Immigration authorities in Indonesia announced the introduction of a new Transitional Stay Permit, also known as a Bridging Visa. The measure aims to simplify the visa transition process for foreign nationals who are in Indonesia. The Transitional Stay Permit acts as a temporary visa that allows the foreign national to remain in-country from the expiration of the previous permit and the issuance of a new one. Once the permit is issued, it will be valid for 60 days and will be invalidated if the foreign national leaves the country.   

While the implementation of the visa was scheduled for early this month, it is important to note that this visa option remains unavailable in the immigration system at the time of writing this alert.  

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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It is recommended for applicants to furnish authorities with a residential address, be it temporary or permanent, to avoid legal repercussions. Prompt notification to the authorities on any changes in the residential address of foreign nationals is imperative to mitigate potential legal risks.

Ensuring timely updates of residential addresses for foreign employees is essential for compliance with regulatory requirements. Non-compliance can disrupt work permit processing and compromise legal standing. Therefore, implementing control measures is vital to adhere to regulations and minimize risks. Additionally, maintaining current addresses facilitates efficient communication between authorities and foreign nationals, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing overall compliance.

Should your company need immediate comprehensive guidance and support following onsite inspections, please reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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On March 31, 2024, Japan launched a new residence status called “Digital Nomad Visa”. This visa allows eligible foreign nationals to remain in Japan for up to six months in a 12-month period and work remotely for their overseas employer. Digital Nomad Visa holders are permitted to carry out the provision of paid services or selling of goods to overseas clients and are geared towards professions such as software developers, digital designers, virtual assistants, or sole proprietors of foreign companies.

How do applicants qualify for this visa?

• Applicants must be a national of a visa-exempt country and a country with a bilateral tax treaty with Japan. 
• Applicants must be employed by and remunerated by their employers overseas. 
• Applicants must have a minimum annual income of at least JPY 10 million (approx. USD 68,300) or more at the time of application 
• Applicants must hold an insurance policy that covers death, injury, and illness during their stay in Japan. Coverage of 10 million yen or more for the costs of treatment for injuries and illnesses must be in place.

A Digital Nomad Visa-holder can bring a legally married spouse and children with legal parentage to Japan, provided they also meet eligibility criteria. The Digital Nomad Visa will come under the “designated activities” visa category. Refer to the table below for the list of eligible nationalities.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

Nationalities Eligible for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

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Starting April 1, 2024, the Indonesian government has introduced the E33G Remote Worker Visa initiative. This visa would allow foreign nationals to live in Indonesia while working remotely for their overseas employer for up to one year, which is also extendable for an additional year.

To qualify, individuals must be employed by a foreign entity, earn a yearly salary of no less than USD 60,000, and provide a personal bank statement with a minimum balance of USD 2,000 or equivalent, among other prerequisites.

Remote worker visa holders are not allowed to carry out any income generating activities locally or work for or with any local companies in Indonesia.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

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On January 9, 2024, Indonesia introduced new visa sub-types for exemption visas, single entry visas, multiple entry visas, and limited stay visas. The government also unveiled a new application platform for visa submissions, facilitating the replacement of previous visa types with the new sub-types. Clients can anticipate potential delays in securing certain visa sub-types as a result.

Newland Chase offers full support with all aspects of corporate immigration to Indonesia. For more information on how to secure a visa to Indonesia, contact your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement. 

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

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There are many different factors that go into deciding the best and worst countries to do business, ranging from a country’s economic indicators—such as gross domestic product, unemployment rate, and the consumer price index—to its corporate tax rates and political climate. On the one hand, underserved or emerging markets can represent fertile ground for growth. However, new markets can come with unforeseen challenges and instability you may not be used to dealing with at home, so it’s best to do your research about which country might be most beneficial for your business.

There are so many countries to choose from, your decision will differ based on the type of business you are looking to expand. Read on to learn about some of the best countries to do business for international companies.

Singapore

This relatively small island nation is an economic powerhouse, with super business-friendly policies that make it ideal for a business looking to expand, according to the World Bank. Its economic growth is strong, and its population has a relatively high earning power and GDP per capita, translating to lots of spending potential. Politically stable, Singapore also offers favorable tax laws to business owners, including no dividend or capital-gains tax.

To top it all off, it offers numerous free-trade agreements and great access to promising neighboring countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia—all of which means more avenues for expansion and possible markets to capture once you’ve established your business in Singapore.

Hong Kong

A Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong is a great place to do business. Its free-market economy depends on the global market for its economic growth, and its workforce is highly educated. With world-class infrastructure and easy access to China, it’s a good option for any company wanting to expand its footprint or gain a presence in Asia. Many Chinese companies are eager to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), thanks to its reputation as a leader in global commerce.

United Kingdom

Though it may have left the European Union, the UK is still considered one of the top countries for business owners. It has a relatively low business-tax rate compared to the average Central European country, and one of the lowest corporate-tax rates of the G20 nations.

Furthermore, its digital infrastructure is particularly business-friendly. Its online portals and digital filing systems are easy for foreigners to navigate, meaning you could incorporate your business in a single day working from your laptop.

Though the UK voted to make itself less competitive on the global stage as a result of Brexit, it is opening up free-trade agreements with the rest of the world as a result of leaving the EU, which can be more beneficial depending on the nature of your business.

Norway

A wealthy country with a highly educated and relatively wealthy population, Norway is a great place to do business if you’re in the tech or services sector. Its sophisticated digital infrastructure means that bureaucratic tasks, such as filing taxes or registering your business, are incredibly straightforward compared to other nations. And though it is not in the EU, its place in the European Economic Area means it has very strong ties with the bloc, both culturally and economically. It also has a world-leading quality of life.

Ireland

Ireland has earned a reputation as an economic success story among EU countries in the wake of the 2007-08 financial crash. One of the ways it has done so is to make it very attractive to do business there, including offering low corporate-tax rates that have drawn in big tech companies, including Google and Facebook.

But the tax benefits aren’t the only reason Ireland is an attractive place to start a business. Ireland GDP has grown steadily during the last decade, and it has a robust labor force with an international-facing outlook. Though it wouldn’t have been true 20 years ago, Ireland has certainly made the case for being one of the best countries for international corporations.

Mexico

With one of the largest economies in Latin America, Mexico is a highly competitive economy if you’re looking to expand your business’s footprint outside of the US. It has relatively little political instability compared to other countries in the region, a large tourism economy—thanks to the resorts dotted all along the Pacific Ocean—and a relatively young population, which translates to a strong workforce with much earning power ahead of them.

Reforms to business registration mean it’s less of a bureaucratic headache to do business in Mexico these days. In addition, its proximity to the United States make it attractive to American business owners who want to have a footprint in both countries.

So where should you start your business?

There is no singular country that can be declared the best country to do business. It will depend on what you’re trying to achieve as a business owner and the type of market or customer you are trying to reach. But these countries represent some of the most welcoming and exciting places to consider.

Stay in the loop with Newland Chase

An experienced immigration specialist can help you navigate the complexities of border-crossing requirements. Contact Newland Chase for a quote today.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

The post NC Insights – The Easiest Countries to Do Business in for 2023 appeared first on Newland Chase.

In the wake of all this growth, it’s worth taking stock of how the digital nomad has evolved, both as a concept and as a practice that’s increasingly allowed by firms. For both employees who want to be digital nomads and the companies who employ them, it’s important to stay on top of this dynamic and fast-changing trend—it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. 

How many digital nomads are there in 2023? 

Once a niche lifestyle that was typically limited to self-employed individuals without a boss or company they have to answer to, the digital nomad lifestyle has massively expanded with the growing acceptance of remote work. A report by MBO Partners estimated that 17 million Americans called themselves a digital nomad in 2022, with 10% planning to spend the entire year outside the US and 47% planning at least some international travel. That represents a massive growth of 131% compared to pre-2020 levels. 

Worldwide, the number of digital nomads is estimated to be about 35 million people. They have an average salary of about $120,000 per year, and predominantly work in fields like marketing, tech, communications, design, and e-commerce. 

Which countries give out digital nomad visas?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, countries have taken notice of the trend’s expansion. In recent years, many more desirable locations, such as Portugal, Spain, Estonia, and Greece, have formalized their visa options for digital nomads, inviting them to work and live for varying amounts of time. The list of non-European countries accommodating digital nomads include Indonesia, the Bahamas, South Africa, and many more.

All of these options allow remote workers to legally work and reside in their location of choice, rather than working illegally on a tourist visa and relying on “visa runs” to renew. However, there are typically minimum-income requirements to apply for this type of visa, which limits who can apply to a certain extent. 

While digital nomad visas may increase the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in the digital nomad lifestyle, they also offer the peace of mind and legal framework for employers to allow it. Overall, they have helped the trend grow and mature for the better. 

What are the challenges involved with employing a digital nomad? 

From immigration and tax to legal and privacy/IT, there are a number of concerns and complicating factors for companies who want to employ digital nomads. 

Tax implications and legal concerns

The first major issue is an employer simply being unaware that one of their workers is working in another country, instead assuming they are working “from home.” 

This kind of “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is risky for both the nomad and their employer, as it can open up liability if the nomad does not have permission to be working in a given country. That’s why it’s best for corporate firms to craft HR policies that make it clear which countries their employees can and cannot work remotely from or have time limits on how long an employee can work out of the country. The last thing a company wants is to find they’ve inadvertently made themselves subject to tax and employment law in another country, simply by having an employee working from there. 

It’s vital that a digital nomad do the research and abide by all the tax requirements their digital nomad visa stipulates. Keep in mind that American digital nomads usually have tax obligations both at home and in the country they’re visiting. Digital nomad tax is complicated, and hiring a professional with knowledge is essential. 

Privacy and data liability

Another concern is opening up a company’s privacy and data liability by having an employee conducting company business on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Employers should make it clear what they expect of nomads when it comes to digital hygiene and privacy protection. This can include measures such as using VPNs, encryption, and conducting any sensitive company business from a secure network, rather than a cafe, hotel, or airport. 

Why should HR cater to digital nomads? 

From a corporate employer’s point of view, it may seem like a lot of work to put the policies in place that enable your employees to work as digital nomads. But in reality, it’s a great way to attract and retain talent. 

By formalizing these policies and setting clear boundaries around what you will and won’t allow, you can attract the types of creative, dynamic, and talented individuals who will thrive at your company. Another bonus: Allowing it can also mean lower overhead and less office space to house your workforce. 

What is the digital nomad lifestyle like? 

It would be easy to assume that the digital nomad lifestyle is all cocktails on the beach with the odd Zoom meeting in between. But it’s important to be realistic about what the digital nomad lifestyle requires from both the employee and employer’s point of view. 

While working in cafes, co-working spaces, and, sure, sometimes the beach may sound ideal, the most common hassle that nomads report is weak or unreliable Wi-Fi connections. Employers should set expectations about what is reasonable. If a nomad is constantly offline because they’re struggling to find an adequate connection to attend meetings, that’s an issue that is affecting their performance and should be addressed. 

Time zones are another important thing to keep in mind. While the freedom to work from anywhere sounds ideal, it doesn’t mean your colleagues will be awake when you’re online. Some companies set a maximum time-difference allowance (say, within five hours of the HQ’s time zone) to ensure that employees aren’t on the clock at opposite hours of the day to their colleagues. 

Stay in the loop with Newland Chase

The digital nomad trend has come a long way from its early days of dodgy internet cafes and guest houses. When done properly, it’s a working arrangement that can be a win-win for both employers and employees. An experienced immigration specialist can help you navigate the complexities of border-crossing requirements.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

The post IMMIGRATION INSIGHTS – How the Digital Nomad Has Evolved – 2023 appeared first on Newland Chase.

What has changed?

In May 2023, The Ministry of Law and Human Rights made changes to Regulation 35 of 2021, which pertains to visas and stay permits during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes have several implications for work and stay permit applications:

• Vaccine proof is no longer required.
• The statement letter expressing willingness to comply with all health protocols in Indonesia is no longer necessary.
• Applicants are no longer required to provide proof of health insurance that covers COVID-19 expenses or a statement indicating their willingness to independently bear the costs if affected by COVID-19.

It is unclear at the moment whether the above requirements are going to be repealed for both single and multiple entry visa applications.

Further, it is expected that the verification of vaccine proof at airports and seaports will no longer be conducted as well.

In regard to onshore applications for new work and stay permits, as well as single entry visas, they are no longer accepted. Foreigners are now required to leave the country and re-enter to be able to activate their visa.

Newland Chase Insights

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

The post INDONESIA – Repealed COVID-19 Requirements and Onshore e-Visa Activation appeared first on Newland Chase.

Companies are encouraged to start preparing for the submission as early as mid-December as there is only a small window between the dates when the authorities begin accepting applications and when this requirement is due.

Immigration Insights

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

The post INDONESIA: Annual Manpower Reporting appeared first on Newland Chase.

The implementation of Decree No. 3/144/PK.04/V/2022 will incorporate additional steps in bringing in foreign national employees for short-term work in Indonesia. Employers will now be required to:

• Register on the ASTAKA website
• Purchase the applicable insurance
• Activate the insurance once the ITAS has been issued

ASTAKA insurance will be a mandatory requirement for all short-term work permit applicants. The personal health insurance of the applicant cannot be submitted in lieu of this new requirement.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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