What is a work permit Indonesia? IMTA explained
IMTA is a work permit in Indonesia for foreigners wanting to work there. After acquiring an IMTA (Izin Memperkerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing), foreigners must obtain their stay permit (KITAS). To get an IMTA in Indonesia, you must work for a registered Indonesian company that will sponsor the IMTA. This company can be foreign-owned, a representative office, or an Indonesian-owned company.
Requirements for Indonesia’s work permit IMTA
The requirements for the IMTA work permit largely overlap those of the Working KITAS. The most essential requirement for obtaining a work permit in Indonesia is the need to have a sponsor in Indonesia, which is the foreigner’s employer. The employer will do most of the work, although you need to submit the necessary documents.
Before applying for IMTA, the employer must obtain RPTKA (Rencana Penempatan Tenaga Kerja Asing), an Expatriate Placement Plan from the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. Foreigners who are stakeholders, diplomatic or consular officers, or government workers do not have to apply for RPTKA. This means directors and commissioners of a PT PMA who want to apply for Working KITAS don’t have to get RPTKA.
Here are the necessary documents to obtain RPTKA:
- RPTKA application form;
- Employer’s letter stating the reason for hiring you and the position you will hold;
- Company documents, including business license (SIUP), incorporation document (TDP), and tax number (NPWP);
- The company’s organizational structure;
- Wajib Lapor (company’s annual report on the number of local and international employees);
- A letter of recommendation from an external institution (only if the company operates in mining, oil, gas, or transportation).
Here are the necessary documents to obtain IMTA:
- RPTKA;
- Passport copy (with at least four blank pages and 18 months of validity);
- Two passport-size photographs (4 cm x 6 cm);
- Certificate of work experience (of at least five years) that’s in line with the job;
- Agreement letter that states the employee accepts the job offer from the Indonesian company;
- Proof of insurance (Indonesian insurance company);
- NPWP tax identification number (if the employee plans to work in Indonesia for over six months);
- Proof of payment of DPKK (Dana Pengembangan Keahlian dan Ketrampilan), meaning Skill and Development Fund, fee ($1,200 per year).
How to get a work permit in Indonesia: 7-step guide
Working in Indonesia without a work permit is not allowed, so foreigners need to obtain a work permit Indonesia. These are the seven steps to follow to get an IMTA work permit in Indonesia:
- RPTKA approval: Before applying for an IMTA work permit in Indonesia, the company intending to hire a foreign worker must obtain a Ratification of the Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA) from the Ministry of Manpower. This document is a permit for the company to hire foreign workers.
- Payment of DKP-TKA: Once the RPTKA is approved, the company must pay the Skill and Development Fund (DKP-TKA) fee, set at $100 per month for the entire duration of the work contract.
- Submission of IMTA application: With the RPTKA and DKP-TKA payment settled, the company can submit the IMTA application. This application should include the foreign worker’s personal details, qualifications, and the nature of the job they are being hired for.
- Approval by the Ministry of Manpower: The Ministry will review the application, and if all of Indonesia’s work permit requirements are met, they will issue the IMTA, granting the foreign worker permission to work legally in Indonesia.
- Obtain a Notification Letter: After receiving the IMTA, the company will receive a Notification Letter from the Directorate General of Immigration. This letter recommends granting the foreign worker a Limited Stay Visa (VITAS).
- Converting VITAS to Working KITAS: The foreign worker must convert the VITAS into a Working KITAS upon arrival in Indonesia. This step is crucial as the KITAS serves as the official stay permit for the foreign worker during their employment period.
- Regular reporting: The company must report the foreign worker’s activities and progress to the Ministry of Manpower every six months. This report ensures that the worker fulfills the role specified in the Indonesian IMTA work permit.
Our expert team can help you obtain IMTA. For further information on how we can assist you, kindly drop your details below or email us at [email protected].
How to get an IMTA work permit in Bali?
Foreigners can get the IMTA in Bali like elsewhere in Indonesia. As Bali is one of Indonesia’s provinces, it follows the Indonesian government’s national regulations. You can get an IMTA work permit in Bali by following these seven steps:
- RPTKA approval;
- Payment of DKP-TKA;
- Submission of IMTA application;
- Approval by the Ministry of Manpower;
- Obtain a Notification Letter;
- Converting VITAS to Working KITAS;
- Regular reporting.
Even though applying for IMTA in Bali is the same as elsewhere in Indonesia, local regulations might be in place, depending on the region and the local immigration office. Ensure you always meet the local requirements for IMTA by working with Indonesia’s best legal agent. Please email us at [email protected] to get more information.
How much does IMTA cost?
Almost all legal agents in Indonesia include the IMTA application in the Working KITAS application. The IMTA and Working KITAS costs in Indonesia vary between IDR 10 million ($630) and IDR 20 million ($1,260).
Before IMTA approval, there is a mandatory fee known as DKP-TKA (Development Funds in Exchange for hiring a foreign worker). This fee requires an advanced payment of $100 per month. This payment is made for the entire duration of the foreign worker’s intended work contract.
How long it takes to obtain IMTA depends on the circumstances. The processing time for Indonesia’s work permit and work visa takes around ten weeks.
Expert assistance for securing your work permit (IMTA) in Indonesia
Navigating the application process for a work permit (IMTA) in Indonesia can be complex and time-consuming. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the application process, from gathering the necessary documents to ensuring full compliance with local regulations. Whether you’re an employer or an individual seeking a work permit, we provide personalized support tailored to your needs. You can also email us at [email protected] for more detailed inquiries and specialized assistance. Contact us today to secure your work permit in Indonesia with confidence and ease!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I start working in Indonesia without a work permit?
Working in Indonesia without a valid work permit is illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including fines, deportation, and blacklisting from re-entering the country.
What is the processing time of Indonesia’s work permit?
The processing time for Indonesia’s work permit (IMTA) typically takes around ten weeks, but this can vary depending on specific circumstances and the completeness of the provided documents.
Is it legal to work in Indonesia without a work permit?
No, working in Indonesia without a work permit is not legal. Foreigners are required to obtain an IMTA to work legally in Indonesia.
What is an IMTA permit in Indonesia?
IMTA, or Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing, is the official work permit that allows foreigners to work legally in Indonesia and is issued by the Ministry of Manpower. The IMTA permit is mandatory for all foreign workers in the country.
What does means IMTA in English?
IMTA stands for ‘Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing’ and means ‘Permit to Employ Foreign Workers’ in English.
IMTA vs RPTKA in Indonesia
IMTA is Indonesia’s official work permit, allowing foreigners to work in Indonesia. In contrast, RPTKA is a preliminary document that companies must obtain to justify hiring a foreign worker over an Indonesian national.
