Work Visa: A Complete Guide to Getting a Legal Work Permit in Indonesia

If you’re planning to work in Indonesia in 2025 — whether for a short-term project or to settle down and build your career here — there’s one crucial thing you need to take care of from the start: your work visa. Similarly, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to work in the United States must first get the right visa. Without this legal document, any kind of work activity in Indonesia could be considered illegal. The consequences can be serious — from hefty fines and deportation to being banned from re-entering Indonesia in the future. Similarly, most applicants for temporary worker visas in the United States must have an approved petition before proceeding.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a work visa in Indonesia. We’ll cover the different types of work visas, required documents, application steps, and tips to avoid unnecessary delays. Read through to the end so you don’t miss any details that could save you time, money, and legal headaches down the line. For example, after a petition is approved in the U.S., applicants must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160).

What Is a Work Visa in Indonesia?

A work visa is an official permit that gives foreign nationals (non-Indonesian citizens) the right to live and work legally in Indonesia. It’s not just a formality — it’s a legal foundation that’s required if you plan to take part in any professional activity here. Similarly, U.S. work visas are categorized as temporary (nonimmigrant) or permanent (immigrant), depending on the nature of the employment. Each visa classification determines eligibility and requirements, and there are multiple classifications for different types of employment.

A work visa is not the same as a tourist visa or a business visa. If you’re just visiting Indonesia for a vacation, attending a conference, or having short meetings, a visit visa or business visa might be enough. But if you’re working and receiving income from an Indonesian company, you must have a valid work visa, as stated under local immigration laws. Similarly, some temporary worker visa categories in the U.S. are limited in the total number of petitions that can be approved on a yearly basis.

This visa is important not just for administrative reasons, but also for your legal protection while living and working here. With a valid work visa, you’re protected if there’s a dispute with your employer, and you won’t have to worry about penalties for working illegally. In the U.S., USCIS reviews the petition before an applicant can apply for a temporary work visa, ensuring compliance with legal requirements for the specific classification.

Bottom line: if you’re planning to work in Indonesia — as an employee, consultant, or professional — don’t skip the work visa. Get it sorted from the start so everything runs smoothly and legally. Similarly, in the U.S., the prospective employer must file the petition on behalf of the applicant to initiate the visa process.

Types of Work Visas in Indonesia

Indonesia offers several types of work visas depending on the purpose and length of your stay. Each type has its own rules and requirements, so it’s important to pick the one that best fits your situation. Below are the four most common types used by foreign professionals in Indonesia. Similarly, the U.S. offers 11 temporary worker visa categories, each tailored to specific employment needs.

Nonimmigrant worker visa applicants in the U.S. must submit specific forms and documentation as part of their visa applications. Visa applicants should ensure all required forms are completed accurately to avoid delays in the application process.

1. KITAS (Limited Stay Permit for Work)

KITAS is the main type of work visa in Indonesia. It’s issued to foreign nationals working for Indonesian companies in a full-time role.

• Purpose: For foreigners planning to live and work long-term in Indonesia.
• Validity: Matches your employment contract (usually 6 months to 2 years), and it can be renewed.
• Sponsor: Required. Your Indonesian employer will act as your sponsor.

This visa is perfect for professionals planning to live and work in Indonesia on a long-term basis.

2. Temporary Work Visa (Index C312)

Visa C312 is often used for foreign workers coming to Indonesia for longer than six months.

• Purpose: For mid- to long-term employment contracts.
• Extension: Can be renewed according to the approved RPTKA (Foreign Worker Employment Plan) from the Ministry of Manpower.
• Process: Starts with RPTKA approval, followed by a visa notification (telex) from Immigration, and then submission to the Indonesian Embassy abroad.

While it’s often grouped with KITAS, C312 is actually a preliminary visa before KITAS. Once you enter Indonesia with a C312 visa, you’ll convert it to a KITAS for your work stay.

3. Business Visit Visa

This isn’t a work visa, but business visa often used for short-term professional activities that don’t involve receiving a salary from an Indonesian company.

• Purpose: For attending meetings, training, seminars, audits, business negotiations, etc.
• Types: Available as single-entry or multiple-entry.
• Validity: A single-entry visa is valid for up to 60 days and can be extended multiple times, up to 180 days total.

This visa works well for foreign consultants, investors exploring opportunities, or trainers who are not being paid locally.

4. IMTA (Foreign Worker Employment Permit)

IMTA is not a visa. It’s a legal permit issued to companies in Indonesia that wish to employ foreign nationals. It’s handled by the company, not the individual.

• Purpose: To officially allow a company to hire foreign workers.
• Issued To: Companies — not individuals.
• Contents: Outlines job role, work location, contract duration, and the employer’s responsibilities.
• Issued By: The Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia.

Without IMTA, a company can’t legally hire foreign staff, and that means you can’t proceed with your work visa either. IMTA is one of the core documents needed to apply for your VITAS (Temporary Stay Visa) and, eventually, KITAS.

Who Needs a Work Visa in Indonesia?

If you’re a foreign national planning to work in Indonesia, you’ll need a work visa that complies with local law. It’s more than just paperwork—this visa is your legal safeguard while working in the country. You’ll need a work visa if:

• You’ve received a job offer from an Indonesian company
  Whether you’re hired as a permanent employee, manager, or specialist—you’ll need a legal work visa to start your job.
• You’re invited for a technical or strategic role
  This includes consultants, engineers, financial analysts, or other professionals working under a limited-term contract.
• You’ll be teaching, training, or providing professional workshops
  Such as guest lecturers, certified trainers, or keynote speakers at institutions or companies.
• You’re working remotely from Indonesia for a company abroad
  Even if you’re not paid by an Indonesian company, if you’re staying in the country while doing remote work, you still need to check your visa status. The Indonesian government is increasingly monitoring digital nomads using tourist visas for long-term stays.

In short, if you’re doing any kind of professional work in Indonesia—whether earning income locally or working online—make sure you have the proper work visa. It’ll help you avoid legal issues and let you focus on your job with peace of mind.

Read more: How To Extend Bali Visa New Rules: Your Guide for the 2025 Regulations

Key Characteristics of a Work Visa in Indonesia

Before you jump into working in Indonesia, here are some important things to know about work visas:

• You must have a registered sponsor
  You can’t apply for a work visa on your own. Your sponsor must be a legally registered company or institution in Indonesia that’s willing to take responsibility for your stay. They’ll handle essential documents like the RPTKA, IMTA, and visa notifications. Without a sponsor, you won’t get a work visa.
• Work visas are temporary
  They’re not permanent permits. A work visa is usually valid for 6 to 12 months, depending on your contract and job position. You can extend it if your contract is renewed and your documents stay up to date.
• Your visa is job-specific
  Your work visa is issued for a specific job title. That means you can only do the role listed in the visa documents. If you want to switch to a different role, you’ll need to update your visa.
• Changing employers means reapplying
  You can’t transfer your existing work visa to a new company. If you get a job offer from another company in Indonesia, you’ll have to apply for a new work visa sponsored by your new employer.

How Long Is a Work Visa Valid? What About Renewals?

The length of your work visa depends on your position and your employment contract. Here’s a general idea of how long work visas in Indonesia last:

• 6 months: For temporary or technical positions.
• 1–2 years: For managerial roles, directors, consultants, or skilled professionals with key responsibilities.

The visa duration is stated clearly in your KITAS and work contract. If your contract is extended by the same company, you can apply to extend your work visa too — without starting over from scratch.

Make sure to start the renewal process at least 30 days before your visa expires. Waiting until the last minute can lead to processing delays or even unintentional overstay issues. By planning ahead, you’ll stay on the right side of the law and avoid unnecessary stress.

Work Visa Application Process in Indonesia

If you’re planning to legally work in Indonesia, there are several administrative steps that both you and your sponsor company must go through. The process involves filing and approval of key documents by the relevant authorities before you can obtain your work visa. The petition process includes submitting required forms and supporting documents, which must be filed and approved by the appropriate government institutions. While it may seem complicated at first, with the right understanding, it can be managed smoothly. Here are the main stages in the Indonesian work visa application process:

1. RPTKA (Foreign Worker Utilization Plan)

The process starts with the employer. The company must first submit the RPTKA to the Ministry of Manpower. This is a formal plan that explains the reason for hiring a foreign employee, including job title, work location, and contract duration.

Without an approved RPTKA, you won’t be able to proceed. That’s why it’s important for your company to prepare this document properly from the beginning.

2. IMTA (Work Permit for Foreign Workers)

After the RPTKA is approved, the company can then apply for the IMTA. This is the official permit that allows them to hire you. The IMTA includes your name, job title, work period, and the company’s legal responsibilities during your employment in Indonesia.

3. VITAS (Limited Stay Visa)

Once the IMTA is issued, you can apply for the VITAS, which is the visa you’ll need to enter Indonesia as a foreign worker. A visa notification (telex) will be sent to the Indonesian embassy in your home country or where you currently live.

After approval, you can pick up your visa at the embassy and legally enter Indonesia.

4. KITAS (Limited Stay Permit)

When you arrive in Indonesia, you must immediately convert your VITAS into a KITAS. This document is your official stay and work permit during your time in the country. KITAS is issued at the immigration office based on your local address in Indonesia.

5. Mandatory Registration

Within 7 days of arrival, you are required to report to both the local Manpower Office and Immigration Office. This ensures your information is officially recorded in the national employment and immigration system.

If all documents are complete and there are no administrative delays, the entire process usually takes between 3–6 weeks, but can be longer depending on how fast your sponsor, the ministry, and immigration respond.

Documents Required for a Work Visa in Indonesia

Before you can legally start working in Indonesia, both your sponsor company and you as the applicant must prepare certain documents. These documents are essential and directly affect the processing speed of your visa. Applicants may also need to provide a confirmation page and receipt number as part of their supporting documents. Here’s a breakdown of what’s needed:

From the Sponsor Company:

• NIB (Business Registration Number)
  The company must be officially registered through Indonesia’s OSS system.
• Sponsorship Letter & Statement of Responsibility
  A letter confirming the company takes full responsibility for you during your employment in Indonesia.
• RPTKA (Foreign Worker Utilization Plan)
  Submission of the company’s plan to hire a foreign worker, along with proof of DPKK payment.
• IMTA (Foreign Work Permit)
  Official approval from the Ministry of Manpower, based on the approved RPTKA.

From You (the Foreign Worker):

• Valid Passport (minimum 18 months validity)
  Your passport must have enough validity to match your intended length of stay.
• CV or Resume
  Outlining your education background and relevant work experience.
• Diploma and Work Experience Certificates
  To prove your qualifications and expertise in your field.
• Medical Certificate & Insurance Policy
  Shows you’re in good health and covered by valid health insurance while in Indonesia.
• Employment Contract
  A formal document detailing your role, duration, location, and rights/responsibilities.
• Passport-Sized Photo
  Background should be red or white, following immigration requirements.

Make sure these documents are correctly formatted and translated if necessary. Well-prepared documents will help speed up the process significantly.

Tips for a Smooth Work Visa Process in Indonesia

Getting a work visa in Indonesia requires careful preparation. The process involves several administrative steps that you need to pay close attention to. To help things run smoothly, here are some practical tips you can follow:

• Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
  It’s best to start your work visa application early—ideally even before the official start date listed in your employment contract. The entire process can take between 3 to 6 weeks, depending on how complete your documents are and how fast the relevant authorities respond.
• Prepare All Required Documents in Advance
  Make sure all required documents—both from you and your sponsor company—are complete and follow the correct format. Small issues like an expiring passport, the wrong photo background, or untranslated documents can cause unnecessary setbacks.
• Use a Professional Agent if Needed
  If you’re unfamiliar with how the process works, or if you don’t have time to manage it yourself, hiring a professional visa agency can be a smart solution. Experienced agents already know the ins and outs of the process and can help you avoid common mistakes.
• Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Rules
  Indonesia’s immigration and labor policies can change from time to time. That’s why it’s important to keep up with official updates from the Directorate General of Immigration or the Ministry of Manpower, or to consult with your company’s HR department so you stay compliant.
• Use Bali Premium Trip’s Visa Concierge Service
  If you’re looking for a hassle-free and efficient experience, consider using the Visa Concierge Service from Bali Premium Trip. Their professional team is ready to guide you through the entire process—from RPTKA, IMTA, VITAS, and KITAS to post-arrival registration. Everything is handled for you in line with the latest regulations.

Read more: Visa Concierge Service Bali: A Practical Solution for a Stress-Free Vacation

Apply for Your Work Visa with Bali Premium Trip – Start Your Career Legally in Indonesia!

A work visa is an official document you must have if you want to legally work in Indonesia. The process includes several stages and strict administrative requirements—such as RPTKA, IMTA, and KITAS. Without proper guidance, you might run into delays, incomplete paperwork, or even a rejected visa application.

To avoid these issues, use the Visa Concierge Service from Bali Premium Trip. This service is designed to help you navigate the entire work visa process quickly, safely, and with peace of mind. From document preparation and visa application to official reporting after arrival, their experienced team will take care of everything—professionally and efficiently.

If you want to build your career in Indonesia without the stress of bureaucracy, get in touch with our team today. Let Bali Premium Trip help you take that professional step forward with trusted, reliable support every step of the way.