Many foreigners ask the same question every day:
Is it possible to obtain a visa “onshore,” without leaving Indonesia?
The short answer is: in most cases, no.
However, there are important exceptions, and it is essential to understand them clearly.
Below is a structured and transparent explanation of why Indonesia requires offshore applications, which visa types can be issued onshore, which ones cannot, and what practical solutions exist.
Why Indonesia Limits Onshore Visa Issuance
In recent years, Indonesian immigration policy has been shaped by economic considerations:
- international flights;
- hotel stays;
- transportation spending;
- short-term travel between nearby countries.
These activities stimulate the economy. Because of this, the majority of visas are intentionally kept in an offshore issuance format.
For many visitors, this logic is not obvious, but it is a fundamental part of the current migration framework.
Which Visas the Main Applicant Can Obtain Onshore
As of 2026, these KITAS categories can be legally issued inside Indonesia for the main applicant:
- Investor KITAS
- Work KITAS
- Student KITAS
- Retirement KITAS
- E33G Digital Nomad KITAS / Remote Worker Visa (Allowed onshore as of March 2026)
These are considered strategic categories and are officially allowed for onshore processing through a bridging visa or direct conversion.
Process for Dependant KITAS
Although the main holder of an E33G can now apply onshore, we often recommend a mixed approach for families to save time and reduce stress.
Dependant family members (spouse and children) may comfortably apply for a Dependant KITAS onshore through a bridging visa process after the main applicant secures their visa.
If You Need to Stay Longer but Onshore Is Not Allowed (or Not Preferred)
Even if onshore issuance is possible, the required trip abroad can sometimes be faster and more cost-effective than dealing with onshore bridging visas. Below is the most practical plan that our clients use frequently.
Optimal One-Week Offshore Application Plan
Step 1 — Close your current KITAS via Exit Permit Only (EPO) (only for KITAS/KITAP)
- Cost: 1,500,000 IDR
- EPO provides an additional seven days to leave Indonesia, which allows better planning.
Step 2 — Fly out on Monday morning
- If your flight departs before 15:00, we can submit your visa application on the same day, as immigration and our team accept submissions until 17:00.
- We do not operate outside official working hours.
Step 3 — Visa processing: Monday to Friday
Processing times are:
Standard: 5–10 working days
Priority: 5 working days
Priority fees:
- C1 Visa: +2,000,000 IDR
- D1 Visa: +1,500,000 IDR
- E-type visas (including E33G): +3,000,000 IDR
Apply Offshore (5–10 days or Priority processing) https://app.flado.id
Step 4 — Visa issuance by Friday (often late in the day)
Step 5 — Return to Indonesia on Saturday
This approach works smoothly as long as the week does not include national holidays.
Can You Leave on the Last Day of Your Current Visa?
Yes.
If your last day falls on a Monday, the plan above becomes ideal.
If you close your visa through EPO, you have an extra seven days to plan your departure, providing flexibility.
Summary: Onshore vs Offshore Visa Issuance
Onshore Available:
- Investor KITAS
- Work KITAS
- Student KITAS
- Retirement KITAS
- E33G Digital Nomad KITAS (main applicant)
- Dependant KITAS (including dependants of E33G)