How to Apply for an Indonesian Work Visa?

There are several steps in order to obtain an Indonesia work visa (assuming that an applicant has already found a job):

Expatriate Placement Plan

The employer has to seek approval from the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. Then, typically, the employer has to explain why they are hiring a foreigner instead of an Indonesian citizen.

This approval is called RPTKA (Rencana Penempatan Tenaga Kerja Asing, which translates to “Expatriate Placement Plan”).

Applying for a work permit

The employer has to submit a request for an Indonesian work permit to the Ministry of Manpower. The employees must send their documents for the application in advance. These documents include work and education certificates, passport copies, etc. This work permit is called IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing, which translates to “Permission to Employ Foreign Workers”.)

Receiving VITAS

The employer has to get a Temporary Indonesia Work Visa at the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).

This temporary work visa is called VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas, which translates to ” Limited Stay Visa “).

The Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) proceeds by sending a Recommendation Letter to the Indonesian Immigration Department.

Applying for a work visa

The employee has to submit an application for an Indonesian work visa (VITAS) to an Indonesian Embassy. In addition, copies of the RPTKA and IMTA must be submitted as well.

When the employee lands in Indonesia with an Indonesia work visa, the Immigration Department will issue the employee’s ITAS. The ITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) permit gives clearance to the employee to live and work in Indonesia for up to a year.

Applying for KITAS and Foreign Workers Work Permit

After the Immigration Department has issued the VITAS, the employee has to make an appointment at an Immigration Office and submit an application for Indonesia KITAS.

The employee must go to a police station and get the police department’s STM letter (Police Report Letter).

Then, the employee must go to the local municipality’s population office and register to receive an SKPPS (Registration for Temporary Resident) certificate.

The employer has to pay the DPKK (Skill and Development Fund), then the employee must pay a visit to the Ministry of Manpower and make a request for the IKTA permit.

• The IKTA permit (Izin Kerja Tenaga Asing) translates to “Foreign Workers Work Permit.”
• The DPKK is a hundred-dollar fee (U.S. dollar) paid monthly by the employee for hiring a non-Indonesian.

There is an exception. If the employee is:

• A stakeholder (a member of the company’s board)
• A diplomatic or consular officer
• A government employee

There is no need to apply for the RPTKA.

What are Indonesia Work Visa Requirements?

Employees and employers will need to collect a number of documents to obtain an Indonesian work permit.

Documents needed for the RPTKA application

• The RPTKA registration form
• A letter from your employer explaining why they are recruiting you and what role you will play in their organization.
• Documents about the company, including the incorporation certificate, business license, and tax identification number
• The company’s organizational structure
• Annual statistics from the corporation on the number of local and overseas personnel (Wajib Lapor)
• If the firm you’ll work for deals with oil and gas, mining, or transportation, a recommendation letter from another institution/organization is required.

Documents required for IMTA application

• The RPTKA
• A photocopy of your passport
• Evidence of education and experience in your field/occupation, as well as the job you will hold
• A work experience certificate of at least five years related to the job
• A letter from you indicating that you accept to work for the Indonesian firm (for example, if you are being moved from one of the company’s branches to the Indonesian branch).
• Evidence of an insurance policy provided by an Indonesian insurer
• If you want to work in Indonesia for more than six months, you must get a National Social Security Policy (NPWP) and a Tax Identification Number (NPWP).
• Payment of the Skill and Development Fund Fee, which is $1,200/year (DPKK).
• Two color passport photos of yourself 

Documents for the KITAS application

From the company:

• A duplicate of the RPTKA
• A photocopy of their sponsor’s identification card (KTP)
• A copy of an identity card from a local employee who is already employed by the firm
• A piece of blank paper with the company’s letterhead
• The company’s stamp
• Documents related to the company, such as:
  • The tax identification number of the NPWP
  • The Commercial License (SIUP)
  • The BKPM Capital Registration Licence (SPPMA);
  • The registration letter for the corporation (TDP)
  • Annual statistics from the corporation on the number of local and overseas personnel (Wajib Lapor)
  • The company’s domicile certificate (SKTU)
  • Certificates of approval and any relevant permissions issued to the firm (SITU & HO)
  • The Department of Justice’s authorization of deed creation (Akta Notaris)

From the applicant for an Indonesia work visa:

• A photocopy of your passport in color. It must have validity for at least the next 18 months.
• A colored copy of your resume. It must contain the company’s stamp and be signed over by a corporate director.
• A color copy of your university certificate(s) or highest level of education degree. It must be translated into English or Bahasa Indonesia, and it must bear the firm’s stamp as well as the signature of a corporate director over the stamp.
• A work experience certificate of at least five years related to the job
• Evidence of an insurance policy provided by an Indonesian insurer
• Two passport-sized colored photographs

How Long Is the Indonesia Work Visa Valid?

When the process is finished and all these documents are gathered, the employee is allowed to work in Indonesia legally. The Indonesian Work Visa is valid for a limited period of time, typically between 3 months to one year.

How to Extend an Indonesia Work Visa?

Based on the job of the employee, their contract, and the verdict of the Immigration Officers, the KITAS is granted for up to one year and can be renewed before it hits its expiration. After three years of working and living with a KITAS, employees can apply for a KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit), valid for five years.

Can Family Members Come Along with Indonesia Work Visa?

Yes, the employer has to apply for your family’s visa at the Immigration Department in Indonesia at the same time. In this method, employees and their dependent family members will all receive KITAS together. However, the employee’s spouse cannot work in Indonesia unless they find an employer (sponsor) and get a separate work permit.

If you want to bring family members, you will need the following:

• Passports that are scanned in color.
• Marriage certificate for spouses and children’s birth certificate in English or Bahasa Indonesia
• Each family member should have two passport-sized pictures.

Let’s sum up…

Indonesia is likely to become one of the largest economic giants in the future. So an Indonesian work visa is an exciting opportunity to go and work in that beautiful developing country.

The article explained the requirements for an Indonesian work visa application process and answered the common questions. To find out about other types of Indonesian visas, visit the left sidebar.

Visa applicants will appreciate it if you share your experience or knowledge with visas.