonstrate financial capability by providing evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay without engaging in any form of employment.
- Applicants must have a clean immigration record in Indonesia and comply with local regulations.
Restrictions for pre-investment visa holders
While the D12 Visa offers flexibility for business exploration, it also comes with strict limitations to prevent misuse. Understanding these restrictions is essential to ensure compliance and avoid legal risks.
No Employment Allowed
D12 visa holders are strictly prohibited from working or earning income within Indonesia. Any form of employment, even unpaid, can result in visa revocation or deportation.
No Commercial Activities
This visa is only intended for pre-investment purposes, including market research or attending business-related events. Any business operations or sales activities are allowed.
No Conversion to Work Visa
The D12 visa cannot be converted to a work visa or other stay permit while in Indonesia. Investors must leave the country and reapply from abroad if they wish to change their visa type.
Limited Extension Options
The D12 visa is non-extendable beyond its initial validity period. Once it expires, the applicant must reapply for a new visa from scratch.
A step-by-step guide to obtaining a pre-investment visa
Securing a pre-investment visa D12 involves several requirements and administrative steps to be aware of. Here’s the breakdown of the complete guide to obtaining one seamlessly:
1. Prepare Required Documents
Gather the necessary documents, which typically include:
- A valid passport with at least 12–18 months’ validity
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Statement of investment intent or business interest
- Proof of financial capacity (e.g., bank statements)
- Return or onward travel ticket
- Sponsor letter from an Indonesian counterpart or visa agency
2. Appoint a Sponsor
An Indonesian legal entity or licensed visa agency must act as your visa sponsor. They will submit the visa application on your behalf to the Directorate General of Immigration.
3. Submit Online Application
The sponsor applies through Indonesia’s official immigration system. Once approved, a visa approval letter will be issued.
4. Pay the Visa Fee
Applicants should pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the visa duration (either a 1-year or 2-year option). The payment must be completed before the visa can be issued.
5. Visa Issuance and Entry
After receiving the visa, you may enter Indonesia. Upon arrival, you must register and complete any required reporting. Each entry permits a stay of up to 180 days; to remain longer, you must exit and re-enter within the visa’s validity.
Read more: An in-depth guide to extending your Bali Visa.
Seamlessly secure your pre-investment visa in Bali with InCorp
As one of Indonesia’s most promising regions, Bali presents vibrant opportunities across various sectors, including tourism, real estate, and innovation. If you’re planning to launch a business or explore investments, the Pre-Investment Visa D12 is your strategic first step.
At InCorp Indonesia (An Ascentium Company), we provide streamlined solutions for business visas. Our seasoned experts will ensure a smooth and compliant entry into the local market.
Why choose InCorp?
- Local knowledge of the business environment
- Complete assistance with documentation and compliance
- Efficient processing and reliable local sponsorship
- Support for both short-term business visits and long-term investment planning
Complete the form below, and let us simplify your business move into Bali today.
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What you'll get
A prompt response to your inquiry
Knowledge for doing business from local experts
Ongoing support for your business
Disclaimer
The information is provided by PT. Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind.
We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials. We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website.
Verified by
Hotdo Nauli
Senior Legal & Delivery Manager at InCorp Indonesia
Hotdo heads the Legal and Delivery team at InCorp Indonesia, managing Product Registration, Legal Advisory, and Business Licensing. With over 8 years of experience, she focuses on compliance and integrity, ensuring all client operations align with Indonesian laws and regulatory standards, including contract reviews and sector-specific licenses. She is also a licensed advocate and a member of the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI).
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a business visa can only be used for non-income-generating business purposes, such as attending business meetings, seminars, exhibitions, or training. To work in Indonesia, you must apply for a proper work permit and a limited (KITAS) or permanent (KITAP) stay permit.
You will need to register your products with the BPOM (National Agency of Food and Drugs) and MoH (Ministry of Health) before you can distribute them in Indonesia. It can only be registered with an Indonesian legal entity. Your local distributor will register your product in Indonesia under their entity and become the license holder if you distribute via the entity you choose.
You can transfer the license if your local distributor agrees to change the product license holder.
The difficulty level depends on your country of origin. Indonesia lists restricted countries, including Afghanistan, Guinea, Israel, North Korea, Cameroon, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, and Somalia. Citizens from those countries will find the process complicated and challenging, with a high possibility that their application will be rejected.
