Work permits and visas in Indonesia: An employer’s guide

Planning to hire in Indonesia? Indonesia requires all foreign employees to be sponsored by a local company and backed by government approvals. As an employer, your company needs to sponsor the correct work visa, and stay on top of labor and tax laws for compliant HR.

In this article, Remote walks you through right-to-work checks, work visa types, and visa requirements for your employee to work in Indonesia. 

See also: The complete employer's guide to hiring in Indonesia

Right-to-work check in Indonesia

Foreign nationals (non-Indonesian citizens) who intend to work in Indonesia as employees are required to undergo a right-to-work check. These individuals must be sponsored by an Indonesian employer and obtain the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), including an RPTKA (Expatriate Placement Plan) and a work permit tied to a Limited Stay Visa (VITAS) and Stay Permit (ITAS/KITAS).

Foreign nationals entering only for business purposes (e.g., meetings, conferences, negotiations) do not require a right-to-work check. Instead, they may use a Business Visit Visa, which does not authorize employment:

• Single-Entry Business Visa: Valid for up to 60 days, extendable in-country.

• Multiple-Entry Business Visa: Valid for one year, with stays of up to 60 days per visit.

Both visa types permit international business activities like conferences, training, or negotiations but do not allow employment or income-generating work in Indonesia.

Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in Indonesia?

Yes. All foreign nationals who intend to work in Indonesia as employees must obtain a valid work authorization. This process requires sponsorship by an Indonesian employer and includes:

• Approval of an Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA) by the Ministry of Manpower

• Issuance of a Limited Stay Visa (VITAS), which upon entry is converted into a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS/KITAS)

These permits serve as both the legal basis for residence and authorization to work in Indonesia.

Foreign nationals entering only for business visits (e.g., meetings, negotiations, conferences) may use a Business Visit Visa (Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry) and are not permitted to work or receive income in Indonesia under this visa.

Eligibility requirements for an Indonesian work visa

To be eligible for a work visa in Indonesia, there are certain criteria that foreign workers need to meet. These include:

Confirmed employment and employer sponsorship

The applicant must have a valid job offer from an Indonesian company. The employer is required to obtain an Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA) approval and then a work permit in the form of a Notification (which replaced the former IMTA) Once these are secured, the applicant may apply for a Limited Stay Visa (VITAS), which is then converted into a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) upon arrival in Indonesia.

Passport validity

Applicants must hold a valid passport, typically with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended stay, to apply for a work visa.

Health screening and medical certificate

Applicants need to submit a medical certificate showing good health as part of the visa application process.

Police clearance (SKCK)

Applicants need to provide a police clearance certificate (Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian, or SKCK), attesting to a clean criminal record. The Indonesian National Police (POLRI) issues this document, which often needs to be translated, authenticated, and submitted during the application process.

Educational qualifications and work experience

Applicants must submit supporting documents, such as degrees, professional certificates, and evidence of relevant work experience, to support the employer’s RPTKA and Notification applications. In many cases, Indonesian authorities expect proof of several years of relevant work experience

Indonesian work visa and permit types

Foreign nationals who wish to live and work legally in Indonesia must go through a multi-step process involving both the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower and the Directorate General of Immigration. Below are the main categories of work permits and visas in Indonesia:

RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) — Expatriate Placement Plan

This is the first mandatory step for legally employing foreign workers in Indonesia. Employers must submit an RPTKA to the Ministry of Manpower, detailing the job title, duration, location, and related workforce planning. Approval of the RPTKA is required before any further employment-related steps can proceed.

Notification (Pengumuman)

Following RPTKA approval, employers must apply for a Notification through TKA-Online, the official online portal of Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower. This Notification serves the same legal function previously fulfilled by the IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing), the former work permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower.

VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas) — Limited Stay Visa

Once the Notification is granted, the foreign worker applies for a VITAS (Limited Stay Visa), enabling entry into Indonesia for employment purposes. The VITAS is issued by the Indonesia Directorate General of Immigration through Indonesian embassies and consulates abroad.

KITAS / ITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas / Izin Tinggal Terbatas) — Temporary Stay Permit

Upon entry with a VITAS, the foreign worker must convert it into an ITAS (Temporary Stay Permit). The visa specialist conducts a biometric registration and ITAS stamping on the passport.

The ITAS is the official immigration status, and it is documented in the form of a KITAS. A KITAS can be a physical card or an electronic visa (e-KITAS).

Validity period ranges from six months, one year, or two years, depending on the length of the employment contract and sponsorship.

KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) — Permanent Stay Permit

Foreigners may apply for a KITAP after holding a valid KITAS for several years (typically three to five years, depending on visa category). KITAP provides permanent residence rights in Indonesia.

How to get an work visa for Indonesia

The employer and employee must work together to go through the visa application procedure in Indonesia:

Employer documents (for RPTKA/Notification)

Before a foreign worker can apply for a work visa, the employer must complete the following:

RPTKA 
A RPTKA must be submitted by the employer to the Ministry of Manpower. This document outlines reasons for hiring a foreign national, the job position, company structure, and workforce details, including local counterpart tracing and Wajib Lapor (annual report on foreign vs local employees).

Notification (Pengumuman):
After RPTKA approval, the employer applies via the TKA‑Online system for the Notification (which replaced the IMTA). This acts as the legal work authorization.

Supporting Documents
The employer needs to submit the company’s deed of establishment (Akta), Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) authorization, Indonesian Business License (Surat Izin Usaha Perdagangan, SIUP), Taxpayer Identification Number (Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak, NPWP), organizational structure, Manpower Report (Wajib Lapor Ketenagakerjaan), and the Identity Card (Kartu Tanda Penduduk, KTP) of a local employee or company representative.

Employee documents (RPTKA/Notification)

Employees need to provide the following:

• Passport copy (scanned, including cover)
• Educational certificate(s) with relevant qualification
• Proof of work experience, typically a minimum of five years in a relevant role
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) signed and stamped by the employer
• Employment agreement or letter, indicating acceptance of the role
• Proof of health insurance certificate, particularly if this is the first time working in Indonesia

Applying for VITAS (Limited Stay Visa)

Once the Notification is secured:

The employer coordinates with BKPM (Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board) to obtain a Letter of Recommendation for immigration.

The employee applies for a VITAS at an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate, submitting:

• Copy of RPTKA
• Copy of Notification (formerly IMTA) or equivalent recommendation
• Passport and recent color photo 
• A signed reference letter from the sponsoring company confirming the employee’s role, contract terms, and request for work authorization

Upon arrival: ITAS → KITAS

After entering Indonesia with a VITAS (Limited Stay Visa), the foreign worker must report to the local immigration office within 30 days to convert the visa into an ITAS (Temporary Stay Permit).

The ITAS conversion process involves multiple layers of approval. After biometric requirements, officials will ask for a domicile address in Indonesia, supported by a rental contract, domicile letter, or employer housing confirmation.

Once cleared, the Directorate General of Immigration finalizes the permit and issues the KITAS (Temporary Stay Card or e-KITAS), which serves as official proof of a foreign national's temporary stay and right to work in Indonesia.

Employee work visa sponsorship in Indonesia

Employers serve as sponsors and must secure approvals before the foreign worker applies for the visa and associated permits.

Step 1: Apply for a Foreign Manpower Placement Plan (RPTKA)

Before employing a foreign national, the sponsoring company must secure approval from the Ministry of Manpower. This approval takes the form of a Foreign Manpower Placement Plan, known as the RPTKA. The RPTKA outlines the position to be filled, the duration of employment, the justification for hiring a foreign worker, and the training or knowledge transfer plan for Indonesian staff. Without RPTKA approval, the process cannot continue.

Once the RPTKA is approved, the company must obtain a Notification through the Ministry of Manpower’s TKA-Online system. The Notification replaced the former IMTA and is now the official work authorization document.

Step 2: Apply for VITAS and ITAS

After securing the RPTKA and Notification, the foreign worker applies for a Limited Stay Visa, known as a VITAS. This visa allows lawful entry into Indonesia for employment purposes.

Upon arrival, the foreign worker must convert the VITAS into a Temporary Stay Permit, known as an ITAS. The ITAS is the legal immigration status that authorizes residence and work in Indonesia. The Indonesian Immigration Department then issues the work KITAS, the physical card or digital document that represents the ITAS. Under local laws, the ITAS must be obtained within thirty days of entry on a VITAS.

Visa requirements for digital nomads in Indonesia

Indonesia offers two main visa pathways that digital nomads commonly use. Both visas allow remote work for non-Indonesian employers but strictly prohibit paid work for local companies or Indonesian entities.

B211A Visit Visa

The B211A Visit Visa allows foreign nationals to stay in Indonesia for an initial period of 60 days. The visa can be extended twice, giving a maximum total stay of up to 180 days. It is a single-entry visa, which means it is terminated if the holder leaves Indonesia during its validity.

Applicants must hold a valid passport, provide proof of sufficient financial means such as a bank account statement, and show proof of onward or return travel. In some cases, sponsorship by an Indonesian entity is required. If applying without a sponsor, applicants may be asked to show a bank balance of at least 2,000 US dollars.

E33G Remote Worker Visa

The E33G Remote Worker Visa is designed for foreign professionals who are employed by companies outside of Indonesia and want to live in the country while working remotely. The visa is valid for up to one year and can be renewed for an additional year.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Proof of employment (reference letter) with a non-Indonesian company
• Minimum annual income of 60,000 US dollars
• Bank statement showing a minimum balance of at least 2,000 US dollars maintained over the last three months
• Valid passport with sufficient validity
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Other supporting documents as required by immigration authorities
  
  

Key features of the E33G visa are:

• Issued as a multiple-entry visa, allowing the holder to leave and re-enter Indonesia during its validity
• Does not permit employment with Indonesian companies or receiving income from local entities
• Can cover eligible family members under certain conditions
• Typically accompanied by a Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS) and a Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP) to facilitate legal residence and travel

How Remote can help with work visas for Indonesia

To hire or relocate employees to Indonesia, you need to have your own entity in the country. You also need to navigate immigration laws to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll and benefits according to local tax laws. 

That's why Remote’s Employer of Record service is invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Indonesia on your company’s behalf. Remote helps you stay compliant with local labor and tax laws, so you can onboard your employees in a matter of days to save time and resources. 

If you already have an entity in Indonesia, Remote can help with international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on Indonesian work visa applications. 

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.