Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Indonesia Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Indonesia Property Pack
Thinking about moving to Indonesia in 2026 or just curious what life is really like for expats there right now?
This guide gives you the honest, data-backed answers you need, from cost of living and healthcare to visas, jobs, neighborhoods, and property ownership rules.
We constantly update this blog post to keep the information fresh and reliable for anyone planning a move to Indonesia.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Indonesia.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Daniel Rouquette 🇫🇷
CEO & Co-Founder at Villa Finder
Is Indonesia a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Indonesia is generally improving, with the country's Human Development Index showing consistent positive growth and inflation remaining contained at around 2.9%, which supports stable day-to-day living costs.
One factor that has improved significantly over the past two to three years in Indonesia is real per-capita expenditure recovery, meaning more Indonesians are spending on goods and services, which reflects better economic conditions and purchasing power across the country.
However, Jakarta's persistent air quality problems and traffic congestion remain a daily challenge for residents, and these frustrations have not improved much despite infrastructure investments like the MRT expansion.
So while the macro picture in Indonesia is getting better, your personal experience depends heavily on which city and neighborhood you choose, as the difference between a well-located expat area and a congested urban zone can feel like two different countries.
Are hospitals good in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, private hospitals in major Indonesian cities like Jakarta and Bali offer medical care that approaches Western European or North American standards, especially for routine procedures and specialist consultations, though public facilities tend to be more crowded and bureaucratic.
The hospitals expats most commonly recommend in Indonesia include RS Pondok Indah in Jakarta for its comprehensive services and English-speaking staff, Siloam Hospitals which has multiple locations across Indonesia, and BIMC Hospital in Bali which caters specifically to international patients and tourists.
A standard doctor consultation at a private clinic in Indonesia typically costs between IDR 300,000 and IDR 850,000 for a GP visit (roughly USD 19 to USD 55 or EUR 17 to EUR 50), while specialist consultations range from IDR 600,000 to IDR 1,500,000 (USD 38 to USD 95 or EUR 35 to EUR 87).
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats in Indonesia because it gives you faster access, English-speaking administrative support, and coverage at higher-end private hospitals, while the public system (JKN/BPJS) can serve as a backup but involves more paperwork and referral requirements.
Are there any good international schools in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, Indonesia has a solid selection of quality international schools, with Jakarta offering the largest number and variety, followed by Bali where new schools continue to open to serve the growing expat and digital nomad population.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Indonesia include Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) which is considered the flagship premium option, British School Jakarta (BSJ) for British curriculum, and Green School Bali near Ubud for families seeking an eco-focused, alternative education approach.
Annual tuition fees for international schools in Indonesia range from around IDR 150 million to IDR 600 million per year (roughly USD 9,500 to USD 38,000 or EUR 8,700 to EUR 35,000), with top-tier Jakarta schools like JIS at the higher end and mid-tier options in Bali or secondary cities at the lower end.
Waitlists at popular Jakarta international schools can be real, especially for key entry years like early childhood and middle school transitions, while public schools in Indonesia are rarely a practical option for expat children due to Bahasa Indonesia being the language of instruction.
Is Indonesia a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Indonesia is not uniformly dangerous but safety varies significantly by location, with most expat risks coming from petty theft, scams, and traffic accidents rather than violent crime.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Indonesia include bag snatching (especially from scooters at night), taxi and transportation scams, counterfeit alcohol in tourist areas like Bali, and road accidents due to chaotic traffic and motorbike culture.
The neighborhoods in Indonesia generally considered safest for expats include Kemang, Pondok Indah, Cipete, and Kuningan in Jakarta, as well as Sanur, Ubud, and parts of Seminyak in Bali, where managed residential buildings and expat-focused communities offer better security infrastructure.
Women can generally live alone safely in Indonesia's expat-heavy areas, though common precautions like avoiding isolated areas after dark, using reputable ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek instead of street taxis, and being careful with drinks in nightlife venues are widely recommended.
Thinking of buying real estate in Indonesia?
Acquiring property in a different country is a complex task. Don't fall into common traps – grab our guide and make better decisions.
How much does everyday life cost in Indonesia in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person needs roughly IDR 30 to 45 million per month (USD 1,900 to USD 2,850 or EUR 1,750 to EUR 2,600) to live comfortably with an expat lifestyle in Jakarta, covering a modern apartment in a central area, regular dining out, gym membership, and occasional travel.
For a more modest but still decent lifestyle in Indonesia, you can manage on IDR 18 to 25 million per month (USD 1,150 to USD 1,600 or EUR 1,050 to EUR 1,450), which means choosing an older building or smaller unit, eating at local warungs more often, and limiting imported groceries.
If you want a very comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Indonesia with a premium apartment in Kemang or SCBD, frequent international dining, weekend trips, and a gym or club membership, expect to spend IDR 45 to 70 million per month (USD 2,850 to USD 4,450 or EUR 2,600 to EUR 4,100).
Housing typically takes the largest share of an expat's monthly budget in Indonesia, often accounting for 40% to 50% of total expenses, especially in Jakarta and popular Bali areas like Canggu where rents have risen 15% to 20% over the past two years due to high demand from remote workers.
What is the average income tax rate in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Indonesia sees an effective income tax rate somewhere between 10% and 20%, depending on their exact salary level, deductions, and whether specific government relief policies like PPh 21 DTP apply to their situation.
Indonesia uses a progressive tax system with rates ranging from 5% on the first IDR 60 million of taxable income up to 35% on income exceeding IDR 5 billion, though most expats fall into brackets between 15% and 25% based on typical salary ranges.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Indonesia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Indonesia in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest expat communities in Indonesia come from Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, China, the United States, and Western European countries like the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and France, reflecting a mix of proximity, business ties, and lifestyle migration.
While exact numbers fluctuate, foreign residents make up a small percentage of Indonesia's total population, but they are highly concentrated in Jakarta's business districts and Bali's coastal towns, where you can easily find thousands of expats in a single neighborhood.
Australians are drawn to Indonesia by geographic proximity and lifestyle appeal, Japanese and Korean expats often arrive on corporate postings in manufacturing and trade, while Europeans and Americans typically come for regional headquarters roles or as remote workers and entrepreneurs attracted by Bali's digital nomad scene.
The expat population in Indonesia is a diverse mix that includes corporate professionals in Jakarta, retirees in Bali, digital nomads working remotely from Canggu or Ubud, teachers at international schools, and entrepreneurs running hospitality or lifestyle businesses.
Where do most expats live in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Jakarta concentrate in neighborhoods like Kemang, Cipete, Pondok Indah, Kuningan, Senopati/SCBD, and Menteng, while in Bali the main expat hubs are Canggu (including Berawa and Pererenan), Seminyak, Sanur, Ubud, and the Uluwatu/Bukit area.
These Indonesia neighborhoods attract expats because they offer a combination of modern housing options, proximity to international schools and hospitals, walkable cafe and restaurant scenes, English-speaking service providers, and established expat communities that make settling in easier.
Emerging areas in Indonesia starting to attract more expats include Pererenan (just west of Canggu with newer villas and less congestion), Sanur (appealing to families wanting calm over nightlife), and even secondary cities like Bandung and Yogyakarta for those seeking lower costs and a more local experience.
Are expats moving in or leaving Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, Indonesia is seeing continued net inflow of expats, particularly in Jakarta for corporate roles and in Bali for lifestyle and remote-work migration, though the pace is more measured than the post-pandemic surge.
The main factor drawing expats to Indonesia right now is the combination of relatively low cost of living compared to Western countries, the introduction of clearer visa pathways like the Remote Worker Visa (E33G) and Second Home Visa, and the appeal of Bali's established digital nomad infrastructure.
On the other hand, some expats are leaving Indonesia due to increased visa compliance enforcement (especially in Bali where grey-zone work arrangements are being scrutinized), rising rents in popular areas, and traffic and air quality frustrations in Jakarta.
Compared to regional competitors like Thailand and Vietnam, Indonesia remains attractive for its combination of lifestyle appeal and emerging visa options, though Thailand's Long Term Resident Visa program and Vietnam's lower costs still draw some expats who might otherwise choose Indonesia.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Indonesia
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What paperwork do I need to move to Indonesia in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Indonesia are the work-sponsored KITAS (temporary stay permit through an employer), the Remote Worker Visa (E33G) for digital nomads earning from abroad, and the Second Home Visa for those with significant financial assets who want long-term residency without employment.
For the most commonly used work KITAS in Indonesia, your sponsoring employer must secure approval from the Ministry of Manpower, demonstrate that the role cannot be filled locally, and you typically need a relevant degree, minimum five years of experience in your field, and a valid passport with at least 12 months remaining.
Indonesia does offer a digital nomad option through the Remote Worker Visa (E33G), which requires proof of remote employment with a foreign company, a minimum bank balance of around USD 2,000, health insurance, and a clean criminal record, allowing you to stay for one year with a possible one-year renewal.
The work KITAS is typically valid for 6 to 12 months and can be renewed annually through your employer, while the Second Home Visa offers 5 to 10 years of residency but requires depositing around USD 130,000 in an Indonesian state bank or purchasing property of equivalent value.
How long does it take to get residency in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, obtaining a temporary stay permit (KITAS) in Indonesia typically takes 2 to 6 weeks from the time all documents are submitted, though the timeline varies based on your visa type, completeness of paperwork, and whether your sponsor has experience navigating the process.
Common factors that can delay residency applications in Indonesia include incomplete documentation, errors in company sponsorship paperwork, backlogs at immigration offices during peak periods, and the need for additional approvals from the Ministry of Manpower for work permits.
To become eligible for permanent residency (KITAP) in Indonesia, you generally need to have held consecutive temporary stay permits for at least 3 to 5 years, while citizenship requires a much longer path of 5 to 10 years of continuous residence plus language proficiency and renunciation of your original citizenship.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Indonesia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Indonesia in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring the most in Indonesia include technology and digital services (especially e-commerce, fintech, and software development), renewable energy and infrastructure (driven by government targets for green transition), and healthcare and education (due to growing demand and workforce shortages).
Getting hired in Indonesia without speaking Bahasa Indonesia is realistic in specific niches like regional headquarters of multinationals, specialized technical roles, international schools, and hospitality management in tourist areas, but for most local-market positions involving sales, government relations, or operations, Indonesian language skills are a practical requirement.
The roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Indonesia tend to be senior management and director-level positions, specialized technical experts in fields like data science or engineering, international school teachers, and hospitality professionals in Bali's tourism sector where English proficiency is valued over local language skills.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats working in Indonesia typically earn between IDR 35 million and IDR 200 million per month (USD 2,200 to USD 12,700 or EUR 2,000 to EUR 11,600), with the wide range reflecting differences in seniority, industry, and whether the role includes an expat benefits package.
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Indonesia, such as specialist roles or junior managers, generally pay IDR 35 to 80 million per month (USD 2,200 to USD 5,100 or EUR 2,000 to EUR 4,700), which is enough for a comfortable lifestyle but typically without the premium housing or schooling allowances.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Indonesia, including director-level positions and highly technical experts, can command IDR 80 to 200 million per month or more (USD 5,100 to USD 12,700+ or EUR 4,700 to EUR 11,600+), often with additional benefits like housing allowances, international school fees, and annual home leave flights.
Employers in Indonesia do sponsor work visas for foreign hires, but typically only for roles that demonstrably require international expertise and cannot be filled locally, which means the more senior or specialized your position, the more realistic visa sponsorship becomes.
Get to know the market before buying a property in Indonesia
Better information leads to better decisions. Get all the data you need before investing a large amount of money. Download our guide.
What's daily life really like for expats in Indonesia right now?
What do expats love most about living in Indonesia right now?
Expats in Indonesia most commonly rave about the exceptional value for services (from massages to housekeeping to meals out), the natural beauty with easy access to volcanoes, beaches, and islands for weekend trips, and the warm, welcoming culture that makes daily interactions pleasant.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Indonesia is the ability to live well on a moderate budget, with access to affordable domestic help, excellent local food, and a social scene that makes it easy to build community, especially in hubs like Kemang in Jakarta or Canggu in Bali.
On the practical side, expats appreciate that Indonesia offers modern conveniences like reliable ride-hailing apps (Grab and Gojek), improving infrastructure like Jakarta's MRT, fast internet in urban areas, and a growing number of coworking spaces that cater to the remote work lifestyle.
Culturally, many expats find Indonesia's blend of tradition and openness refreshing, with opportunities to participate in local ceremonies, explore diverse regional cultures across the archipelago, and experience a pace of life that feels more human-centered than the hustle of many Western cities.
What do expats dislike most about life in Indonesia right now?
The top complaints from expats in Indonesia include Jakarta's notorious traffic congestion and unpredictable commute times, Bali's increasingly crowded popular areas like Canggu, and the general bureaucracy involved in everything from visa renewals to setting up utilities.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most in Indonesia is traffic, particularly in Jakarta where a trip that should take 20 minutes can stretch to over an hour during peak times, and in Bali where scooter-clogged roads in tourist areas create constant stress and safety concerns.
Bureaucratically, expats often struggle with Indonesia's complex visa and permit processes, which can involve multiple government offices, unexpected document requirements, and timelines that shift without warning, making it hard to plan around official procedures.
Most expats find these frustrations manageable rather than deal-breakers, viewing them as the trade-off for Indonesia's many positives, though those with low tolerance for unpredictability or who need highly efficient systems may find the adjustment more challenging.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Indonesia right now?
The biggest culture shocks for expats moving to Indonesia include the indirect communication style where "yes" often means "I hear you" rather than agreement, the concept of "jam karet" (rubber time) where punctuality is more flexible than in Western cultures, and the importance of maintaining face and avoiding direct confrontation.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most in Indonesia is the deeply relationship-first approach to business and daily life, where building personal rapport often matters more than credentials or efficiency, and where small talk and social niceties are essential rather than optional.
The aspect of daily routines in Indonesia that takes longest for expats to adjust to is the pace and unpredictability of getting things done, from government offices that may close unexpectedly to service appointments that happen "sometime this afternoon," requiring a mental shift from Western time-consciousness.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Indonesia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Indonesia in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Indonesia is restricted, meaning foreigners cannot own land under full freehold title (Hak Milik) the way Indonesian citizens can, but they can acquire property through alternative structures permitted under Indonesian law.
The main restrictions for foreigners buying property in Indonesia include the prohibition on freehold land ownership, requirements to hold a valid stay permit (KITAS/KITAP) for certain property rights, and minimum property values that apply to foreign purchases in specific areas.
In Indonesia, foreigners can legally acquire apartments or houses through Hak Pakai (Right to Use) titles, which are typically valid for 25 to 30 years and renewable up to a maximum of 70 to 80 years total, while leasehold arrangements and ownership through a foreign investment company (PT PMA) are also common structures used by expats, particularly in Bali.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Indonesia.
What is the average price per m² in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Jakarta's premium apartment market sits around IDR 35 to 38 million (roughly USD 2,200 to USD 2,400 or EUR 2,000 to EUR 2,200), though prices vary significantly by neighborhood, building quality, and whether you're looking at primary or secondary market.
Property prices in Indonesia have been relatively flat over the past two to three years, with Jakarta's condo market showing stability rather than dramatic appreciation, though certain Bali locations have seen rental and purchase prices rise 15% to 20% driven by strong demand from remote workers and lifestyle migrants.
Want to know more? We give you all the details you need about the housing prices in Indonesia here.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Indonesia here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Indonesia in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Indonesia are available but limited, with only certain banks willing to lend to non-citizens and typically under stricter conditions than those offered to Indonesian nationals.
Banks in Indonesia known to consider mortgage applications from foreigners include Bank Central Asia (BCA), Bank Mandiri, and CIMB Niaga, though policies vary and you should confirm current offerings directly as they change frequently.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Indonesia include down payments of 30% to 50% (higher than the 10% to 20% often available to locals), interest rates ranging from 7% to 12% per year, and maximum loan terms of 10 to 15 years, though exact terms depend on your residency status and the property type.
To qualify for a mortgage in Indonesia as a foreigner, you generally need a valid long-term stay permit (KITAS or KITAP), proof of stable income (either local employment or verifiable foreign income), a property with an eligible title structure (typically Hak Pakai), and comprehensive documentation including tax returns and bank statements.
Buying real estate in Indonesia can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Indonesia, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| BPS Statistics Indonesia - CPI Inflation | Indonesia's official national statistics agency for consumer price data. | We used this to anchor the latest inflation level going into early 2026. We also used CPI as a reality check for whether rents and daily costs feel tighter or easier. |
| Bank Indonesia - Inflation Data | The central bank's official macro dashboard, widely cited in policy analysis. | We used this to cross-check the CPI trend reported by BPS. We also used it to frame what cost increases are likely to feel like for expats in 2026. |
| BPS - Human Development Index 2024 | Official welfare and quality-of-life composite published by Indonesia's statistics agency. | We used this to judge whether quality-of-life indicators are improving in Indonesia. We also used it to ground the "better or worse" discussion in real data. |
| BPS - Labor Force Survey (Sakernas) | The official labor market readout including unemployment and wages from Indonesia's main labor survey. | We used this to ground job market conditions and typical local wages. We also used it as the baseline when comparing expat salaries versus local averages. |
| Colliers Indonesia - Jakarta Apartment Report | A major global real estate consultancy with consistent research methodology. | We used this to estimate Jakarta apartment prices per square meter in the primary market. We also used it to keep neighborhood recommendations tied to real pricing. |
| JLL - Jakarta Residential Market Report | A top-tier global real estate consultancy publishing standardized market reports. | We used this to cross-check price trends in Jakarta's condo market. We also used it to avoid relying on single-source property claims. |
| BPK Legal Database - PP 18/2021 | An official legal text repository for Indonesian government regulations. | We used this to explain what foreigners can and cannot legally own in Indonesia. We also used it to frame the real-world property structures expats commonly use. |
| BPK Legal Database - Permenkumham 22/2023 | The official regulation covering visas and stay permits under Indonesia's immigration framework. | We used this to ground visa options and compliance expectations. We also used it to avoid outdated visa advice that circulated before recent rule changes. |
| Jakarta Intercultural School - Fee Schedule 2025-26 | A primary-source fee schedule published directly by the school. | We used this to give a defensible tuition estimate for a flagship Jakarta international school. We also used it as the anchor for the wider international school cost range. |
| Australian Government Smartraveller - Indonesia | Official travel advisory from a major Western government with detailed safety analysis. | We used this to assess safety conditions and common risks for expats. We also used it to provide balanced, government-verified safety guidance for Indonesia. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Indonesia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.