Work Visas in Indonesia
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 |
After the RPTKA has been approved and once employee has been granted a visa, he/she will receive:
- VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas) – For entry into 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.
For those who already hold an ITAS, a permanent-stay visa is available called KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap). 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.
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.
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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.
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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: February 2026
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