If you are looking for a job in Indonesia it is quite normal to have some questions over the work permit process or how to get work permit in Indonesia. This is exactly why we wrote this article on how can I get work permit in Indonesia. We will take you through the many steps you need to take and the different documents you have to provide during the entire application process.You‘ve quit your job and are finally ready to travel the world, seizing dreams along the way. You’re in love with Indonesia and want to base yourself here, you’re at least considering it. But there is one big problem: How can I get work permit in Indonesia?
How Can I Get Work Permit In Indonesia
Indonesia offers work permit for foreigners who are looking for job in Indonesia. Getting your work permit is a little bit easier, but is not like getting a visa for tourist or student purpose. To get a work permit in Indonesia, you need to meet the following requirements:Today, holding a work permit is something that every foreigner living in Indonesia must have. It is the very basic document that allows you to work legally in this country, because this is one of the conditions which are required by law. In general, work permit can be obtained by any foreign nationals who stay in Indonesia for more than 90 days and entered the country with a Visa and Passport. That Visa or Passport must be still valid when the application is submitted to the government for processing.
How to Apply for an Indonesian Work Visa?
Provided that you already have a job lined up, obtaining an Indonesia work visa involves the following steps:
- Your employer has to obtain approval to hire you from the Indonesian government. This generally means they have to prove why they’re hiring you over an Indonesian citizen. *
- This is called “Expatriate Placement Plan” (RPTKA = Rencana Penempatan Tenaga Kerja Asing).
- Your employer obtains the RPTKA from the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower.
- Your employer applies for your Indonesia work permit (IMTA = Ijin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing which translates to “Permission to Employ Foreign Workers”).
- This application is also submitted to the Ministry of Manpower.
- Before the application, you have to send your employer the required documents for the application, such as work and education certificates, passport copy, etc.
- The IMTA is the only authority which allows you to legally work in Indonesia.
- Your employer applies for a Limited/Temporary Stay Work Visa (VITAS) at the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). This is called a Temporary Stay Permit Visa (VITAS = Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas).
- The BKPM issues a Recommendation Letter to the Indonesian Immigration Department.
- You have to apply for an Indonesian work visa (aka VITAS) at an Embassy/Consulate of Indonesia nearest you. You need photocopies of the RPTKA and IMTA.
- Once you arrive in Indonesia with the VITAS (visa), the Immigration Department will issue your ITAS (Temporary Stay Permit). The ITAS is the permit which allows you to live and work in Indonesia for up to a year (it can be extended). The VITAS is the visa which allows you to enter Indonesia.
- After the Immigration Department has issued your temporary stay permit, you have to go to an Immigration Office and apply for your KITAS.
- Misconception: Some people think KITAS stands for an Indonesia Work Visa, when in fact, the KITAS is actually just the physical card which shows you have a Temporary Stay Permit. It literally stands for Temporary Stay Permit Card. You can have a KITAS even if you don’t have the authorization to work.
- Get the Police Report Letter (STM) from the police department
- Register with your local municipality’s population office to receive a Certificate of Registration for Temporary Resident (SKPPS)
- Go to the Ministry of Manpower and apply for the IKTA (Izin Kerja Tenaga Asing) or “Foreign Workers Work Permit”.
- Before the Ministry of Manpower gives you the IKTA, your employer has to pay the Skill and Development Fund (DPKK).
- The DPKK is a monthly fee of $100 ($1,200/year) that your employer has to pay as compensation for choosing to hire a non-Indonesian.
Once you have all of these documents, then you have obtained your Indonesian Work Visa and are allowed to legally work in Indonesia.
*If you will fill one of the following positions, then your company is not required to apply for an RPTKA:
- A stakeholder (members of the company’s board of directors or board of commissioners)
- As a diplomatic or consular officer
- Government work
What Documents Are Needed For an Indonesia Work Visa?
When you apply for an Indonesia work visa, both you and your employer must submit several documents. There’s the standard set of Indonesia visa documents, but you also need to submit different sets of documents for each application you and your employer make, such as the Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA) or work permit (IMTA) and residence permit (ITAS).
Documents required for RPTKA application
- The RPTKA application form
- A letter from your employer, which explains why they’re hiring you and what position you will have in their company
- Company documents, such as the incorporation document, business license, and tax number
- An organizational structure of the company
- The company’s annual reports on number of local and international employees (Wajib Lapor)
- Letter of recommendation from another institution/organization if the company you’ll work for deals with oil and gas, mining, or transportation.
Documents required for IMTA application
- The RPTKA
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of education and experience related to your field/occupation and the position you will have
- A certificate of work experience (at least five years) that’s connected to the job
- A letter from you, stating that you agree to be employed in the Indonesian company (for example, if you’re being transferred from one branch of the company to the Indonesian branch)
- Proof of an insurance policy issued by an Indonesian insurance company
- National Social Security policy and Tax identification number (NPWP), if you will work in Indonesia for longer than six months
- Proof of payment of the DPKK (Skill & Development Fund) Fee ($1,200/year)
- Two passport-size colour pictures of yourself
Documents required for KITAS (visa/residence permit) application
From the employer:
- A copy of the RPTKA
- A copy of their sponsor’s identity card (KTP)
- A copy of the identity card of a local employee already working for the company
- Company documents, such as:
- The NPWP tax identification number
- The Business licence (SIUP)
- The Capital Registration Licence (SPPMA) from the BKPM;
- The company’s registration letter (TDP)
- The company’s annual reports on the number of local and international employees (Wajib Lapor)
- The company’s certificate of domicile (SKTU)
- The company’s approval certificates and any related permits (SITU & HO)
- The authorization of deed establishment (Akta Notaris) by the Department of Justice
- A blank sheet of paper with the company’s letterhead
- The company’s stamp
From you (the Indonesia work visa applicant):
- A coloured copy of your passport. Passport must be valid for at least another 18 months
- A coloured copy of your CV (resume). It must have the company’s stamp and a signature by a company director over the stamp.
- A coloured copy of your university certificate/s or the highest level of educational degree. It must be translated either in English or Bahasa Indonesia (if it is not already), and have the company’s stamp and a signature by a company director over the stamp.
- A certificate of work experience (at least five years) that’s connected to the job
- Proof of an insurance policy issued by an Indonesian insurance company
- Two passport-size coloured pictures
- If you are bringing family members with you:
- Colour scans of their passports
- Certificate of Marriage for spouses (in English or Bahasa Indonesia)
- Certificate of Birth for children (in English or Bahasa Indonesia)
- Two passport-size photographs of each family member
Note: This is not a complete set of documents. You may need more or less documentation depending on your specific circumstances.
How Long Is the Indonesia Work Visa Valid?
When you finally receive your completed Indonesia work visa, it will be valid for a limited period of time, usually between 3 months to one year.
What you are actually receiving is the KITAS or “Temporary Stay Permit Card” for employment purposes. Depending on the type of work you will do, your contract, and the decision of the Immigration Officers, the KITAS is issued for a period of up to one year and can be renewed before it expires.
Once you have lived in Indonesia for up to three years with a KITAS, then you can apply for a KITAP or “Permanent Stay Permit”. The KITAP is valid for five years at a time and can be renewed.
Can I Extend an Indonesia Work Visa?
Yes, you can. You will initially receive an Indonesia work visa (KITAS) for a period between 3 months to one year. You can extend this period before it expires. Once you have lived in Indonesia for three consecutive years, you are eligible to apply for the permanent residence permit (KITAP) which is valid for five years and renewable.
Can I Bring My Family Members Along With an Indonesian Work Visa?
Yes, you and your dependent family members can all apply for Indonesian visas and you will receive your KITAS together. Your employer has to apply for their Indonesian visas at the same time he/she applies for yours at the Immigration Department in Indonesia.
However, your spouse cannot work if they come as your dependent. In order to be allowed to work, they have to find a sponsor (employer) and obtain their own work permit.