Moving from UAE to Indonesia (2026): Visas, Costs & The "IMEI" Trap
MoveConnector Asia-Pacific Team
Relocation Expert
Introduction: Your Relocation to the Emerald Archipelago
Moving from the United Arab Emirates to Indonesia is a journey to a vibrant, diverse nation. Whether you are moving to the corporate hub of Jakarta or the digital nomad haven of Bali, the transition requires navigating one of the most bureaucratic customs systems in Asia.
This guide is based on real relocations handled by MoveConnector partner movers delivering into Jakarta, Surabaya, and Denpasar. We cover the essential steps for 2026, from the KITAS lock to the critical IMEI Registration for your electronics.
Why Moving to Indonesia Is Different
- The "One Shipment" Rule: You are allowed exactly one sea shipment and one air shipment duty-free. You cannot send partial shipments later.
- Red Line Customs (Jalur Merah): Personal effects often go through the "Red Line," meaning 100% physical inspection.
- Electronics Tax: Indonesia protects its local market. Bringing multiple laptops or phones can trigger "commercial" taxes unless clearly declared as used personal effects.
Who This Guide Is For
- Corporate Expats moving to Jakarta on KITAS.
- Digital Nomads moving to Bali (using the new "Second Home" or Investor Visas).
- Teachers at international schools.
This guide is NOT for:
- Tourists (You cannot clear household goods).
- Visa-on-Arrival holders.
Part 1: Ship from Dubai or Buy in Indonesia?
Indonesia is famous for teak furniture. Don't bring "IKEA" quality wood; buy solid wood locally.
The Decision Matrix: What to Pack
| Item Type | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Furniture | ❌ Sell in UAE | You can buy incredible solid teak furniture in Jepara/Bali for cheap. |
| Electronics | ✅ Ship It | High-end electronics (TVs, PCs) are 30-40% more expensive in Indonesia. |
| Alcohol | ❌ Do Not Ship | Strictly prohibited in household goods. |
| Books | ⚠️ Filter | Books with sensitive political or historical content may be scrutinized. |
| Cars | ❌ Sell in UAE | Import of used personal cars is banned. |
Part 2: How Much Does It Cost to Move from UAE to Indonesia? (2026)
Most shipments enter via Tanjung Priok (Jakarta) or Tanjung Perak (Surabaya). Bali shipments are usually cleared in Surabaya and trucked to Bali to save costs.
Estimated Sea Freight Costs
| Home Size | Shipment Type | Est. Cost (Jakarta) | Est. Cost (Bali) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bed | LCL (Shared) | 7,500 – 11,500 | 9,500 – 14,000 |
| 2-3 Bed Home | 20ft Container | 15,000 – 22,000 | 20,000 – 28,000 |
| Large Villa | 40ft Container | 25,000 – 35,000 | 32,000 – 42,000 |
In summary: Most full household moves from the UAE to Indonesia cost between AED 7,500 and AED 22,000 door-to-door. Moves to Bali incur extra trucking/ferry charges.
What These Costs Typically Include
Included:
- Export packing in UAE
- Sea freight to Indonesian Port
- Standard customs clearance (with valid KITAS)
- Delivery to residence (ground floor)
Not Included:
- Insurance (approx. 2.5%)
- Port Storage: (If shipment arrives before KITAS)
- Complex Access: Long carry charges for Bali villas down narrow lanes.
Part 3: Visas & The "KITAS" Requirement
You cannot clear your goods without the KITAS (Limited Stay Permit).
1. The KITAS Process
- Work Permit (RPTKA): Employer secures this first.
- VITAS (Visa): You enter Indonesia on this.
- Conversion: Within 30 days of arrival, you convert VITAS to KITAS at the local immigration office. Only then can you clear your shipment.
2. The "Demurrage Trap"
If your container arrives in Jakarta before your KITAS is processed (which can take weeks), the container sits at the port.
- Cost: Storage fees can reach $100/day.
- Solution: Do not ship from UAE until your visa is 100% approved.
Part 4: Customs & The "IMEI" Trap
1. The "One Shipment" Rule
- You are allowed 1 Sea Shipment and 1 Air Shipment duty-free.
- They must arrive within 3 months of your initial arrival.
- You cannot send "part 1 now, part 2 later." Consolidate everything.
Common Reasons Indonesian Customs Reject or Delay Shipments
- KITAS Timing: Visa issued after vessel arrival.
- Inventory Issues: Inventory not clearly marked "Used Personal Effects".
- Quantity Limits: More than two laptops or phones per adult (flagged as commercial).
- New Items: Items still in original retail packaging.
- Timing: Shipment arriving more than 3 months after your entry.
2. The IMEI Registration (Crucial for Phones)
If you bring phones or tablets from the UAE, they will not work with Indonesian SIM cards (Telkomsel/Indosat) unless registered.
- Where: Register at the Customs (Bea Cukai) counter at the airport upon arrival.
- Cost: If the phone is worth >$500, you pay 40% tax on the excess value.
- Exemption: If declared as part of your "Moving Goods" manifest, you might get an exemption, but registering at the airport is safer to ensure connectivity.
Pro Tip: Even Dual-SIM phones require both IMEI numbers to be registered. Register all devices at the airport to avoid losing connectivity for weeks.
Part 5: Typical UAE → Indonesia Timeline
- Week 1–4: Secure KITAS (Do not ship yet!).
- Week 5: Packing in UAE.
- Week 6–11: Sea transit (often transships in Singapore).
- Week 12: Customs clearance (Physical inspection).
- Week 13: Delivery.
Conclusion: A Well-Planned Move
Relocating to Indonesia is an adventure. The key to success is respecting the KITAS Timeline (don't ship too early) and registering your Phone IMEIs immediately.
This guide is regularly referenced by Jakarta expat communities and HR mobility teams managing UAE–Indonesia transfers.
Don't pay port storage fees. Compare quotes from movers who understand the KITAS-linked customs process.