SITU (Surat Izin Tempat Usaha) is a permit that certifies the legality of a business location based on spatial planning and local government regulations. Although many of its functions have been taken over by the Business Identification Number (NIB) under the OSS system, SITU remains important—especially for law firms seeking to establish credibility and legally operate in a specific location.
Why Is SITU Still Relevant?
SITU is more than just a formality. This document shows that your business location complies with zoning regulations, does not disturb the environment, and has approval from the surrounding community. For law firms, these factors are crucial for building client trust and maintaining sustainable operations.
Read also: The Importance of SITU for a Legally Compliant Law Firm
The Role of SITU in Law Firm Legality
1. SITU as Proof of Legal Location
SITU confirms that your law firm legally resides at a specific location. In legal contexts, this supports your firm’s integrity and credibility.
2. Enhances Client Trust
Clients, especially corporations or foreign investors, consider legal documents as part of due diligence. A firm with SITU is seen as more credible and law-abiding.
3. Avoids the Risk of Sanctions
Without legal location documents such as SITU or a valid OSS domicile certificate, a firm may be shut down for violating spatial planning or lacking environmental permits.
4. Supports Business Expansion
If your law firm plans to bid on tenders, partner with foreign firms, or expand nationally, having documents like SITU can be an administrative advantage.
Regulatory Changes: SITU vs. NIB
The Omnibus Law and the OSS system introduced a new licensing framework in which the NIB functions as the primary business identity and license. However, SITU is still needed under certain conditions—such as when business owners want to ensure their location complies with zoning or wish to access specific local government facilities.
Legal Domicile Solutions for Law Firms Without Physical Offices
Starting a law firm doesn’t always require a large physical office. Many firms now opt for more flexible and efficient solutions like virtual offices, serviced offices, or coworking spaces. However, it’s still crucial to ensure your business address is legal, in a commercial zone, and can be used for NIB registration or supporting documents like SITU.
Read also: Do Lawyers Still Need a Physical Office in the Digital Age?
vOffice: Legal and Professional Office Solutions
vOffice provides virtual office, serviced office, and coworking space services that are OSS-registered and located in official commercial zones, making them eligible for NIB registration or other legal documents such as SITU. Ideal for law firms that:
- Are just starting out
- Want to reduce operational costs
- Need a fast and legal domicile
- Want to appear professional in the eyes of clients
Check out various strategic locations for office space/serviced office rentals in Indonesia from vOffice today:
- Serviced Office Jakarta
- Serviced Office Tangerang
- Serviced Office Bali
- Serviced Office Surabaya
- Serviced Office Bekasi
- Serviced Office Medan
- Virtual Office Jakarta
- Virtual Office Tangerang
- Virtual Office Bali
- Virtual Office Surabaya
- Virtual Office Bekasi
- Virtual Office Medan
- Coworking Space Jakarta
- Coworking Space Tangerang
- Coworking Space Bali
- Coworking Space Surabaya
- Coworking Space Bekasi
- Coworking Space Medan
So, what are you waiting for? Get the best office solution for your business by relying on vOffice services. Contact us now for more information.
Even though it is no longer mandatory, SITU remains relevant for law firms looking to establish location legality, boost credibility, and minimize legal risks. Especially in today’s competitive environment, legal documents like SITU—along with NIB and other supporting documents—are valuable assets.
For modern law firms seeking legal compliance without high costs, vOffice offers a smart solution: legal address, commercial zoning, and full OSS and licensing support.
FAQ About SITU for Law Firms
What is SITU?
SITU is a permit issued by the local government certifying that a business location meets legal and spatial planning requirements.
Is SITU mandatory for law firms?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended to strengthen legality and client trust.
Is SITU still valid after the Omnibus Law?
SITU is no longer the primary permit, but it remains relevant as proof of location compliance with zoning regulations.
What if my law firm doesn’t have a physical office?
You can use a virtual office service like vOffice, which is legal and suitable for business licensing.
Can vOffice’s virtual offices be used for OSS and NIB?
Yes, vOffice’s virtual office addresses are registered and can be used for legal business needs, including NIB and (if needed) SITU.
