An In-Depth Guide into Retirement Visa in Indonesia

Most foreign nationals who arrive in Indonesia are instantly struck by the warm hospitality of the incredibly welcoming Indonesian people. To make things even better, most foreigners from the colder hemisphere are charmed by the warm climate and stunning natural landscape of Indonesia, making the country one of the most popular destinations in the world for retirement.

For most people nowadays, retirement means one can live freely and happily without having to worry about the daily mundane and challenges, as well as the high living costs. With that being said, Indonesia becomes even more attractive as a place to retire due to low living expenses but at the same time one can enjoy a quality life.

In order to retire in Indonesia, a free visa on arrival tourist visa is obviously not enough. And visa runs are definitely not recommended as you have already decided to settle in Indonesia permanently.

Although a retirement visa (also known as retirement KITAS/ITAS) does not allow you to work in Indonesia, it allows you to live permanently in Indonesia, make multiple trips out of the country, get a driver’s license, open a local bank account and enjoy other benefits provided by the government.

This article provides an in-depth guide into retirement visa in Indonesia, including the best places to retire, benefits of having a retirement visa and application requirements.

The Best Places to Retire in Indonesia

Indonesia has plenty islands for foreigners to choose from for retirement. With a retirement visa, you are allowed to relocate to any place you wish to spend your retirement life in. In other words, if one place does not suit your retirement lifestyle overtime, you can always move to another.

To make things easier for you, Cekindo has picked the best locations in Indonesia for you to indulge in the ultimate retirement life. By using Jakarta as a comparison, the percentage difference of housing prices and food expenses are included in the following list.

Yogyakarta (Central Java)

• Housing: 63% lower
• Food and dining: 59% lower

Yogyakarta is an amazing city for retirement, especially for those who seek to live in a modern and tranquil atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of a city. As you can see, the living costs in Yogyakarta are much lower than that of Jakarta, with affordable property and healthcare.

Padang (West Sumatra)

• Housing: 11% lower
• Food and dining: 53% lower

For the past several years, a large number of foreigners and local population have migrated to this capital. You can now see big houses, just like in Jakarta, but are still able to experience the serenity due to its perfect location that is close to the mountains and nature. On top of that, the city does not lack improved infrastructure and public facilities.

There are many lands and housings that are offered at affordable prices as well, especially in the suburbs.

Manado (North Sulawesi)

• Housing: 19% lower
• Food and dining: 53% lower

Retirees and tourists are attracted by the nature and hot springs in Manado. Manado is regarded as a big city with a relatively high population and rich natural resources compared to other cities in the region.

Not only are the living costs affordable, but foreigners can also live a comfortable lifestyle without much stress. The city has its own healthcare program known as Universal Coverage (UC) as well, making this place even more alluring to retirees.

Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta (Bali)

• Housing: 43% lower
• Food and dining: 9% lower

Bali has long been well-known among foreigners for comfort, beauty and quality of life. This island is also named one of the world’s most livable cities. Of course, each region in Bali, such as Ubud, Seminyak and Kuta, has its own characteristics and unique charm. Although the food and dining in Bali are not as inexpensive as other areas in Indonesia, housing prices in Bali remain low, perfect for long-term residency.

Bandung (West Java)

• Housing: 47% lower
• Food and dining: 37% lower

For those looking to live in a cooler area with beautiful hills, Bandung is another exquisite destination. Both foreigners and locals have come to this place because of the fact that it is also a culinary and fashion heaven, in addition to its inexpensive housing and food expenses. Bandung is only a two-hour drive from another amazing city Lembang.

Benefits of Retirement Visa in Indonesia

With a retirement visa in Indonesia, a foreigner will be able to enjoy numerous benefits, including the following:

• You are allowed to live in Indonesia for many years
• You can enter and exit the country as many times as you want to
• You are permitted to open a local bank account
• You can hire a driver for yourself
• You can lease a land

Requirements for Retirement Visa

As long as you are older than 55 years old, a retirement visa (retirement KITAS/ITAS) is one of the simplest and most convenient ways for retirees to reside in Indonesia.

You will also need to meet certain criteria to be eligible:

• Your photographs with red background
• A passport valid for the next 18 months with a minimum of six blank pages
• You are restricted to work in Indonesia and you will employ a domestic helper or a maid
• You will need to be covered by a recognized life and health insurance of your choice in Indonesia
• You will need to have a place to live with a signed lease agreement of at least a year
• You need to have a pension or deposit account with at least US$ 18,000 every year
• A local Indonesian sponsor (Cekindo can provide)

Countries Not Eligible for Retirement Visa

Unfortunately, not all nationalities are entitled to live a happy retirement life in Indonesia. Citizens from the following countries are not eligible for retirement visa:

• Afghanistan
• Cameroon
• Guinea
• Israel
• Liberia
• Niger
• Nigeria
• North Korea
• Somalia

How Cekindo Can Help You

Our team of visa consultants and legal experts can assist you with paperwork and application for your retirement visa. As a holder of travel agency license, we can also provide you with a sponsorship letter. Talk to us know for further details on your desired retirement visa and your dream to retire in Indonesia can come true.