What is a KITAS in Indonesia, and Who shOuld Apply for One?
KITAS stands for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, it is a limited stay permit in Indonesia that is valid for six months to one year. Depending on the type of KITAS you are applying for, it will require either a sponsorship from an Indonesian citizen or a company.
Types of KITAS in Indonesia
The three most common reasons foreigners reside within Indonesia are for work, marriage and retirement. Each purpose has a specific KITAS, and the respective KITAS are different in terms of processes and required documents for submission to the Indonesian authorities.
1) Work KITAS
2) Dependent KITAS
3) Retirement KITAS
1) Work KITAS
2) Dependent KITAS
3) Retirement KITAS
1) Work KITAS
Although the common term used is KITAS, the official term for an Indonesian Temporary Expatriate Work Permit is an IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing). A Work KITAS allows a foreigner to re-enter Indonesia multiple times with one permit, it is commonly referred to as a MERP (Multiple Exit and Re-entry Permit).
To apply for a Work KITAS, a sponsorship from your Employer is required. The Employer must be a company registered in Indonesia.
In Indonesia, locally-registered companies are defined as a PT, PT PMA or a representative office. At this point, it is important to note that the length of your KITAS is determined by your title and the Employer is legally responsible for the applicant.
Asides from the job title, foreign employees and their Employers should be aware, the following roles and industries are closed-off to foreign employees: Human Resource, Quality Control and Inspection, Legal Entity, Supply Chain Management, Health, Safety and Environmental Affairs.
Given the intricacies around protecting Indonesia’s local workforce, extra care should be taken around these matters from both parties.
Eligibility for Work KITAS
- Qualified academic certifications for the position
- 5 years of experience and demonstrated competency in the field you are applying for
- A statement letter and training reports indicating why the transfer of knowledge and skills of expertise is mandatory, and its influence on the employer in Indonesia
- Proof of insurance from an insurance company
- Proof of bank statement with a minimum of US$1,500
Learn more about Work KITAS
2) Dependent KITAS
Dependent KITAS is applicable for family members of a primary KITAS holder. Let's say you’re accompanying your spouse who already has a KITAS in Indonesia, then a Dependent KITAS is what you need to reside legally in Indonesia. This type of KITAS is also commonly known as family or spouse-sponsor KITAS.
Once you have obtained a Dependent KITAS, you will have benefits similar to a citizen of Indonesia such as opening a bank account, or applying for a driving license. However, a Dependent KITAS does not allow its holder to earn an income sourced from Indonesia.
In the event, the holder of a Dependent KITAS finds employment and has a company ready to sponsor his/her Work KITAS, a Dependent KITAS can be easily converted into a Work KITAS.
Dependent KITAS are also issued to foreigners who are married to an Indonesian citizen with a marriage certificate endorsed by the Indonesian government.
Eligibility for Dependend KITAS
- Spouses or children who are under 17 years old of primary KITAS holder.
- A foreigner who has been legally married to an Indonesian citizen for at least 5 years
- Have a single-visit visa to enter Indonesia.
- Spouse’s bank statement with a minimum of US$1,500
- A marriage certificate in English or Bahasa Indonesia that has been translated by a sworn translator - most embassies provide a list of translator on their website
Read more about Dependent KITAS
3) Retirement KITAS
The Government provides an option to foreign retirees who seek to live permanently in Indonesia through a Retirement KITAS. It also allows its holder to get benefit from other entitlements such as multiple trips to and out of the country, applying for a driver’s license, opening a local bank account and among others. Similar to the Dependent KITAS, a Retirement KITAS does not allow you to earn an income sourced from Indonesia.
Eligibility for Retirement KITAS
3) Retirement KITAS
The Government provides an option to foreign retirees who seek to live permanently in Indonesia through a Retirement KITAS. It also allows its holder to get benefit from other entitlements such as multiple trips to and out of the country, applying for a driver’s license, opening a local bank account and among others. Similar to the Dependent KITAS, a Retirement KITAS does not allow you to earn an income sourced from Indonesia.
Eligibility for Retirement KITAS
- Applicant should at least 55 years old
- Have a health record as a confirmation of their good health conditions
- Have a place to reside and have a lease contract for a minimum of 12 months
- Required to hire a domestic helper or a maid
- Show proof of a deposit or pension account with an amount of no less than US$18,000 in a year
- Not a citizen of the following countries: Afghanistan, Guinea, Israel, North Korea, Cameroon, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, and Somalia.
Business Visa: Who Should Get ONE?
For foreigners who need to visit Indonesia during the Covid-19 Pandemic and stay for a few months, the right (and only) Visa to apply for would be a Single-Entry Business Visa. It is designed to facilitate business activities such as; conducting business discussions, attending conferences or training.
A Single-Entry Business Visa is valid for 60 days (for offshore applications) and 30 days for (onshore applications). It can be extended for up to 4 and 5 times respectively. Each extension is for 30 days. As the name implies, Single-Entry Business visas are no longer valid once you leave Indonesia.
Although it carries a 'business' title, Single-Entry Business Visa holders have to keep in mind that this visa does not allow you to earn an income sourced from Indonesia. To attain a Single-Entry Business Visa, applicants will need to get an Indonesia-registered company to sponsor its Visa.
Eligibility of Business Visa
A Single-Entry Business Visa is valid for 60 days (for offshore applications) and 30 days for (onshore applications). It can be extended for up to 4 and 5 times respectively. Each extension is for 30 days. As the name implies, Single-Entry Business visas are no longer valid once you leave Indonesia.
Although it carries a 'business' title, Single-Entry Business Visa holders have to keep in mind that this visa does not allow you to earn an income sourced from Indonesia. To attain a Single-Entry Business Visa, applicants will need to get an Indonesia-registered company to sponsor its Visa.
Eligibility of Business Visa
- Photo of your passport with a minimum validity of 18 months
- Bank account statement with a minimum of USD 10.000
- Plane ticket to Jakarta or other Indonesian cities with a departure date
- A return ticket showing that you will leave Indonesia within 60 days starting from the arrival date in the country
COVID-19 TRAVEL AND IMMIGRATION NOTICE:
The latest regulation is based on a Circular Letter Number 0661. Foreigners who have attained specific visas and stay permits are now eligible to enter Indonesia, however, certain conditions and requirements remain. Indonesia’s visa processes have been reopened for Offshore Visa applications (i.e.: overseas applications) but to be extended four times maximum to the length of 150 days.
Foreigners who need to travel to Indonesia for the following reasons can now apply for a Visit Visa: Emergency and Urgent work, Business meetings, Skills tests, Humanitarian reasons (e.g.: visiting/accompanying family members traveling for medical purposes).
Limited Stay Visa (KITAS) such as Working KITAS, Investment KITAS, Retirement KITAS, & Family/Dependent KITAS are open for offshore applications as well.
IMMIGRATION SERVICES
https://www.cekindo.com/services/immigration-services-indonesia
Avoid tiresome paperwork and visa application process in Indonesia. Indonesia is known for its hard-and-fast rules when it comes to welcoming foreigners. You need the correct visa type to stay or work legally in the country.
PT. Cekindo Business International
Head Office (Jakarta)AXA Tower 36th floor
Kuningan City, Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 18, Kuningan
Jakarta Selatan 12940, Indonesia
+62 21 5010 1510 (Call) or +62813 3355 7116 (Whatsapp )
[email protected]
Skype: cekindo
www.cekindo.com
Having been in the industry for almost ten years, Cekindo is the trusted counsellor, advisor and business partner to many business leaders and any-size organisations across all geographies and industries.
https://www.cekindo.com/services/immigration-services-indonesia
Avoid tiresome paperwork and visa application process in Indonesia. Indonesia is known for its hard-and-fast rules when it comes to welcoming foreigners. You need the correct visa type to stay or work legally in the country.
PT. Cekindo Business International
Head Office (Jakarta)AXA Tower 36th floor
Kuningan City, Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 18, Kuningan
Jakarta Selatan 12940, Indonesia
+62 21 5010 1510 (Call) or +62813 3355 7116 (Whatsapp )
[email protected]
Skype: cekindo
www.cekindo.com
Having been in the industry for almost ten years, Cekindo is the trusted counsellor, advisor and business partner to many business leaders and any-size organisations across all geographies and industries.
