Home Blog Doing Business on a Spouse Visa in Indonesia Immigration Services | Indonesia | Spouse Visa Doing Business on a Spouse Visa in Indonesia InCorp Editorial Team 19 September 2024 6 minutes reading time Table of Contents What is a Spouse Visa? Can You Work On a Spouse Visa in Indonesia? Termination of a Spouse Visa How to Get a Spouse-Sponsored KITAS The Requirements for a Spouse Visa Obtain Your Spouse Visa Hassle-Free with InCorp Starting a business in Indonesia as a foreigner can be rewarding, especially if you live on a spouse visa. While a spouse visa primarily allows you to reside with your Indonesian partner, navigating the business landscape and managing business on a spouse visa requires a clear understanding of local regulations. The good news is that Indonesia provides opportunities for foreign spouses to engage in business activities. Still, it’s essential to know the legal requirements, such as whether you need a work permit, the types of businesses you can operate, and how to stay compliant with immigration laws. This guide will explore the key steps and considerations for business on a spouse visa in Indonesia. What is a Spouse Visa? A spouse visa (Spouse KITAS) provides a residence permit for foreign nationals married to Indonesian citizens in mixed marriages. However, this permit does not allow holders to work in Indonesia or earn income from Indonesian companies. To qualify for a spouse visa in Indonesia, you must be legally married to an Indonesian citizen. The government must officially recognize your marriage as legal in Indonesia. Domestic partnerships, where a couple has not formalized their relationship but has been living together, do not qualify for a spouse visa. However, a foreigner married to an Indonesian spouse for ten years or more can retain their spouse visa indefinitely, even after a divorce or the death of their Indonesian spouse. READ MORE:How to Obtain A Spouse Visa in IndonesiaYour Guide to Dependent Visa in Indonesia Can You Work On a Spouse Visa in Indonesia? You cannot work in Indonesia with a spouse visa (Spouse KITAS). The Spouse KITAS allows foreign nationals married to Indonesian citizens to reside in Indonesia but does not grant permission to work or earn income from Indonesian companies. If you wish to work, you must apply for a separate work permit (KITAS) sponsored by an employer. When a Work Permit is Required? While Article 61 of the Immigration Law allows foreign spouses to work in Indonesia, they must secure a Foreign Manpower Utilization Plan (RPTKA) to apply for a work permit. The process of legally working involves applying separately for work authorization, as the Spouse KITAS alone does not automatically permit employment. In practice, obtaining this work permit can sometimes face bureaucratic hurdles due to mismatches in online immigration systems. For foreigners wanting to run businesses or work in Indonesia, it’s essential to clarify work status with the immigration authorities and ensure the proper permits are in place. Therefore, while the spouse visa allows residency, you must take additional steps to work legally in Indonesia, especially when engaging in business on a spouse visa. The Cost of Working Without a Permit in Indonesia Working without a proper work permit in Indonesia can result in severe penalties, including a maximum fine of IDR 500 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or deportation. This is especially crucial for those engaging in business on a spouse visa, as operating without the correct work authorization can exacerbate legal consequences. Termination of a Spouse Visa Even though holding a spouse visa in Indonesia, foreigners should keep an eye on their activities to prevent losing their status, especially when engaging in business on a spouse visa. These are the activities that may result in termination of the visa: The foreigner has left Indonesia for more than a year. If the foreign spouse divorces or their Indonesian spouse passes away within the first ten years of marriage, the visa will terminate. After five years, the foreigner does not extend their permanent stay permit (Spouse KITAP Indonesia). The foreigner has finally acquired Indonesian nationality. The Government cancels the spouse visa due to specific circumstances, such as violations of immigration laws or engaging in work without a proper permit. The foreigner has passed away or has been deported (as in the case of working without a work permit). READ MORE:Mixed Marriage in Indonesia: The Importance of Prenuptial AgreementVisa Sponsorship in Indonesia: A Brief Guide How to Get a Spouse-Sponsored KITAS If you’re a foreigner married to an Indonesian citizen and planning to reside in Indonesia, obtaining a Spouse KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) is an essential step. Below are the key steps to successfully acquire your Spouse KITAS: Gather all required documents related to the KITAS application. These will be verified to ensure a smooth and successful process. Once verified, your documents will be uploaded to the online immigration system. Upon approval, you will receive an e-visa (Electronic Visa), which you must print for future use. You can now enter Indonesia using the e-visa issued to you. After arriving in Indonesia, you must complete a biometric process, including taking a profile photo and providing fingerprints. Your KITAS will be processed and issued within three days of completing the biometric step. You must register with the Civil Department within 14 days of receiving your KITAS. This step will provide you with the SKSKPS (Certificate of Family Formation for Temporary Residents) and the STM (Police Certificate). The Requirements for a Spouse Visa Several important documents and conditions must be met to apply for a spouse KITAS in Indonesia. Below are the Indonesia spouse visa requirements that applicants must fulfill: A passport with at least 18 months of validity. Two passport-sized photos (3×4 cm) with a red background. Marriage Certificate (Akta Nikah). Indonesian spouse’s ID (KTP) and Family Card (Kartu Keluarga). Birth certificate of the Indonesian spouse. Bank statement with a minimum balance of IDR 20 million. Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) if married abroad. Domicile letter from the local sub-district or building management. The Cost of Obtaining a Spouse Visa in Indonesia The costs for a spouse visa in Indonesia remain consistent with those in previous years. However, local immigration offices may occasionally update or vary fees based on changes in regulations or specific requirements. Application Fee: The initial processing fee is approximately IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 3,000,000 (about USD 130 to USD 200). Issuance Fee: The visa issuance fee is IDR 1,000,000 to IDR 2,000,000 (about USD 65 to USD 130). Additional Costs: There might be extra fees for document legalization, translation services, or legal consultations. Obtain Your Spouse Visa Hassle-Free with InCorp Are you planning to relocate to Indonesia with your spouse and engage in business on a spouse visa? Navigating the complex Indonesian immigration process can be overwhelming. That’s where InCorp comes in. We offer comprehensive immigration services, including: Spouse Visa: We assist with application preparation, provide guidance on required documents, represent clients during the interview process, and provide follow-up support for visa issuance. Work Permit: We offer eligibility evaluation, preparation of necessary documents, representation during the application process, and assistance in obtaining work permits for foreign employees. Fill out the form below and let us guide you through every step of the application process for your business on a spouse visa, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. Read Full Bio Verified by Daris Salam COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships. Frequently Asked Questions How easy is it to obtain a business or work visa in Indonesia? The difficulty level depends on your country of origin. Indonesia lists restricted countries, including Afghanistan, Guinea, Israel, North Korea, Cameroon, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, and Somalia. Citizens from those countries will find the process complicated and challenging, with a high possibility that their application will be rejected. Can you provide pricing examples for the visa and immigration services? To provide you with accurate pricing information for our visa and immigration consultation services, we consider the complexities of your inquiries and the dynamic nature of regulations in Indonesia. As a result, the pricing for the services may vary accordingly. For pricing details, please talk to our experts. Can a business visa be used as a work permit in Indonesia? No, a business visa can only be used for non-income-generating business purposes, such as attending business meetings, seminars, exhibitions, or training. To work in Indonesia, you must apply for a proper work permit and a limited (KITAS) or permanent (KITAP) stay permit. How do you determine the cost of your services of visa and immigration consultation? To provide you with accurate pricing information for our visa and immigration consultation services, we consider the complexities of your inquiries and the dynamic nature of regulations in Indonesia. As a result, the pricing for the services may vary accordingly. For pricing details, please talk to our experts. Get in touch with us. Lead Form Subscribe Full NameEmailPlease provide corporate email where possiblePhone NumberOffice SetupWhich city are you planning to expand into?JakartaSemarang/Central JavaBali/LombokBatam/SumateraSurabaya/East JavaOther ProvincesType of Service- Please Select -[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration + Office Package (20% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Product Registration + License Holder (20% OFF)Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesType of Service- Please Select -[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration + Office Service (20% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Comprehensive Industrial Package (15% OFF)Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesType of Service- Please Select -[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration + Office Service (20% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Comprehensive Industrial Package (15% OFF)Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesType of Service- Please Select -[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration (25% OFF) + Office Space (Private Office 30% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration + Investor KITAS (25% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Accounting + Tax Services+ Annual Fintax Report (20% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Payroll Services for Executive Role (20% OFF)Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesType of Service- Please Select -[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration (20% OFF) + Office Service (25% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Company Registration + Micro Finance Services (25% OFF)[SPECIAL PACKAGE] Property Assistance: Due Diligence + AJB Purchase/Lease Agreement (25% OFF)Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesType of Service- Please Select -Business SetupAccounting and TaxHR & Payroll servicesImmigration ServicesProduct Registration and ImportCompliance and Secretarial ServicesBusiness AdvisoryMore ServicesServices Company Registration Renting Virtual and Serviced Office Mergers and Acquisitions Business and Import Licenses Corporate Recovery and Insolvency Closing of Company (Dissolution) Land and Property Ownership Shelf Company Local NomineeServices Accounting and Tax Reporting Audit and Review Transfer Pricing Compliance Tax RefundHuman Resource Sub Services Payroll Outsourcing Employer of Record Recruitment and HR Establishment Employment ServiceServices Business Visa Work Permit and KITAS Dependent Visa (Spouse and Family) OtherBusiness Visa Subservices Business Visa Visit Visa Visa ExtensionServices Medical Device Beauty (Skincare and Cosmetic) Food and Beverage Health Supplement Household Product Halal Certification TrademarkServices Legal Consultation Legal Agreement Service Due Diligence and Background Check Company Documents RevisionBusiness Advisory Business Advisory Services ESG Reporting & Advisory Internal Audit Risk ManagementMore Services Market Research and Analysis Local Distributor and Partner Bank AccountMessageSubmit What you’ll get A prompt response to your inquiry Knowledge for doing business from local experts Ongoing support for your business Disclaimer The information is provided by PT. Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind. We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials. We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website. More on Immigration Services The Opening of Co-Working Space, Virtual Office and Private Offices in Semarang Read more 13 Methods of Business Expansion: Strategies for Sustainable Business Growth Read more What Does Indonesia’s Upper Middle-Income Status Mean? Read more