Difference Between Second Home Visa and Golden Visa: Which One is Right for You?

oktarina
August 22, 2025
10 min read

Ever dream of living a relaxed life on Bali’s beaches or experiencing the bustling energy of Jakarta without worrying about your visa expiring? Indonesia offers incredible attractions, from rich culture to stunning natural landscapes. If you’re looking to stay longer, whether to invest, grow your business, or even retire, there are two visa options you can consider: Second Home Visa and Golden Visa. These visas are part of Indonesia’s broader investment programs designed to attract foreign investors.
So, which one suits you best? If you want to know more about the differences between these two, make sure to read this article to the end. We’ll dive into the details of Second Home Visa and Golden Visa—each an investment program with specific objectives and benefits such as residency rights, visa-free travel, and potential pathways to citizenship—and provide a practical guide to help you choose the one that fits your needs and goals!
Second Home Visa: A Visa for a Relaxed Lifestyle

Have you ever imagined living in Indonesia, enjoying the beautiful beaches of Bali or the cool atmosphere of Ubud without any time limits? The Second Home Visa is the perfect choice for foreigners who want to live in Indonesia for 5 to 10 years without the need to work.
Main Requirements for Second Home Visa:
- Passport valid for at least 36 months – Make sure your passport is valid for more than three years.
- Proof of funds of at least IDR 2 billion or ownership of property worth USD 1 million – This ensures you have enough funds to stay in Indonesia. Investors must also place at least USD 50,000 in a state-owned bank account in Indonesia to qualify for certain types of the Second Home Visa.
Benefits of Second Home Visa:
- Long stay: This visa allows you to stay in Indonesia for 5 to 10 years. Giving you the freedom to enjoy life without worrying about the visa expiring.
- Family benefits: This visa also allows your family (spouse, children, parents) to stay with you. Providing long-term residency options for your loved ones.
- Special immigration lanes: Visa holders can enjoy special lanes at major airports. Such as Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, making travel faster and easier.
Allowed Activities:
- Property investment: You can buy property in Indonesia for investment purposes without needing to set up a company or work.
- Retirement or tourism: This visa is ideal for retirees who want to enjoy their retirement in Indonesia without working.
Example Users:
Retirees looking to enjoy life in Bali without the burden of work or property investors who want to enjoy their investment profits without running a business. Second Home Visa offers the freedom to stay in Indonesia without work commitments.
Golden Visa: A Visa for Investors and Talented Professionals

The Golden Visa is designed for foreigners who want to contribute directly to Indonesia’s economy. It’s ideal for major investors, talented professionals, or global figures who want to invest or work in Indonesia, while also gaining long-term residency.
Main Requirements for Golden Visa:
- Individual Investors:
- USD 2.5 million (5 years) or USD 5 million (10 years) to establish a company.
- USD 350,000 (5 years) or USD 700,000 (10 years) in government bonds, stocks, or deposits.
- Corporate Investors:
- USD 25 million (5 years) or USD 50 million (10 years) to be a director or commissioner in a company.
- Global Talent:
- Graduates from top 100 global universities with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, or professionals with specialized certificates recognized by Indonesia.
- Background Check: Golden visa applications generally involve a background check and a review of the applicants’ compliance with program requirements.
Benefits of Golden Visa:
- Long stay: The Golden Visa allows you to stay for up to 10 years. Making it perfect for those who wish to invest or develop their business in the long term.
- Ease of entry and exit: Golden Visa holders get priority immigration services, making travel to and from Indonesia easier.
- Full legal rights: Golden visa holders enjoy full legal rights in the host country. Including the right to live, work, study, and receive healthcare. Additionally, Golden visa programs can lead to a second passport, increased travel mobility, and favorable tax benefits.
Example Users:
Golden Visa is a great option for CEOs or major investors in the tech sector who want to contribute to Indonesia’s economy. They can run companies or large projects in Indonesia with easier access. This visa is ideal for those looking to leverage their expertise or capital to contribute to the country’s economy.
Which One Should You Choose, Second Home Visa or Golden Visa?
If you’re torn between Second Home Visa and Golden Visa, here’s a direct comparison to help you decide which one suits you best.
1. Purpose
- Second Home Visa: Ideal for those who want to stay long-term in Indonesia without working. Like retirees, long-term tourists, or small property investors. Espesially someone who looking to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
- Golden Visa: Aimed at major investors or talented professionals. Who want to contribute to Indonesia’s economy, such as starting a business or working in specific sectors. The minimum investment required for obtaining an investment immigration visa varies widely by country
2. Financial Requirements
- Second Home Visa: More affordable, with a minimum investment of IDR 2 billion or a property worth USD 1 million. The minimum value required for this visa is clearly defined, and real estate purchases or the ability to purchase real estate are key qualifying investments.
- Golden Visa: Requires a larger investment, starting from USD 350,000 for bonds or stocks, to USD 50 million for a large business. The minimum value for each investment type is set by the government. Also qualifying investments include real estate purchases, capital transfer, and business establishment.
3. Flexibility
- Second Home Visa: Provides an easy way to stay long-term but is less flexible for entry and exit. It’s great for people who want to settle without getting involved in business.
- Golden Visa: More flexible, offering easier entry and exit from Indonesia, priority immigration services. Also suited for global business people who travel often. The investment types and qualifying investments required for each visa differ. With the Golden Visa offering more options such as real estate, business, and financial assets.
4. Target
- Second Home Visa: Designed for individuals or families who want to live long-term in Indonesia without working. It’s perfect for retirees or investors looking to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. Both programs are open to non eu citizens seeking long-term residence.
- Golden Visa: Aimed at large investors or professionals who want to contribute to Indonesia’s economy. This visa allows you to work or establish a large company.
5. Example Scenarios
- Second Home Visa: Choose this if you want to retire in Bali with a limited budget and enjoy life without having to work.
- Golden Visa: Choose this if you want to set up a large business in Jakarta or make significant investments to contribute to Indonesia’s economy. The Golden Visa is a government-run investment program with a structured golden visa process.
Read more: The Difference Between Kitas and Kitap You Must Know Before Applying!
Application Process for Second Home Visa and Golden Visa

If you plan to stay longer in Indonesia with a Second Home Visa or Golden Visa, it’s important to understand the application process. The golden visa process involves several steps, including application submission, investment verification, and issuance of residence permits. While both visas allow long-term stays, their application procedures differ. Here’s a brief guide on how to apply for each visa.
1. Second Home Visa Application Process:
- Apply online: Visit the official Directorate General of Immigration website (molina.imigrasi.go.id) and fill out the application form.
- Prepare documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 36 months, provide proof of funds of IDR 2 billion or property worth USD 1 million, a color photo, and your CV.
- Processing: After submitting your documents and making payment, the visa process will be completed in 4 working days. Visa holders can also use special immigration lanes at major airports like Ngurah Rai in Bali. The Indonesian Second Home Visa application can be processed in as little as one month with the required documentation. The residence permit issued has a specific validity period and must be renewed before the expiration date to maintain legal status.
2. Golden Visa Application Process:
For Golden Visa, the process is slightly more complex, as it targets large investors or professionals. Here’s the application process:
- Apply via the official site or immigration office: For the Global Talent category, apply via the official website or contact the immigration office for more information.
- Prepare documents: Ensure you have all the documents for the category you choose, such as proof of investment or a recognized skill certificate. Make sure your passport and other documents have an expiration date that meets the requirements for the visa.
- Investment verification: Immigration will conduct a more thorough verification of your investment, often involving agencies like BKPM.
- ITAS Golden Visa: Once verified, you will receive your ITAS Golden Visa, which is a residence permit with a defined validity period.
Tips for Applying for Second Home Visa and Golden Visa
Applying for a Second Home Visa or Golden Visa can be overwhelming without proper preparation. Here are a few tips to make the process smoother:
- Prepare Your Documents Well:
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 36 months and check the expiration date to make sure it meets the requirements. For Second Home Visa, prepare proof of funds (at least IDR 2 billion or USD 1 million in property). For Golden Visa, ensure your investment documents, such as bank statements, bonds, or shares, are clear and legal. Golden visa applicants must also provide a clean criminal record (no criminal record) from both their home country and Portugal as part of their application. Don’t forget to prepare a passport-sized photo as per immigration standards. - Consult an Expert:
The visa application process, especially for Golden Visa, can be complicated, especially when it involves large investments. Using a professional visa consultant like Bali Premium Trip will help ensure all your documents are complete and up-to-date. They will guide you to avoid mistakes and help the process run smoothly. - Understand the Regulations:
Visa regulations may change annually, so it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest rules for Second Home Visa and Golden Visa. Always check the current requirements before applying. - Verify Your Financial Documents:
For Second Home Visa, ensure that your funds are properly registered, such as with a state-owned bank (BNI, BRI, Mandiri). For Golden Visa, ensure that your investments are official and registered, like government bonds or shares. Only qualifying investments are accepted for the Golden Visa, so applicants should verify that their investments meet the program’s criteria.
Read more: Golden Visa Bali: The Solution for Comfortable and Long-Term Stay in Bali
Apply for Second Home Visa or Golden Visa with Bali Premium Trip!
If you’re dreaming of staying longer in Indonesia, Second Home Visa and Golden Visa could be the perfect solutions for you. The Second Home Visa is ideal for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with a more affordable budget, while the Golden Visa is suited for large investors or talented professionals who want to contribute directly to Indonesia’s economy. Both visas offer long-term stay opportunities, guaranteed legality, access to premium services, and the chance to explore exciting business prospects in Indonesia.
If you need assistance with your visa application, you must choose Bali Premium Trip! Through our visa services, we’ll assist with all aspects of your visa and residency in Indonesia, from document gathering to online visa applications. With our extensive experience handling Second Home Visa and Golden Visa for retirees, investors, or professionals, we ensure every step of the visa process aligns with Indonesian immigration regulations.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today and apply for your Second Home Visa or Golden Visa easily with Bali Premium Trip!

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