Best Licensing Lawyers in Ubud

What business permits and regulatory approvals do Ubud businesses need?

Ubud is part of Gianyar Regency, so a business may need national approvals through Indonesia’s Online Single Submission (OSS) system as well as local coordination with Gianyar authorities. The requirements depend on the business activity, its risk classification, its location, and the building or land use.

Tourism businesses such as villas, restaurants, wellness centres, and tour operators may face different requirements. Depending on the activity and site, these can include a Business Identification Number (NIB), additional business licences or certificates, spatial-use confirmation, environmental approval, and building approvals.

Before signing a lease or investing in renovations, check that the proposed activity is permitted at the specific site. A lawyer can help identify the applicable approvals, prepare or review applications, and address problems such as inconsistent land-use documents or rejected submissions.

When a licensing lawyer may be useful

• Opening a villa or guest accommodation: You need to check whether the site and proposed accommodation activity meet current spatial, building, tourism, and business-licensing requirements.
• Starting a restaurant, café, or bar: A lawyer can clarify which registrations and supporting approvals apply to the specific activity, premises, and any food or alcohol-related operations.
• Investing as a foreign national: Advice can help establish whether the proposed ownership and business structure is eligible and what investment and licensing rules apply.
• Facing an OSS application problem: A lawyer can review a rejection, missing requirement, or mismatch between the registered activity, site details, and supporting documents.
• Buying or leasing premises for a business: Legal review before signing can identify land-use, building-approval, or permit issues that could prevent the planned business from operating.
• Responding to an inspection or enforcement notice: A lawyer can assess the notice, identify any compliance gaps, and advise on a response or corrective application.

Key laws and regulations

Government Regulation No. 28 of 2025 on the Implementation of Risk-Based Business Licensing was promulgated and took effect on 5 June 2025. It sets the national framework for risk-based business licensing; the approvals required depend on the activity and its risk classification.

Law No. 10 of 2009 on Tourism provides the national framework for tourism businesses and destinations. It has been amended, including through Law No. 6 of 2023 on Job Creation, which took effect on 31 March 2023.

Government Regulation No. 16 of 2021 on Buildings implements the building legislation and governs building approvals, including the Building Approval (PBG) and Certificate of Functioning (SLF). These requirements may matter when constructing, changing, or operating business premises in Ubud.

Local spatial plans and site-specific rules also matter. The applicable requirements should be checked with Gianyar authorities against the exact parcel and proposed activity.

Frequently asked questions

Does every Ubud business need a licence?

Businesses generally need to register through OSS and obtain the NIB and any further approvals required for their activities. The exact requirements vary by business classification, risk level, location, and premises.

What is an NIB?

The Business Identification Number is a business identity issued through OSS. Depending on the activity and its risk classification, an NIB may not be the only approval needed to operate.

Can a foreign national open a business in Ubud?

Foreign investment may be permitted for some activities, subject to Indonesian investment and business rules. Eligibility depends on the proposed activity, ownership structure, and applicable investment conditions, so obtain advice before committing funds.

Can I use a house or villa as tourist accommodation?

Not automatically. Check whether the intended activity is permitted at the site and whether the premises meet applicable tourism, spatial-use, building, and other requirements.

Should I check zoning before signing a lease?

Yes. Ask for a review of the parcel’s applicable spatial-use rules and the proposed business activity before signing or paying a substantial deposit. A lease does not itself establish that the activity is authorised at that location.

How long does licensing take?

Timing depends on the activity, the completeness of the application, and whether additional technical or local approvals are required. An NIB application may be processed through OSS, while other approvals or corrections can take longer.

What does a licensing lawyer cost in Ubud?

Legal fees vary with the work involved, such as a document review, application support, or a dispute with an authority. Ask for a written scope and fee proposal, and confirm separately whether government charges or other costs are included.

Can I apply directly through OSS without a lawyer?

Some applicants can complete straightforward registrations themselves if their information and documents are in order. Legal help can be useful where ownership, land use, risk classification, or additional approvals are uncertain.

What if my application is rejected or an approval is missing?

Review the stated reason and compare the application with the relevant business activity and supporting documents. A lawyer can help identify whether to correct the submission, seek clarification, or pursue another available response.

Do building approvals matter if the premises already exist?

They may. The building’s existing documents, current use, and any proposed changes can affect whether a PBG or SLF-related issue needs attention.

Can I operate while an application is pending?

Do not assume that submitting an application authorises the business to operate. Confirm which approvals are required before opening, because operating without a required approval may create compliance or enforcement risks.

Official resources

• OSS Indonesia: The government’s online system for business registration and risk-based licensing applications, including NIB applications and related approval processes.
• Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office of Gianyar Regency (DPMPTSP Kabupaten Gianyar): The local office to contact about investment services, local business approvals, and coordination with relevant Gianyar agencies.
• Tourism Office of Gianyar Regency (Dinas Pariwisata Kabupaten Gianyar): The local tourism authority for information and coordination concerning tourism-sector activities and requirements.

Steps to find and hire a licensing lawyer

1. Define the proposed activity and site. Write down what the business will do, its location, and whether it involves construction or a change of use. Allow one or two days to gather this information.
2. Collect key documents. Assemble available land or lease documents, building records, company information, and any OSS applications or notices. This usually takes a few days, depending on access to records.
3. Shortlist lawyers with relevant Indonesian regulatory experience. Look for experience with business licensing, tourism activities, OSS, and Gianyar or Bali approvals. Check their professional credentials and ask who will handle the matter.
4. Arrange an initial consultation. Ask the lawyer to identify likely approvals, outstanding risks, and any urgent steps before you sign a lease or begin work. A consultation can often be arranged within several days.
5. Request a written scope and fee proposal. Confirm the work covered, expected milestones, exclusions, government charges, and how changes or additional applications will be billed.
6. Agree on a document and application plan. Set responsibilities for obtaining records, checking site requirements, preparing OSS submissions, and responding to authority requests. Ask for updates at agreed milestones, since approval timelines depend on the case.