How to Find a Notary for PT PMA Company Setup in Bali – Legal Guide by The Bali Lawyer
Starting a business in Bali as a foreign investor is a great opportunity—but it also comes with strict legal requirements. If you are planning to open a foreign-owned company in Indonesia, commonly known as a PT PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing), one of the most essential steps is working with a licensed notary to handle the official company establishment documents.
In Indonesia, notaries are public legal officials authorized to draft and authenticate legal documents, including company deeds, shareholder agreements, and licensing paperwork. For foreign investors setting up a PT PMA in Bali, using a notary is not optional—it’s a legal requirement.
At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in helping foreign individuals and businesses establish legal companies in Bali. This page provides everything you need to know about finding a trusted notary for PT PMA setup, understanding the role of a notary in the company formation process, and ensuring your business is legally compliant from day one.
What Is a PT PMA?
A PT PMA is a foreign-owned limited liability company registered under Indonesian law. It allows foreign individuals or legal entities to legally conduct business in Indonesia, including in sectors such as tourism, consulting, trading, hospitality, digital services, education, and more.
Unlike local PT companies, a PT PMA requires approval from the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)and must comply with foreign investment regulations set by the government.
Forming a PT PMA includes multiple legal steps that must be certified by a notary, starting with the Deed of Establishment, which becomes the foundation of your business’s legal identity.
Why Is a Notary Required for PT PMA Setup in Bali?
The involvement of a notary in the PT PMA formation process is mandatory under Indonesian company law. Without a notary, your company cannot be legally established or recognized.
A licensed notary in Bali is responsible for:
Drafting and authenticating the Deed of Establishment
Verifying and legalizing the Articles of Association
Registering the company with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights
Coordinating updates with the Company Registry (AHU)
Certifying company amendments or structural changes
Assisting in legal compliance throughout the formation process
Only documents signed and legalized by a certified notary can be submitted for official registration and licensing in Indonesia. This makes finding a knowledgeable and experienced notary an essential part of starting a PT PMA.
What Documents Does a Notary Prepare for PT PMA Setup?
During company registration, the notary will prepare and legalize the following key documents:
Deed of Establishment (Akta Pendirian)
Articles of Association (Anggaran Dasar)
Shareholder Resolutions (if applicable)
Director and Commissioner Appointments
Company Name Approval Certificate
Notarial statement of compliance with investment laws
The notary will ensure that all documents are accurate, legally formatted, and submitted according to current regulations. At The Bali Lawyer, we coordinate closely with licensed notaries in Bali who specialize in company formations for foreign investors.
Step-by-Step PT PMA Setup with a Notary in Bali
Step 1: Legal Consultation and Business Planning
Before approaching a notary, you must decide on the business structure, activities, and shareholders. Our legal team at The Bali Lawyer offers comprehensive guidance on business fields allowed under foreign investment, minimum capital requirements, and sector regulations.
Step 2: Company Name Approval
The company name must be registered and approved by the Ministry of Law. The notary will help verify the availability of your chosen company name and secure its approval.
Step 3: Drafting the Deed of Establishment
The notary prepares the Deed of Establishment, which includes the company name, address, shareholders, business activities, capital structure, and management board. This deed becomes the foundation of your company and must be signed by all shareholders.
Step 4: Legalization of the Deed by the Ministry
After notarization, the notary will submit the deed electronically to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights for formal approval. This process registers your company in the national database and grants you the status of a legal entity.
Step 5: Company Tax Number and Business Identification
Once your company is legalized, you can proceed to apply for a NPWP (Tax ID) and NIB (Business Identification Number) via the OSS (Online Single Submission) system. These are essential for starting operations, opening a bank account, and applying for business licenses.
Step 6: Other Permits and Licenses
Depending on your business sector, the notary and legal team will assist in acquiring operational permits, location licenses, tourism licenses, import licenses, or sector-specific approvals.
At every stage, our office ensures that the notary you work with follows legal compliance, handles documentation accurately, and submits everything on your behalf when possible.
How to Choose the Right Notary for PT PMA Setup in Bali
Finding the right notary for PT PMA formation in Bali is critical. Here’s what to look for:
1. Licensed and Registered Notary
Ensure the notary is officially registered with the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights. Only a registered notary can legalize company formation documents.
2. Experience with Foreign-Owned Companies
Not all notaries are familiar with PT PMA requirements. Choose one who has experience working with foreign investors and understands investment regulations.
3. Fluent in English and Bahasa Indonesia
Clear communication is essential. An experienced notary or their legal representative should be able to explain all legal documents to you in English while preparing official drafts in Bahasa Indonesia.
4. Trusted by Local Legal Firms
Work with a notary recommended by reputable legal consultants like The Bali Lawyer. We vet our notary partners to ensure professionalism, timeliness, and knowledge of up-to-date laws.
5. Fast and Reliable Processing
Setting up a PT PMA involves multiple steps and government submissions. Choose a notary who works efficiently and provides full support throughout the process.
Common Questions About PT PMA Notary Services
Q: Can I set up a PT PMA without being in Bali?
Yes. If you’re abroad, you can appoint a local representative through a Power of Attorney, which must also be notarized. Our team helps handle remote setups legally and efficiently.
Q: Can the notary help with KITAS or investor visas?
While notaries handle the company establishment, our legal service can assist with all related processes, including investor KITAS and work permits once your PT PMA is set up.
Q: How long does PT PMA setup take with a notary?
Typically, the company deed and legal approval take around 5–10 business days, while complete registration including NIB and NPWP can take 2–3 weeks. We work closely with the notary to expedite the process.
Q: Do I need an office address to register?
Yes. Every PT PMA must have a registered physical address. Our team can advise you on legal virtual office options if you do not yet have a location.
Business Sectors That Require Notary Registration for PT PMA
You will need a notary if you are establishing a company in the following fields (among others):
Hospitality and tourism
Travel agencies and tour operations
Restaurants, cafes, and beach clubs
Import/export and general trading
E-commerce or tech startups
Real estate and property rental
Yoga and wellness studios
Design, architecture, or consulting services
Language schools or education services
Each business type may require additional licensing beyond the PT PMA registration. Our legal team ensures that your notary documents reflect the correct business activities for long-term success.
Areas We Serve for PT PMA Notary Services in Bali
Whether you are based in Bali or abroad, we offer full notary coordination and legal setup services in:
Denpasar
Seminyak
Canggu
Ubud
Jimbaran
Sanur
Nusa Dua
Tabanan
Gianyar
North Bali
We also support clients throughout Indonesia when expanding outside of Bali or setting up multiple business entities.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?
Expertise in Indonesian Investment Law
Licensed notary coordination with experience in foreign-owned companies
English-speaking legal support to guide you through every step
Full end-to-end service from legal consultation to final registration
Trusted by expats, digital entrepreneurs, and international investors
We take care of the paperwork, government submissions, and notarial processes—so you can focus on building your business.
Setting up a PT PMA in Bali is a valuable investment opportunity, but only when handled with legal care. Choosing the right notary is essential to ensure your business is recognized, compliant, and ready to operate legally in Indonesia.
At The Bali Lawyer, we connect you with the best notary services in Bali and support your company setup from start to finish. Whether you’re just starting out or need legal help restructuring an existing business, our team is here to assist.