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:
- Work
- Investment
- Marriage
- Retirement
- Study
KITAS are 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 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).
| 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 its functions.
| KITAS | Functions |
|---|---|
| Work KITAS |
|
| Investment KITAS |
|
| Marriage/ Family KITAS |
|
| Retirement KITAS |
|
| CStudent KITAS |
|
Process of Obtaining Work KITAS in Indonesia
Majority of foreigners who would like to come to Indonesia will apply for a Work KITAS. 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.
Documents Required for Work KITAS Application
There are a number of 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:
- Coloured copy of your passport with a validity of at least another 18 months
- 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) and 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
As we are dealing with the global pandemic, there are certain restrictions that the Indonesian government has imposed to protect its citizens. To enter Indonesia, you will require a proof of full vaccination for all foreigners, previously taken negative PCR swab test, and undergo a quarantine.
Aside from those, foreigners are also required to submit the following documents:
- Health certificate issued by the health authority in their home country and negative PCR test result 7 days before arrival in Indonesia.
- Written declaration letter in English that consents a mandatory self-isolation or undertake a medical treatment and consenting to be monitored during the quarantine or self-isolation. This includes a statement of willingness to pay for all expenses during quarantine, compliance with the prevailing laws and regulations, and willingness to be monitored by the local health authorities.
- Provide proof of health insurance or travel insurance that covers the medical expenses of COVID-19 treatment, or a statement of willingness to pay for all expenses that occur during the treatment of COVID in Indonesia
Thinking of setting up a company or looking to work in Indonesia? Reach out to us for a free consultation to see how we can be part of your journey!
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.
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