Indonesia’s bold, dynamic culture make the country a popular destination for expatriates. However, the process of obtaining the permits required to live and work in Indonesia legally can be complex, which might be a deterrent for some workers.
Indonesia no longer requires an Izin Memperkerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing (IMTA), a permit that was required for companies to hire international employees.
Types of work visas in Indonesia
Like most countries, Indonesia has a variety of visas available for international employees who wish to visit. There are two kinds of visas for individuals who plan to work in Indonesia:
- Izin Tinggal Terbatas (ITAS): A limited-stay permit, the ITAS may be issued to international employees through a local immigration office by the Indonesia Directorate General of Immigration. Before an individual can get an ITAS, they will also need to get a Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas (VITAS), which is an Indonesian limited-stay permit.
- Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap (KITAP): A permanent-stay permit, KITAP may be issued to international workers who have held an ITAS for at least 3 consecutive years.
Requirements to obtain Indonesia work visas
The employer and the employee will both need to submit numerous documents throughout the work visa application process.
Employers must provide:
- A completed visa application form
- A business license
- Their NPWP number for tax identification
- A business license issued by the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)
- A copy of the sponsor’s ID card (KTP)
- A copy of a local employee’s KTP
- Mandatory Manpower (Wajib Lapor) report
- Business Identification Number (NIB)
- Certain documents within the application must have the letterhead of the company and a company stamp
- Certificate of Company Domicile (SKDP)
- The company’s deed establishment, authorized by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights
The documents to be provided by the employee include:
- A copy of their passport, which must be valid for a minimum of 18 months
- Proof of health insurance
- Passport photos in color
- A copy of the employee’s highest degree of education, which must be stamped and signed by the employer
- A copy of the applicant’s CV, which should also be stamped and signed
- A work certificate that shows the applicant has at least 5 years of relevant experience
As of June 2023, Indonesia’s government is no longer issuing e-Visas to foreign nationals currently residing in Indonesia. Once an individual’s residence permit expires, they must leave the country. However, those with a valid e-Visa may still apply for an ITAS.
Application process
In Indonesia, it is the employer’s responsibility to apply for an ITAS on behalf of prospective employees.
The employer begins the process by applying for a VITAS. Before doing so, they will need formal government approval. The employer must also apply for an Expatriate Placement Plan, issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. This plan is referred to as a Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing (RPTKA).
Next, the employer can apply for the employee’s limited-stay visa and permit. The VITAS is granted upon the authorization of the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta. A common application can be submitted for the VITAS and the work permit, the ITAS. This application can be submitted at an Indonesian consulate or embassy.
The ITAS and VITAS will be available within 3 working days if the application is approved. The employee may then travel to Indonesia. Upon arrival, the employee should present their letter of approval for the ITAS to the immigration authorities. The authorities will then issue the ITAS.
Other important considerations
All visas in Indonesia must be sponsored by a locally licensed and incorporated entity in Indonesia. Companies without an established presence in Indonesia will be unable to sponsor employees.
It’s also important to consider that some employees will most likely be bringing family members along when they move to Indonesia. After the employee’s work permit has been authorized, the VITAS is extended to include the worker’s spouse and any children or legal dependents.
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At this moment, G-P does not offer support in the processing of work visas or permits in this particular location. For any other inquiries, contact us today.