Greetings to all our cherished international friends making Indonesia your temporary home! Just a heads-up from friendly immigration office, that extending your stay permit now comes with a personal invitation for a face-to-face, ‘how do you do?’ kind of meeting. So, what do you need to prepare to ‘RSVP’ this invite? Let’s get you ready!
Damage Control Measure
As of May 29, 2025, Indonesia has implemented a significant change to its immigration regulations, now requiring all foreign nationals seeking to extend their stay permits to report in person to an immigration office. This new policy, outlined in Circular Letter No. IMI-417.GR.01.01/2025, marks a departure from previous, more flexible online or proxy-based extension procedures.
The Directorate General of Immigration has stated that this measure aims to curb the misuse of stay permits, maintain orderly immigration administration, and enhance the supervision of foreign nationals and their guarantors in Indonesia.
Yuldi Yusman as Acting Director General of Immigration emphasized that the policy serves as a damage control measure.
“These adjustments to residence permit extension procedures were designed based on a thorough evaluation by the Directorate General of Immigration. We found that permit violations and guarantors neglecting their responsibilities remain high,” Yuldi stated in a written announcement published on the official Immigration website on May 28, 2025.
Read More : Stay Out of Trouble: How to Work Legally in Indonesia (KITAS Guide)
Significant Increase of Violations
Yuldi Yusman highlighted the issue of permit violations through a foreign investment operation conducted in collaboration with Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board during the first quarter of 2025.
He cited findings from the Directorate General of Immigration, which identified 546 foreign nationals suspected of misusing their stay permits. Additionally, authorities also found 215 foreign-invested companies, some allegedly fraudulent and others facing serious issues, that had their business licenses revoked by the Investment Coordinating Board.
In 2025, immigration-related administrative law enforcement saw a significant increase of 36.71%. Between January and April 2024, authorities handled cases involving 1,610 foreign nationals, while in the same period in 2025, that number rose to 2,201.
What Does This New Rule Mean?
Under the new rule, foreign nationals in Indonesia, including those holding Limited Stay Permits (KITAS), short-term Visit Stay Permits, and even those who entered on a Visa on Arrival (VoA), must now undertake the following steps for an extension:
1. Online Application and Document Upload: Before visiting the immigration office, foreign nationals must still register their stay permit application and upload all required documents online via the official e-Visa website: evisa.imigrasi.go.id .
2. In-Person Appearance: This is the crucial new step. Applicants are now required to visit a local immigration office in person.
3. Photo Capture and Interview: During the in-person visit, foreigners will undergo a photo capture and an interview process with immigration officers.
Read More : Guide to Calling Visa Indonesia for Restricted Nations
Prepare for Your Visit
Now you know about this new way to extend your stay permit, you might be wondering how to make your visit to the immigration office as smooth as possible.
A little preparation really helps things go well. These simple tips are here to guide you, making sure your time at the immigration office is stress-free and that your permit extension is a success.
➡️ Earlier Application: It is highly recommended to initiate the extension process well in advance of the current stay permit’s expiration date, to account for potentially longer processing times due to the new in-person requirement.
➡️ Accurate Information: Foreign nationals are urged to provide accurate and truthful information during interviews to avoid future complications.
➡️ Required Documents: Prepare all necessary documents, which typically include a valid passport, a copy of the existing stay permit, a sponsorship letter, proof of financial statement, proof of accommodation, and a departure flight itinerary.
➡️ Vulnerable Groups: Exceptions for direct walk-in application registration, document submission, and payment, along with photo and interview, are available for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and those in urgent conditions.
➡️ Local Immigration Office: Ensure you visit the correct immigration office based on your residential address in Indonesia.
Your Trusted Partner for a Seamless Stay
Indonesia’s updated policy really shows its dedication to strong immigration oversight, ensuring every foreign national’s stay is legal and organized. While getting familiar with these new rules is wise, seeking support from immigration experts can truly make your extension process much easier.
Consider partnering with Seven Stones Indonesia. We’re your trusted local expert, always fully updated on the latest immigration rules, making sure your time here remains legal and wonderfully simple. Get in touch with our immigration team today to ensure your legal presence in this country is perfectly managed.
Sources: Imigrasi.go.id
Feat Image: via RRI
