C7A Music Performer Visa for Bali and Indonesia: Complete Legal Guide for 2025



Indonesia, particularly Bali, has become a global hotspot for music festivals, cultural events, and international performances. With its vibrant arts scene, countless entertainment venues, and a booming tourism industry, many foreign musicians, DJs, bands, and performers are invited to showcase their talent across the archipelago. However, performing in Indonesia legally requires the appropriate visa. One of the most important and specialized permits is the C7A Music Performer Visa.
If you’re planning to perform in Bali or anywhere else in Indonesia, understanding and securing the right visa is essential. At The Bali Lawyer, we provide legal support and visa services tailored to artists, entertainment companies, and event organizers. This guide will explain everything you need to know about obtaining the C7A Music Performer Visa, what it covers, and how to apply properly in accordance with Indonesian law.
What Is the C7A Music Performer Visa?
The C7A Visa is a short-stay visa specifically issued to foreign individuals or groups entering Indonesia for artistic, musical, or entertainment performance purposes. It is a part of the broader C7 visa category that covers non-commercial and temporary activities, and the C7A subcategory is strictly for performers.
This visa is essential for musicians, dancers, singers, bands, orchestras, and DJs participating in events such as:
Music festivals
Private concerts
Nightclub shows
Cultural performances
Corporate functions
Tourism-driven entertainment events
Without a C7A visa, any performance by a foreign national is considered illegal and can lead to sanctions, deportation, or blacklisting.
Why You Need a C7A Visa to Perform in Indonesia
Indonesia enforces strict immigration laws when it comes to employment and public performances. Many artists mistakenly believe that a tourist visa or visa on arrival is sufficient. It is not. Any form of paid or public performance is considered work under Indonesian law.
If you are:
A band performing at a wedding or hotel
A DJ scheduled to play at a club or resort
A cultural artist hired for an event
An international group showcasing music or dance
Then you must hold a valid C7A Visa before entering the country.
Who Should Apply for the C7A Visa?
The visa applies to:
Solo musicians
Music bands and orchestras
DJs and electronic artists
Dancers and traditional performers
Cultural troupes
Vocalists and stage performers
It is typically applied for by the host organization, such as an event promoter, hotel, production house, or entertainment agency registered in Indonesia.
At The Bali Lawyer, we help:
Artists who are booked for performances
Event organizers managing foreign talent
Entertainment companies needing fast legal processing
Validity and Duration of the C7A Visa
The C7A Music Performer Visa is a single-entry visa, valid for a short stay (up to 60 days), and non-extendable. Performers must leave the country once the visa period ends unless another type of visa is applied for.
It cannot be converted to a work visa or KITAS. If you plan to perform for multiple events or tours, we recommend consulting with our legal team to plan your visa timeline efficiently.
Requirements to Apply for a C7A Music Performer Visa
To ensure a smooth application, the following documents are typically required:
From the Performer or Group:
Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Personal CV or artist biography
Portfolio or list of past performances
Flight itinerary (if available)
Hotel or accommodation details
From the Sponsor in Indonesia:
Invitation or contract letter from the Indonesian organizer
Copy of the organizer’s business license (NIB and NPWP)
Schedule and venue details of the performance(s)
Letter of undertaking and responsibility
Our team will review, compile, and submit these documents on your behalf through Indonesia’s immigration system. If you don’t yet have a sponsor, we can facilitate legal arrangements through our trusted entertainment partners in Bali and Jakarta.
Application Process for the C7A Visa
Here’s a breakdown of the application procedure:
Prepare Required Documents
Both sponsor and performer details must be complete and legally valid.
Submit the Application
The Bali Lawyer submits your visa request to the Directorate General of Immigration online.
Visa Approval (Telex) Issuance
Once approved, a visa approval letter (Telex Visa) is issued, which will be sent to the Indonesian Embassy in your country of residence.
Visa Collection at Indonesian Embassy
You will take the telex letter to the designated Indonesian Embassy to receive your physical visa.
Arrival in Indonesia
You may now legally enter Indonesia and perform at your scheduled events.
The entire process can take anywhere between 7 to 14 business days, depending on document readiness and embassy processing speed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Entering Indonesia with a tourist visa to perform is a violation of immigration law.
Booking performances without a valid sponsor can lead to visa rejection.
Applying too close to the performance date may risk delays and cancellation.
Let The Bali Lawyer help you avoid these issues with fast and compliant visa processing services.
Legal Risks of Performing Without a C7A Visa
Performing in Indonesia without a proper visa is a serious offense. Artists caught performing without proper documentation can face:
Immediate detention and deportation
Fines and blacklisting from reentry
Legal action against the sponsoring company or venue
For organizers, it may result in revocation of permits and immigration scrutiny. Avoid these risks by ensuring you or your performers are properly documented.
How The Bali Lawyer Can Help
We are a Bali-based legal and visa consultancy specializing in entertainment and event legal services. Our team handles everything related to the C7A Music Performer Visa, including:
Full document preparation and submission
Legal sponsorship for foreign artists
Consultation for event compliance
Liaison with Indonesian immigration offices
Express processing in urgent cases
We understand the time-sensitive nature of performances and international bookings. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding gig in Ubud, a DJ set in Seminyak, or a cultural show in Jakarta, we ensure your legal paperwork is complete and compliant.
C7A Visa vs Other Types of Indonesian Visas
Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Suitable For |
---|---|---|---|
C7A | Music/Performance | Up to 60 Days | Foreign Performers |
Tourist Visa | Tourism Only | 30-60 Days | Sightseeing |
KITAS | Work/Long-Term Stay | 6-12 Months | Long-Term Employment |
Business Visa | Meetings/Consulting | 60 Days (extendable) | Non-performance business |
The C7A visa is the only visa that allows you to legally perform in Indonesia as a non-resident.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?
Fast, Legal Processing – We process your application quickly and legally
Experienced Legal Team – Experts in entertainment, immigration, and compliance
Reliable Sponsorship – We can act as or arrange a legal sponsor
Nationwide Coverage – Whether you’re performing in Bali, Jakarta, Lombok, or other cities, we’ve got you covered
Avoid the headaches and legal risks. Trust our professional legal service to handle your visa so you can focus on your performance.
Start Your Application Today
Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for your visa. Let our legal team guide you step-by-step to get your C7A Music Performer Visa approved in time for your next gig.