Got a question? Call the Plato team on +62 21 2988 7964
Why should you use Plato?
At Plato’s hub, you get 24/7 access to all the legal products and tools you need to run your business, while ensuring its compliance. Using the latest technology, Plato can provide you with expert legal services at a fraction of the cost, complexity, and time of conventional law firms.
Our clients always get transparent, fixed-price quotes from our network of lawyers, so you’ll never have to worry about paying expensive hourly fees for legal help again.
Best of all, we’re able to negotiate heavily discounted rates by tapping into the hidden capacity of Indonesian law firms.
When should you use Plato?
Plato provides you with access to everything you need to start and run your business (especially the legal parts!) This includes legal guides, legal and commercial documents, blogs, electronic signatures, business services, and Indonesia’s largest network of expert lawyers.
We help both small and large businesses ranging from sole traders to large enterprises understand the legal gaps in their business, and then connect them with the resources they need.
What if you need a document that isn't available on Plato?
Feel free to email us at support@plato.co.id to let us know what other documents you need! We're always updating our library of legal and commercial templates with new ones.
And, we understand your legal requirements are urgent, so we can always get you a fast, fixed price quote to have a document drafted by a lawyer in our network.
If you already have a lawyer, why should you still use Plato?
Plato gives you 24/7 access to legal and commercial documents and services, so there’s no waiting around for a lawyer. Still, many of our clients have a private lawyer and use Plato to supplement their other needs.
Using Plato, you get full transparency around pricing because we’re able to arrange fixed-price quotes for any kind of legal work from our network of expert lawyers. With us, you’re never confronted with hidden fees or going over budget and you’ll always pay competitive market rates.
How can you contact Plato?
Using the live chat on Plato’s website, you can speak with our customer support team at any time of the day!
Need to speak to someone about one of our products? Simply email us at sales@plato.co.id, or alternatively, if you need help with an existing product please email us on support@plato.co.id.
During business hours, you can speak with a Plato consultant by calling +62 21 2988 7964.
What countries does Plato cover?
We’re an Indonesian based online legal services company, so our product range and network of lawyers reflects this. Here, all legal and commercial documents have been drafted to reflect Indonesian laws and should not be used in other countries or territories.
What is Plato’s satisfaction guarantee?
Plato's entire network of lawyers are carefully selected and reviewed prior to working with us. Each lawyer has significant commercial experience to ensure the work they do for our clients is of the highest quality, and each has a practicing certificate issued by one of Indonesia’s bar associations.
To make sure you're happy with the work provided by Plato’s lawyers, we offer a satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you are not happy, we’ll arrange for you to be connected with an alternate lawyer to complete your work at no extra cost (or we'll arrange for a full refund).
See our full Terms of Use for more details about our satisfaction guarantee.
Can't you just download a document from the web?
No. Unfortunately, when you download a document from the web, you’ll never know who drafted it, if the terms and clauses included in it are suitable for your specific needs, or if it’s up to date with current legislation.
Are your documents legally binding?
Yes. Plato’s documents are drafted by lawyers from Indonesia’s best firms, are up to date with local legislation, and are all legally binding.
If you customise any Plato document yourself, we strongly advise you to have a lawyer review and sign off on it after.
Using our quick quote service, we can arrange for a lawyer in our network to do this for you.
What format do the completed documents come in?
All of our documents are delivered in PDF format (not Word or HTML) to protect the integrity of the information and clauses they contain. You may only download our documents after they have been customised. If you wish to make changes or include additional clauses to one of our documents we recommend having this done by one of the lawyers available on the Plato platform or by your own lawyer.
How does Plato differ from other online legal services?
We do a lot more than just provide online legal documents like other online legal service providers. When you register for a Plato account you will have access to our legal hub where you can:
We provide a full end-to-end legal solution for any sized business and our customer service is second to none with 24/7 live chat available.
Where are your completed documents kept?
All of your customized documents are securely encrypted and stored online so that you can access them at any time, from any device. Each version of a document you create is saved, editable, and you can download them at any time.
Does Plato provide legal advice?
Plato is not a law firm, so the information we provide is of a general nature. You should always seek advice from a lawyer on any of the information or products you use on the Plato site to ensure it is relevant and suitable for your specific needs.
Legal advice can only be provided by lawyers with a practicing certificate from one of Indonesia’s bar associations.
Why do you have to pay up front before the work begins?
At a discounted rate (from what you’d pay engaging with the service provider directly), we negotiate transparent, fixed-price quotes for our customers. We're able to provide Plato customers with these benefits because we ensure our lawyers don't have to chase payments for completed work.
Plato holds the fees when you make a payment and only transfers the funds to the lawyer once the job has been finished with your sign off. That way, if you are unhappy with the work or if there is a dispute, we can provide you with a full refund based on Plato's Satisfaction Guarantee (outlined in our Terms of Use).
How do you update your payment and account details?
To update your account or payment details please contact us on +62 21 2988 7964 or email us on support@plato.co.id so that a customer service representative can assist you.
How do you cancel your subscription?
You can cancel your Plato subscription at any time. Your account will be cancelled at the end of the billing cycle at which you will no longer be charged.
To cancel your Plato subscription please email support@plato.co.id or call us on +62 21 2988 7964.
What type of legal entities are available to foreign investors who wish to invest in Indonesia?
This depends on the industry and nature of your business's activities. For example, if you plan to have activity in the social, religious, and/or humanitarian fields you should establish a yayasan.
These are the types of legal entities available to foreign investors wishing to invest in Indonesia:
In addition, these types of legal entities are available for domestic investors wishing to invest in Indonesia:
PT PMA
Activity
Can conduct business activities within the Indonesian Standard Classification of Business Fields (KBLI) of the PT PMA.
Best for
Foreign investors looking for direct investment in Indonesia.
Restrictions
The incorporation of a PT PMA must be pre-approved by the Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). On the basis of the Negative Investment List (DNI), a Presidential Regulation that lists business fields which are open, partially open or closed to foreign investment, the BKPM will assess the envisaged investment. Any business field not specifically listed in the DNI or governed by any other legislation is in principle open to 100% foreign investment.
Minimum capitalization
Regardless of the envisaged business field, the BKPM requires a minimum planned investment amount of more than IDR 10,000,000,000.00 (about USD 750,000.00) and at least 25% of which must be paid-up capital, as a general rule. The remaining 75% of the planned investment amount may be invested through loans. The paid-up capital can be used as working capital. The minimum paid-up capital is higher than the general BKPM standard in various business fields, subject to regulations and guidelines issued by the relevant regulatory authority and at the discretion of the BKPM.
Benefits
Can fully operate as limited liability company within the KBLI of the PT PMA.
Disadvantages
Large capital injection. Investment in certain business fields are restricted by the DNI or other legislation.
Work and resident permits
Additional licenses
Compliance
PT Biasa
Activity
Can conduct business activities within the Indonesian Standard Classification of Business Fields (KBLI) of the PT Biasa.
Best for
Domestic investors looking for direct investment in Indonesia without involving any foreign shareholders.
Restrictions
Minimum capitalization
As a general rule, the minimum authorized capital is:
Benefits
Low capital injection and fast establishment process as long as no foreign shareholders are involved.
Disadvantages
No foreign shareholders.
Work permits and visas
Additional licenses
Compliance
KPPA (Representative Office)
Activity
Best for
Investment restriction
Not applicable.
Minimum capitalization
Not applicable.
Benefits
Disadvantages
Work permits and visas
Additional licenses
Not applicable.
Compliance
KP3A (Representative Office for Trading)
Activity
Best for
Ownership restriction
Not applicable.
Minimum capitalization
Not applicable.
Benefits
Disadvantages
Work permits and visas
Additional licenses
Not applicable.
Compliance
Who is able to establish a company in Indonesia?
To establish a company in Indonesia, you must have a minimum of two capable persons and/or companies.
How much will your establishment cost?
At Plato, we offer a straightforward company establishment service. For a quote, simply contact us. We'll then provide you with clear step-by-step guidance and the documentation that you're legally required to have to ensure you're compliant.
How long will it take to establish your company?
We'll first manually review your application. Once we have confirmed its accuracy, we will lodge the complete form - including all information and required documents - to the relevant authorities.
For domestic investments
For foreign investments
What will you receive if your application is approved?
After your application is successful, you’ll receive:
For domestic investments
For foreign investment
What is a principal license (IP) and do you need one?
Before an investor can invest in Indonesia through a PT PMA or a PT PMDN, he or she must first hold a license known as a principal license (IP).
What is a general corporate license and do you need one?
These are the general corporate licenses:
If you have a company / representative office / representative office for trading in Indonesia, you’ll need a general corporate license.
You’re able to apply for your general corporate licenses once you have signed the company deed of establishment or obtained approval from the BKPM for the establishment of a representative office / representative office for trading.
*Foreign investment companies do not require a SIUP.
What is an SKDP and do you need one?
An SKDP (i.e. domicile letter) is a certificate that confirms the permanent residence of a company (or its domicile) and is issued by the local authorities. If you have a company / representative office / representative office for trading in Indonesia, you’ll need an SKDP.
You’re able to apply for an SKDP once you have signed the DOE or obtained approval from the BKPM for the establishment of a representative office / representative office for trading.
Initially, you’ll receive a temporary SKDP from the local authority within 5 working days of the authority receiving your completed documents or information. You are eligible to apply for a permanent SKDP after obtaining an NPWP.
You will receive a permanent SKDP from the local authority within 5 working days of the authority receiving your completed documents or information.
What is an NPWP and do you need one?
A tax identification number, known as an NPWP, is a unique 15 digit number issued by the local tax office to help identify you as a taxpayer.
Each Indonesian will need to have an NPWP to be able to establish your company. Your company / representative office / representative office for trading will need to have a separate NPWP than your NPWP. Also note that each foreigner who is employed in Indonesia will also need to have a separate NPWP.
Your company / representative office / representative office for trading is eligible to apply for an NPWP after obtaining a temporary SKDP.
You'll receive the NPWP from local tax authorities within 10 working days upon the authorities receiving complete documents and information.
What is a TDP and do you need one?
A Certificate of Company Registration, or TDP, is an official record held under the provisions of the law or the regulations of its implementation. It contains matters which must be registered by each company and then authorized by the local authority.
Your company is eligible to apply for a TDP, in case it is a Domestic Limited Liability Company, after obtaining a SIUP or, in case it is a PMA company, after obtaining an NPWP.
You'll receive a TDP from local authorities within 10 working days upon the authorities receiving your completed documents and information.
What is a SIUP and do you need one?
A business license, or SIUP is a permit issued by the local authorities to a Domestic Limited Liability Company to carry out business in the field of trade and services. Each Domestic Limited Liability Company must have a SIUP.
Your Domestic Limited Liability Company is eligible to apply for a SIUP after obtaining an NPWP.
You'll receive your SIUP from local authorities within 10 working days upon the authorities receiving your completed documents and information.
Who can establish a representative office in Indonesia?
How much does Plato’s representative office establishment service cost?
At Plato, we offer a simple representative office, or representative office for trading, establishment service. For a quote, please contact us by clicking “Get Started!” on our website.
From there, we'll provide you with step-by-step guidance to ensure you have the documentation that you're legally required to have to ensure you're compliant.
How long does it take to establish a representative office?
We'll first manually review your application. Once we have confirmed its accuracy, we will lodge the complete form, including all information and required documents, to the relevant authorities.
What will I receive once the establishment process is complete?
Once your application has been approved, you will receive:
In case of KPPA – Representative Office
In case of KP3A – Representative Office for Trading
What is a general corporate license and does your representative office need one?
These are the general corporate licenses required for representative offices:
Every representative office or representative office for trading in Indonesia needs to have a general corporate license.
Your representative office is eligible to apply for a general corporate license after obtaining the related representative office license.
What is an SKDP and does your representative office need one?
A domicile letter, or SKDP, is a certificate confirming the domicile or permanent residence of a representative office.
The certificate is issued by the local authorities. Every representative office in Indonesia needs an SKDP.
Your representative office is eligible to apply for a general corporate license after obtaining the related representative office license.
Initially, you’ll receive a temporary SKDP from the local authority within 5 working days of the authority receiving your completed documents or information. Your representative office is eligible to apply for a permanent SKDP after obtaining an NPWP.
You will receive a permanent SKDP from the local authority within 5 working days of the authority receiving your completed documents or information.
What is an NPWP and does your representative office need one?
A tax identification number, known as an NPWP, is a unique 15 digit number issued by the local tax office to help identify you as a taxpayer.
In Indonesia, your representative office will need to have an NPWP. Also note that each foreigner who is employed in Indonesia will also need to have a separate NPWP.
Your representative office is eligible to apply for an NPWP after obtaining a temporary SKDP.
You'll receive the NPWP from local tax authorities within 10 working days upon the authorities receiving complete documents and information.
What is a TDP and does your representative office need one?
A Certificate of Company Registration, or TDP, is an official record held under the provisions of the law or the regulations of its implementation. It contains matters which must be registered by each representative office and then authorized by the local authority.
Your representative office is eligible to apply for a TDP after obtaining an NPWP.
You'll receive a TDP from local authorities within 10 working days upon the authorities receiving complete documents and information.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is like a “symbol” that's used to distinguish your business's products or services from those of your competition. Registering a trademark gives you exclusive rights to use your “symbol”, which could be anything from a word, phrase, number, shape, scent, letter, picture, colour, logo, or any combination of those things.
As an easily recognizable example, Google’s iconic “G” logo is trademarked to distinguish the Google brand.
Why should I register a trademark?
Registering a trademark gives you legal protection
You receive exclusive rights to use the unique “symbol” you've trademarked to your business. If anyone infringes on that right by using the “sign” without your approval, this means you're able to take legal action against them:
Having the exclusive right to use a “symbol” also means that you're able to license the right to someone else, should you choose to do so.
For example, if you trademarked a certain shape, and are approached by another company for the use of that shape, you can license them the right to use it, at a fee.
Further, by registering for a trademark, you ensure that the use of that “symbol” does not infringe on anyone’s rights. This prevents any potential legal consequences from affecting you, even though you may have good intentions.
Registering a trademark can be a strong marketing tool for your business
With Plato, registering your trademark is quick and easy
Our easy-to-use trademark process allows you to obtain an invaluable asset for your business without any added stress.
How long will it take to register my trademark?
Applying for a trademark through Plato is a simple 3 step process and can be started in minutes!
Step 1 - After you submit an online application, one of our trademark experts will review it. They'll then give you an indication of registrability within 10 working days.
Step 2 - Your application is submitted to the government for review. This process is standard for all Indonesian trademark applications and usually takes about 2 years.
Step 3 - Once officially registered you will receive a registration certificate and your trademark is then registered to you for 10 years.
What information do you need me to provide to complete my trademark application?
Before you go through your application process you'll first need:
The "symbol" or logo you would like to trademark
You should ensure that the logo you wish to trademark is suitable for use. It must be unique so that it can differentiate your goods or services from competitors, or it could be rejected.
The products and services for your trademark
You must specify the products and services that your trademark is or will be used for. e.g gloves. There is no limit to the number of goods and services or classes that you can select.
Applicant’s details:
For more information on what is required, please call us to discuss, or simple ask via live chat on our website.
What is a patent?
A patent is when the State grants an exclusive right to an inventor for his invention (in the field of technology), for a certain period of time, so that he/she can carry out their own discovery or to give their consent to others to exercise it.
Why should you patent your invention?
Patenting allows you to stop others from manufacturing, selling, or using your invention. It gives you exclusive rights to generate income from your invention.
With a patent, You also have the option to license your invention to other parties, if you choose.
By providing the incentive of holding exclusive commercial rights to new product and technology, patenting supports innovation in promoting the development of these products.
What are the requirements to obtain a patent?
To be able to obtain a patent, an invention must meet the following substantive requirements:
Can be applied in industry
An invention must be repeatable by unchanging and constant functions.
Contains inventive steps
A patent will only be granted for unexpected and unexplained invention for a person skilled in the art.
New
An invention must be new, and not be disclosed or published in any media before a patent application is filed.
When can your invention NOT be patented?
An invention cannot be patented if:
How long will it take to register your patent?
Applying for a patent through Plato is a simple 3 step process and takes minutes to start!
Step 1 - After you submit an online application, our patent experts will review it. They'll then give you an indication of registrability within 10 working days.
Step 2 - Your application is submitted to the government for review. This process is standard for all Indonesian patent applications and usually takes about 3 to 6 years.
Step 3 - Once officially registered you will receive a registration certificate and your patent is then registered to you for 10 to 20 years. That is, if the annual fee is paid. If not, the patent ceases.
Do I need a general corporate license?
The following are general corporate licenses:
Every company / representative office / representative office for trading in Indonesia needs to have a general corporate license.
*A foreign investment company does not require a SIUP.
You are eligible to apply for a general corporate license after signing the company deed of establishment; or having obtained approval from the BKPM for the establishment of a representative office (or representative office for trading).
How much does Plato’s registration service cost?
At Plato, we offer a straightforward company general corporate licenses registration service. For a quote, simply contact us. We'll then provide you with clear step-by-step guidance and the documentation that you're legally required to have to ensure you're compliant.
What is an SKDP and do you need one?
A domicile letter, or SKDP, is a certificate confirming the domicile or permanent residence of a company or representative office or representative office for trading.
The certificate is issued by the local authorities. Every company or representative office or representative office for trading in Indonesia needs an SKDP.
Your company is eligible to apply for an SKDP after signing the deed of establishment or after obtaining the approval from the BKPM for the establishment of a representative office or representative office for trading.
Initially, you’ll receive a temporary SKDP from the local authority within 5 working days upon the authority receiving complete documents or information. Your company or representative office or representative office for trading is eligible to apply for a permanent SKDP after obtaining an NPWP.
You will receive a permanent SKDP from the local authority within 5 working days upon the authority receiving complete documents or information.
What is an NPWP and do you need one?
A tax identification number, known as an NPWP, is a unique 15 digit number issued by the local tax office to help identify you as a taxpayer.
In Indonesia, your company or representative office or representative office for trading will need to have an NPWP. Also note that each foreigner who is employed in Indonesia will also need to have a separate NPWP.
Your company or representative office or representative office for trading is eligible to apply for an NPWP after obtaining a temporary SKDP.
You'll receive the NPWP from local tax authorities within 10 working days upon the authorities receiving complete documents and information.
What is a SIUP and do you need one?
A business license, or SIUP is a permit issued by the local authorities to a Domestic Limited Liability Company to carry out business in the field of trade and services. Each Domestic Limited Liability Company needs to have a SIUP.
Your Domestic Limited Liability Company is eligible to apply for a SIUP after obtaining an NPWP.
You'll receive your SIUP from local authorities within 10 working days upon the authorities receiving complete documents and information.
What is a TDP and do you need one?
A Certificate of Company Registration, or TDP, is an official record held under the provisions of the law or the regulations of its implementation. It contains matters which must be registered by each company or representative office or representative office for trading and then authorized by the local authority.
Your company is eligible to apply for a TDP, in case it is a Domestic Limited Liability Company, after obtaining a SIUP or, in case it is a PMA company, after obtaining an NPWP.
Your representative office or representative office for trading is eligible to apply for a TDP after obtaining an NPWP.
You'll receive a TDP from local authorities within 10 working days upon the authorities receiving complete documents and information.
What is an investment license and does your company need one?
These are the investment licenses available in Indonesia:
In Indonesia, every foreign investment company requires an investment license.
What is a business license (IU), does your company need one and when can your company have one?
A businesses license, or IU, is a license that a foreign investment company (PMA) must obtain to start its business operation, unless otherwise specified by the applicable laws and regulations. This license is issued by the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), unless otherwise specified by the applicable laws and regulations.
If you already have the investment registration, once your company is ready for business based on BKPM requirements, your company is able to apply for a business license, unless otherwise specified by laws and regulations.
For certain business fields, if:
subject to the following requirements:
you can directly apply for a business license without requiring you to have the investment registration, unless otherwise specified by the applicable laws and regulations.
You’ll receive a business license within 14 working days upon the authorities receiving your completed documents and information.
Your business has to conduct its business activity within 1 year after it obtained the business license.
What is an expansion license, does your company need one and when can your company have one?
An expansion license, is a license that foreign investment companies (PMA) in the industrial sector must obtain in order to start executing its business expansion, unless otherwise specified by the applicable laws and regulations.
This license is issued by the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), unless otherwise specified by the applicable laws and regulations.
You’ll receive an expansion license within 14 working days upon the authorities receiving your completed documents and information.
What is an investment registration and does your company need one and when can your company have one?
An investment registration is a government approval which is the principle license as the basis for issuance of license and provision of investment facility.
The investment registration is required for investments in certain business activities:
For certain business field, if:
subject to the following requirements:
you can directly apply for business license without requiring you to have the investment registration, unless otherwise specified by the applicable laws and regulations.
You’ll receive an investment registration within 14 working days upon the authorities receiving your completed documents and information.
How much will your registration cost?
At Plato, we offer a straightforward investment license registration service. For a quote, simply contact us. We'll then provide you with clear step-by-step guidance and the documentation that you're legally required to have, to ensure you're compliant.
How much will your local participation arrangements cost?
At Plato, we offer straightforward local participation arrangement services. For a quote, simply contact us. We'll then provide you with clear step-by-step guidance and the documentation that you're legally required to have, to ensure you're compliant.
How can a foreign investor invest through local participation in Indonesia?
Local shareholder
In this case, the foreign investor holds as much control as possible and their position is as authoritative as possible (which is comparable to that of a registered shareholder).
Local director
In this case, the foreign investor holds as much control as possible.
Local commissioner
In this case, the foreign investor holds as much control as possible.
Are Plato’s prices really fixed?
Yes, all of Plato’s prices are fixed (with no hidden fees or charges). You’ll always know what you’re paying for.
How fast is Plato’s turnaround?
Plato offers both express and regular translation services. Times will depend on your individual needs. Simply reach out to us for a free quote and we’ll guide you through our step-by-step process.
Why does Plato take payments up front?
We’ll hold your payment in escrow until the job is complete and you’re completely happy. All of Plato’s services are backed by our satisfaction guarantee.