Eight Important Information Contained in an NIB for a PT PMA in Indonesia

For foreign investors establishing a PT PMA in Indonesia, obtaining a Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) is one of the most critical legal steps.

The NIB serves as official proof that a business has been registered in Indonesia and is authorized to conduct commercial activities. It also acts as the primary business identity of the company within Indonesia’s risk based licensing system.

The NIB is issued through the OSS RBA (Online Single Submission – Risk Based Approach) system, managed by the Ministry of Investment / BKPM.

Below are eight essential types of information contained in an NIB, along with what foreign investors need to understand about each of them.

1. Legal Identity and Registration Status of the Business

An NIB confirms that the business has been formally registered as a legal business actor in Indonesia. It contains:

• The official company name
• The legal form of the entity
• The type of business actor

For PT PMA companies, the NIB confirms that the entity is a limited liability company with foreign investment status.

This allows investors, banks, partners, and government authorities to verify that the company legally exists and is authorized to operate.

The NIB itself is generated as a 13 digit random number with security features and an electronic signature, making it a valid official registration document.

2. Status of Investment: PMA or PMDN

The NIB clearly shows whether a company is classified as:

• PMDN (Domestic Investment Company), or
• PMA (Foreign Investment Company)

For foreign investors, this classification is crucial.

If the company is registered as a PT PMA:

• It must be established in the form of a limited liability company
• It must comply with minimum capital requirements
• It must meet the minimum investment requirement of more than IDR 10 billion per 5 digit KBLI business activity per project location, excluding land and buildings

Some business sectors are exempt from the standard investment threshold, but this depends on the specific KBLI classification.

This section of the NIB confirms that the company has been recognized under Indonesia’s foreign investment framework.

3. Business Scale Classification

The NIB also reflects the company’s business scale classification, based on Indonesian regulations regarding Micro, Small, Medium, or Large enterprises.

The classification is determined by capital value or annual revenue:

• Micro enterprises
  Capital up to IDR 1 billion, excluding land and buildings, or annual sales up to IDR 2 billion
• Small enterprises
  Capital between IDR 1 billion and IDR 5 billion, excluding land and buildings, or annual sales between IDR 2 billion and IDR 15 billion
• Medium enterprises
  Capital above IDR 5 billion up to IDR 10 billion, excluding land and buildings, or annual sales between IDR 15 billion and IDR 50 billion

Most PT PMA companies fall under the large enterprise category due to the minimum foreign investment requirements.

This classification affects reporting obligations, compliance requirements, and access to certain facilities.

4. KBLI Code and Business Activity Description

Every NIB lists the KBLI (Klasifikasi Baku Lapangan Usaha Indonesia) codes and titles that represent the company’s registered business activities.

KBLI is Indonesia’s official business classification system and determines:

• What type of business activities the company is legally allowed to conduct
• The level of risk assigned to each activity
• The type of business licenses required

Currently, business activities refer to KBLI 2020 standards issued by the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency.

Foreign investors must carefully select the correct 5 digit KBLI codes because:

• Investment requirements are calculated per KBLI
• Licensing obligations are based on KBLI
• Some sectors may have foreign ownership restrictions

Incorrect KBLI selection can delay licensing and operational approval.

5. Risk Classification of the Business

Indonesia applies a risk based licensing system under OSS RBA. The NIB shows the risk classification assigned to each KBLI activity.

There are four levels:

• Low Risk
  Only NIB is required. The company can operate once the NIB is issued.
• Medium Low Risk
  NIB and a self declared Standard Certificate are required.
• Medium High Risk
  NIB and a verified Standard Certificate issued by the relevant authority are required before operational activities.
• High Risk
  NIB, specific business license, and possibly additional Standard Certificates are required before commercial operation.

The risk level directly determines whether the company can immediately operate or must wait for additional approvals.

For foreign investors, understanding this classification is essential to avoid operating without full authorization.

6. Licensing Function and Operational Status

The NIB allows investors to verify what stage of business activity is permitted.

For low risk activities, the NIB itself allows preparation, operational, and commercial activities.

For medium high and high risk activities, the NIB only allows preparation activities. The company must first obtain verified Standard Certificates or business licenses before conducting operational or commercial activities.

This distinction is critical. Many foreign investors mistakenly assume that obtaining the NIB alone means the company can immediately operate. In higher risk sectors, additional approvals are mandatory.

7. Company Address and Business Location Compliance

The NIB includes the registered office address and business location of the company.

However, the NIB will not be issued if the planned business location does not comply with Indonesia’s spatial planning regulations.

Before issuance, the OSS system requires compliance through:

• Confirmation of Spatial Utilization (KKPR confirmation), if the location is already aligned with the Detailed Spatial Plan
• Approval of Spatial Utilization (PKKPR), if further assessment is required
• Automatic approval for businesses located in industrial zones or special economic zones
• Special approval for maritime or coastal areas

For PT PMA companies, location compliance is a critical step. Using an address that does not match zoning regulations can prevent the NIB from being issued.

8. Contact Information of the Business Actor

The NIB also contains the company’s official contact information, including:

• Telephone number
• Email address

Foreign investors should ensure that the contact details registered in OSS are corporate contacts, not personal numbers or private email addresses.

This contact information is used for official communication, verification processes, and licensing notifications.

Incorrect or inaccessible contact data can delay approvals and regulatory communication.

Additional Functions of the NIB

Beyond containing important company information, the NIB also functions as:

• Import Identification Number (Angka Pengenal Impor), if the company conducts import activities
• Customs access registration for export and import procedures
• Registration for national health and employment social security programs (BPJS Kesehatan and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan)
• Initial manpower reporting obligation

This makes the NIB a multifunctional document that connects business licensing, customs, and labor compliance.

Why NIB Is Critical for Foreign Investors

For PT PMA founders, the NIB is not just a registration number. It is the foundation of legal operation in Indonesia.

Without a valid NIB:

• The company cannot legally conduct business
• Import activities cannot be performed
• Employment registration cannot proceed
• Further licensing cannot be completed

Because each business actor is issued only one NIB, and it remains valid as long as the company operates, it becomes the core identity of the PT PMA throughout its lifecycle.

How Visa BaliEasy Can Help

Establishing a PT PMA in Indonesia requires the correct KBLI selection, proper capital structure, OSS RBA registration, NIB issuance, and full licensing compliance.

Visa BaliEasy supports you end to end, ensuring your company is structured correctly from the start and aligned with current regulations, so you can operate legally without delays or compliance risks.

We also assist with Investor KITAS applications, making sure your immigration status matches your PT PMA structure and NIB data. With 24/7 human support and transparent pricing with no hidden fees, Visa BaliEasy helps you set up and run your business in Indonesia with clarity and confidence.