Introduction
Are you a Pakistani entrepreneur, remote worker, or family seeking a peaceful, affordable, and opportunity-filled second home? Look no further than Indonesia. Whether you’re thinking about business, family, or simply a fresh start, Indonesia offers the perfect blend of benefits. From the affordable cost of living to easy access to investor visas and a welcoming environment for families, it’s no surprise that more and more Pakistanis are choosing Indonesia for their new life.
Let’s explore the top reasons why Indonesia is the ideal destination for Pakistani families looking to set up a second home and business.
✅ 1. Foreigner Friendly Residence Options (KITAS and KITAP)
Indonesia’s Investor Visa (E28A) is one of the most attractive options for foreign nationals wanting to live and do business in the country. This visa is valid for 2 years, with multiple entry/exit privileges, and gives you the freedom to operate your PT PMA (foreign-owned company) while living in Indonesia.
But that’s not all — once you’ve settled in with your Investor KITAS (Residence Permit) , you can eventually apply for Permanent Residency (KITAP). This gives you the opportunity to stay in Indonesia long-term, without the need for frequent renewals. In fact, with KITAP, you can renew your status every 5-10 years and live in Indonesia with your family for as long as you wish.
And here’s the exciting part: After holding KITAP for several years, you may be eligible to apply for Indonesian citizenship and get an Indonesian passport. This is the dream for many — but keep in mind that obtaining a passport will require you to surrender your original passport. If you’d prefer not to give up your current citizenship, you can stay on KITAP and renew it for the long term.
Indonesia offers a clear, straightforward process to move from KITAS to KITAP and even to Indonesian citizenship, giving you a direct pathway to permanent residency if you meet the government’s requirements.
✅ 2. Affordable and Comfortable Lifestyle
One of the biggest draws of living in Indonesia is its affordability. You don’t have to break the bank to live comfortably:
- A single person can live on USD 200–400/month, covering all basic expenses like food, rent, and local transportation.
- A family of 2-3 can manage comfortably on USD 800–1,200/month, excluding private schooling, major medical costs, or extensive travel.
The cost of living is much lower than in Western countries, and the quality of life is excellent. Cities like Bali, Jakarta, Tangerang, Bandung, and Surabaya offer a mix of affordable living with modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for anyone looking to live well on a modest budget.
✅ 3. Islamic Environment to raise family
Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country with over 800,000 mosques spread across its islands, making it incredibly easy to practice Islam openly and comfortably.
Many Pakistanis are moving here from Western countries — not only due to affordability but because of a strong desire to raise their families in an Islamic environment. In today’s global climate, some feel uncomfortable living in countries that:
- Are directly sponsoring or supporting the genocide in Gaza
- Promote values that conflict with Islamic teachings — such as increased exposure to LGBTQ+ ideologies in schools and media
These concerns have led many to seek peace of mind in a more faith-compatible society. While OBC does not express an official position on global politics, this shift in migration trend is something we often observe when working with Pakistani families abroad.
🧭 Important Note:
OBC does not claim that Indonesia is a strictly conservative country. Areas like Bali and some metropolitan zones may present different cultural norms. However, on the national scale, Islamic values are well-respected, and the ability to live according to your faith is both protected and easy in most parts of the country.
✅ 4. Easy Process to Settle and Start a Business
Indonesia’s immigration system is designed to help investors and entrepreneurs settle in with ease. The Investor KITAS allows you to operate a fully foreign-owned business (PT PMA), with the opportunity to sponsor your spouse and children under the dependent KITAS program.
Unlike many countries, the process for obtaining residency and business permits in Indonesia is relatively simple and fast. OBC offers complete support to guide you through the entire process, from business registration to visa handling and family sponsorship. This means you can focus on growing your business and enjoying your new life in Indonesia, without the stress of dealing with complicated bureaucracy.
✅ 5. Banking Access & Modern Financial Systems
Indonesia’s banking system is modern and highly trusted. Major Indonesian banks such as BCA, Mandiri, and BRI have earned global recognition for their transparency and trustworthiness. You can easily access global platforms like PayPal and digital wallets to manage payments and investments.
Moreover, cryptocurrency has been legalized for investment purposes in Indonesia, adding another layer of flexibility for digital investors. Indonesia is quickly becoming a financial hub, offering a modern, secure financial environment for both businesses and individuals.
✅ Bonus: Strategic Location for Business Expansion
Indonesia is strategically located in Southeast Asia, making it an ideal hub for regional and international trade. With its membership in ASEAN and strong economic ties with Asia-Pacific countries, Indonesia is a gateway for businesses looking to expand in this growing region.
Whether you are in e-commerce, import/export, or digital services, Indonesia offers a growing infrastructure and competitive logistics for businesses of all sizes. If you’re looking to start or grow your business, Indonesia is a place full of opportunity.
⚠️ Disclaimer (for full transparency):
- The Investor Visa (E28A) requires a minimum investment of IDR 10 billion (approximately USD 600,000) in total capital per investor, as per Indonesian immigration regulations.
- OBC fully complies with all Indonesian legal and immigration policies and does not offer shortcuts or exemption-based visa solutions.
- Investor KITAS can eventually be converted into Permanent Residency (KITAP), provided you meet the Indonesian government’s criteria. After obtaining KITAP, you may be eligible to apply for Indonesian citizenship and an Indonesian passport. However, obtaining an Indonesian passport requires you to surrender your original passport.
- If you choose not to pursue citizenship, you can continue on KITAP, renewing it every 5-10 years.
- OBC does not guarantee the KITAP and citizenship success as it entirely depends upon the decision of relevant departments who will evaluate your personal and business compliance on civil, criminal, financial reporting and investment grounds.
- All information provided is accurate as of April 2025. Indonesian regulations may change, and OBC cannot guarantee permanent residency or citizenship. Decisions regarding residency and citizenship are subject to the discretion of the Indonesian immigration authorities
📞 Ready to Explore Your Residency in Indonesia?
At OBC, we specialize in making your relocation to Indonesia as smooth as possible. From visa applications to business setup, we provide expert guidance for entrepreneurs and families who want to make Indonesia their new home.
Book a free consultation with OBC today to find out how we can help you start your journey to Indonesia.