As Bali’s villa rental scene grows, many foreign and local property owners are tapping into tourism with short-term accommodations. But if you want to do it legally, there’s one permit you need to know: Pondok Wisata. And be sure, it will be controlled!
“Pondok Wisata” is Indonesia’s license for small-scale tourist accommodations. Think of it as a mini hotel permit, ideal for villas, guesthouses or homestays located in residential zones.
It’s designed for:
Properties with fewer than 5-10 rooms.
Private owners or individuals (not corporate entities).
Short-term rentals, such as Airbnb-style stays.
Owning a villa in a residential area and want to rent it legally? This is the license you will need.
Running a short-term rental without the proper license can lead to penalties, shutdowns or visa issues. A Pondok Wisata license:
Makes your rental business legal.
Allows listings on Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, etc.
Gives peace of mind – for you and your guests.
Only Indonesian citizens can apply directly. However, foreign investors often structure ownership via a nominee agreement or leasehold through a local partner – always with legal guidance.
To qualify:
The property must be in a residential zone.
You must have proper building permits (IMB or PBG).
The land certificate should allow residential or tourism use.
You will need:
A valid ID (KTP) of the Indonesian applicant.
Proof of ownership or lease agreement.
Zoning and environmental approvals (SLF, UKL/UPL if needed).
Building permit (IMB/PBG for tourism use).
Support from the local Banjar or village authority.
Each region may add specific requirements, always check with local authorities or let a legal expert like Prestige handle it.
The process usually takes 3 – 6 weeks, depending on documentation and local approvals. Prestige can assist in making this quick and painless.
Yes. Foreigners often lease land (for 25+ years) or form a PT PMA to invest in property. While they cannot hold a Pondok Wisata directly, they can:
Partner with a trusted local.
Get long-term lease rights with licensing in the partner’s name.
Use alternative permits under a PT PMA for larger-scale projects.
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