Indonesia has emerged as a dynamic hub for Southeast Asia’s business expansion. From tech startups in Jakarta to large-scale energy and manufacturing projects across Java and Sumatra, the country’s growth has increased the demand for foreign expertise. However, Indonesia maintains one of the most regulated immigration frameworks in the region. The Ministry of Manpower (Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan) and the Directorate General of Immigration (under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights) enforce strict controls over work permits and employment visas.
Foreign nationals planning to work in Indonesia must navigate multiple layers of approval starting with a work permit (IMTA), then an Indonesian work visa (KITAS), and ongoing reporting through the Directorate General of Immigration. For global employers, partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) in Indonesia can simplify this process. The EOR manages all visa applications, ensures compliance with BPJS and PPh21 regulations, and helps organizations legally hire and sponsor foreign professionals without establishing a local entity.
Table of Contents
- What is a Work Visa in Indonesia?
- Types of Employment Visas in Indonesia
- Who Needs a Work Permit in Indonesia?
- Work Visa Eligibility Criteria in Indonesia
- Step-by-Step Process for Work Permit and Visa in Indonesia
- Documents Required for a Work Visa in Indonesia (2025)
- Work Permit Timelines and Validity
- Key Compliance Obligations for Employers in Indonesia
- Cost of Obtaining a Work Permit in Indonesia
- Compliance Risks in Indonesia’s Work Visa System
- How Asanify Simplifies Work Permit Sponsorship in Indonesia
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is a Work Visa in Indonesia?
A work visa in Indonesia allows foreign nationals to live and work legally under the sponsorship of an Indonesian-registered company. It is not a single document but a combination of permits and approvals that collectively authorize employment.
The process involves:
- RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing): The foreign manpower utilization plan, approved by the Ministry of Manpower.
- IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing): The work permit issued once the RPTKA is approved.
- VITAS (Visa Tinggal Terbatas): The limited stay visa issued by Indonesian Immigration for entry.
- KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas): The limited stay permit card allowing long-term residence and work.
Together, these documents define the legality of a foreign employee’s stay and employment duration in Indonesia.
Types of Employment Visas in Indonesia
Indonesia offers several categories of work-related visas depending on job type, duration, and purpose.
- Temporary Work Visa (Short-Term KITAS)
- For short assignments, training, or project-based employment (up to 6 months).
- Common among oil, gas, and construction professionals.
- For short assignments, training, or project-based employment (up to 6 months).
- Long-Term Employment Visa (Work KITAS)
- For full-time employment exceeding six months.
- Renewable annually and extendable up to five years.
- For full-time employment exceeding six months.
- Investor KITAS
- For company shareholders, directors, or commissioners with significant investment in Indonesia.
- Does not require a separate work permit (IMTA exemption).
- For company shareholders, directors, or commissioners with significant investment in Indonesia.
- Professional or Expert Visa
- For specialists providing high-level expertise in industries such as engineering, IT, and finance.
- For specialists providing high-level expertise in industries such as engineering, IT, and finance.
- Freelance or Consultant Visa
- For independent consultants engaged in short-term professional projects, typically under corporate sponsorship.
- For independent consultants engaged in short-term professional projects, typically under corporate sponsorship.
Each category comes with specific documentation, salary minimums, and compliance obligations under the Ministry of Manpower.
Suggested Read: Hire a Remote Team in Indonesia: 2025 Guide
Who Needs a Work Permit in Indonesia?
All foreign nationals working or earning income in Indonesia require an IMTA and KITAS. The rule applies to:
- Foreign employees directly hired by Indonesian companies.
- Expat managers or directors serving local subsidiaries of global corporations.
- Technical experts and consultants on short-term assignments.
- NGO and non-profit staff working on local development or community projects.
Foreigners cannot legally work under a tourist or business visa. Violations can result in deportation or company blacklisting by immigration authorities.
Work Visa Eligibility Criteria in Indonesia
To obtain a work visa in Indonesia, both employer and employee must meet several criteria:
- The employer must be a registered Indonesian company with valid NPWP (tax number) and business license.
- The foreign employee must possess relevant qualifications, skills, and experience not easily available locally.
- The employee’s role must align with permitted positions under the RPTKA guidelines.
- The foreign worker must earn a salary consistent with the national minimum threshold for expatriates (typically IDR 25–30 million per month).
- Health insurance coverage (BPJS or private equivalent) must be provided.
- The employee must pass background checks and hold a valid passport with at least 18 months’ validity.
Step-by-Step Process for Work Permit and Visa in Indonesia
The Indonesian work visa process involves multiple government approvals. Below is the step-by-step outline for 2025:
- Company Submits RPTKA Application
The employer submits the foreign manpower utilization plan to the Ministry of Manpower, detailing job role, qualifications, and duration. - IMTA (Work Permit) Issuance
Once approved, the Ministry issues an IMTA authorizing the company to employ the foreign worker. - VITAS (Limited Stay Visa) Application
The employer requests a VITAS through the Directorate General of Immigration. Upon approval, the employee receives a visa authorization letter. - Entry and Conversion to KITAS
The employee enters Indonesia using VITAS and must report to Immigration within 7 days for conversion to KITAS. - Biometric Data Collection and FRRO-like Registration
The worker must attend biometric data collection and report their address to local immigration. - BPJS and Tax Registration (PPh21)
The employer must register the foreign employee for BPJS Ketenagakerjaan and BPJS Kesehatan, as well as tax identification for income tax deductions under PPh21. - Annual Renewal
KITAS and IMTA are renewable every 12 months if employment continues.
Documents Required for a Work Visa in Indonesia (2025)
From the Employer:
- Company registration (NIB, NPWP, and SIUP)
- RPTKA approval
- Sponsorship and invitation letters
- Proof of tax compliance
- Job description and employment contract
From the Employee:
- Passport with minimum 18-month validity
- Recent photographs
- Academic and professional certificates
- Curriculum vitae
- Medical certificate
- Proof of health insurance
- Previous Indonesian visas (if applicable)
Work Permit Timelines and Validity
- RPTKA approval: 7–10 business days
- IMTA and VITAS issuance: 10–20 business days depending on nationality
- KITAS conversion: Within 30 days of arrival in Indonesia
- Validity: Typically 12 months, renewable annually up to 5 years
- Registration: Must be completed within 7 days of arrival
Timelines can vary depending on government processing and completeness of documentation.
Key Compliance Obligations for Employers in Indonesia
Employers must strictly adhere to Indonesian employment and immigration laws. The key obligations include:
- Hiring only for positions approved under the RPTKA.
- Paying the prescribed monthly DPKK (Development Fund for Expertise and Skills) contribution of USD 100 per foreign employee.
- Registering all foreign staff under BPJS schemes.
- Deducting and remitting PPh21 tax.
- Submitting periodic reports to the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration.
- Ensuring visa and permit renewals before expiry.
Failure to comply can result in fines, deportation of employees, or revocation of company sponsorship rights.
Cost of Obtaining a Work Permit in Indonesia
The cost of securing a work permit and visa in Indonesia depends on duration and visa type. Below is an indicative range:
- RPTKA and IMTA approvals: Around USD 100–200 in government fees
- DPKK contribution: USD 100 per month per foreign employee
- KITAS issuance: USD 120–150
- VITAS visa fee: Around USD 50–100
- Renewal costs: Similar to initial fees depending on length of stay
Employers should also factor in legal, translation, and administrative expenses.
Compliance Risks in Indonesia’s Work Visa System
The Indonesian immigration system imposes strict penalties for non-compliance. Common risks include:
- Employment without valid KITAS or IMTA
- Incomplete or falsified documentation
- Failure to register with BPJS or report changes in employment
- Overstaying after visa expiry
- Using a business visa for paid work
Penalties may include deportation, employer fines, or suspension of the company’s right to sponsor future foreign workers.
How Asanify Simplifies Work Permit Sponsorship in Indonesia
Managing Indonesia’s visa process can be complex for foreign employers. Asanify offers an all-in-one Employer of Record (EOR) platform that manages the end-to-end work permit workflow.
With Asanify, employers can:
- Secure RPTKA, IMTA, VITAS, and KITAS approvals under compliant sponsorship.
- Register employees under BPJS Ketenagakerjaan and Kesehatan.
- Handle PPh21 tax setup and monthly filings.
- Renew work permits and maintain immigration records.
- Onboard, pay, and manage employees through one unified HR and payroll system.
By using Asanify’s EOR solutions, businesses can legally hire, sponsor, and manage foreign professionals in Indonesia without opening a local entity.
Suggested Read: Job Offer Letters for Remote EOR Employees in Indonesia (2025)
Conclusion
Indonesia’s work permit and visa process demands precision and compliance at every step. Between RPTKA approval, IMTA authorization, and KITAS issuance, employers must coordinate with multiple agencies to stay compliant. For global companies expanding into Indonesia, using an Employer of Record like Asanify provides an efficient route to handle immigration, BPJS, and payroll compliance seamlessly.
The EOR model not only accelerates hiring but also mitigates risk allowing businesses to focus on operations while experts manage the legal and administrative procedures.
FAQs
The process usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on documentation and government processing times.
No, a business visa only allows meetings and visits. It cannot be used for paid work.
Typically around IDR 25–30 million per month, depending on industry and role.
Yes, all foreign employees working over six months must be registered with BPJS.
Generally 12 months, renewable annually up to 5 years.
Only under an approved Indonesian sponsor or EOR. Indonesia currently does not offer a digital nomad visa.
The employee must renew before expiry. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation.
Asanify’s EOR platform manages RPTKA, IMTA, BPJS, payroll, and visa renewals, ensuring complete compliance for foreign hires in Indonesia.
Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant or Labour Law expert for specific guidance.
