Key Takeaways
Foreigners can open a bank account in Indonesia if they hold a valid KITAS or KITAP.
You must apply in person at a bank branch, as online onboarding is not available to non-residents.
An initial deposit is also required to activate the account.
Looking to open a bank account in Indonesia as a foreigner?
Whether you're moving for work, launching a business, or studying long-term, the process involves more than just filling out an application form.
This guide explains all you need to know to open both personal and business accounts in Indonesia as a non-resident. We will cover:
✅ Who is eligible and what documents are required
✅ Step-by-step to open a bank account
✅ The 3 best banks in Indonesia for foreigners.
And if you’re not eligible for a local account, we will introduce an alternative solution for businesses at the end of this guide.
Let’s dive in.
Can a Foreigner Open A Bank Account in Indonesia?
Yes, foreigners can open a personal bank account and a business account in Indonesia.
Major Indonesian banks allow foreigners holding a valid passport and KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) or KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) to open accounts.
They also accept foreign business owners with proper business registration documents to open a corporate account.
However, if you're a tourist or short-term visitor, your options are limited. Few banks allow account openings without a residency permit, and those that do may require an Indonesian sponsor.
Note: As a non-resident, you’ll need to visit a bank branch in person to verify your identity and complete the account opening process.
What Do Foreigners Need to Open A Bank Account in Indonesia?
Requirements vary slightly by bank, but most follow a similar structure. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need to open an account in Indonesia.
For Personal Account
Typically, banks will ask for a few standard documents as follows.
- Valid passport
- KITAS or KITAP (Temporary or Permanent Stay Permit)
- Proof of local address (e.g. rental agreement or utility bill)
- NPWP (Tax Identification Number) – sometimes optional
- Proof of income or employment - optional
- Student card - for student visa
For Business Account
To open a business account in Indonesia, banks require the following documents:
Company Documents
- Deed of Establishment (Akta Pendirian Perusahaan)
- Articles of Association (Anggaran Dasar)
- Deed of Amendment – if any changes have been made since incorporation
- Deed stating current management composition
- Letter of approval or validation from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights
- Business Identification Number (NIB)
- Business Licence or sector-specific permits
- Company Tax ID (NPWP)
- Power of Attorney – if the account is opened by your attorney other than a director
- Cover note from notary (only if the company is still being established)
Personal Documents
- ID cards (KTP or passport) and NPWP of all directors, commissioners, and shareholders
- Approval letters or declarations – sometimes required for companies still in formation
You also need to make an initial deposit to open an account.
Important: You might need to pay for stamp duty on certain documents when opening a business account.
5 Steps to Open a Bank Account in Indonesia
The process of opening a bank account in Indonesia is straightforward, but it can differ depending on the bank and whether you’re opening a personal or business account.
Below is the typical process for opening a bank account in Indonesia.
1
Choose the Right Bank and Account Type
Research and compare banks based on your needs. Look at account types, fees, branch locations, online banking features, and whether the bank is foreigner-friendly.
Indonesian banks usually offer savings, deposit, and checking accounts for everyday banking.
Tip: Major banks in Indonesia also offer foreign currency accounts or multi-currency accounts that allow you to hold and manage funds in other currencies in addition to the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
2
Confirm Eligibility and Requirements
Contact the bank or check their website to confirm which documents you need to prepare. Requirements may vary for foreigners, students, and businesses.
3
Prepare in Advance
Once eligibility is confirmed, gather the required documents for your account type.
Avoid delays by ensuring documents are complete, signed, and notarised with stamp duty (if needed).
4
Apply in Person at the Bank
In most cases, banks require foreigners to open accounts in person. Business accounts often involve booking an appointment with a relationship manager or corporate banking desk.
5
Make Your Deposit and Activate the Account
Once your application is approved, the bank will ask you to make the initial deposit. The required amount varies depending on the bank and the type of account you’re opening. After the deposit is made, you’ll receive your ATM or debit card and instructions for setting up mobile or internet banking.
For business accounts, this is also a good time to ask about transfer limits, requesting a cheque book, or enabling multi-user access if needed. Bank officers can guide you through the setup process and help ensure your account is ready for use.
Note: Typically, banks require a minimum deposit of around IDR 500,000 - 1 million to activate an account.
3 Best Banks in Indonesia for Foreigners
There are over 100 banks in Indonesia, each offering unique products and services for its customers. Let's look at the top 3 popular choices.
| Bank | Key Highlights | Initial Deposit Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Mandiri | Personal multi-currency accounts, various business accounts, and an extensive branch network |
IDR 500,000 for standard savings accounts IDR 1 million for standard business checking accounts |
| Bank Central Asia (BCA) | Individual savings accounts, business current accounts in multiple currencies, and a large ATM network |
IDR 500,000 for standard savings accounts IDR 1 million or USD 500 or equivalent for business current accounts |
| Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) | Savings accounts, personal multi-currency accounts, and a reliable digital banking platform |
IDR 500,000 (Jakarta) or IDR 250,000 (other regions) for standard personal savings accounts USD, SGD, or AUD 100 for BNI Dollar accounts (personal multi-currency account) Not specified on the website for business accounts |
Bank Mandiri
Bank Mandiri is the largest state-owned bank in Indonesia by total assets. It offers a full range of services across retail, SME, and corporate banking, making it a top choice for foreign-owned companies.
- Total assets: IDR 2,464 trillion
- Branches: Over 2,000 nationwide
- ATMs: 13,000 across countries
- Mobile banking via Livin’ by Mandiri
BCA
BCA (Bank Central Asia) is one of the most widely used private banks in Indonesia, known for its technology-first approach and high service quality. It's particularly popular among expats for personal banking.
- Total assets: IDR 1,504 trillion
- Branches: Over 1,200 nationwide
- ATMs: 20,000 across countries
- User-friendly mobile apps (BCA mobile, KlikBCA)
BNI
Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) is another major state-owned bank that caters well to individual foreign clients, including students and foreign workers with long-term stay permits.
- Total assets: IDR 1,151.9 trillion
- Branches: Over 1,700
- ATMs: 13,000+ across countries
- Mobile and internet banking available (wondr, and BNI Direct)
Hong Kong Business Account: Statrys
If your business is registered in Hong Kong, Singapore or the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Statrys is a viable alternative for a bank account in Indonesia.
Statrys is a licensed payment service provider in Hong Kong, offering solutions tailored to modern businesses. These include a multi-currency account that lets you pay your suppliers and employees in Indonesia like a local. With Statrys, you can:
✅ Hold and manage 11 major currencies, including USD, EUR, RMB, GBP, SGD and HKD.
✅ Send local payments in 12 currencies, such as IDR, USD, CNY, EUR, SGD, and HKD.
✅ Send low-cost international payments via SWIFT with real-time payment tracking.
✅ Issue multiple payment cards for team expenses and ATM withdrawals with customised controls.
✅ Access to competitive FX rate based on real-time mid-market rate with fees as low as 0.1%
Every account comes with a dedicated account manager who you can contact via WhatsApp and phone to get personalised support.
Below is a summary of Statrys’ services
FAQs
Can I open a bank account in Indonesia if I am a foreigner?
Yes, foreigners can open a bank account in Indonesia with a valid KITAS or KITAP (residency permit). Tourists or short-term visitors are generally not eligible.
