PBG and SLF Costs in Indonesia: Latest Price Estimate and Procedures for 2025
If you’re planning to build, renovate, or operate a property in Indonesia—especially in Bali—understanding the legal requirements for PBG (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung) and SLF (Sertifikat Laik Fungsi) is essential. These two permits are not just formalities; they are legal necessities for any structure intended for residential or commercial use. Complying with these regulations ensures the legality of your property and protects you from penalties, demolitions, or issues with ownership and operation.
In this complete 2025 guide, The Bali Lawyer, a trusted legal service in Bali, outlines the most up-to-date costs and application procedures for obtaining PBG and SLF permits. Whether you are a private homeowner, foreign investor, or property developer, this article will guide you through the financial and legal landscape of building permits in Indonesia.
What Are PBG and SLF?
Before we dive into the costs and procedures, let’s quickly clarify what these permits mean and why they matter:
PBG (Persetujuan Bangunan Gedung) is a legal approval to construct, modify, or expand a building. It replaced the former IMB (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan) permit system.
SLF (Sertifikat Laik Fungsi) certifies that a building is safe and functionally ready for occupancy after completion. It is issued once the construction has passed all necessary inspections and requirements.
Both permits are mandatory. A PBG is required before construction starts, and an SLF is required before a property can be legally used, rented, or insured.
Why Are These Permits So Important?
Without a valid PBG, starting construction is considered illegal under Indonesian law. Without an SLF, using or occupying the building—whether for personal, rental, or commercial purposes—can result in fines, eviction orders, or even court disputes. These regulations apply to:
Villas and residential homes
Commercial buildings (shops, cafes, hotels)
Apartments and condominiums
Renovated or extended structures
New developments under PT PMA ownership
Cost Factors for PBG and SLF in Indonesia
The total cost of obtaining PBG and SLF permits in Indonesia depends on several variables:
1. Building Type and Function
Residential (smaller homes, villas): Lower fees
Commercial (hotels, restaurants, shops): Higher due to increased technical requirements
2. Land Area and Building Size
Larger plots or multi-storey buildings cost more due to complexity and regulatory scrutiny
3. Location
Fees and government charges may vary slightly between provinces, with Bali typically falling in the mid to upper range
4. Design and Technical Requirements
Architect and engineering fees are part of the overall cost
Additional costs for drainage, fire safety, environmental impact, and geotechnical surveys
5. Professional Consultant Fees
Legal service or consultant fees for handling the process on your behalf
Costs can vary based on complexity, speed, and documentation requirements
Estimated Costs of PBG and SLF in 2025
While exact figures may differ based on your specific project, the following is a general estimate of the latest costs in 2025:
A. Estimated PBG Costs (Residential Projects)
| Description | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Government Fee (PBG Levy) | IDR 3,000,000 – IDR 12,000,000 |
| Architectural & Structural Drawings | IDR 5,000,000 – IDR 15,000,000 |
| Legal Consultation and Permit Handling | IDR 5,000,000 – IDR 10,000,000 |
| Additional Reports (if required) | IDR 2,000,000 – IDR 7,000,000 |
Total Estimated Cost for Residential PBG:
IDR 15,000,000 – IDR 40,000,000
B. Estimated SLF Costs (Residential Projects)
| Description | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| SLF Government Levy | IDR 2,000,000 – IDR 6,000,000 |
| Site Inspection & Functional Review | IDR 2,000,000 – IDR 5,000,000 |
| Documentation & Legal Handling | IDR 3,000,000 – IDR 7,000,000 |
Total Estimated Cost for Residential SLF:
IDR 7,000,000 – IDR 18,000,000
C. Commercial Projects
For commercial properties such as hotels, villas for rent, or retail businesses, the cost will be higher:
PBG: IDR 25,000,000 – IDR 75,000,000
SLF: IDR 15,000,000 – IDR 40,000,000
These ranges cover planning complexity, additional technical requirements, and inspections that are more detailed than residential builds.
What’s Included in the Cost?
When hiring professional services like The Bali Lawyer to manage your PBG and SLF application, you are paying for:
Full document preparation and compliance check
Registration on the official SIMBG platform
Liaison with technical experts (architects, engineers)
Coordination with local authorities
Monitoring the application and approval process
Final document issuance, including stamped certificates
Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining a PBG
Preliminary Consultation
Land title and zoning check
Project assessment and strategy planning
Preparation of Technical Documents
Architectural, structural, MEP plans
Statements and sign-offs from certified professionals
Online Submission via SIMBG
Create account and upload documents
Enter land data, applicant identity, and building details
Technical Review and Assessment
Review by government-appointed inspectors
Corrections requested if anything is missing
Approval and Issuance
Once approved, the official PBG document is issued digitally and physically
Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining an SLF
Post-Construction Inspection
Building must be completed in accordance with PBG-approved drawings
Prepare SLF Submission Documents
As-built drawings
Photographs of completed building
Structural and safety assessments
Submit Through SIMBG
Similar to PBG, the SLF request goes through online registration
Final Evaluation
Site visit by an authorized team
Evaluation of structure, safety, function, and utilities
SLF Issued
The SLF confirms that the building is ready and legally fit for use
What Happens If You Skip PBG or SLF?
Operating or building without these permits comes with serious consequences:
Construction Halts ordered by local authorities
Fines or Demolition Orders
Inability to connect to public utilities
Complications with leasing, selling, or insuring the property
Legal disputes that can delay or forfeit your investment
Even if the structure is small or built on leased land, you are still required to obtain both PBG and SLF.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?
The permit system in Indonesia can be bureaucratic and time-consuming, especially for foreign property owners or investors unfamiliar with local regulations. With The Bali Lawyer, you gain access to:
Legal experts with extensive experience in real estate and building law
Multilingual service (English and Indonesian)
Fast-track application assistance
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Compliance with the latest laws and 2025 procedures
We handle your application from start to finish, minimizing your stress and ensuring legal certainty.
Final Tips Before You Start
Always confirm your land is zoned for your intended use (residential, commercial, mixed-use)
Hire licensed professionals for architectural design and supervision
Start your application early to avoid delays in construction schedules
Budget realistically for both permit costs and consultant fees
Never assume you can “build first and legalize later”—penalties can be expensive
Let Us Handle It For You
Applying for PBG and SLF permits in Indonesia doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right support and proper documentation, you can move forward with your project confidently and legally.