Types of Work Visas
Indonesia offers several types of work visas to accommodate different employment needs:
- Business Visas / Multiple Entry Business Visas – A single-entry visa valid for 60 days upon arrival and can be extended up to four times and suitable for businesspeople.
There are two types of work visas available in Indonesia:
- ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas) – A temporary-stay permit that requires several permits in a specific order:
- VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas) – For entry into Indonesia.
- IMTA (Work Permit) – For starting employment in Indonesia.
- ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas) – An immigration status that needs to be renewed annually, with a stamp on the passport to indicate the residence status.
- KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) – A residence permit card that serves as proof of having an ITAS.
- KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) – A permanent-stay visa available only to those who already hold an ITAS. To be eligible for a KITAP, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Foreigners to be married to an Indonesian citizen for at least 2 years
- Foreign investors, directors or commissioners in an LLC or PT PMA,
- Foreigners who plan to retire in Indonesia and are already holding an Indonesia retirement visa, or
- Indonesians who are in the process of regaining citizenship.
As of 31 March 2021, Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issued Regulation No.8 of 2021 (MOM Reg 8/2021) on the Employment of Foreign Workers. For a local company employing a foreign worker, the company must prepare a Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing (RPTKA)). This document details the work, position, and length of employment the foreign employee plans to undertake in Indonesia. The RPTKA serves as the basis for the MOM to grant visas and permits.
There are four types of RPTKA categorized under MOM 8/2021:
| RPTKA type | Validity |
| Temporary Work (Production quality control, filming, installation of machines, etc.) | Valid for up to 6 months and cannot be extended |
| Employment for more than 6 months | Valid for up to 2 years with possibility of extension |
| Employment that does not require payment to the Foreign Worker Utilization Compensation Fund | Valid for up to 2 years with possibility of extension |
| Employment in special economic zones (SEZ) | Valid for 5 years with possibility of extension; or The SEZ RPTKA for directors or commissioners can be granted for a period as needed by the employer |
Visa Renewal and Extension
Work visas in Indonesia are typically issued for an initial period of 12 months. To extend the visa, employees must apply for renewal before the current visa expires. The renewal process involves submitting updated documents and demonstrating continued employment and compliance with visa conditions.
Compliance and Legal Requirements
Employers and employees must comply with all visa conditions to avoid penalties and ensure legal employment in Indonesia. Key compliance requirements include:
- Reporting Changes: Employers must report any changes in the employee’s job title, duties, or salary to the Immigration Department.
- Maintaining Valid Documentation: Both parties must ensure that all visa-related documents remain valid and up-to-date.
- Adhering to Visa Conditions: Employees must adhere to the terms of their visa, such as not engaging in unauthorised employment.
We Provide Expertise on Work Visa Applications!
Our professional team of 200+ has years of experience dealing with local immigration authorities and will ensure an efficient turnaround of your employee’s visa application.
Understanding the work visa requirements in Indonesia is essential for ensuring legal employment and a smooth application process. By following the outlined steps and complying with legal requirements, foreign employees and their employers can successfully navigate the visa process.
Want to stay up to date with the latest labour laws?
Our publications give you a clear overview of key labour law regulations. We cover major tax, labour law, payroll and visa information. It is designed to get you updated at-a-glance!
Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of Indonesia employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.
Updated on: 8th August 2024
Contact Us
Get in touch with one of us today to start streamlining your HR processes across Asia & the Middle East.
