What visas and permits do you need to work in Indonesia?
Foreigners aiming to work in Indonesia require two essential documents: a work visa, known as Working KITAS, and a work permit, referred to as a Work permit IMTA. The Working KITAS is a visa to work in Indonesia and allows foreigners to stay in the country for employment purposes, while the Work IMTA grants permission to work. Having a Working KITAS and Work permit is crucial to working and living in Indonesia. Lacking either can lead to legal complications.
Work visa in Indonesia: What is KITAS?
KITAS, or Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, is a limited-stay permit card. It’s a mandatory visa for foreigners who intend to live and work in Indonesia. The KITAS is not just limited to work purposes; there are different types of KITAS depending on the reason for staying in Indonesia, such as for work, family reunion, or retirement. Foreigners can apply for KITAS if they meet the specific requirements.
Can KITAS holders work in Indonesia?
Not all KITAS holders can work in Indonesia, as the holder needs to have the specific Work KITAS and an IMTA work permit. The Work KITAS is a special visa to work in Indonesia, while the other types of KITAS don’t allow foreigners to work in Indonesia. Foreigners who work in Indonesia with a different kind of KITAS or without IMTA can still get into legal trouble.
Working KITAS requirements
There are several requirements and documents needed for a work visa in Indonesia. Besides the standard sets of documents you have to submit, which are listed below, you also need to submit the Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA) or work permit (IMTA) and residence permit (ITAS).
To be eligible for a Working KITAS, both the applicant and the sponsoring company need to provide specific documents:
Documents provided by the work visa Indonesia’s applicant:
- Passport copy (with at least four blank pages and 18 months of validity)
- Two passport-size photographs (4 cm x 6 cm)
- CV
- Certificate of degree/diploma
- Certificate of work experience (of at least five years) that’s in line with the job
- Proof of insurance (Indonesian insurance company)
- Domicile letter from the sub-district or a Letter of Domicile from the building management or house/apartment rental agreement signed by the owner.
- If the applicant is bringing family members to Indonesia:
- Passport copy (with at least four blank pages and 18 months of validity)
- Marriage Certificate (in English or Bahasa Indonesia)
- Birth Certificates for children (in English or Bahasa Indonesia)
- Two passport-size photographs (4 cm x 6 cm)
Company sponsor documents:
- RPTKA
- Sponsor’s identity card (KTP)
- The identity card of a local employee who’s already working for the company
- Company’s stamp
- Bank sheet of paper with the company’s letterhead
- Company documents, such as:
- NPWP tax identification number
- Business License (SIUP)
- Capital Registration Licence (SPPMA) from the BKPM
- Company’s registration letter (TDP)
- Company’s annual reports on the number of local and international employees (Wajib Lapor)
- Company’s certificate of domicile (SKTU)
- Company’s approval certificates and any related permits (SITU & HO)
- Authorization of deed establishment (Akta Notaris) by the Department of Justice
The documents above are the most common Working KITAS requirements. However, depending on your situation, you may need to show more or fewer documents.
5 steps to get your Work KITAS Indonesia
Do you want to apply for a KITAS work visa in Indonesia? Follow the next five steps to get your KITAS.
- Pre-IMTA/pre-working permit approval: Your employer applies to the local manpower department. After an interview and approval, you and your employer are informed of the allowed duration of your stay.
- IMTA/work permit approval: Before IMTA approval, an advanced payment of $100 per month for DKP-TKA (Development Funds in Exchange for hiring a foreign worker) is required. After IMTA approval, you are legally allowed to work in Indonesia.
- VITAS approval: Apply for a VITAS temporary stay visa. Once approved, it’s issued by the Indonesian embassy abroad. You must collect the VITAS in person before entering Indonesia.
- Convert VITAS into KITAS: After arriving in Indonesia, you have 30 days to convert the VITAS into a KITAS work visa. This process includes biometric data processing and takes about eight working days.
- Civil registration and reporting: This step is mandatory and must be completed within 14 days of issuing your KITAS.
How to apply for Working KITAS in Bali?
Applying for a working visa in Bali follows the same procedure as applying for one elsewhere in Indonesia. Bali, one of Indonesia’s provinces, adheres to the national regulations and processes set by the Indonesian government. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:
- Pre-application preparations
- IMTA/work permit approval
- VITAS approval
- Convert VITAS into KITAS in Bali
- Civil registration and reporting
Although the steps are the same, the processing time and specific requirements might vary depending on the region and local immigration office’s description. Always meet local requirements when applying for a Working KITAS visa in Bali.
What is the cost of a Working KITAS visa in Indonesia?
The cost of a Working KITAS visa in Indonesia varies between IDR 10 million ($630) and IDR 20 million ($1,260).
There are associated fees included in the cost of a KITAS visa in Indonesia, such as the DKP-TKA (Development Funds in Exchange for hiring a foreign worker), which require an advanced payment of $100 per month to the government.
Get your work visa Indonesia with Own Property Abroad
Do you want to get a work visa in Indonesia? Own Property Abroad assists you and ensures a seamless and hassle-free process in obtaining your Working KITAS.
With our expert team, you won’t have to navigate the complexities alone. For further information on how we can assist you, kindly drop your details below or email us at [email protected]. Let’s start applying for your work permit and visa in Indonesia today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it legal to work in Indonesia without a work visa?
No, it’s not legal to work in Indonesia without a work visa, as all foreigners are required to obtain a Working KITAS visa in Indonesia to legally work in the country.
What is the price for a Working KITAS in Indonesia?
The price for a Working KITAS visa in Indonesia varies between IDR 10 million ($630) and IDR 20 million ($1,260), depending on the type and duration. There are associated fees, including the DKP-TKA, which require an advanced payment of $100 per month. Most visa agencies have these fees included in the Working KITAS price.
Do I need a working visa in Bali to work?
Yes, foreigners who intend to work in Bali need a working visa called Working KITAS. Besides needing a working visa in Bali, foreigners need a work permit, called IMTA. Usually, the KITAS visa in Bali costs the same as in other parts of Indonesia.
How long does it take to get a work visa in Indonesia?
The process to get a work visa in Indonesia usually takes ten weeks. This included various stages, from pre-IMTA approval to converting VITAS to KITAS.
Where to apply for Working KITAS in Bali?
Foreigners can apply for a Working KITAS in Bali with Own Property Abroad. Contact us at [email protected] to start your Working KITAS application in Bali.
Does Indonesia have a remote work visa?
In June 2022, Indonesia announced plans to introduce a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live in Indonesia for five years. The initiative for a remote work visa in Indonesia was announced by Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Sandiaga Uno, to attract up to 3.6 million digital nomads to the country. However, Indonesia’s remote work visa has not officially been launched.
