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If you are planning to move to Indonesia and play a role in that developing economy, you will need a type of Work permit. KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas), which translates to “Residence Permit Card for a limited stay,” allows applicants to stay and work in Indonesia for up to 12 months. However, this period can be extended under some circumstances.

Types of Indonesian Residence Permits

A KITAS permit is essential for people who apply for an Indonesia:

  • Work visa
  • Retirement visa
  • Student Visa
  • Spouse/family visa
  • Other long-term visas
What is Indonesia KITAS

An applicant must receive a specific KITAS based on the reason they have to live in Indonesia. For example, for a work visa, the presence of a sponsor (employer) is crucial since the majority of the application process takes place in Indonesia, and a sponsor must help the employee with their application.

There are two documents called VITAS and ITAS that an applicant must receive before receiving a KITAS. Many applicants find these names confusing. Here is a simple logical difference between VITAS and ITAS.

VITAS

“Limited Stay Permit Visa” or VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a permit applicants receive before traveling to Indonesia. The applicants must receive The VITAS from the Indonesian Embassy when the Indonesian Immigration Department approves it.

ITAS

“Temporary Stay Permit” or ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is the immigration status. Applicants need to visit Indonesian Immigration Offices every year because immigration officers need to stamp their passports to show that they have a temporary stay residence status.

First, applicants must be given their ITAS by Indonesian Immigration. Then, they can receive a KITAS, which is the “Temporary Stay Permit Card.” In other words, KITAS is just an ID card that shows applicants have temporary immigration status or ITAS.

How to Apply for a KITAS?

When applicants arrive in Indonesia, they have 30 days to apply for a KITAS using a VITAS. It is important to remember that VITAS is the entry visa for Indonesia. Applicants have to submit their applications at an Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia to receive a VITAS. The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration (Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi abbreviated Imigrasi) Is the government agency that accepts ITAS/KITAS applications.

Can You Apply for KITAS Online?

Yes. Applying online has simple steps. Applicant needs to:

  1. Visit the izintinggal-online website (The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration official website)
  2. Select the English language (if required)
  3. Select “Temporary Stay Permit.”
  4. Follow website instructions and choose options.

This process needs the VITAS Authorization Number. Applying for KITAS is not entirely online. Applicants still have to go to the Immigration Offices to receive the ITAS Stamp (on their passport) and pay the required fee. Next, applicants have to visit the local police department in order to get the  STM letter (Police Report Letter). After that, applicants need an SKPPS (Certificate of Registration for Temporary Resident). Finally, they can receive it by visiting the local municipality’s population office and registering at this place.

What are KITAS Requirements?

Based on the type of Indonesian visa or KITAS, different documents are required. The general documents are:

  • A valid passport and a copy of it (the copy must be colored)
  • A piece of evidence of financial stability
  • Two colored pictures (need to be passport-size)

Here are specific documents for each type of KITAS:

Work KITAS

  • A copy of the applicant’s resume (colored) with the company’s stamp. The company director must sign over the stamp.
  • A copy of the RPTKA
  • A copy of the applicant’s educational/university certificates (colored). Applicants can use the highest level of their academic degree as well.
  • A certificate that shows the applicant has job-related work experience (at least five years).
  • An insurance policy certificate from an Indonesian insurance company
  • Documents from the employer like:
    • Tax identification number or NPWP
    • Business license or SIUP
    • Capital Registration Licence or SPPMA (from the BKPM)

Spouse/Family KITAS

Applicants need some documents related to their Indonesian spouse like:

  • ID Card and Family Card
  • Birth certificate
  • Bank Statement
  • Birth certificate (it is for dependent children)

Retirement KITAS

  • A statement from the Pension Fund proving the applicant’s financial stability. A bank statement is valid as well
  • Evidence of a living place in Indonesia
  • A statement that shows the applicant intends to hire an Indonesian worker or driver for aiding purposes
  • A statement that shows the applicant is not willing to work in Indonesia

Student KITAS

  • Copy of the Letter of Invitation or Acceptance ( must be from an Indonesian educational institution)
  • Applicant’s academic reports and certificates
  • Evidence of financial accountability from applicants:
    • Parents
    •  Legal guardians
    • Sponsor

Note: These required documents are not complete due to the fact that they change the request of the Immigration officers and new immigration laws.

How Long is a KITAS Application Process?

Applying for the KITAS is not a long process. However, the overall process of receiving a KITAS can take several weeks. For example:

  • A work KITAS application takes six weeks to ten weeks (because of more required paperwork)
  • A spouse-sponsored KITAS takes a month
  • A retirement KITAS takes about ten business days

What is Indonesia KITAP?

KITAP is a permanent stay permit for five years. Therefore, if a foreigner manages to live in Indonesia for a few years using a KITAS, they are eligible to apply for a KITAP.

KITAP gives benefits similar to Indonesian citizens. For example, the ability to open a bank account, get a loan, and get a driving license (valuable for five years).

Let’s sum up…

Receiving a KITAS is essential for a foreigner who wants to move and stay in Indonesia for work, study, or other purposes. The KITAS processing steps and time can be different based on the type of visa.

The article explained the requirements for a KITAS, the application process, and answered FAQs.

To find out about other types of Indonesian visa, go through the left sidebar. You can also find out about other countries’ visas by visiting the top menu.

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