The Ultimate Guide to KITAS in Indonesia for Expats (2025 Edition)

If you’re planning to live, work, invest, or retire in Indonesia, understanding the KITAS is crucial. The Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas (KITAS)—Indonesia’s limited stay permit—serves as the legal foundation for long-term stays by foreign nationals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching a PMA company, a retiree enjoying Bali’s serenity, or a professional joining an Indonesian firm, this guide walks you through all the essential updates and processes for KITAS in 2025.

What Is KITAS?

KITAS is a limited stay permit that allows foreigners to legally reside in Indonesia for a period ranging from 6 to 24 months, depending on the visa type and sponsor. It must be preceded by a VITAS (Limited Stay Visa) and results in an ITAS (Limited Stay Permit), which is stamped into your passport. KITAS is then issued as the physical ID card for foreign residents.

KITAS, ITAS, and VITAS: What’s the Difference?

Who Needs a KITAS?

You need a KITAS if you plan to stay in Indonesia longer than the allowed visa-free or visa-on-arrival periods. Typical KITAS applicants include:

• Foreign investors and directors of PMA companies
• Skilled foreign professionals and employees
• Foreign spouses and children of Indonesian citizens
• Retirees aged 55 and above
• Students, researchers, and interns
• Dependents of existing KITAS holders

Types of KITAS in 2025

Here’s an overview of the four most common KITAS types in 2025 and when each applies:

Work KITAS

This is the most common KITAS for foreign professionals working in Indonesia. It requires a work permit (RPTKA) and sponsorship by a local company (PT, PT PMA, or representative office).

Key features:

• Requires sponsorship by an Indonesian-registered entity
• Eligible for MERP (Multiple Exit and Re-entry Permit)
• Valid up to 12 or 24 months

Spouse KITAS

For foreigners legally married to Indonesian citizens. While it allows long-term residence, it does not permit employment.

Important notes:

• Marriage must be legally registered with Indonesian authorities
• No work allowed under this KITAS type
• May be converted to a long-term residency pathway

Retirement KITAS

Tailored for individuals aged 55 and above who wish to retire in Indonesia. Work is not permitted, but you can open bank accounts, hire domestic staff, and lease property.

Requirements include:

• Proof of age (55+)
• Health insurance
• Local housing lease
• Application typically submitted through a registered agent

Investor KITAS

This is ideal for foreign nationals investing in or owning shares in Indonesian companies (PT PMA). It offers a streamlined immigration route without requiring a separate work permit.

Key advantages:

• Fast-track process
• Fewer documentation hurdles than Work KITAS
• Valid for up to 2 years

Additional Visa Options in 2025

Golden Visa

Launched to attract high-net-worth individuals:

• 5-year stay: IDR 38 billion (individuals) or IDR 380 billion (corporate)
• 10-year stay: IDR 76 billion (individuals) or USD 50 million (corporate)
• Available for investors, founders, or contributors to the national economy

Second Home Visa

For affluent foreigners who want to stay in Indonesia long-term (5 to 10 years):

• Deposit IDR 2 billion (approx. USD 130,000) in a local bank
• Does not permit employment
• Ideal for digital nomads, retirees, and passive income earners

Business Visas

• Single Entry: 30–60 days for short-term business visits (requires local sponsor letter)
• Multiple Entry: Valid for one year, unlimited entries, for ongoing engagements

How to Apply for a KITAS in 2025

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the KITAS application process:

1. Secure Sponsorship
   1. Employer (PT or PT PMA) for work/investor KITAS
   2. Spouse for family KITAS
   3. Licensed agent for retirement KITAS
2. Apply for VITAS
   1. Submitted to Indonesia’s immigration system
   2. Once approved, VITAS is issued for entry
3. Enter Indonesia
   1. Enter using VITAS at the port of entry
4. Convert VITAS to ITAS & Get KITAS
   1. Visit the local immigration office within 30 days of arrival
   2. Biometric recording and passport stamping
   3. KITAS card is issued shortly after

Why You Must Extend Your KITAS Before It Expires

Failing to renew your KITAS on time may result in:

• Overstay fines (IDR 1,000,000/day)
• Deportation and blacklisting
• Complications with future visa or PR applications

Make sure to begin your KITAS extension at least 30–60 days before expiration. Our consultants help track deadlines and prepare extension documents seamlessly.

KITAS Sponsorship Rules for Expats

Can anyone be your sponsor? No. Your KITAS sponsor must meet specific criteria:

Why RPTKA Alone Isn’t Enough — And Why KITAS Is Essential

When planning to work in Indonesia, you may come across the term RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing), or Foreign Manpower Utilization Plan. This is a mandatory approval document that allows Indonesian companies to employ foreign workers. While obtaining an RPTKA is an important part of the employment process, especially for Work KITAS applicants, it’s critical to understand that RPTKA is not a visa or stay permit—it simply grants permission to hire you.

RPTKA alone does not authorize a foreigner to live, enter, or legally work in Indonesia. It is only the first step in a longer immigration process that must be followed by a VITAS, then an ITAS, and ultimately, the issuance of a KITAS. Without a valid KITAS, even a foreign professional with an approved RPTKA cannot lawfully reside or work in Indonesia. In contrast, KITAS is your official residency permit that opens access to local services, legal protections, and multiple entry benefits. For any foreigner planning to build a career or life in Indonesia, KITAS is not optional—it’s the foundational document for living and working legally and securely.