Key Facts
- Country Name: Republic of Indonesia
- Capital: Jakarta
- Population: 255,461,700 (2015 estimate)
- Language: Indonesian
- Time Zone: UTC +7 to +9
- Dialing Code: +62
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
This FAQ has been created as an introductory guide to immigration procedures for Indonesia. Since rules and requirements in every country are constantly changing and each case must be assessed on its own merits, for in-depth and up-to-date advice, please contact us.
Please note, we can only advise on matters relating to immigration and are unable support you with employment in a new region. We do however have a network of trusted partners that can support your move, so please visit Our Partners page for further information.
Indonesia is known as one of the emerging markets on the worldwide scale and it is becoming an increasingly attractive option for foreigners to seek work in cities like Jakarta, which enjoys a growing economy and allows for many financial opportunities.
However, the immigration process of coming to work in Indonesia is complex and regulations can change from one year to the next.
There are two main types of passes that allow foreign assignees to take up employment in Indonesia:
Temporary Stay Visa for Working (Index 312) via the One-Stop Service (OSS) at BKPM – faster processing of several stages of the work permit application process for foreign owned companies (PMAs) with a business licence issued by BKPM. This service is not available for local companies or representative offices.
Temporary Stay Visa for Working (Index 312) – allows foreign nationals to work in Indonesia on a temporary basis. Approval can be granted for up to 12 months and may be extended. Note: according to the Manpower decree 464 of 29 June 2012, foreign nationals are restricted to working in certain positions only.
Processes and requirements will vary according to the labour market at the time of application, the type of work permit being applied for, the nationality of the applicant, the country of application and personal circumstances of the assignee and any family dependants. We, therefore, recommend that you contact us for up-to-date information.
However, the general process generally involves: RPTKA (Expatriate Placement Plan) Application (a request for approval to hire foreign nationals), TA-01 Application, Vitas/VBS (Temporary Residence Visa) Approval Application, Visa Application, Entry to Indonesia, Work Permit (IMTA) Application, Residence Permit (KITAS Card) and Multiple Exit Re-entry Permits (MERP) Application, Resort Police Report (STM), Temporary Residence Certificate (SKPPS / SKPSKPS) application, Travel Permit (SKJ) application and Expatriate Existence Report filing.
Processes and requirements will vary according to the labour market at the time of application, the type of work permit being applied for, the nationality of the applicant, the country of application and personal circumstances of the assignee and any family dependants. We, therefore, recommend that you contact us for up-to-date information.
Applicants will be required to submit a variety of personal and corporate documents to support the application which include, but are not limited to: passport , CV, degree certificate, Embarkation card, Copy of health/life insurance valid for duration of stay, Domicile Permit/Certificate/Letter, marriage certificate and birth certificate for any family dependants; as well as a variety of corporate documents which may include: Deed of Company Establishment, Business licence, Company Tax ID, Company Domicile Permit/Certificate/Letter, Company Registration (TDP/ Tanda Daftar Perusahaan), Manpower Obligation Report, Evidence of Local Employee Counterpart (ID Card & Appointment Letter), Sponsor Letter, Authorisation Letter, RPTKA (Expatriate Placement Plan), Sponsor Letter (TA-01), Copy of Reference Letter, Copy of Company Permits, Local Counterpart Report (Laporan Pendampingan TKA), Most Recent RPTKA Approval, company Support letters, Copy of RPTKA, Copy of TA-01
Processing times will vary according to visa type, nationality, and country of application. However, an indication of processing times is as follows:
Temporary Stay Visa for Working (Index 312) via the One-Stop Service (OSS) at BKPM – It typically takes 2 weeks to 2 months until entry to Indonesia, and a further 1 month before the whole process is completed.
Temporary Stay Visa for Working (Index 312) – It typically takes 1 to 3 months until entry to Indonesia and a further 1 month before the whole process is completed.
Processing times will vary according to visa type, nationality, and country of application. However, an indication of processing times is as follows:
Temporary Stay Visa for Working (Index 312) via the One-Stop Service (OSS) at BKPM – It typically takes 2 weeks to 2 months until entry to Indonesia, and further 1 month before the whole process is completed.
Temporary Stay Visa for Working (Index 312) – It typically takes 1 to 3 months until entry to Indonesia, and further 1 month before the whole process is completed.
Those who are in Indonesia on a visitor visa may not take up any sort of employment. Working in Kuwait requires a Work Permit.
You may not switch immigration categories from a visitor to an employment visa in-country. If you wish to undertake work in Indonesia you must first return to your country of residence and apply for the relevant work visa. Once your employment visa has been approved, you may enter Indonesia and undertake employment.
Requirements and procedures for permanent residence vary on a case by case basis depending on the applicant and their status in Indonesia.
Foreigners holding KITAS with status as worker, clergy, investor and old in age may file for Permanent residence visa/KITAP after residing for 3 consecutive years.
Foreigners married to Indonesian nationals may file for Permanent residence visa after being married for 2 years.
Requirements and procedures are subject to change, so please consult with your Newland Chase Immigration Advisor for current and detailed information.
In some countries, timescales for obtaining police clearance certificates can be lengthy and some documents will require Apostille or legalisation, which can also involve lengthy processing times. As such, you would be advised to start the visa application process well in advance of the desired date of relocation.