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)
Feature | Investor Visa (E28A) | Digital Nomad Visa (E33G) |
Purpose | Business ownership and investment | Remote work from overseas income |
Residency | KITAS (1 or 2 years), renewable | Visit visa, not a KITAS |
Work in Indonesia | Yes (in own company) | No |
Start a business | Yes (PT PMA setup) | No |
Sponsor family | Yes | No |
Tax ID (NPWP) | Yes | No |
Business bank account | Yes | No |
Eligible for KITAP | Yes | No |
Financial system access | Full (tax filing, banking, leasing) | Very limited |
Best for | Entrepreneurs, investors, families | Solo travelers, freelancers temporarily staying |
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.