Most Common Questions about Work Permit in Indonesia

Most Common Questions about Work Permits in Indonesia

  • InCorp Editorial Team
  • 29 July 2024
  • 7 minute reading time

We have compiled the most frequent questions we received from our clients about work permits in Indonesia (KITAS) to help you get more clues about the work permit visa process here. Check it out!

The work permit application process will be done simultaneously; however, the dependent visa will only be available approximately two weeks after the applicants collect their VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas), a temporary stay permit visa.

There is no statutory requirement to notarize a document. InCorp will submit all of the documents. The application process is in the host country; however, the VITAS collection should be done in the Indonesian embassy abroad.

Is KITAS a Work Permit?

Yes, a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a work permit in Indonesia. KITAS Indonesia is a mandatory document for foreign nationals who intend to work in the country for an extended period. It signifies that the Indonesian government has granted the holder permission to reside and work within its borders. 

It’s crucial to note that while a KITAS allows for work, it’s not automatically granted upon arrival; it requires a formal application process and approval from the Indonesian immigration authorities.

How Long is A Work Permit in Indonesia?

The work permit processing time is two months. The standard work permit process involves several steps with specific time frames:

Indonesia Work Permit

Before applying, you must gather the necessary documents from the employee or client. The application is then lodged and reviewed through the respective stages, each with processing time. 

After approval, the employee receives their work permit, and any necessary local registrations are completed.

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What Documents Are Needed for an Indonesia Work Visa?

Here’s a breakdown of the documents required for an Indonesia Work Visa (KITAS): 

Applicant Documents

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the applicant
  • Certificate of degree graduated
  • The applicant’s passport must have at least 4 blank pages remaining and a validity of at least 18 months. Scanned copies of the identification page and cover are also required.
  • Two passport-sized photographs (4 cm x 6 cm) of the applicant with a red background in JPEG format.
  • The applicant’s domiciliary letter in Indonesia (Surat Keterangan Tempat Tinggal) from the Sub-district (Kantor Kelurahan) can be submitted. Alternatively, a Letter of Domiciliary from the Building Management or a house/apartment rental Agreement Letter signed by the house/apartment owner can be submitted.

Legality Documents of the Company Sponsor in Indonesia

  • Company’s deed of establishment and any amendments.
  • Approval from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights) from the company sponsor (SK Kehakiman Pendirian Perusahaan dan Perubahannya, if any) is required.   
  • Tax Registration Number (NPWP) of the company sponsor.
  • Certificate of Domicile (SKDU) of the company sponsor.
  • Business License (SIUP) / Principle License (Izin Prinsip/IP) / Permanent Business License (Izin Usaha Tetap/IUT) of the sponsor company or BKPM Certificate Company Registration (TDP) of the company sponsor.   
  • Personal ID (KTP) and Family Register (KK) of the Indonesian Director of the company sponsor acting as Guarantor or a passport of a foreign Director. (KTP) and Family Register (KK) of the Indonesian Director of the company sponsor acting as Guarantor or a passport of a foreign Director.
  • Blank papers with the company’s letterhead (for application letters).
  • Mandatory Manpower Report (Wajib Lapor Keberadaan/WLK) of the company sponsor.   
  • An employment contract is between the company sponsor and the applicant.
  • ID card/ KTP of the Indonesian counterpart.
  • Appointment letter between the company and the Indonesian counterpart.
  • Company’s bank account information or statement with a minimum balance of USD 1,500.

How Do You Apply for A Work Visa in Indonesia

If you already have a job lined up, here’s how to obtain an Indonesia work visa:

  1. Employer Approval: Your employer must obtain an Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA) to hire you.
  2. Work Permit: Your employer applies for a work permit (IMTA) from the Ministry of Manpower.
  3. Documents: Send your employer the required documents, such as work certificates and passport copies.
  4. VITAS Application: Your employer applies for a Temporary Working Visa (VITAS) through the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).
  5. Visa Application: Apply for the VITAS at an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate with copies of the RPTKA and IMTA.
  6. Arrival and ITAS: Upon arrival in Indonesia with the VITAS, you’ll receive a Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS). Use this to apply for a KITAS at an Immigration Office.
  7. Additional Steps:
    • Get a Police Report Letter (STM).
    • Register with the local municipality for a Certificate of Registration for Temporary Resident (SKPPS).
    • Apply for the IKTA (Foreign Workers Work Permit) at the Ministry of Manpower.
  8. DPKK Fee: Your employer pays the Skill and Development Fund (DPKK) a monthly fee of $100.

Can I Extend an Indonesia Work Visa?

Yes, you can extend an Indonesian work visa. A 12-month KITAS can be renewed for another 12 months.

There are two scenarios for extending your work visa in Indonesia:

  • If you have a 6-month KITAS, you can extend your stay in the country for an additional 6 months.
  • If you have a 12-month KITAS, you can extend your stay for another year.

The following individuals are eligible to apply for a 12-month KITAS:

  • Directors
  • Commissioners

The following individuals are eligible to apply for a 6-month KITAS:

  • Advisors

Additional points to consider for extending your work visa:

  • A $100 DPKK fund must be paid every time you apply for an extension.
  • You can apply for an extension up to 60 days before your visa expires.
  • The Indonesia work permit processing time can take up to 14 business days after submission.

Most Frequent Questions about Getting a Work Permit in Indonesia

QuestionsAnswers
What do we need from the employee and the company?The employee’s personal ID and the company documents.
How long is the work permit valid?6 months for non-directorial positions, 1 year for directorial positions.
Can it be renewed?Yes, it can be renewed.
Is there a cost to renew a work permit?The cost to renew a work permit is the same as applying for a new work permit.
Must the foreigner leave the country during the renewal process?The foreigner should leave the country using EPO during the renewal process. However, they only need a few days to obtain VITAS from the Indonesian Embassy.
What documents are required from the applicant?Personal documents and bank account of the applicant.
Are work permit processes different for different nationalities?Yes, there are different difficulties for some nationalities.
What are the requirements for applying for a work permit?The applicant should be between 25-65 years old. The applicant should possess a diploma or 5 years of working experience.
Can the work permit sponsor be transferred while in the country?It is possible to transfer the sponsor of a work permit while in the country. The process will take approximately one month.
What is the process for their dependents? Can their spouse work in the host country?The spouse should apply for a work permit to work legally in the host country.
Will any documents need to be apostilled or notarized? How do you submit the documents?Some documents may need to be apostilled or notarized. The submission process can vary, such as to LP, a migration agent, or the consulate in the home country.
Is the application processed in the host country or home country?The application processing location can vary.

Obtain Your Indonesia Work Visa with InCorp

InCorp can be your trusted partner for obtaining a work visa in Indonesia. Our team of experts has extensive experience handling visa applications and can ensure a smooth and efficient process. 

We will guide you through every step of the application process, from collecting the necessary documents to submitting your application to the Immigration Office.

In addition to our expertise in visa applications, InCorp also offers a variety of other services to help you with your relocation to Indonesia, including:

Fill in the form below to secure your work permit in Indonesia hassle-free.

Pandu Biasramadhan

Senior Consulting Manager at InCorp Indonesia

An expert for more than 10 years, Pandu Biasramadhan, has an extensive background in providing top-quality and comprehensive business solutions for enterprises in Indonesia and managing regional partnership channels across Southeast Asia.

Get in touch with us.

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Disclaimer: The information is provided by PT. Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind.

We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials.

We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website.

Frequent Asked Questions

Yes. You need to register at the immigration website and proceed with your application online.

A KITAS/ITAS holder must apply for an EPO when switching between jobs, resigning from a current job, and wanting to leave Indonesia, or changing ITAS type.

The requirements may be different between one KITAP type and another. A Spouse ITAS holder can apply for a KITAP after a 2-year marriage. A Work ITAS holder can apply for a KITAP after holding the KITAS/ITAS four times consecutively.

Ya. Anda harus mendaftar di situs web imigrasi dan melanjutkan aplikasi Anda secara online.

It depends on the type of KITAS/ITAS. A Retirement KITAS/ITAS, for example, is valid for one year, whereas a Work KITAS/ITAS Is valid for six months to one year. There is an exception for an Investor KITAS/ITAS that is valid for two years.