Acquiring a work permit for Indonesia can be difficult, as the rules change frequently. Most expats who are being transferred to Indonesia by their current company, or who have already secured a job in Indonesia before leaving home, will find that their employer undertakes most of the work permit application process on their behalf.
The process begins with the employer obtaining an approved RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing), a foreign worker utilisation plan submitted to the Ministry of Manpower, which must be in place before any visa application can proceed.
Expats will also need an ITAS (limited stay permit) to live in Indonesia. The permit’s length of validity depends on individual circumstances but typically ranges from six months to five years, and certain categories are eligible for validity of up to 10 years.
The ITAS can typically be renewed up to five times, after which a new visa must be obtained. Expats may become eligible for a KITAP (permanent stay permit) after four years for work permit holders, and two years for spouses of Indonesian nationals.
Work visas (ITAS) for Indonesia
Obtaining a work visa, or ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas), is a crucial step for expats planning to work in Indonesia. The ITAS is a temporary stay permit for foreigners and allows them to legally reside and work in the country. The employing company usually sponsors the ITAS, which is valid for one to two years and can be extended. The process can be bureaucratic and time consuming, and how easy you find the process will largely hinge on your employer.
There are different categories of ITAS based on the purpose of stay. The most common include work ITAS for those employed by an Indonesian company, investor ITAS for foreign shareholders in a registered business, family or spouse ITAS for those married to Indonesian nationals, and retirement ITAS for retirees meeting specific age and financial requirements.
The terms KITAS and ITAS are often used interchangeably in practice: ITAS refers to the permit itself, while KITAS is the physical card. Applicants should consult the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration for the current category list applicable to their circumstances.
Applying for a work permit for Indonesia
When applying for a work permit for Indonesia, it is imperative to choose the correct category to avoid any legal complications. It is not advisable for expats to just arrive in Indonesia hoping to find a job. The employer usually acts as the sponsor of the visa, and generally speaking, the company will handle the paperwork and have agents deal with the immigration office on behalf of the applicant.
The company must apply for government approval to hire a foreigner. Once the company has approval, it can apply for a work permit for its potential employee. Indonesian companies must obtain individual RPTKA approval for each foreign hire, and the Ministry of Manpower controls which positions can be filled by foreigners. Only those with specialised skills not found in the local workforce will be approved.
Useful links
Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.