Veelgestelde Vragen

Yes, it is possible to own real estate in Indonesia as a person. There are two types of property ownership in Indonesia: leasehold and freehold. Leasehold is the most accessible way for a foreigner to own real estate in Indonesia.

You then buy the land for a specified period. For new construction, this is often 25 years, with an option to extend for another 25 years. This ownership is regulated by a notary.

As a foreigner, you can also own land through a company. You need to establish a company in Indonesia, and that company can own land. If you establish a company in Indonesia, you can choose to set it up as a limited liability corporation (PT). A PT is an independent legal entity that can be owned by foreign investors. By setting up a PT, you can own land and real estate for business purposes. The land will then have a different title and will be periodically monitored by the government. As long as no crimes are committed, the government will not intervene. This form of ownership is less common due to its complexity. Additionally, purchasing land freehold instead of leasehold is often much more expensive, making the investment less attractive.

There are several fiscal benefits that foreign investors in Indonesia can take advantage of.

Investing through Holding Companies From your holding company, you can borrow money at a low or no interest rate. You then personally invest in real estate in Bali, where you achieve returns and subsequently repay the loan from your holding. This way, you invest in real estate using funds from your holding.

Tax Advantage for Startup Entrepreneurs Foreign investors benefit from lower tax rates in Indonesia. For the first 3 years, you only pay 0.5% tax on revenue instead of the normal profit tax of 12%. This is a government stimulus program aimed at attracting investors.

Inheritance Tax In the Netherlands, inheritance tax ranges from 20-50%. The higher the inheritance, the higher the tax rate. In Indonesia, inheritance tax is only 5%. For instance, if you buy real estate in Bali and pass away, there is an inheritance tax of 5% in Indonesia.

There are several steps you need to follow to buy real estate in Indonesia:

1. Find a real estate agent or lawyer familiar with local laws and market conditions. They can assist you in finding suitable property and guide you through the purchase process.
2. Search for the real estate you want to buy. You can do this through a real estate agent, online advertisements, or by consulting local newspapers.
3. Make an offer on the property. You can do this through your agent or lawyer. Keep in mind that real estate prices in Indonesia are often negotiable.
4. Ensure you have the right documents to purchase the property. This may include a passport, a Statement of No Objection (SKTT), and a Certificate of Ownership (SHM), among others.
5. Formalize the purchase by signing a purchase agreement. This can be done at a notary or with a lawyer.
6. Pay the purchase price and any additional costs, such as fees for the notary or the real estate agent.
7. Register the property in your name with the Land Office. This is important to establish ownership rights to the property.

Keep in mind that the purchasing process in Indonesia can often be time-consuming, and there are various laws and regulations you need to follow. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional advice before starting the process of buying real estate in Indonesia.

There are various types of taxes to consider when owning commercial real estate in Indonesia. Here are the taxes you need to pay:

Sales Tax The largest tax item is local sales tax, which is 10% of revenue and must be paid monthly.

Profit Tax Profit tax is normally 12%. For the first 3 years, there is a special benefit scheme for startup entrepreneurs, where you pay only 0.5% on revenue instead of the regular profit tax. This is a government stimulus initiative.

Property Tax Property tax (Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan, or PBB) is a tax on real estate ownership based on property value. PBB is payable annually and amounts to 0.5% of the property value.

Dividend Tax Dividend tax on dividend income ranges from 10-13%.

One of the most common options is establishing a limited liability company (PT). A PT is an independent legal entity that can be owned by foreign investors. By establishing a PT, you can own land for business purposes, such as constructing an office building or operating a factory.

Another option is establishing a foreign investment company (PMA). A PMA is a company formed by foreign investors specializing in conducting business activities in Indonesia. By establishing a PMA, you can own land for commercial purposes and use it, for example, to build a shopping mall or apartment complex.

There are also other options, such as forming a joint venture with an Indonesian partner or purchasing real estate through an Indonesian entity that you manage. However, these options come with risks. The most common approach is establishing a PMA, where you have 100% ownership.