Work KITAS Indonesia: Requirements, Validity & Process

Working KITAS (1 Year / 2 Years)

Overview of Work KITAS (Working KITAS)

The Work KITAS is a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) issued to foreign nationals employed by companies in Indonesia. It is the most common visa for foreigners who will legally work in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia, whether as skilled employees, consultants, or professionals under a valid employment contract.

This visa is tied to a sponsoring company, which applies for the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Manpower before the KITAS is granted.

Purpose

The Work KITAS is intended to allow foreigners to legally work and reside in Indonesia under a specific employer. It ensures compliance with immigration and manpower regulations.

Validity

1-Year Work KITAS – valid for 12 months.
2-Year Work KITAS – valid for 24 months.
Both can be renewed as long as the employment contract and sponsorship remain valid.

Extension Possibility

Work KITAS can be extended annually or biennially (depending on the original duration).
Maximum extension period: up to 5 consecutive years under the same company sponsorship.
After 5 years, the holder may apply for a Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP).

Applicable Activities

Holders of a Work KITAS are allowed to:

Work legally in Indonesia under the sponsoring company.
Reside in Indonesia during the employment period.
Open a local bank account, apply for a tax number (NPWP), and obtain a driver’s license.
Sponsor family members for a dependent KITAS.

⚠️ Important: Work KITAS holders may only work for the company that sponsors them. Working for another company without authorization is illegal.

Essential Documentation for Work KITAS Application

To apply for a Work KITAS, the following documents are required:

From the Foreign Employee:
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months, with 2 blank pages)
- Recent passport-style color photographs
- Proof of shareholder status (minimum IDR 10 billion investment OR 10,000 shares, depending on company structure)
- Guarantor document (Indonesian sponsor KTP or company authorization letter)
- Visit the Immigration Office to have your formal photo taken.
From the Sponsoring Company (Employer):
- Deed of Establishment (Akta Notaris) and Ministry of Law approval (SK Menkumham)
- Business Identification Number (NIB/OSS)
- Company Tax Number (NPWP)
- Manpower approval (RPTKA – Foreign Worker Utilization Plan)
- Payment of DKP-TKA (Foreign Worker Levy, USD 1,200 per year per foreign employee)

💡 Depending on nationality and Immigration Office, additional documents may be requested.

KITAS Extension Information

Work KITAS can be extended up to 5 years in total under the same sponsor.
Each extension requires updated employment contracts and company documents.
After 5 years of holding KITAS, foreigners may transition to KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) if the requirements are met.

⚠️ Overstay Warning: Overstaying a KITAS will result in fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day, and may lead to deportation or blacklisting.

Processing Time of Work KITAS

Offshore Application (before entering Indonesia):
- Standard processing: 10–15 working days
- Express service: 7–10 working days
Onshore Conversion (if already in Indonesia):
- Standard processing: 3–4 weeks
- Passport remains with Immigration during processing

💡 Best practice: Apply 2–3 weeks before your visa or permit expires to avoid overstay penalties.

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