Foreign Architect Licensing Rules in Bali
Foreign architects cannot practice independently in Bali. Bali Governor Regulation 34/2023 requires partnership with a locally licensed architect for PBG.
Bali Architect License, Beyond Just STRA
Many foreign investors assume that an internationally renowned architect can automatically sign building permit documents in Bali. The reality is not that simple. In Bali, there are two layers of credentials to understand: the Surat Tanda Registrasi Arsitek (STRA), which is valid nationally, and the Bali Provincial Architect License, which is regional.
Bali Governor Regulation 34/2023 Article 4 states that every architect involved in building construction in Bali must hold a License. This means architectural drawings uploaded to SIMBG for PBG must be signed by an architect holding a Bali License — having STRA alone is not sufficient. This License serves as a control mechanism to ensure designs comply with Balinese spatial planning and cultural principles.
Requirements for Obtaining a License
Bali Governor Regulation 34/2023 Article 8 sets out the requirements. Technically, an architect must hold a valid STRA with at least six months of remaining validity, a technical recommendation from the relevant agency, and a recommendation from the professional organization. STRA itself is issued by the Indonesian Architects Council (DAI) under UU 6/2017.
The professional organization recommendation is not granted automatically. The architect must pass a test and interview on Balinese spatial planning principles and local architecture. This is where cultural competence is tested, not just universal technical competence. The License is valid for five years and is renewable.
Foreign Architects Must Partner Locally
Alongside the surge of property investment in Canggu and Seminyak, many foreign design studios are offering their services. Bali Governor Regulation 34/2023 Article 10 paragraph (2) provides a clear pathway: foreign architects may practice in Bali only if they hold a valid foreign worker permit, a competency certificate from their country of origin verified and registered with DAI, and must partner with a locally licensed Balinese architect.
This partnership is not a formality. Foreign architects are required to transfer expertise and knowledge to their local partner (Article 12), and this collaboration must be reported to DAI (Article 11). UU 6/2017 Article 14 also affirms that architects without a License must work with a licensed architect. So, foreign studios designing luxury villas still need a licensed Balinese architect as the responsible party.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Signing or processing a PBG without a licensed architect risks having the application rejected by SIMBG from the outset. For violations by licensed architects, Bali Governor Regulation 34/2023 provides a tiered system of administrative sanctions, ranging from a written warning (Article 18), suspension of the License (Article 19), to revocation of the License (Article 20).
Therefore, choosing a design team in Bali is not just about aesthetics. The more important question is who is legally authorized to sign your permit documents, and whether the design satisfies the cultural criteria required for licensing. A wrong choice at the start can bring your project to a halt at the permitting stage.
The Role of Local Consultants
This is why partnering with a licensed local consultant is crucial for foreign investors. The technical work and permit legality at JKK are led by an architect who holds an active STRA from DAI as well as a Bali Provincial Architect License Certificate from DPMPTSP Bali.
The function is simple but decisive: ensuring every design submitted to SIMBG has a valid legal basis and aligns with local principles. For foreign design studios, a licensed local partner is the bridge that allows their work to be legally built in Bali.
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