Introduction
KITAS is an acronym for Kartu Izin Tinggal Sementara or Temporary Residency Permit Card and it is commonly mistaken for the Indonesian work permit. Whilst it is true that all types of KITAS will allow you to stay in Indonesia for a certain period of time, they do not allow you to work or do business in the country. You will still have to apply for a work permit if you plan to work in Indonesia.
Indonesia is very strict with its immigration policies, especially in Bali, where it accounts for more than half of the foreigners living in Indonesia. Failure to abide by the Immigration laws and regulations will result in a fine, termination of one’s stay/work permit, and often deportation. In this article, we will discuss the different types of KITAS available for foreigners and some of the most important points regarding work and stay permits in Indonesia.
Types of KITAS:
Investor Visa for Foreign Investors
If you plan to invest and incorporate a company in Indonesia, you will be eligible to apply for an Investor KITAS. One of the advantages of obtaining this type of visa is that an Investor KITAS holder does not require a company sponsorship to be able to work in Indonesia and therefore does not need to apply for a work permit anymore.
You can apply for Investor KITAS once your company has been incorporated. The visa is valid for two years and is extendable for a maximum of 5 years. Once you have reached this threshold, you will be eligible to apply for a permanent residency or KITAP.
Work Permit Visa for Foreign Employees
This type of KITAS can only be obtained if you have a sponsoring company registered in Indonesia. PT PMDN, PT PMA, and Representative Offices are eligible to sponsor foreign employees. Note that not all positions can be held by foreign workers. Based on the Minister of Manpower Decree (Kepmenakertrans) No 40/2012, there are nineteen positions that foreign workers are prohibited from holding, namely:
| Job positions foreign employees are not allowed to hold | |
|---|---|
| Personnel Director | Personnel Specialist |
| Industrial Relation Manager | Career Advisor |
| Human Resource Manager | Job Advisor |
| Personnel Development Supervisor | Job Advisor and Counseling |
| Personnel Recruitment Supervisor | Employee Mediator |
| Personnel Placement Supervisor | Job Training Administrator |
| Employee Career Development Supervisor | Job Interviewer |
| Personnel Declare Administrator | Job Analyst |
| Chief Executive Officer | Occupational Safety Specialist |
| Personnel and Careers Specialist | |
There are other requirements that need to be fulfilled. For example, you must be earning at least USD 1,500 per month and you must be at least 25 years of age but not older than 50 years old. You must also have at least 5 years of professional experience related to the field of job you will be doing in Indonesia.
Before obtaining a Work Permit KITAS, your sponsoring company will need to get an IMTA or permit to employ foreign workers from the Ministry of Manpower. The sponsoring company is legally responsible for the applicant. The Work Permit KITAS is typically valid for one year and can be extended for up to 5 years. Unlike Investor KITAS, Work Permit KITAS cannot be converted into a permanent residency or KITAP.
Retirement visa for foreign retirees
The retirement KITAS is not applicable to business owners or entrepreneurs. You must be at least 55 years of age to be eligible for this type of KITAS and a citizen of one of the following 53 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
Note that the retirement KITAS is extendable for up to 5 years.
Dependant Visa
If you are a KITAS holder, you may sponsor your spouse and children under the age of 17 to come and live with you in Indonesia under the dependant KITAS program. A dependant KITAS does not allow the holder to work or run a business during their stay but it does allow them to reside in the country. The period of validity follows that of the primary KITAS holder and is extendable for up to 5 years.
Spouse Visa
If you are married to an Indonesian national, you are eligible for a Spouse KITAS that will allow you to stay in Indonesia. Similar to the dependant KITAS, you are not allowed to work or conduct business during your stay under this visa, however after 4 years you will be eligible to apply for a permanent residency or KITAP.
Conclusion
Applying for a work and stay permit in Indonesia is a fairly straightforward process if you have all of the requirements in order and work with trusted consultants. Permitindo has years of experience in helping foreigners obtain their work and stay permits in Indonesia. Do not hesitate to contact us at anita@permitindo.com or fill out the form below. Our team will get in touch with you shortly after.
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