Moving to Indonesia
The country of Indonesia provides an attractive location for people to move because it offers professional development prospects and beautiful tropical scenery and diverse cultural heritage. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy, it continues to attract professionals, entrepreneurs, and families from around the world.
The process of moving to Indonesia for the first time requires handling various regulations, different housing requirements, and learning about local cultural practices. A reliable international moving company becomes necessary for this process.
This guide walks you through the key considerations, from visas to housing, cost of living, schools, and settling in, with insights from Asian Tigers, your trusted partner in relocation.
Overview
The Indonesian archipelago consists of more than 17,000 islands which include Java, Bali, Sumatra, and Kalimantan as its most densely inhabited islands. The capital city of Jakarta functions as the economic center which supports all business activities, but Surabaya and Bandung and Denpasar (Bali) draw expats who want to experience alternative ways of life.
Population: Over 275 million
Climate: Tropical and humid year-round, with wet and dry seasons
Languages: Bahasa Indonesia (official), with English spoken in expat and business circles
Religious diversity: Predominantly Muslim, with Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist communities
Expat communities: Strong in Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya
The modern architectural structures of Indonesia maintain their connection to the traditional cultural heritage of the nation. The cost of living for expats remains affordable because they live in a close-knit community which experienced movers and relocation experts help them preserve.
Visa and Immigration Process
The Indonesian government provides multiple visa options which serve different purposes for foreign visitors who want to work, study, or invest in the country.
Common Visa Types
Visit Visa (Visa Kunjungan): Short-term for tourism or business
Work Visa (KITAS): For foreign employees; requires employer sponsorship
Investor Visa: For business owners or foreign investors
Dependent Visa: For spouses and children of KITAS holders
Student Visa: For full-time education
Work and Residency Process
The employer accepts sponsorship responsibility through their submission of applications to the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. A KITAS (limited stay permit) becomes available for issuance after the approval process is completed.
Permanent Residency
Expats may apply for a KITAP (permanent stay permit) after holding a KITAS for several years.
Key Resources
Directorate General of Immigration
Your local Indonesian embassy or consulate
Asian Tigers can coordinate with immigration professionals as part of your relocation support.
Learn more about our visa and immigration services
Curious about Indonesian visa requirements? Ask Cindy, our AI assistant, anytime.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indonesia remains affordable when compared to worldwide prices although expenses differ significantly between urban areas and personal spending habits.
Estimated Monthly Costs (IDR)
Sample Cost Breakdown
Rent: IDR 5M–25M/month depending on size and location
Groceries: IDR 2M–5M/month
Dining out: IDR 40,000–150,000 per meal
Transport: Ride-hailing apps are common; owning a car incurs additional costs
Utilities: IDR 1M–2.5M/month
Domestic help: Affordable and commonly used by expat families
Employers usually include housing and education allowances within their relocation benefits which they offer to employees.
Housing and Accommodation
Most expats rent housing in Indonesia. The residential choices in Jakarta and Surabaya consist of gated communities together with contemporary apartment buildings. The majority of accommodations in Bali consist of villas and serviced apartments.
Housing Types
Apartments: High-rise, often with facilities and security
Landed homes: Available in residential compounds or standalone
Villas: Especially popular in Bali and tourist regions
Lease Terms
Most leases have a standard duration which lasts for one year. The rental deposits which tenants need to pay amount to one to three months of their monthly rent payment.
Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods
If your home isn’t ready when you arrive, Asian Tigers provides secure storage to bridge the gap. We also assist with home search support during your transition.
Education System
Students in Indonesia have access to three different educational systems which include public schools, private schools, and international schools. Most expat families choose international schools because these institutions provide continuous English-language curriculum programs.
Top International Schools
Jakarta: Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), British School Jakarta, ACG School
Bali: Green School, Bali Island School
Surabaya: Surabaya Intercultural School
Higher Education
Options exist for international university programs, but most expat students return abroad for university.
Student Visa Process
The sponsoring school applies for a student visa on the student’s behalf, with requirements processed through immigration.
Asian Tigers provides school search support to help families select and apply to the right institutions.
Cultural Integration and Lifestyle
The people of Indonesia maintain a strong tradition of hospitality while they value their family bonds and they show respect to their social environment. People who want to adapt to new cultures should first understand the traditional customs which exist in their local community.
Language
Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken. People who live abroad typically speak English but they will value your effort to learn fundamental Bahasa language expressions.
Social Norms
Modest dress is respected in most areas
Religion plays a visible role in daily life
Patience and politeness are valued in interactions
Celebrations
Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran): Major national holiday after Ramadan
Nyepi: Bali’s silent day
Independence Day: August 17
Christmas, Diwali, Chinese New Year are celebrated in various regions
People who want to connect with others in their new location should consider joining community groups or expat networks, because these organizations provide both social opportunities and useful assistance.
Embrace Indonesia
The move to Indonesia provides residents with access to diverse cultural experiences, affordable living costs, and exciting career prospects. The city of Jakarta provides urban energy to its visitors, while Bali offers its natural attractions which appeal to every kind of traveler.
Asian Tigers operates as your dependable moving service which provides Asia-wide relocation solutions through its team of skilled movers, complete customs assistance, and personalized relocation packages. Our storage solutions provide adaptable solutions which help businesses at every stage of their development process.
Have questions about moving to Indonesia? Chat with Cindy, our AI assistant, for instant help.
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