Guide About KITAS in Indonesia

KITAS stands for “Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas,” which is an Indonesian limited stay permit. It is issued to foreign nationals who are working, studying, conducting research, or engaging in other activities in Indonesia. To obtain a KITAS, an applicant must have a sponsor, typically their employer or educational institution, and complete the required documentation and process through the Indonesian immigration authorities. The KITAS is valid for a specific period of time, usually one year, and is renewable. It grants the holder the right to live and work in Indonesia for the duration of the permit.

Types of Indonesian Residence Permits

In Indonesia, there are several types of residence permits, each with its specific purpose and requirements. The following are some of the most common types of residence permits in Indonesia:

1. Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS)

A temporary stay permit is issued to foreign nationals who intend to stay in Indonesia for a longer period, such as for work or study purposes. This permit is valid for a maximum of two years and can be extended up to five times.

2. Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP)

A permanent stay permit is issued to foreign nationals who have been living in Indonesia for a certain period and wish to stay in the country indefinitely. This permit is valid for five years and can be extended for an additional five years.

3. Limited Stay Visa (VITAS)

A limited stay visa is issued to foreign nationals who intend to stay in Indonesia for a short period, typically up to six months, for activities such as business, family visit, or attending conferences or workshops.

4. Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit (MERP)

A multiple exit re-entry permit is issued to foreign nationals who hold a temporary stay permit and need to travel outside Indonesia while still maintaining their residence status.

5. Work Permit (IMTA)

A work permit is required for foreign nationals who wish to work in Indonesia. The work permit is issued by the Ministry of Manpower and is tied to the employer and the specific job position.

6. Investor Permit

This permit is issued to foreign nationals who invest in Indonesia and wish to stay in the country to manage their business operations.

Note that the process and requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Indonesia can be complex and vary depending on the type of permit and the individual circumstances. It’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate for more information.

Types of KITAS in Indonesia

In Indonesia, there are several types of Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) depending on the purpose of the foreign national’s stay. Some of the most common types of KITAS include:

1. Work KITAS (KITAS Kerja)

This type of KITAS is issued to foreign nationals who will be working for a company or organization in Indonesia.

2. Investment KITAS (KITAS Investor)

This type of KITAS is issued to foreign nationals who have invested in a company or business in Indonesia.

3. Study KITAS (KITAS Belajar)

This type of KITAS is issued to foreign nationals who will be studying in a formal education institution in Indonesia.

4. Dependent KITAS (KITAS Ikut)

This type of KITAS is issued to spouses, children, or parents of foreign nationals who hold a valid KITAS.

5. Research KITAS (KITAS Penelitian)

This type of KITAS is issued to foreign nationals who will be conducting research in Indonesia.

6. Training KITAS (KITAS Pelatihan)

This type of KITAS is issued to foreign nationals who will be undergoing training in a company or organization in Indonesia.

The requirements for obtaining a KITAS in Indonesia vary depending on the type of KITAS, and the process can be complex. It is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate for more information.

Documents Required for a KITAS in Indonesia

The documents required to apply for a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) in Indonesia can vary depending on the specific type of KITAS and the applicant’s individual circumstances. However, the following are some of the typical documents that may be required:

Passport: A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of arrival in Indonesia.

Photographs: Passport-sized color photographs with a white background.

Application form: A completed application form for the specific type of KITAS being applied for.
Sponsor letter: A letter from the sponsor, which can be an employer, a university, or a business partner in Indonesia.
Health certificate: A health certificate issued by a recognized medical institution in the applicant’s home country, stating that the applicant is in good health and free from any contagious diseases.
Police clearance certificate: A police clearance certificate issued by the applicant’s home country or the country where the applicant has been residing for the past six months.
Academic certificate: If applying for a study KITAS, the applicant must provide academic certificates and transcripts from their previous educational institutions.
Work experience certificate: If applying for a work KITAS, the applicant must provide a work experience certificate from their previous employer.
Bank statement: Proof of financial means, such as a bank statement, to show that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Indonesia.

Note that the specific documents required can vary depending on the applicant’s individual situation and the type of KITAS being applied for. It is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate for more information.

How to Apply for a KITAS?

To apply for a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) in Indonesia, the following general steps can be taken:

Obtain a sponsor: The applicant must first obtain a sponsor in Indonesia, which can be an employer, university, or business partner.
Prepare the required documents: As previously mentioned, the applicant must gather all the required documents for the specific type of KITAS being applied for.
Submit the application: The applicant can submit their application at the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate in their home country or through the online system of the Directorate General of Immigration in Indonesia.
Complete the biometrics and photo: The applicant must complete the biometric and photo session once the application is submitted.
Wait for approval: The processing time for KITAS can vary depending on the type of KITAS and the immigration office handling the application. It typically takes between 2-4 weeks to process.
Collect the KITAS: Once the KITAS is approved, the applicant can collect it from the immigration office in Indonesia.

Note that the process and requirements for obtaining a KITAS in Indonesia can be complex, and it’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate for more information. Additionally, the Indonesian immigration regulations are subject to change, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest requirements and procedures.

How to Apply for KITAS Online?

To apply for a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) online in Indonesia, follow these steps:

Visit the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration in Indonesia: Go to the website https://izintinggal-online.imigrasi.go.id and create an account.
Fill in the application form: Once you’ve created an account, you can fill in the KITAS application form online. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information, and attach all the required documents in the prescribed format.
Pay the fees: After filling the application form, you’ll be prompted to pay the application fees online. You can use a credit card, debit card, or other online payment methods to complete the payment.
Complete the biometrics and photo: After the payment, you’ll be required to complete the biometric and photo session at the designated Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
Wait for approval: After you’ve submitted your application and completed the biometric and photo session, the Indonesian immigration authorities will review your application. The processing time can vary depending on the type of KITAS and the immigration office handling the application.
Collect the KITAS: Once the KITAS is approved, you can collect it from the immigration office in Indonesia.

KITAS Application Processing Time

The processing time for a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) application in Indonesia can vary depending on several factors, including the type of KITAS and the immigration office handling the application. However, as a general guideline, the processing time for KITAS can take between 2-4 weeks.

It’s important to note that the processing time for KITAS can be affected by various factors, such as the completeness of the application, the complexity of the case, and the workload of the immigration office. In some cases, the processing time may be longer if additional documents or information are required or if the application requires additional review.

To minimize processing delays, applicants should ensure that their application is complete and accurate, and that all required documents are submitted in the prescribed format. It’s also recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate for guidance on the application process and requirements.

What is the Duration of a KITAS for Indonesia?

The duration of a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) in Indonesia can vary depending on the type of KITAS and the purpose of the stay. Generally, the validity period of KITAS ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

For example, a KITAS for employment purposes is usually valid for 1 year and can be extended for a maximum of 2 years. Meanwhile, a KITAS for study purposes is usually valid for the duration of the course or program of study.

It’s important to note that the KITAS must be renewed before the expiration date to maintain the legal status of the stay in Indonesia. The renewal process usually involves submitting a new application and required documents to the immigration authorities in Indonesia.

It’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate for more information on the specific duration and renewal process for the type of KITAS being applied for.

Can You Extend an Indonesian KITAS?

Yes, it is possible to extend a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) in Indonesia. To extend a KITAS, the applicant must submit an application for an extension to the immigration authorities in Indonesia before the expiration of the current KITAS.

The application for extension must include all the required documents, including a valid passport, valid visa, and evidence of financial support, such as a bank statement. The processing time for the extension can vary depending on the type of KITAS and the workload of the immigration office, but it usually takes around 2-4 weeks.

It’s important to note that an extension of the KITAS does not automatically extend the validity of the work permit, if applicable. If the KITAS is associated with a work permit, the work permit must also be extended before it expires to avoid any legal issues.

It’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate for guidance on the extension process and requirements. It’s also recommended to start the extension process well before the expiration of the current KITAS to avoid any disruptions in the legal status of the stay in Indonesia.

Indonesia KITAP

Can I Work With an Indonesian KITAS?

Yes, it is possible to work with a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) in Indonesia, as long as the KITAS specifically states that the holder is authorized to work. The KITAS with work authorization is usually issued for employment purposes and is valid for one year, which can be extended for a maximum of two years.

To work in Indonesia, the employer must apply for a work permit (IMTA) on behalf of the foreign worker, in addition to the KITAS. The IMTA is issued by the Ministry of Manpower and serves as a permit to work in Indonesia. The IMTA specifies the employer, position, and duration of the employment.

It’s important to note that working without the appropriate KITAS and IMTA is illegal in Indonesia and can result in deportation, fines, or even imprisonment. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that all the necessary permits and authorizations are obtained before starting work in Indonesia.

It’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate for more information on the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a KITAS and IMTA for work purposes in Indonesia.