To live and work legally in Indonesia, foreigners need a special type of residence permit known as KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas). This is more than just a visa — it's a temporary stay permit granted with the involvement of a local sponsor company. KITAS is especially relevant for professionals, top managers, IT experts, educators, and anyone who wants not only to live in Indonesia but also to work or run a business legally.
This article is a detailed guide to the Working KITAS: who is eligible, what documents are required, how the process works, and what common pitfalls to avoid.
We’ll also share practical tips for a smooth application process and explain how the Good Luck Group team helps clients avoid costly mistakes.
KITAS is a limited-term residence permit that allows you to:
✓ Stay legally in Indonesia for 6 to 24 months;
✓ Work or manage a company;
✓ Obtain a tax number (NPWP), open a bank account, rent property;
✓ Apply for family visas;
✓ Extend your stay and eventually apply for long-term residency (ITAS, ITAP).
For yoga teachers, studio owners, marketers, and consultants living on the island, KITAS is the only legal way to work and escape the grey zone. This is particularly important for digital nomads in Bali, where informal employment is widespread but increasingly monitored by immigration authorities.
A Working KITAS is issued under two main conditions:
1. You have a job offer from an Indonesian company registered as a PT or PT PMA;
2. Your specialization is recognized by law, and the company is willing to act as your sponsor.
There are several types of KITAS, but this article focuses on the Working KITAS (employment-based), not investment or family-based permits.
• Age 25+ (in some sectors — 30+);
• A diploma and at least 5 years of relevant work experience;
• No entry bans or deportations from ASEAN countries;
• Ready to submit: education documents, resume, photos, and certificates;
• English or Indonesian proficiency is preferred but not always mandatory.
Your position must not duplicate a role that can be filled by a local citizen.
Permitted roles include: IT architect, consultant, senior engineer, teacher, marketing director.
Not allowed: cashier, secretary, warehouse manager, etc.
• Registered company with an NIB (Business Identification Number);
• Valid tax reports and corporate NPWP;
• BPJS TK contributions paid (social security for workers);
• Local staff employed according to the 1:3 or 1:5 ratio (foreign to local);
• Ability to pay the DKPTKA fee ($100/month per foreign employee).
Important note: the company must apply for a RPTKA (foreign manpower placement plan) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
From the employee (foreigner):
• Scanned passport (valid for at least 18 months);
• Diploma (in English or with notarized translation);
• Resume (CV) with relevant experience;
• Digital photos (3×4 and 4×6);
• Motivation letter (in some cases);
• Address and contact information.
From the company:
• Founding documents (Akta, SK Kemenkumham);
• NIB and corporate tax number;
• Bank statement with recent transactions;
• Manpower plan and employment contract;
• Letter explaining the need for a foreign hire;
• Licenses (depending on the business sector).
1. RPTKA approval (manpower placement plan)
The company submits the application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) with job details, contract period, justification, and candidate data.
Timeline: 5–10 business days.
2. DKPTKA fee payment
Once RPTKA is approved, the company pays the mandatory fee — $1,200/year ($100/month). This fee is paid by the sponsor company.
3. IMTA Issuance (work permit)
An electronic document confirming the foreigner’s right to work for a specific company.
Timeline: 3–5 days.
4. E-visa application (Visa 312)
Based on IMTA, the applicant receives an electronic visa for entry. It is emailed directly and used for travel to Indonesia.
5. Entry & immigration registration
Within 7 days of arrival, the foreigner must register at the local immigration office, provide photos and fingerprints.
6. E-KITAS and ITAS issuance
After final verification, the applicant receives an electronic KITAS, which can be stored in the M-Paspor mobile app.
• Work with a company that has experience hiring foreigners
This speeds up RPTKA and reduces rejection risk.
• Don’t delay document preparation.
KITAS takes at least 4 weeks, and you can’t work without it.
• Check if your profession is eligible.
Each sector may have its own list of approved foreign roles.
• Prepare your documents early
Diploma, resume, photos, translations — all are required.
• Keep digital copies of all stages.
Your visa, IMTA, and KITAS are electronic — losing them may cause issues.
• Be aware of regional differences.
Bali, Jakarta, and Bandung may have different processing practices.
Getting a Working KITAS is not just a formality — it’s a strategic step toward long-term employment, business operations, and legal integration in Indonesia.
Starting from 2025, the Indonesian government is tightening control over foreign work activities, making “working on a tourist visa” a serious risk.
If you're planning to grow your career or business in Indonesia, it’s wise to handle visa legalization professionally. The team at Good Luck Group is here to help you obtain your KITAS, prepare the required documents, communicate with ministries, and avoid costly mistakes.
