The pandemic has changed the world in more ways than anyone would have imagined. One of these changes is the adoption of work from home habits around the world. Beginning as a health measure, working from home is now desired by many people who enjoy the freedom of being wherever they want.
Indonesia is introducing a new digital nomad visa especially for those people who want to admire a beautiful view during office hours. The project aims to attract “digital nomads” to the country who would enjoy working from popular tourist destinations such as Bali.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno has revealed the new pass is part of a broader mission of the country to move away from beach tourism. The new goal is to attract travellers who would stay for longer periods of time instead, which is ultimately more sustainable.
In the past, the three S was: sun, sea and sand. We’re moving it to serenity, spirituality and sustainability. This way we’re getting better quality and better impact to the local economy.
Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, told Bloomberg Television
Currently, the maximum allowance an Indonesian visa can offer is 180 days, after which the person becomes a local tax resident and has to pay taxes on income from overseas business. The new digital nomad visa will allow someone to stay and work in the country for up to 5 years without paying taxes on their earnings from abroad, making it the longest digital nomad visa in the world.
The idea for the long-term digital nomad visa was first discussed in 2021, but the rising number of Covid-19 cases forced the country to implement strict travel restrictions and close its borders. Now that the pandemic seems to be approaching an end, the project has been brought up again. More specific details, like when it will become available and the application process, have not been figured out yet, however the application process will supposedly be made easier and more straightforward.
To further facilitate the remote workers’ transition, more flights will be operated to and from Indonesia. Minister Uno told Bloomberg that the country is expecting 3.6 million international tourists coming to the archipelago next year, brough by the new visas, along with ecological tourism experiences, spiritual retreats and sporting events.
