If you’re considering relocating to Southeast Asia as a remote worker, entrepreneur, or investor, you’ve probably looked into visa options like Thailand’s Destination Visa, Malaysia’s De Rantau Nomad Pass, or Indonesia’s Remote Worker Visa.
Each offers the dream of tropical living with professional freedom. But when it comes to long-term stability, family relocation, legal ownership, and business opportunities, only one stands out: Indonesia’s Investor Visa through a PT PMA (foreign-owned company).
Let’s compare all three and explain why more entrepreneurs are choosing Indonesia not just to visit—but to grow their future.
1. Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Flexible, but Limited Rights
Thailand’s DTV offers a long-stay option for digital nomads:
- Valid for up to 5 years (180 days per entry, renewable)
- For individuals aged 18–50 years
- Requires annual income of USD 80,000+
- Remote work for foreign employers allowed
Key Limitations:
- No pathway to permanent residency
- No business ownership rights
- Cannot own property
- Limited family sponsorship options
Summary: Good for frequent travelers, but lacks real integration or ownership rights.
2. Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa (De Rantau Pass): Family-Friendly, But Still Restrictive
Malaysia’s visa is more inclusive than Thailand’s and targets the digital economy:
- Valid for 12 months, renewable
- Requires income of at least USD 24,000/year
- Family (spouse and children) can join
Key Limitations:
- No legal pathway to own a business or property
- Restricted to digital industries
- Still a temporary stay, no long-term residency plan
Summary: Ideal for remote freelancers with families, but lacks deeper investment or residency options.
3. Indonesia Remote Worker Visa: A Legal Step Forward, Yet Limited in Scope
Indonesia introduced its Remote Worker Visa (C319) to accommodate digital nomads:
- Valid for 1 year, renewable
- Allows you to work remotely for non-Indonesian employers
- Encourages tax-compliant digital workers
Important to Understand:
- You cannot open a local bank account without a local tax ID (which this visa doesn’t provide)
- No ability to sponsor dependents directly under this visa
- You cannot register a company or invest
- Asset ownership (e.g., house, car) is not allowed under this visa
- No long-term lease signing rights without a company or legal identity
Summary: A legitimate visa for short- to mid-term digital professionals, but limited in legal rights, especially for family relocation and investment goals.
4. Indonesia Investor Visa via PT PMA: The Most Complete Residency Solution
Indonesia offers an Investor KITAS for those who establish a foreign-owned company (PT PMA)—a powerful option with real legal structure and full rights.
Here’s what it gives you:
- 1-year or 2-year KITAS, renewable
- Legal residency status, not tourist status
- Right to open both personal and business bank accounts
- Register for NPWP (Tax ID)
- Sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and siblings
- Own assets (house, land, vehicles) via your company
- Sign long-term leases and contracts legally
- Build a legally compliant business in Indonesia
This is not just a visa—it’s a foundation for long-term life in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
Visa Comparison Table: Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | Thailand DTV | Malaysia De Rantau | Indonesia Remote Worker Visa | Indonesia Investor Visa (PT PMA) |
Validity | 5 years (180-day entry) | 1 year | 1 year | 1 or 2 years (renewable) |
Bank Account Access | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (personal & company) |
Family Sponsorship | No | Spouse & kids | No | Spouse, kids, parents, siblings |
Business Ownership | No | No | No | Yes |
Asset Ownership | No | No | No | Yes (via company) |
Long-Term Lease Signing | Limited | Yes | No | Yes |
Legal Residency | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Yes (KITAS + Tax ID) |
Path to Permanent Residency | No | No | No | Yes (with long-term stay) |
Conclusion: Why Smart Entrepreneurs Choose Indonesia’s Investor Visa
If you’re planning to:
- Build a business
- Relocate your family
- Own assets legally
- Live with full rights, not tourist limits
Then your best path is Indonesia’s Investor Visa through a PT PMA company. It offers the full package—residency, ownership, business, and family support—which no digital nomad visa can match.
Overseas Business Consultancy (OBC) – Your Trusted Relocation Partner
At OBC, we help clients:
- Register PT PMA companies
- Apply for 1- or 2-year Investor KITAS
- Open personal and company bank accounts
- Register NPWP (Tax ID)
- Sponsor family dependents
- Navigate long-term relocation smoothly
Ready to take the next step?
Message us on WhatsApp [Insert Link] or visit our website to book a consultation.
Invest smart. Live free. Build your future in Indonesia—with OBC.