Introduction
Since 2024, many short-term visas (groups C and D) as well as the student KITAS E30A have been processed through licensed visa agencies. The application was supported by an invitation letter from the sponsoring organization, and Ditjen Imigrasi (the Directorate General of Immigration) issued visas in accordance with the regulations.
However, starting in August 2025, local immigration offices (Kantor Imigrasi / Kanim), which are responsible for monitoring foreigners inside Indonesia and handling visa/KITAS extensions, have changed the way they interpret the submission process.
What Changed in August 2025
Local immigration offices now require:
- A formal agreement (MoU) between the visa agency and the inviting party.
This is usually an internal document, but must be available if requested by immigration officials. - Applications for new visas must be submitted through the inviting party’s immigration account.
Previously, agencies could file applications directly, but since August 2025, this method is now considered invalid.
As a result, the sponsor (inviting company) and agency must be directly linked through an agreement, and the actual application must be filed from the sponsor’s corporate immigration account.
Which Visas Are Affected
These new requirements apply to almost the entire range of C7–C22 visas and D7–D8 multiple-entry visas, including:
- C7–C7C – visas for artists, musicians, and their crews (30 days, some non-extendable).
- C8A–C8B – sports visas for athletes and officials (60 days, extendable).
- C9–C10A – visas for short courses, seminars, religious activities, and preachers.
- C11 – exhibitor visas.
- C13–C21 – visas for seamen, filmmakers, auditors, engineers, service specialists, and more.
- C22, C22A, C22B – internship visas (academic and corporate, 60/180 days).
- D7–D8 – multiple-entry visas for cultural and sports events.
Inspections and Risks for Foreigners
In August and September 2025, inspections have already taken place:
- at public events,
- on the streets,
- followed by clarifications to sponsoring agencies.
If a visa was issued under the old procedure (not through the sponsor’s account), the primary risk falls on the foreigner. This may create issues during extensions, exit/re-entry, or even compliance checks.
Changes in Student KITAS E30A
Special requirements now also apply to student KITAS (E30A):
- As of 2025, extensions, closures, and issuance of new student KITAS can only be done through the school’s immigration account.
- A simple admission letter from the school is no longer sufficient.
- This practice has been confirmed by immigration offices in Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta.
Connection to Investor KITAS and PT PMA Requirements
It is important to note that the trend of tightening immigration procedures started earlier.
In early 2025, the focus was on Investor KITAS (E28A) and PT PMA companies:
- More frequent inspections of foreign-owned companies in Bali.
- Stricter minimum requirements for authorized capital and investments.
- Immigration authorities began actively monitoring whether companies operate in line with their declared business purposes.
We covered this in detail in a dedicated article: PT PMA Inspections in Bali in 2025 – What Awaits Foreign Company Owners and Investor KITAS Holders.
These developments show that immigration and sponsorship regulations in Indonesia may continue to evolve in the future, and foreigners must stay informed.
Recommendations for Foreigners
- Always check the latest immigration regulations before applying.
- Ensure that your purpose of stay matches your visa category. This is now also reflected in the Arrival Card, which from September 1, 2025, must be completed online through the All Indonesia Portal.
- Choose a licensed sponsor and agency carefully. A reliable sponsor is key to a smooth and compliant stay in Indonesia.
Why Trust Flado Visa Agency
At Flado Visa Agency, we:
- consult regularly with Ditjen Imigrasi in Jakarta,
- receive clarifications directly via the official immigration portal imigrasi.go.id,
- already operate in line with the new requirements from Kanim.
This means our clients can be assured that:
- all agreements with sponsors are prepared correctly,
- visa applications are filed strictly from the sponsor’s immigration account,
- all visas and KITAS are issued in accordance with the most recent immigration regulations.
Conclusion
Indonesian immigration law is dynamic and constantly evolving. In early 2025, stricter rules affected Investor KITAS (E28A) and PT PMA companies. Now, as of August 2025, new requirements apply to invitation-based visas (C and D groups) and student KITAS E30A.
Flado Visa Agency ensures full compliance with the latest rules, guiding foreigners through every stage of the process and securing their legal stay in Indonesia without unnecessary risks.