No hidden fees. Price includes all document preparation, processing, and sponsorship.
The Temporary Stay Permit Card, known as KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas), is the Indonesian immigration document that authorizes foreign nationals to live and work legally in Indonesia. Unlike the Digital Nomad Visa, which covers remote work for foreign companies, the KITAS is for individuals employed by Indonesian-registered entities — companies, organizations, and institutions operating within the Indonesian legal framework.
The KITAS process involves two interconnected components: the work permit (IMTA — Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing) and the residence permit (KITAS itself). The work permit authorizes you to perform specific job functions for a specific employer, while the KITAS grants you the right to reside in Indonesia for the duration of your employment. Both are processed together as part of a single application flow.
Your sponsoring employer initiates the process by registering the position and demonstrating that the role requires foreign expertise that is not available in the local workforce. This is known as the RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) — the foreign worker utilization plan. The employer must also appoint Indonesian understudies who will be trained to eventually fill the position, reflecting Indonesia’s technology transfer requirements.
The total cost starts at approximately $1,200, with government fees around $700 (including the DKPTKA levy of $100/month, work permit processing, and KITAS issuance) and MVS service fees of $500. Costs vary depending on the position, the employer’s status, and the visa duration. MVS provides a detailed cost breakdown before you proceed.
Processing takes 14-30 business days from the time all documents are submitted. The timeline can vary based on the employer’s compliance status, the completeness of documentation, and current immigration processing speeds. My Visa Solution manages the entire process for both the employer and the employee, ensuring that documentation is correct, filings are timely, and the process moves as quickly as possible.
The KITAS is typically issued for 1 year and is renewable. After holding a KITAS for several consecutive years (the qualifying period depends on your visa category), you may be eligible to convert to a KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) — the permanent stay permit. MVS advises clients on the optimal path from KITAS to KITAP based on their individual circumstances.
For those who are not yet employed by an Indonesian company but are exploring opportunities, the Business Visa allows you to attend interviews, meetings, and conduct preliminary business activities while your KITAS is being arranged.
The KITAS work permit is required for any foreign national who will be employed by an Indonesian company, organization, or institution. Indonesian law is clear: if you are receiving compensation from an Indonesian entity for work performed in Indonesia, you need a KITAS. There are no exceptions for short-term or part-time work.
Common KITAS holders include expatriate managers and directors of Indonesian companies, foreign teachers and academics at international schools and universities, technical specialists and engineers in manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and construction, hospitality professionals working at hotels, resorts, and restaurants, NGO workers employed by Indonesian-registered non-profit organizations, and creative professionals employed by Indonesian media, advertising, or tech companies.
The KITAS is employer-specific. Your work permit is tied to a particular company and a particular job position. If you change employers, a new KITAS application must be filed by your new employer. If you change positions within the same company, the work permit may need to be amended.
It is also important to note that certain job categories are restricted or closed to foreign workers in Indonesia. The government maintains a positive list of positions that can be filled by foreigners, and your intended role must fall within this list. MVS can advise whether your specific position qualifies.
For foreign nationals who want to establish and manage their own company in Indonesia rather than work for someone else, the Investor Visa with a PT PMA company structure is the appropriate route. For remote workers employed by overseas companies, the Digital Nomad Visa is the correct visa, not the KITAS.
Common requirements include:
Note: Specific requirements may vary. Contact us for your personalized checklist.
No hidden fees. Price includes all document preparation, processing, and sponsorship.
From initial document submission to receiving your KITAS card, the process typically takes 14-30 business days. The timeline depends on your employer’s readiness, the completeness of documentation, and current government processing speeds. MVS works to minimize delays at every stage.
No. The KITAS is tied to a specific employer and position. If you change jobs, your current KITAS must be cancelled and your new employer must file a fresh application. MVS can manage the transition to minimize any gap in your legal work status.
The DKPTKA (Dana Kompensasi Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) is a government levy that employers must pay for each foreign worker. It is currently $100 USD per month per foreign employee. This is typically the employer’s responsibility, though some contracts may allocate it differently.
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 can apply for dependent KITAS permits tied to your employment KITAS. Dependent KITAS holders can reside in Indonesia but cannot work. MVS processes family KITAS applications alongside the primary applicant.
Your employer is obligated to report the termination of your employment to immigration, which triggers the cancellation of your KITAS. You then have a grace period (typically 30 days) to either obtain a new KITAS through another employer, switch to a different visa type, or leave Indonesia. Contact MVS immediately if your employment status changes.
Yes. After holding a KITAS for a qualifying period (typically 3-5 consecutive years, depending on your category), you may be eligible for a KITAP — the permanent stay permit valid for 5 years and renewable. The KITAP gives you more flexibility, including the ability to change employers without a new visa. MVS advises on KITAP eligibility and manages the conversion process.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our experts handle everything so you can focus on enjoying Bali.
