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By Published On: 22nd Juli, 20257.2 min read
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A Guide to Start A Business

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Editor’s Pick

Source: techhelp.ca

Semarang is a vibrant capital city of Central Java, Indonesia. Thinking of starting a business in Semarang is a smart move. However, it could take more work for foreigners than locals. For foreigners, the path primarily involves setting up a PT PMA (Foreign Investment Limited Liability Company). With the help of Indonesia’s Online Single Submission (OSS) system and the Job Creation Law (Undang-Undang Cipta Kerja), the process should be easier.

Understanding Your PT PMA

Your PT PMA is your legal gateway to doing business in Indonesia. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Minimum Investment: Over IDR 10 billion (approx. USD 600,000 – 700,000) per business activity/location, excluding land/buildings.
  • Minimum Capital: At least IDR 10 billion must be issued/deposited.
  • Shareholders: A minimum of two (foreign individuals or corporations).
  • Leadership: At least one director and one commissioner. Foreign directors typically need a work permit (KITAS).
  • Business Scope: Must align with KBLI (Indonesia Standard Business Classification) and the Investment List, which specifies open/restricted sectors. Many are now 100% open to foreign ownership.
  • Classification: Generally considered a large business

Key Steps to Establishment

The process can take 4-6 weeks. Here are the essentials:

  1. Name Reservation: Reserve your company name with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
  2. Deed of Establishment: A notary drafts and gets approval for your company’s founding document.
  3. NPWP (Tax ID): Obtain your company’s Taxpayer Registration Number.
  4. OSS System Registration: This is crucial! Through OSS, you’ll get your:
  • NIB (Business Identification Number): Your core registration, also acting as import and customs ID.
  • Business Permit: Your general operating license.
  • Commercial/Operational Permits: Specific to your industry (e.g., SIUP, IUI).
  • Location & Environmental Permits.
  • BPJS (Social Security) Registration for employees.
  1. Additional Licenses: Depending on your business, you might need Halal certification, BPOM approval, or building permits.

Critical Considerations for Foreigners

  • Visa & Work Permit: A tourist visa isn’t enough. You’ll need a work visa (KITAS/ITAS), usually sponsored by your PT PMA. An Investor KITAS is also an option.
  • Local Partner: While 100% foreign ownership is common, always check the latest Investment List for any sector-specific requirements.
  • Business Address: A valid, compliant business address is mandatory.
  • Property Ownership: Foreigners cannot directly own land (Hak Milik). Your PT PMA can obtain Hak Pakai (Right to Use) and Hak Guna Bangunan (Right to Build).
  • Compliance: Adhere to Indonesian labor laws and submit regular reports to the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
  • Professional Help: The process is complex. Strongly consider hiring local legal consultants or business advisory firms specializing in foreign investment to ensure smooth sailing and compliance.

Contact Information for Foreigners Who Want to Start A Business in Semarang

  1. Semarang Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Khusus TPI Semarang)
  1. Semarang Manpower Office (Dinas Ketenagakerjaan Semarang)
  1. Central Java Provincial Labor and Transmigration Office (Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi Provinsi Jawa Tengah)
  1. KITAS & IMTA Service and Consultants

Websites:

Complete Guide to Work Visa and Work Permit for Foreigners in Semarang

Source: asiaglobalsatria.com

For foreigners who want to work legally in Semarang, understanding the process of getting a work visa (KITAS kerja) and a work permit (IMTA) is the first important step. This article will provide information about the procedures, requirements, and useful tips related to applying for a work visa and permit in Semarang to ensure your process complies with the regulations.

What Are Work Visa and Work Permit?

A work visa (KITAS kerja) is a temporary stay permit given to legally work in Indonesia, including Semarang. Meanwhile, a work permit (IMTA) is an official document approved by the Ministry of Manpower (Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan) that authorizes a company to hire foreign workers. Both documents are mandatory for anyone wishing to work legally in Indonesia.

Procedure for Applying for Work Visa and Work Permit in Semarang

  • Obtain Sponsorship from a Company

To work in Semarang, foreigners must first receive a formal job offer from a legally registered company operating in the city.

  • Company Applies for Work Permit (IMTA)

The sponsoring company is responsible for applying for the Work Permit (IMTA) through the Ministry of Manpower (Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan). This application must include company documents and a Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (RPTKA).

  • Apply for Work Visa at Indonesian Embassy

Once the IMTA is approved, the foreign employee must apply for a work visa at the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

  • Arriving and KITAS Registration in Semarang

Once in Indonesia, the employee must process their work KITAS at Semarang Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Khusus TPI Semarang), located at Jl. Siliwangi No.514, Kembangarum, Kec. Semarang Barat, Kota Semarang.

General Requirements for Visa & Work Permit Application

  • Original passport with at least 18 months validity.
  • Job offer letter and employment contract from the sponsoring company (business license, taxpayer number, deed of establishment, etc.).
  • Proof of IMTA submission or approval.
  • Approved Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (RPTKA).
  • Health certificate from a designated medical facility.

Work Permit and Stay Extension

To extend a KITAS, applications should be applied for at least 3 months before expiration at the local immigration office. Each extension is valid for up to 2 years, with the total limited stay under KITAS generally limited to 6 years, unless there is a change in visa status.

Fees and Visa Service Providers in Semarang

Visa processing fees are typically between IDR 4,000,000 (around USD 245) to IDR 8,000,000 (around USD 490) depending on the visa type and service provider. Foreigners can use professional visa service agents in Semarang to simplify and speed up the complex paperwork process and procedures.

Contact Information for Foreigners Working in Semarang

  • Semarang Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Khusus TPI Semarang)
  • Semarang Manpower Office (Dinas Ketenagakerjaan Semarang)
  • Central Java Provincial Labor and Transmigration Office (Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi Provinsi Jawa Tengah)
  • KITAS & IMTA Service and Consultants

Websites:

Freelance and Remote Jobs for Foreigners in Semarang

Source: flexjob.com

According to Indonesia’s work authorization, foreigners cannot legally work in Indonesia without the appropriate permit or visa. Without proper documentation like KITAS, IMTA, or a freelance-specific permit, you cannot do freelance, remote or part-time jobs in Indonesia, including Semarang, as it can lead to fines, deportation, or being banned from entering Indonesia in the future.

As of recent regulations, Indonesia offers a type of permit called the Freelance KITAS that allows certain professions such as creative professionals, trainers, photographers to work legally as foreign freelancers in Indonesia for up to 6 months without needing specific employers. However, the type of work and professions are limited for this permission and the permit typically cannot be extended. Technically, if you are physically present in Indonesia, even remote work and freelance for foreigners is still a subject for Indonesia’s Immigration law. If you are found to be working in Indonesia without the correct stay and work permit, you risk sanctions and penalties.

Types of Freelance and Remote Jobs Available

Common Freelance Roles

  • Translators and Writers: Working as a translator or content writer (especially Indonesian-English) for agencies or international clients.
  • Digital Marketing & SEO: Freelance marketers for local businesses, tourism, or eCommerce.
  • Web Development & Programming: Short-term projects for local or overseas clients in development, web design, or IT support.
  • Tutoring & AI Training: Bilingual tutors, AI data trainers, or English-language support roles, often offered as remote contracts.
  • Creative Gigs: Photography, videography, design, and live-stream hosting for events or products (subject to permit).
  • Remote Admin & Customer Support: Customer service, data entry, and back-office tasks, often for clients overseas.

Typical Employers and Platforms

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