Case: Hiring a Foreign Specialist in Indonesia
A client reached out to us with the following question:
“I want to work with a dive center, handle their marketing, and create 360° VR films of the Gili Islands. What visa do I need?”We analyzed his case and recommended two options:
✔ 6 months as a freelancer
✔ 1 year under a contract as a marketing specialistRead more in the article ➝ Selecting the Best Work KITAS Visa Option for the Client’s Case.
Indonesia Changes Work Visa Rules
Starting July 22, 2024, there are new rules for foreigners who want to work in Indonesia. The Indonesian government has changed the way you apply for a work visa.
- Online Application: All work visa (employee visa) applications must now be submitted through the online immigration e-visa system.
- Employer Responsibilities: Employers or sponsors of foreign workers must obtain necessary work permits from the Ministry of Manpower.
- NPWP Requirement: A valid Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP) for the company or legal entity is mandatory for work visa applications. The NPWP listed on the sponsor’s account must match the NPWP registered for the foreign worker online.
- Work Visa Requirements: The following documents are required for work visa applications:
Obtaining a Work Permit in Indonesia
Obtaining a work permit in Indonesia can be a complex process. It generally involves these key steps:
1. Employer Application:
- RPTKA (Rencana Penempatan Tenaga Kerja Asing): Your Indonesian employer must apply for an Expatriate Placement Plan from the Ministry of Manpower. This is the initial approval for hiring a foreign worker.
2. Work Permit (IMTA):
- Once the RPTKA is approved, the employer can apply for a work permit (Izin Kerja Tenaga Asing or IMTA) for you.
3. Visa and Permit:
- With the a work permit, you can get a work visa. After arriving in Indonesia, you’ll automatically receive a limited stay permit (KITAS).
Indonesian Work Visa Categories
Indonesia offers various work visa types based on specific job roles. These include expertise in management (E23B), industrial (E23C), marketing (E23D), mining (E23E), plantation (E23F), medical (E23G, E23O), financial (E23H), fishery (E23I), law (E23J), film production (E23K), education (E23L, E23P, E23Q), technical fields (E23M), education or research (E23N), arts (E23R), sports (E23S, E23T), domestic work for diplomats (E23U), chamber of commerce (E23V), and religious roles (E23W). In addition, there are visas for digital expertise (E24), executive roles (E25), offshore work (E26), and religious activities (E27). Each visa type has specific requirements and allows for particular activities in Indonesia.
You can also obtain an employment/work visa (E23), committing to obtaining a work permit within 3 months of arriving in Indonesia. But remember: you will not be able to start work until you receive a work permit.
Working in an Indonesian Special Economic Zone (SEZ)? You can get a one-year work visa (E23A). To apply, you’ll need a recommendation letter from the SEZ administrator.
Your work visa lets you live and work in Indonesia. How long you can stay depends on your job contract and work permit, which can be for 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years. The cost for a 1-year visa is around 1200 USD.
Service Prices:
- RPTKA/IMTA: 4.000.000 IDR (4 days processing)
- Working KITAS E23 (6 months): 9.350.000 IDR (7-12 working days)
- Working KITAS E23 (1 year): 11.250.000 IDR (7-12 working days)
- Working KITAS E23 (2 years): 14.450.000 IDR (7-12 working days)
Need a faster process? We offer expedited services for work visa applications.
Flado: Your Guide to Indonesian Work Permits and Visas
With thousands of satisfied clients and over 700 positive reviews, Flado is your go-to visa agency for seamless work permit and residence permit processing in Indonesia. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on your business.
Need help with your work visa? Chat with our expert now!
Benefits of a Working KITAS
- Pathway to Indonesian Citizenship: A Working KITAS can be converted into a Working KITAP for 5–10 years and eventually into an Unlimited KITAP, paving the way to Indonesian citizenship.
- Bring Your Family: Working KITAS/KITAP holders can bring their spouse, children, or parents to Indonesia. Family members can apply for a Dependent Stay Permit, which will have the same duration as the primary KITAS/KITAP.