Buy Property in Bali as a Foreigner

How buying property in Bali works

1. 1

   Choose leasehold or PT PMA

   Short holds and villas you'll use yourself often suit a leasehold. Longer holds, rental income, and freehold-equivalent security point to a PT PMA. We map this to your goal on the first call.

2. 2

   Due diligence on the land

   A notary (PPAT) verifies the title, zoning (green/yellow/red zone), and that the land can legally be built on and rented. Skipping this is the single biggest risk in Bali.

3. 3

   Set up the PT PMA (if used)

   We register the foreign-owned company with the BKPM/OSS system, including tax (NPWP) and business licensing. Formation runs 2-4 weeks.

4. 4

   Sign and pay through the notary

   The sale or lease deed is executed before the PPAT notary, who handles title transfer and the acquisition tax. Funds move through documented channels, never cash to a nominee.

5. 5

   Register the title

   The HGB / Hak Pakai (or registered leasehold) is recorded at the land office in the company's or your name, completing the purchase.

Ownership rules for foreigners

Freehold land (Hak Milik) is reserved for Indonesian citizens. The two legal paths for foreigners are: (1) a leasehold of typically 25-30 years (extendable by agreement), held in your personal name, or (2) a PT PMA, a foreign-owned limited company that can hold Hak Guna Bangunan (Right to Build, up to 80 years) and Hak Pakai (Right to Use) titles. A PT PMA is the standard vehicle for buyers who want a freehold-equivalent right and the ability to rent the property out as a business. Nominee 'ownership' through a local individual is widely sold but legally unsafe, we do not use it.