Indonesia offers various visa types for foreigners looking to work, invest, or engage in business activities within the country. Some visas explicitly allow for work-related activities, while others, such as dependent or spousal visas, may allow for employment or education only after undergoing the Multiple Activity Reporting Process. This guide will cover both types of visas, providing clarity on their use and requirements.
Work-Related Visas in Indonesia
Certain visas in Indonesia directly permit employment, business activities, or working in specific sectors. Below is a list of these visas, their purpose, and what kind of work they allow:
| Index | Visa Name | Purpose & Work-Related Activities |
|---|---|---|
| E23, E24, E25, E26, E27 | Employment Visa (180 Days, 1 or 2 Years) – Working/Freelance KITAS | Employment, working activities, or freelancing in specific areas. This is the most direct and common way to legally work in Indonesia. |
| E28A | General Investment Visa (2 Years) – Investor KITAS | Allows for investment, business establishment, and working in Indonesia as a PMA shareholder. |
| E28B | Individual Investor Visa (5 or 10 Years) – Establish a Company | Enables the creation of a large company (PT PMA), allowing business and investment activities. The visa holder can carry out work-related activities such as managing the company. |
| E28C | Individual Investor Visa (5 or 10 Years) – Purchase Indonesian Government Bonds or Company Stocks | Allows large-scale investment in bonds or stocks, permitting business and work-related activities in Indonesia. |
| E28D | Corporate Investor Visa (5 or 10 Years) – Open Branches/Subsidiaries | Enables the opening of branches or subsidiaries in Indonesia, with work allowed as a Board of Directors or Board of Commissioners in established companies. |
| E28F | Corporate Investor Visa (5 or 10 Years) – Open Branches/Subsidiaries in Nusantara Capital City | Permits working as a Board of Directors or Board of Commissioners in companies established in the new capital, Nusantara. |
| E33A | Global Talent Visa by Government Invitation (5 or 10 Years) | Issued to individuals invited by the Indonesian government for business or investment purposes, allowing work-related activities. |
| E33B | Global Talent Visa for Government Collaboration (5 or 10 Years) | For individuals collaborating with the Indonesian government, this visa allows for work specifically tied to government projects. |
| E33C | Global Talent Visa by Invitation of National Government Institutions (5 or 10 Years) | Allows work in projects related to national government institutions in Indonesia. |
Summary of Work-Related Visas:
These visas allow for various work-related activities, such as employment in specific industries, business management, and corporate roles like the Board of Directors or Commissioners. Visas like the Employment Visa (E23-E27) are the most straightforward for foreigners looking to work directly in Indonesia, while others, like the Investor Visas, allow for business management and investment-related activities.
Visas Requiring the Multiple Activity Reporting Process
Some visas, such as the Spouse KITAS and Dependent KITAS, do not inherently allow for employment or education in Indonesia but can be adjusted to include such activities through the Multiple Activity Reporting Process.
What is the Multiple Activity Reporting Process?
The Multiple Activity Reporting Process is a formal procedure that allows visa holders who are not automatically permitted to work or study to legally engage in these activities after receiving approval from Indonesian Immigration. This process is required to:
- Report the additional activities (employment or education) to the Immigration Office.
- Gain formal approval to ensure compliance with visa regulations.
How Does it Work?
- Step 1: Notify the Immigration Office about your intention to engage in new activities (such as starting a job or enrolling in school).
- Step 2: Submit relevant documents (e.g., employment contracts or school enrollment letters) that confirm your participation in these activities.
- Step 3: Immigration processes the request, and upon approval, the foreigner can legally work or study.
- Step 4: The visa holder’s activities are officially recorded, ensuring compliance with Indonesian laws.
Visas Eligible for the Multiple Activity Reporting Process:
| Index | Visa Name | Purpose & Work-Related Activities |
|---|---|---|
| E31A | Spouse of Indonesian Citizen Visa (1 or 2 Years) | Allows family reunion. Employment or education-related activities can be reported using the multiple activity process to permit work or study. |
| E31C | Child of Indonesian Citizen Visa (1 or 2 Years) | Allows family reunion. Employment or education-related activities can be reported and approved. |
| E31D | Stepchild of Indonesian Citizen Visa (1 or 2 Years) | Allows attending education once reported and approved by Immigration. |
| E31F | Legally Adopted Child of Indonesian Citizen Visa (1 or 2 Years) | Allows attending education once reported and approved by Immigration. |
| E31G | Parent of Indonesian Citizen Visa (1 or 2 Years) | Allows attending education once reported and approved by Immigration. |
Importance of the Multiple Activity Reporting Process
This process is critical because it ensures that foreigners with visas not initially designed for work or study can still legally participate in these activities after reporting to the Immigration Office. Engaging in such activities without reporting can result in fines, visa cancellations, deportation, or blacklisting from Indonesia.
Documentation Required:
- For Employment: Employment contract, job description, or a letter from the employer outlining the role.
- For Education: Letter of acceptance from the educational institution, along with any relevant tuition receipts or enrollment documents.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
- If you fail to report your additional activities to Immigration, it could lead to visa violations, fines, or even deportation.
- Immigration has strict guidelines, and unreported work or study activities are considered illegal.
Extensions and Updates:
- If your employment changes (e.g., new job) or educational status changes (e.g., graduation), you must update Immigration through the same process to ensure continued compliance.
Conclusion
Indonesia offers a variety of visas that allow work and business-related activities, including Employment Visas and Investor Visas. For other visa types, like Spouse or Dependent KITAS, work and study are not permitted unless reported and approved through the Multiple Activity Reporting Process. Understanding the rules surrounding work permissions and the reporting process is crucial for foreigners wishing to engage in multiple activities in Indonesia while remaining compliant with immigration laws.
By adhering to the proper procedures, foreigners can legally work, invest, and study in Indonesia while enjoying a smooth visa experience.