Define the real business activity before choosing the company structure. That activity determines which classifications, ownership conditions, licenses and operational approvals need to be checked.
The four parts of your setup
Some activities allow full foreign ownership; others have restrictions or conditions. An Indonesian partner is not required solely because a shareholder is foreign. Check the activity and investment rules before deciding the shareholding.
| Part | What it answers |
|---|---|
| PT PMA | Which Indonesian company structure will hold the foreign investment? |
| KBLI | Which classification matches what the business will actually do? |
| NIB | What is the company's business identification through OSS? |
| Licenses and approvals | What else must be completed for the activity, risk level, premises and sector? |
Describe the business before choosing the code
A useful brief says who pays you, what you supply and where it happens.
Selling a service
Describe the actual service, customer type and delivery model—not just a broad label such as consulting.
Operating accommodation
Describe the premises, guest model and location. Company registration alone does not settle property use and accommodation approvals.
Trading goods
Describe the goods and whether you import, distribute, wholesale or retail.
Buying an existing business
Review the company's records, licenses, liabilities and actual operations before agreeing the transaction.
Separate investment value from share capital
A business plan's investment value and the company's paid-up capital are different figures. Ask for the relevant threshold, calculation basis and timing to be explained for your activity and structure.
Company ownership also does not automatically authorize a foreign shareholder to work in daily operations. The corporate role, immigration basis and employment requirements should be reviewed together.
From initial idea to operating business
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Define and assess
Describe the activity, location, ownership and roles. Review the relevant classification and investment conditions.
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Establish and register
Coordinate the agreed company establishment and OSS registration with the appropriate professionals.
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Complete the operational requirements
Identify the additional licensing, premises and sector requirements, then align accounting and recurring administration.
Already have a company?
We can help identify the administrative work associated with changes to business activities, officers, ownership or company information. Bring the current structure and explain the change you intend to make.
KBLI 2025 does not automatically invalidate existing licenses. Official guidance distinguishes conversion without a change in business substance from changes that require action. Check the relevant conversion rather than assuming a new company or new license is necessary.
Keep the business organized after setup
Accounting & compliance
Direct support from Perwira Visa's staff for financial records and agreed recurring administration.
Read the guideWebsite & digital support
Clarify your needs and connect with a professional development partner for the technical work.
Read the guideQuestions & answers
What is a PT PMA?
PT PMA is the commonly used term for an Indonesian limited liability company with foreign investment. The company must have an eligible business activity, the appropriate ownership structure and the required registration and licensing. Incorporation and permission to operate are connected but separate steps.
Do I need an Indonesian shareholder?
Not solely because you are a foreign investor. Some business activities allow full foreign ownership, while others have restrictions or conditions. Check the actual activity and applicable investment rules before choosing shareholders. A nominee should not be used as a substitute for that review.
What is KBLI?
KBLI is Indonesia's classification of business activities. The code should describe what the business actually does. It is used when reviewing licensing, investment eligibility and related requirements. Select the activity first, then check the current classification and any relevant conversion from older codes.
Is an NIB enough to start operating?
An NIB is the business identification number issued through OSS. Depending on the activity and its risk level, additional standards, licenses or approvals may be required. Check the complete requirements for each activity and location before opening the business.
Is investment value the same as paid-up capital?
No. A planned investment value and the capital actually paid into a company are different concepts. The relevant thresholds and calculation basis must be checked for the activity and proposed structure. Ask for those figures to be stated separately in your setup advice or quotation.
Does KBLI 2025 make my existing license invalid?
No, the introduction of KBLI 2025 does not automatically invalidate an existing business license. BPS explains that conversion may be handled automatically when the substance of the business is unchanged. A change in business purposes or scope may require action through the relevant systems. Review the conversion applicable to your business before making amendments.
BPS: existing licenses and KBLI 2025What happens after the company is established?
Keep licensing aligned with the actual activities, organize accounting records and identify recurring reporting obligations. Changes to shareholders, officers, addresses or activities may also require updates. Incorporation is the beginning of the administration, not its completion.
Official references
- Government Regulation 28/2025: risk-based licensing
- OSS: business activity classification
- BPS: KBLI 2025 and existing licenses
Source links checked 24 September 2026. Confirm the current requirements for an individual application or transaction.
General information, not a decision on individual eligibility or a substitute for appropriate professional advice.