When establishing a company, there are various documents and business permits that must be obtained. One of them is Business Identification Number (NIB). NIB is a basic document that companies must obtain. This document plays a crucial role in expanding cooperation at both the national and international levels, serving as proof that a company is officially registered. This article will discuss the definition of an NIB, how to obtain one, the purpose of translating an NIB, and the importance of using a sworn translator for NIB translation.
What Is a Business Identification Number (NIB)?
The Business Identification Number (NIB) is the official identification for a business. It serves as one of the primary pieces of evidence confirming a company’s existence and legal status, and is typically required when applying for other business licenses. Pursuant to PP Number 28 of 2025, the NIB is defined as proof of registration for business actors to conduct business activities and as identification for business actors in the conduct of their business activities.
In addition to serving as a business identifier, the NIB also has several other functions. These functions include serving as an importer identification number in global trade, granting customs access, registering business owners for health and employment social security, and fulfilling the mandatory employment reporting requirement for the initial period for business owners.
The NIB consists of 13 digits. The document contains data and information including the business profile, capital, taxpayer identification number (NPWP), Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI) code, and business location. The NIB remains valid as long as the business actor conducts business activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The differences between SIU, TDP, and NIB.
Before the NIB was implemented, businesses were required to have a Business Trading License (SIUP) and a Company Registration Certificate (TDP) as the company’s basic permits. The SIUP is an official document required by business owners to conduct trading or buying and selling activities. The SIUP is divided into four types based on company category: micro SIUP, small SIUP, medium SIUP, and large SIUP. Meanwhile, the TDP is an official document that certifies a company’s legal registration under applicable law. All types of companies, including individual businesses are required to have a TDP.
However, under Government Regulation (PP) Number 5 of 2021, the functions of both documents have been integrated into another official document, the Business Identification Number (NIB). Accordingly, an NIB now serves the functions previously fulfilled by the SIUP and TDP. Therefore, companies are no longer required to obtain separate SIUP and TDP documents.
The NIB Application Process
The NIB can be obtained online through the Online Single Submission (OSS) platform. OSS is an integrated electronic business licensing system designed to assist business owners in handling various licensing requirements. Complete information regarding the steps for obtaining an NIB can be found on the OSS website, which includes The NIB Application Guide. In general, the process of obtaining an NIB involves the following steps:
- Log in to your OSS account or sign up for a new account if you don’t have one yet
- Open the manage NIB menu
- Fill in the required data and information
- Go to the NIB management menu
- Select the “Manage” menu, then proceed to the NIB issuance process
The NIB issuance process can typically be completed in a matter of minutes. However, if any information is found to be incomplete or if there is a discrepancy with the Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI), the NIB issuance process will take longer. In addition, the time required to issue an NIB may also be affected by the number of applications currently being reviewed by the OSS verification team.
The Purpose of Translating the NIB
The NIB is a fundamental document that certifies the legal existence of a business in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In various administrative and business licensing processes, the NIB is generally one of the documents that must be included or attached. Additionally, the NIB can help build trust with external parties. Possession of an NIB indicates that a business is officially registered, thereby enhancing the company’s credibility in the eyes of clients, investors, and business partners.
As businesses grow and expand to an international scale, various corporate documents need to be translated into foreign languages, including the NIB. The NIB must be translated so that information regarding the business’s identity and legal status can be understood by relevant foreign parties. NIB translation can help companies meet administrative requirements, support collaboration with international partners, and facilitate the communication of information regarding the company’s legal status in cross-border business activities. Therefore, NIB translation is an important consideration for companies seeking to expand their business reach into international markets.
Sworn Translator for Translating the NIB
A sworn translator is a professional translator who has passed a qualification examination and taken an oath before an authorized official. Sworn translators are also officially registered with the Ministry of Law of the Republic of Indonesia. To better understand the differences between sworn translators and regular translators, you can read the article Certified Translator vs Regular Translator: What’s the Difference?
As an official document, the NIB should be translated by a sworn translator. The purpose is to ensure that all information is translated accurately, consistently, and in accordance with the context, particularly details related to business identity and legal status. Errors in translating the information on the NIB may lead to misunderstandings and hinder administrative processes or business collaborations with foreign parties.
Conclusion
The NIB is an important document that serves as a business’s identity and proof of its legal status. The NIB can be obtained online through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. As businesses grow and opportunities for international collaboration arise, the NIB may also need to be translated so that information regarding the company’s identity and legal status can be understood by foreign parties. Since the NIB is an official document, it should be translated by a sworn translator to ensure that the information contained within is translated accurately and in accordance with the original document.
STAR Software Indonesia has professional certified translators to assist companies in accurately translating NIB documents. Contact our team for more information and a consultation.
Does the NIB need to be renewed periodically?
The NIB remains valid as long as the business operator conducts business activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. However, business operators must ensure that the data and information listed in the NIB remain consistent with the current state of the business.
Does a company’s NIB have to be translated?
Not all of the company’s NIB must be translated. Translation of an NIB is required if the document will be used for administrative, collaborative, or business purposes with parties who use a foreign language, particularly in business activities abroad.
Does the company need a sworn translator to translate the NIB?
It is recommended to use a sworn translator if the translated NIB is to be used as an official document. A certified translator helps ensure that the document’s content is translated accurately and faithfully reflects the original document.
How long does the NIB translation process take?
The time required for NIB translation may vary depending on the selected language and the specific translation requirements. To get an estimate of the turnaround time, business owners can contact a translation service provider.
