Indonesia has recently launched a visa that allows holders to live, work and invest in the territory for up to 10 years.
The new visa was introduced yesterday in Bali’s tourist stronghold of Canggu, indicating that the Island will be a major destination for second-home visa holders. However, the second-home visa is available to foreigners who wish to stay longer in any region of the country.
“The goal [of the second-home visa] is to attract foreign tourists to Bali and other [travel] destinations [in Indonesia],” said acting Director-General of Immigration Affairs of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights Widodo Ekatjahjana at yesterday.
According to the official, foreigners or former residents of Indonesia who want to stay in the country and significantly promote the economy are eligible for the new visa. He explained that visa holders can work and/or invest in Indonesia.
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Anggiat Napitupulu, director of the Bali office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, separately stated that he expects the second residence visa to attract older travelers who he believes have the money to stay longer for pleasure.
“[…] VoAs (visa on arrival) are very short and not quite enough [in terms of stay length], while we know they have the capital,” said Anggiat, adding that the new visa opens up the opportunity for holders to spend more money in Indonesia.
Travel organizations are anticipated to take advantage of the second-home visa. Ussyana Dethan, a spokesperson of the Bali Travel Agencies Association (ASITA), stated that the visa is very appreciated.
“We are waiting for more details for this new policy,” Ussyana said.
The application for a second visa can be submitted online. Requirements are a passport valid for at least 36 months and proof of cash in the form of a foreign bank account or guarantor with a minimum value of IDR2 billion ($128,246).
The application fee is IDR3 million ($192.37), which can be paid online from outside Indonesia.
According to Widodo, the new policy will take effect 60 days after its introduction.