If you’re considering working in Indonesia, understanding the different work permit durations and their associated Working KITAS (Limited Stay Permits) is crucial. The type of job position, field of employment, and expertise level will influence whether you receive a work permit for 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years. Below, we’ll explain the various work permits and which roles they are most suitable for.
Understanding Indonesian Work Permits and KITAS Duration
The length of your Working KITAS depends on the validity of your work permit, which is granted by the Ministry of Manpower. For example, roles that involve short-term employment, freelancing, or temporary consultancy are typically granted a 6-month permit. On the other hand, more permanent roles in management, healthcare, or specialized fields can receive a 1-year or 2-year work permit. The work permit’s validity will determine how long your Working KITAS is active.
What is a Freelance KITAS?
The Freelance KITAS refers to a Working KITAS issued for temporary roles or short-term employment in Indonesia. It’s the same type of permit as a regular Working KITAS but is usually limited to a 6-month period. The Freelance KITAS is issued when a foreigner has a temporary contract with an Indonesian employer, such as for consultancy or project-based roles. Once the 6-month period ends, the Freelance KITAS must be closed using an Exit Permit Only (EPO), making it non-renewable.
Freelance KITAS Suitable Positions:
- Project-Based Consultants: For short-term projects requiring expertise.
- Freelance Marketing Specialists: For temporary marketing campaigns.
- Event Managers: For planning or managing events.
- Short-Term Trainers/Instructors: For training sessions or workshops.
- Creative Professionals: Designers, artists, or writers working on a temporary project.
General Employment Options
Most Working KITAS types (E23 to E27) can be issued for 6 months, 1 year or 2 years, but the Ministry of Manpower ultimately decides the duration based on the application and job role. While it’s possible to apply for a 2-year permit for freelance or temporary positions, it is likely that the Ministry will approve a shorter duration.
Extension of Work Permits and KITAS
If a work permit is issued for 7 months or longer, it can be extended. This means that both 1-year and 2-year Working KITAS can be renewed if the associated work permit is also extended. Additionally, these longer-term KITAS options are convertible into a KITAP (Permanent Residence Permit), allowing for a more stable and long-term stay in Indonesia.
Job-Specific Work Permits and KITAS Overview
The table below provides a detailed overview of work permits based on job positions and their corresponding duration.
| Visa Type | 6 Months | 1 Year | 2 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Employment | E23R (Artists, Performers) | E23 (Freelancers, Consultants) | E25 (Managers, Supervisors) |
| E23S (Athletes, Sports Participants) | E23A (Professionals in Special Economic Zones) | E25A (Senior Managers, Executives) | |
| E23T (Sports Officials) | E23B (Senior Managers, Supervisors) | E25B (Directors) | |
| E23U (Household Staff of Foreign Diplomats) | E23C (Industrial Workers, Technicians) | E25C (Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors) | |
| E23V (Foreign Chamber of Commerce Staff) | E23D (Marketing Specialists) | E25D (General Managers, Senior Managers) | |
| E26 (Marine Workers, Offshore Workers) | E23E (Mining Engineers, Field Operators) | E25E (Managers) | |
| Healthcare & Education | – | E23G (Healthcare Professionals) | – |
| E23L (Teachers, Education Administrators) | – | ||
| E23M (Engineers, Technical Specialists) | – | ||
| E23N (Professors, Lecturers) | – | ||
| E23O (Doctors, Medical Specialists) | – | ||
| E23P (Teachers, Educators) | – | ||
| E23Q (University Lecturers, Academic Professionals) | – | ||
| E23W (Religious Workers) | E27 (Religious Workers, Missionaries) | ||
| Digital & Technology | – | E24 (IT Professionals) | – |
| E24A (AI Specialists, Data Scientists) | – | ||
| E24B (Digital Marketing Experts) | – | ||
| E24C (Data Analysts, Data Scientists) | – | ||
| E24D (UI/UX Designers, Interface Engineers) | – | ||
| E24E (Software Developers, IT Specialists) | – | ||
| E24F (Cybersecurity Experts, IT Security Analysts) | – | ||
| Creative & Media | – | E23K (Film Producers, Directors) | – |
| Sports & Entertainment | E23R (Artists, Performers) | – | – |
| E23S (Athletes) | – | – | |
| E23T (Sports Officials) | – | – | |
| Law & Finance | – | E23H (Legal Advisors, Finance Managers) | – |
| E23J (Lawyers, Accountants) | – | ||
| Marine, Offshore & Installation Workers | E26 (Marine Workers, Offshore Technicians) | – | – |
| Household Staff & Diplomatic Services | E23U (Household Staff, Personal Assistants to Diplomats) | – | – |
Note:
The Work Permit length is a crucial factor that determines the validity period of the corresponding Working KITAS. For more detailed information on each work permit type, please refer to Work Permit and Work KITAS article.
If you’re considering working in Indonesia and need assistance with your Working KITAS application, contact Visa Agency by Flado Indonesia for a comprehensive guide and support throughout the process!