Indonesia Work Visa - Definitive Guide

If you are a student who is looking for a job after the completion of your course or an existing employee looking to switch location or any other purpose that involved working in Indonesia, you will need to issue a work visa for Indonesia. This visa is generally a multiple-entry visa. Also termed as Indonesia work permit, it is categorized into two types - 

• Indonesia Work Permit: ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas)

An ITAS is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration. It can be obtained from the local immigration office. Although, before issuing an ITAS, it is mandatory first acquire a VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas), it is a limited stay permit granted to applicants willing to work or be a resident of Indonesia.

• Indonesia Work Permit: KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap)

A KITAP is a permanent stay permit that is granted to the foreign employees who have been holders of ITAS for three consecutive years. This allows a permanent residency and confirmed job to the candidates.

The process to apply to issue a work visa for Indonesia is mainly offline and can be applied to the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate. However, before going ahead with the application, it is important that you go through the eligibility criteria. You need to meet these criteria to be able to acquire this work permit. The procedure for both types of permits is different. They are given as follows:

1. You can start by downloading the application form.
2. Choose the visa type that you require.
3. Fill out the visa application form and other documents.
4. You can then collect the required documents.
5. Submit the documents to the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate.
6. Wait until you get your documents approved from the Directorate General of Immigration.
7. After approval, you will be informed about other requirements if needed.
8. You can then pay the fee and the processing will begin.

At the time of filling out the form, it is important that you provide correct and accurate information. The details must match the details on the documentary proof of the same. If there is any information that cannot be verified by the authorities, there are chances that your application may get rejected. Such a visa rejection can affect your future visa applications. Therefore, it is safer to employ professional visa agency.

There are certain criteria that you need to follow in order to be able to apply for the issuance of a work visa for Indonesia. The necessary requirements are listed as follows:

• You must meet the health requirements
• You must be healthy enough to travel to Indonesia.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Indonesia.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds

• You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Indonesia.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.
• You must have confirmed employment in Indonesia

• You need to have a job and a letter from the organisation confirming your employment to be able to apply for the Indonesia work permit.

As per the type of the permit, the requirements may differ as well. The common Indonesia work visa requirements are listed as follows:

• Original passport with validity at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel
• Completely filled visa application form
• Two photos as per the photo specifications
• Cover letter from the hiring company
• Proof of identification and nationality - PAN card, Adhaar card
• Proof of confirmed travel dates - One way air ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Indonesia - Letter of remittance, income tax returns, bank statement
• Proof of accommodation - rent agreement, etc.

• Two copies must be provided
• Photo size: 50mm x 50 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• A gap of 2mm to 6mm must be kept between the top of the head and the frame.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required for the issuance of a work visa for Indonesia is about 2 months. The time will still vary depending on certain factors like the workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others. The time increases and decreases affected by these parameters.

The fee for an Indonesia work visa is estimated based on several parameters and it will vary as per the type of visa too. It is to be paid to the embassy or the agency through which you are getting it issued. There are several factors that affect the cost of the visa. These include the number of entries required, the purpose of the visit, the service charges and others.

After the submission of the visa application form and the supporting documents, -

• If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
• If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
• You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime. 
• If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application.
• The visa fee is generally not refundable.

The status of your Indonesia work permit can be checked offline by contacting the embassy. If you have applied through a professional agency, you can check the status online by visiting their website for the tracking of your permit.

When the processing is complete, you will receive your work visa for Indonesia. When you have the permit, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. Some of the pointers are given as follows:

• Before you travel

• Note the visa expiry date as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Indonesia within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border
• Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Indonesia

• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of activities that are not permitted to a non-Indonesian resident. You may get into trouble otherwise.
• You can work as well as tour the country on this permit.
• You can later invite and sponsor your family to the country as well.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.