Indonesia is attracting growing interest from entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers looking for a better lifestyle, favorable climate, and affordable living. But if you’re planning to stay long-term or establish a business here, choosing the right visa is essential.

Two of the most talked-about options are:

• E28A – Investor Visa
  
  
• E33G – Digital Nomad Visa
  
  

While both can get you into the country, only one provides a legal path to long-term residency, income generation, and family settlement. In this blog, we explain why the Investor Visa (E28A) is a far smarter and more sustainable option than the Digital Nomad Visa (E33G)—especially for serious individuals from Pakistan and other emerging economies who want to build something meaningful in Indonesia.

What is the Digital Nomad Visa (E33G)?

The E33G Digital Nomad Visa was introduced to attract remote workers who earn their income from outside Indonesia. It sounds attractive—especially for people working for foreign clients online—but it comes with serious limitations:

• No legal right to earn income inside Indonesia
  
  
• Not allowed to start or operate a local business
  
  
• No KITAS (residence permit)—you’re technically a visitor
  
  
• Cannot open a company or business bank account
  
  
• No clear pathway to permanent residency
  
  
• Cannot sponsor your family for legal stay
  
  
• Frequent renewals and limited recognition from banks or landlords
  
  

In short: great for a holiday or short-term stay, risky for anyone planning to live, earn, or settle in Indonesia.

What is the Investor Visa (E28A)?

The E28A Investor Visa is issued to foreign nationals who invest in and manage their own PT PMA (foreign-owned company) in Indonesia. It comes with full legal status, proper residence rights, and the ability to work, earn, and grow within the Indonesian system.

Key benefits of E28A include:

• Issued as a KITAS (1-year or 2-year stay permit)
  
  
• Legal right to manage your own company
  
  
• Open and operate a business bank account
  
  
• Apply for NPWP (Tax ID) and work within the system
  
  
• Sponsor your spouse and children under dependent KITAS
  
  
• Eligible for KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) after 4–5 years
  
  
• Pathway to retirement, real estate access, and more
  
  

This is a visa designed for people who want to settle, invest, and grow.

Comparison: Investor Visa (E28A) vs Digital Nomad Visa (E33G)

Why the Investor Visa is Better for Long-Term Goals

Whether you’re a Pakistani entrepreneur, a freelance professional, or someone looking for a second residency, the Investor Visa:

• Gives you a legal identity in Indonesia
  
  
• Allows you to generate income locally and build assets
  
  
• Supports family relocation
  
  
• Opens the door to long-term residence and eventual permanent stay
  
  
• Creates opportunities to build wealth legally and transparently
  
  

The digital nomad visa may be easier to obtain, but it doesn’t offer any real foundation for future growth. In fact, working or running a business in Indonesia under a nomad visa can lead to immigration violations.

Minimum Investment Requirements for E28A

To qualify for an Investor KITAS:

• You must register a PT PMA (foreign-owned company)
  
  
• The company must have at least IDR 10 billion (approx. USD 620,000) total planned investment (declared only)
  
  

Note: You don’t need to bring all this money in cash upfront. At OBC, we guide our clients on how to meet these requirements legally, while aligning with their actual business plans.

OBC Makes It Easy

At Overseas Business Consultancy (OBC), we assist Pakistani and international clients in:

• Registering a PT PMA
  
  
• Applying for E28A Investor Visa (1- or 2-year KITAS)
  
  
• Sponsoring dependent KITAS for spouse and children
  
  
• Opening bank accounts
  
  
• Handling NPWP, reporting, and visa renewals
  
  
• Offering continued support for KITAP and family settlement
  
  

Final Thoughts

If you’re just visiting Indonesia to work remotely and relax for a few months, the Digital Nomad Visa may work for you. But if you’re planning to:

• Build a business
  
  
• Invest in a legal structure
  
  
• Stay long-term
  
  
• Bring your family
  
  
• Access banking and tax systems
  
  
• Apply for permanent residency
  
  

Then the Investor Visa (E28A) is the clear and smarter choice.

Want to start your investor visa journey today?
Let’s turn your relocation plan into a permanent opportunity.