What’s in this article
Getting a permit or visa, also known as KITAS, is a first step to living and working in Indonesia. Despite the pandemic, Indonesia is fast becoming one of the top destinations for expats, foreigners, and investors who would like to start a company in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
What is a KITAS in Indonesia
Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas (KITAS) is a type of limited stay permit for foreigners and expats have to apply before making their move into Indonesia. With KITAS, you are granted residency in Indonesia for a period of 6 months and up to 24 months, or longer, if extension is applied.
There are 5 common reasons why people are coming into Indonesia, which are:
KITAS are issued to the following group of individuals:
To obtain a KITAS, you must have successfully applied for a VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas) and ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas).
Here are the roles for each various visa – VITAS, ITAS, and KITAS:
Visa/ Status | Role |
---|---|
VITAS | Issued by the Indonesian Immigration Department as a temporary or limited stay visa upon approval of entering the country |
ITAS | Immigration status that allows the immigration offices to stamp your passport |
KITAS | Temporary stay permit card that will be issued after obtaining your ITAS and serves as your ID |
Types of KITAS in Indonesia
The types of KITAS available in Indonesia mirror the top reasons why people are coming into Indonesia. The table below summarises the types of KITAS in Indonesia and their functions.
KITAS | Functions |
---|---|
Work KITAS |
|
Investment KITAS |
|
Marriage/ Family KITAS |
|
Retirement KITAS |
|
Student KITAS |
|
Process of Obtaining Work KITAS in Indonesia
Among the types of KITAS available, the most common KITAS is the work KITAS as it allows foreigners to enter Indonesia and be employed.
The process of applying for a work KITAS is listed below, along with which party are required to action on the steps.
STEPS | ACTION BY |
---|---|
Application of RPTKA to the Indonesia Ministry of Manpower | Employer |
Application of IMTA to the Indonesia Ministry of Manpower | Employer |
Application of VITAS to the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) | Employer |
Issuance of Recommendation Letter to the Indonesian Immigration Department | BKPM |
Application of VITAS at the Embassy of Indonesia | Employee |
Issuance of ITAS & conversion of KITAS upon arrival into Indonesia | Immigration Department |
Obtain a Police Report Letter (STM) from the police department | Employee |
Register for a Certificate of Registration for Temporary Resident (SKPPS) at your local municipality’s population office | Employee |
Apply for the IKTA at the Indonesia Ministry of Manpower | Employer |
The entire process for a KITAS application usually takes 6-10 weeks. However, this is a case-by-case basis whereby the application can take longer if there is an overwhelming number of applications.
Applying for a work KITAS can be a tedious and difficult process, especially if you are a foreign business owner looking to set up your private limited (PT PMA) company in Indonesia. This is because most of the process is communicated and completed in their local language – Bahasa Indonesia.
Documents Required for Work KITAS Application
There are several documents that you will need to prepare for your work KITAS application.
For the submission by the employer, the documents include:
- A copy of the RPTKA
- A copy of their sponsor’s identity card (KTP)
- A copy of the identity card of a local employee already working for the company
- Company documents, such as:
- The NPWP tax identification number
- The Business licence (SIUP)
- The Capital Registration Licence (SPPMA) from the BKPM;
- The company’s registration letter (TDP)
- The company’s annual reports on the number of local and international employees (Wajib Lapor)
- The company’s certificate of domicile (SKTU)
- The company’s approval certificates and any related permits (SITU & HO)
- The authorization of deed establishment (Akta Notaris) by the Department of Justice
- A blank sheet of paper with the company’s letterhead
- The company’s stamp
Documents that you will need to provide include, among others:
Applying for KITAS in a Covid World
While many countries in the region have lifted Covid-19 restrictions for international travel, Indonesia still imposes certain restrictions to protect its citizens.
Here are the requirements to enter Indonesia
No quarantine is required if the work KITAS holder has been fully vaccinated (2nd or 3rd dose).
Setting Up a Company in Indonesia as a Foreigner
One of the reasons why foreigners may not consider incorporating a company in Indonesia is due to the fact that there is a requirement for a 10 billion rupiah paid-up capital.
The good news is that this does not mean that you have to put in this entire amount as your initial paid-up capital, but rather, how you intend to invest the 10 billion rupiah within 5 years. This will be detailed in a business plan for the governing body to approve.
For foreign business owners looking to set up a company in Indonesia, the most common entity type is a private limited company (PT PMA). However, if you wish to set up a local company (Local PT), it is also possible by using a local nominee director.
FAQs
A director of a company that holds the investor KITAS can work in Indonesia if these requirements are fulfilled:
- All tasks handled by the director shall fulfill the scope of the company’s business activities
- The company provides equal opportunities to all Indonesians to make a living.
You are only allowed to work if you have successfully obtained a work KITAS, along with the IMTA. Other types of KITAS do not grant you the permission to work, except for the investor KITAS. However, there are certain criteria that need to be met.
Yes, application for KITAS can be done through the Izin Tiinggal website. Do note that you are required to provide your VITAS Authorisation Number. While application can be done online, you will need to go to the Immigration offices in person to pay for the application fees and obtain your ITAS stamp.
Yes, extension can be applied before your work visa expires. If you have lived in Indonesia for 3 consecutive years, you may also opt to apply for the permanent resident permit (KITAP) which has a longer validity period of 5 years and renewable.
Hello
My name ajmal come from India
I want to go marriage Indonesia girl.
How to get visa ? How can I do this!
Hi Muhammad Ajmal,
You will need to apply for a VITAS to enter Indonesia, then convert your VITAS into a KITAS. Do register yourself under the civil registration department after receiving your KITAS.
After 2 years of marriage, you can then apply for a KITAP (permanent residence visa).
Hope this helps!
Best Regards,
Paul
Im Automobile Mechanics from Bangladesh Im going to Australia I want to go wark please help me
Hi Mohammad Kamrul Hassan,
Currently, we do not provide any incorporation or immigration services to Australia. However, if you’d like to start a company or work in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia or Hong Kong, we’ll be glad to help you.
You can contact us directly on WhatsApp if you’re looking to enter those countries.
https://wa.me/6584833084
Best Regards,
Paul