Bali vs Thailand
Comparing two of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations for international founders. While both offer lifestyle appeal, the regulatory and structural realities differ significantly.
Structural Comparison
| Feature | Bali (Indonesia) | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Company Type | PT PMA | Thai Limited Company |
| Foreign Ownership | Up to 100% (Most sectors) | Up to 49% (Limited sectors 100% via BOI) |
| Residency Visa | Investor KITAS (2 Years) | BOI Visa / LTR Visa |
| Ease of Setup | Moderate (Digital OSS) | Moderate / Complex |
The Bali (PT PMA) Advantage
Indonesia’s recent regulatory updates have made 100% foreign ownership much more accessible across a wide range of business codes (KBLI). The Investor KITAS remains one of the most stable and straightforward residency permits for active founders.
- Full legal control of shares
- Direct access to G20-scale market
- Professionalized digital economy
The Thailand Context
Thailand is excellent for solo digital nomads via the LTR or Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). However, for commercial operations, the 51% Thai ownership requirement (unless BOI approved) adds significant structural complexity for many founders.
- Complex BOI application process
- Ownership restrictions in services
- High-quality physical infrastructure
Executive Summary
Deciding between Bali and Thailand?
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