KITAS Indonesia 2021: Complete Guide and FAQ

KITAS is a limited stay permit that allows foreigners to stay in Indonesia temporarily. Indonesia is one of the most popular tourist destinations globally, but it’s also a home away from home for many people.

Sadly, not all foreigners who want to stay in Indonesia for more than 30 days (the maximum tourist visa length) are able to. Unless you have KITAS!

 

What A KITAS in Indonesia Is

KITAS stands for “Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas”, which translates as “Limited Stay Permission Card”. KITAS was officially introduced in 2013, but it wasn’t until early 2017 that the rules around KITAS were finally clarified.

These days, getting KITAS is now a much simpler process than before… but only if you get your application right! There are so many different requirements that it can be hard to know where to begin – and how to make sure you stay on the right track all the way through. This guide will answer all your questions about KITAS Indonesia.

 

Types of KITAS in Indonesia – How Foreigners Can Use It to Stay in Indonesia

Investor KITAS for Foreign Investors

If you plan to invest and incorporate a company in Indonesia, then obtaining an Investor KITAS is the best way for you to work there. One of the advantages of becoming an investor with this type of stay permit is that they are eligible without needing a Plan of Foreign Worker Employment (RPTKA).

Once you have set up your company, registering for an Investor KITAS is a straightforward process. This visa lasts for 2 years with the possibility of extending it to 5 if needed. Once you’ve reached this threshold, applying for permanent residency or business visas will be possible – giving more choices in future growth!

Work KITAS for Foreign Employees

To obtain Work KITAS, you must have a company in Indonesia to hire you and sponsor your stay. These are just some other requirements that you also need to meet for your application to be considered.

For instance, you have to earn at least $1500 per month, older than 25 years old but not exceed 50 years old. You must also provide 5-years of professional experience related to what job position you will do while living in Indonesia.

Retirement KITAS for Foreign Retirees

The retirement KITAS is a special type of KITAS or stay permit that gives foreigners aged 55 or older the opportunity to retire in Indonesia (extendable up to 5 years). However, business owners and entrepreneurs are not eligible for this status.

Another requirement is that you need to be a citizen of either of these countries:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, The Netherlands, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, UAE, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, India, United Kingdom, Ireland, Iran, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malaysia, Malta, Egypt, Monaco, Norway, Oman, France, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (PRC), Thailand, USA, and Greece.

Spouse KITAS

If you marry an Indonesian, you can apply for a Spouse KITAS which will give you a 1-year temporary residence permit that limits your work and business activities while staying here. After three years of living in Indonesia or two years of marriage and as long as one does not violate any laws or married conditions during their stay, it’s possible to apply for permanent residency or KITAP.

 

Indonesian KITAS Application Requirements and Procedure

KITAS application procedure is as follows:

1. The Foreigner’s sponsor needs to apply for Expatriate Employment Plans (RPTKA – Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) to the Ministry of Manpower through their online application system.
2. After obtaining the Expatriate Employment Plans (RPTKA), the Foreigner or his/her Sponsor can apply for KITAS to the local Immigration Office whose authority is over an area where the foreigner lives.
3. Foreigners who intend to work as expert staff are required to fill out a data application and attach the following requirements:
   1. Self photograph
   2. Insurance
   3. Curriculum Vitae
   4. Educational Certificate
   5. Work Experience Certificate
   6. Telephone and email
   7. Valid passport
   8. Address in Indonesia
4. The application must be submitted within 60 days since Entry Permit is granted. Additional fee may be charged if it exceeds that period according to applicable laws and regulations
5. If all requirements are met and a photograph has been taken, the Head of Immigration Office or appointed immigration officer will issue a KITAS within a maximum of 4 (four) working days.

Update: Permenkumham 16/2018 regulates that KITAS can be issued by certain Immigration Checkpoint through these mechanisms:

1. Grants an Entry Permit sticker that contains said foreign worker data as well as KITAS and Re-entry Permit; and
2. Grants an electronic KITAS following biometric data retrieval.
3. The electronic KITAS will be sent electronically through SIMKIM (Immigration Management Information System) to employers of foreign workers, prospective foreign workers, the Immigration Division and immigration offices whose work areas include the residences of said foreign worker.

How Long Does It Take To Get KITAS in Indonesia?

If all requirements are met and submitted correctly, it takes about 7 business days. For WORK KITAS it requires 14 to 21 working days.

How to Renew A KITAS?

You can renew a KITAS through the Ministry of Immigration’s online system.

How Much Is A KITAS in Indonesia?

1. Compensation for Foreign Worker Employment: USD 1.200
2. Temporary Stay Visa: USD 150
3. Temporary Stay Permit:
   1. 1 year effective term: IDR 1.500.000
   2. 2 years effective term: IDR 2.000.000

KITAS FAQ

What is RPTKA?

RPTKA (Expatriate Placement Plan) is an agreement to hire Foreign Workers to work for companies in Indonesia. It is one of the requirements to apply for WORK KITAS. The application for RPTKA can be done through the Ministry of Immigration’s online system.

How long does KITAS last?

KITAS is granted for a maximum of 5 (five) years and is extendable to no more than 10 (ten) years in total (Article 148 of Government Regulation No 48/2021).

KITAS is also granted to Foreigners for temporary jobs for a maximum of 90 (ninety) days and extendable with no more than 180 (one hundred and eighty) days in total (Article 149 of Government Regulation No 48/2021).

Do tourists need to get a KITAS?

No.

What is KITAS and KITAP?

KITAS is a permit granted to Foreigners to live and be in the Indonesian Territory for a limited period of time and KITAP is a permit granted to Foreigners to reside and settle in the Indonesian Territory as a resident of Indonesia.

As a foreigner in Indonesia, you need to have KITAS. To get one though, there are some requirements that might take up time. That is why we’re here! We make sure all the details of your application go through so you can focus on other things while waiting from an answer.