Getting a permit or visa, also known as KITAS, is the 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 for before making their move to Indonesia. With KITAS, you are granted residency in Indonesia for a period of 6 months and up to 24 months, or longer, if the extension is applied.
There are 5 common reasons why people are coming to Indonesia, which are:
- Work
- Investment
- Marriage
- Retirement
- Study
KITAS is issued to the following group of individuals:
- Foreign investors (PMA owners)
- Foreigners who are working in Indonesia as experts in their field
- Foreigners who are legally married to an Indonesian citizen
- Children of foreigners (legally married to an Indonesian citizen)
- Foreign researchers
- Dependants of KITAS holder (husband/ wife & children)
- Child of a KITAS holder born in Indonesia
- Retired foreign citizens
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 to 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
However, among the types of KITAS available, the most common KITAS is the work KITAS as it allows foreigners to enter Indonesia and be employed.
Basically, the process of applying for a work KITAS is below, along with which party is necessary 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 in 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 |
As a result, 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 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 of communication and in their local language – Bahasa Indonesia.
Documents Required for Work KITAS Application
However, there are several documents that you will need to prepare for your work KITAS application.
Although, 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
Hence, the documents that you will need to provide include, among others:
- Coloured copy of your passport with a validity of at least another 18 months
- A coloured copy of your resume/ CV which includes the company’s stamp and signature by the company director
- Coloured copy of your university certificate or degree in English or Bahasa Indonesia which includes the company’s stamp and signature by the company director
- Certificate of work experience (at least 5 years) related to the job you are applying for
- Proof of an insurance policy issued by an Indonesian insurance company
- 2 coloured pictures that are of passport size
- Valid Indonesian insurance
- Description of job title
- Location of work
- Description of nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate to stamp visa
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.
Although, here are the requirements to enter Indonesia
- Vaccination certificate of second and/or third dose which at least 14 days before departure for foreigners – must be in English & language of the country of origin
- Download the PeduliLindungi mobile app and complete the account setup
- PCR test on arrival is necessary for those who haven’t take the vaccine
No quarantine is necessary 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 because 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. However, this will be in a business plan for the governing body to approve.
Nevertheless, 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.
Share This Guide, Choose Your Platform!
Related Business Articles

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