Remote work has transformed how professionals live, travel, and build their careers. Indonesia, thanks to its vibrant culture, tropical landscapes, and favorable cost of living has emerged as a top destination for digital nomads. To support this trend, the government introduced the E33G Visa, a dedicated pathway for foreigners who want to live in Indonesia while working remotely for overseas clients or employers.
If you’re asking, “What exactly is the E33G Visa and how do I get it?” This guide explains the E33G Visa requirements, application steps, duration, benefits, and compliance tips—so you can stay productive and fully legal during your time in Indonesia.
What Is the E33G Visa?
The E33G Visa is a stay permit designed for remote workers and digital nomads who earn income from outside Indonesia. Unlike a tourist visa, the E33G Visa provides legal certainty for a longer stay without engaging in local employment. In simple terms: if you work online for a company abroad or run a freelance business serving overseas clients, the E33G Visa lets you reside in Indonesia while continuing your work remotely.
If you’re wondering whether you can work remotely in Indonesia on a tourist visa, the answer is no—use the E33G Visa to remain compliant.
Why Indonesia Introduced the E33G Visa
The Indonesian government recognized that many digital nomads were entering on tourist visas and working remotely without a clear legal basis. The E33G Visa was introduced to:
- Encourage long-term stays that support tourism and local economies.
- Ensure compliance with immigration and tax rules.
- Provide legal certainty for foreigners who work online.
- Reduce misuse of short-stay visas for extended remote work.
Eligibility & Key Requirements for the E33G Visa
To qualify for the E33G Visa (Remote Worker Visa), applicants must:
- Work for a foreign employer or clients — no Indonesian income is allowed.
- Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
- Show proof of income of at least USD 60,000 per year from abroad and bank statements with an average balance of USD 2,000 over the last 3 months.
- Provide supporting documents such as an employment contract and recent photograph.
- Comply with stay limits — valid for 1 year and renewable for another year.
- Respect restrictions — no local employment, business activities, or services within Indonesia.
This visa is designed for digital nomads and remote professionals who wish to live in Indonesia while working for overseas companies.
Step-by-Step: E33G Visa Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the E33G Visa with minimal friction:
Step 1 — Prepare Your Documents
- Passport biodata page (clear color scan).
- Proof of income (bank statements, payslips, or client contracts).
- Employment verification letter or freelancer portfolio with international clients.
- Active health insurance policy for Indonesia.
- Recent passport-style photo and contact details.
Step 2 — Submit the Application
- File via the Directorate General of Immigration online portal or through an authorized visa agent.
- Double-check that you select the E33G Visa category to avoid processing delays.
Step 3 — Pay the Visa Fee
- Fees vary by duration. Keep receipts and payment proof for your E33G Visa record.
Step 4 — Receive Your E33G Visa Decision
- Monitor notifications. If approved, verify the E33G Visa validity dates and conditions. If additional documents are requested, respond quickly to keep your E33G Visa timeline on track.
Duration, Validity & Renewal
The E33G Visa is commonly issued for 6 months to 1 year. You can apply for renewal if you continue to meet eligibility rules.
- When to renew: Start your E33G Visa renewal process well before expiry to avoid overstays.
- What to expect: Renewals may include another in-person appearance.
- Travel flexibility: You can usually travel domestically during your E33G Visa period; check conditions before international trips and re-entries.
Straight answer: If you’re asking whether overstaying on an E33G Visa can be “fixed later,” the answer is no—overstays can trigger fines and future application issues.
Benefits of the E33G Visa for Remote Workers
Choosing the E33G Visa gives you:
- Legal long-term stay without converting to another visa category.
- Ability to work remotely for overseas employers or clients.
- Lifestyle flexibility to live in Indonesia’s major hubs (Jakarta, Bali, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and beyond).
- Clearer compliance compared to tourist visas, reducing immigration risk.
- Potential tax clarity depending on your tax residency and double taxation agreements.
Compliance Tips: Stay on the Right Side of the Rules
To keep your E33G Visa in good standing:
- Do not accept local jobs or invoices paid from Indonesian entities.
- Maintain insurance throughout your E33G Visa validity.
- Track key dates and set reminders for renewals.
- Keep document copies (contracts, payments, insurance) in a secure digital folder.
- Monitor regulation updates from official channels.
Can you freelance for Indonesian clients on the E33G Visa? No. Your income should originate outside Indonesia.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a tourist visa while performing remote work.
- Letting your E33G Visa expire before starting renewal.
- Missing biometric appointments or ignoring follow-up requests.
- Not keeping proof of foreign-sourced income during your E33G Visa stay.
Taxes & Residency: The Essentials
The E33G Visa is an immigration status; tax residency depends on days of presence and other factors. If you stay long enough to become a tax resident, you may have reporting obligations—even if your income is foreign-sourced. Consider consulting a qualified advisor familiar with Indonesia and your home country.
Plain-English answer: If you’re wondering whether the E33G Visa automatically exempts you from Indonesian taxes, the answer is no—tax rules depend on residency status and treaties.
How CPT Corporate Helps You Succeed
CPT Corporate provides end-to-end support so your E33G Visa journey is smooth and compliant:
- E33G Visa assessment, documentation guidance, and submission.
- KITAS application for longer-term stays where appropriate.
- Visa immigration services for dependents and family.
- Company registration (PT PMA) if you decide to establish a business in Indonesia.
- Corporate secretarial and ongoing compliance support.
With seasoned specialists and a proven process, CPT Corporate minimizes errors and keeps your E33G Visa timeline on track—so you can focus on your work and life in Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) Can I work remotely in Indonesia with a tourist visa?
No. A tourist visa does not permit remote work. Use the E33G Visa to stay compliant.
2) How long can I stay with the E33G Visa?
Typically 6–12 months, with the option to renew if you still qualify under E33G Visa rules.
3) Can I finish the E33G Visa process entirely online?
Generally no—expect at least one in-person step for biometrics or verification when applying for the E33G Visa.
4) Can my spouse or children join me?
Yes. Family members may qualify for dependent options alongside your E33G Visa. Ask CPT Corporate for specifics.
5) Can I take local freelance gigs while on the E33G Visa?
No. The E33G Visa is for foreign-sourced income only.
6) What happens if I overstay my E33G Visa?
Overstays can lead to fines and future application complications. Start your E33G Visa renewal early.
7) Do I owe Indonesian taxes on foreign income with an E33G Visa?
It depends on your tax residency. The E33G Visa itself doesn’t determine tax status—days of presence and treaties do.
Conclusion
The E33G Visa gives digital nomads a clear, legal pathway to live in Indonesia while working for overseas clients. By following the eligibility rules, preparing solid documentation, and renewing on time, you can enjoy Indonesia’s lifestyle without immigration worries.
Ready to apply for the E33G Visa? Let CPT Corporate manage the process—from document review to submission and renewals—so you can focus on your work.
Speak with CPT Corporate today about your E33G Visa, KITAS, and long-stay options in Indonesia.
