How to acquire property
in Bali?
Introduction
Under Indonesian law, foreigners
are not permitted to have property title in Indonesia. However,
foreign individuals can legally acquire property in Indonesia and
enjoy full beneficial rights. PT Island Concepts Indonesia
Tbk. always recommends to clients that they should secure
the best legal advice when securing property in Bali. This is a
summary of the various alternatives.
- Enter into a legal arrangement with an Indonesian
nominee, either an individual or PT company, whereby he/she/corporation
holds title to the property. Simultaneously, complete a power
of attorney, handing over full rights from the Indonesian entity
to the foreign investor.
- Make a leasehold investment in the property,
up to 25 years. Partnerships with Indonesian citizens are not
required in leasehold transactions. This method does offer complete
protection to the foreigner during the term of the lease, however,
once the lease term has expired the agreement can be extended
or the property reverts to the Owner.
- Form a foreign investment company (PMA).
Here the foreigner can own the company 100% and the title of
the property will be in the company name. However, title in
this case could only last for 20 or 30 years as PMA companies
have to re-apply to the Indonesian Government to extend their
license.
Nominee Power of
Attorney
This is done by providing the
investor with an Indonesian nominee, who has title to the property
but who simultaneously enters into a legal power of attorney with
the foreigner. The power of attorney gives the investor beneficial
rights on the property and waives all rights of the nominee. The
investor is then free to build on the land, sell or lease the property
and transfer the title to next of kin, the nominee will receive
a nominal fee for his responsibilities as the title holder.
Foreign Investment
Company (PMA)
The most significant change in
Indonesian investment law came in 1997 when the Government introduced
the 'PMA' (Penanaman Modal Asing or Foreign Investment Company Programme).
This allows foreign investors to set up a company in Indonesia,
without having to have Indonesian partners; the PMA can be 100%
owned by the foreign investor. PMA companies are allowed to own
the title of the property for a period of 25 years, when the title
has to be renewed by the Government.
To set up a PMA company you will
be required to:
- Submit a detailed business plan.
- Operate in a business environment that adds
value to Indonesia in terms of foreign skills, employment and
environmental benefit.
- Make an appropriate cash deposit in an Indonesian
based bank. (The amount varies and is calculated from the capital
employed in the business).
- Show the property investment as an asset
of the company.
- The process takes approximately 3 to 4 months
and once completed the company can apply for work permits for
the foreign directors, 3 permits in the first year of operation.
The cost of setting up is between
30 to 40 million Indonesian Rupiah.
Buying the Property
Land parcels for sale in Bali
fall into one of two categories:
- Pipil :
Land that has been passed down through a local Balinese family
but has never been formally registered with the Land Registry
Office.
- Certificate : Land which
has already been registered with the Land Registry Office. Only
land which has a certificate can be sold.
The conversion of 'Pipil' land
into certified status is handled by PT Island Concepts Indonesia
Tbk. and normally takes 4-6 months. Once your chosen land
has a certificate, a transaction can be completed within 1 day,
however, with legal due diligence this process normally takes 1-2
weeks
All land purchases in Indonesia
must by witnessed in the presence of an officially appointed 'Notaris'
or lawyer. The standard contracts are written in Bahasa Indonesia
language, however, House of Bali can arrange for translations upon
request.
Simplified, buying land in Bali
can be illustrated with the following steps:
Step One Appoint
PT Island Concepts Indonesia Tbk. as your Real Estate
Agent
Step Two Negotiate price on your chosen property
Step Three Make a deposit (usually 30% of total
price)
Step Four Sign a letter of intent with the seller
agreeing to price, final completion date and payment schedule.
Step Five Completion and final payment at the Notaris
Step Six If using a Nominee, simultaneously sign
the 'power of attorney' at the Notaris
Step Seven Collect the revised certificate
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