Relocation Checklist for Jakarta
A step-by-step checklist for visas, housing, schools, transport, and set-up so your first month in Jakarta feels organized, not chaotic.
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90–60 Days Before Move
Goal: lock the pathway + avoid timeline surprises
Checklist
- Confirm visa pathway + sponsor (employee + dependents). Ask for a simple written timeline.
- Decide "Jakarta-first": pick likely work/school zones (SCBD/Sudirman vs South Jakarta areas like Kemang, Cipete, Pondok Indah).
- Create a realistic budget baseline: rent + fees + utilities + staff + transport.
- Prepare your "document folder": passports (validity), marriage/birth certificates, scanned copies, digital backups.
- If spouse may work: flag early that dependent status generally isn't work-authorized and spouse may need separate sponsorship.
Pro tip: If you don't know the office/school location yet, choose temporary housing close to likely hubs (SCBD/Sudirman/South Jakarta) to reduce commuting chaos.
60–30 Days Before Move
Goal: shortlist housing + align costs and contract norms
Housing checklist
- Confirm housing allowance definition: rent only vs total housing cost.
- Shortlist neighborhoods based on commute reality:
- SCBD/Sudirman/Senopati (work-close + single expats)
- Kemang/Cipete (young couples + families with schools like Australian School, NZ School, ACG, SPH Kemang)
- Pondok Indah (family + schools)
- Decide housing type: apartment vs compound house vs standalone (maintenance + security + space).
- Ask for itemized monthly costs: IPL/service charge (apartments often included; compound house fees often separate), utilities, internet, pest control.
- Prepare lease expectations: upfront rent is common in Jakarta; negotiate break clauses in writing.
Transport checklist
Decide your default transport model:
• Driver + car (common for families)
• Car rental + driver
• Ride-hailing baseline (Grab/Gojek)
Estimate school run timing and peak-hour buffer.