How to obtain a spouse visa in Indonesia [Update 2023]

A spouse visa is one of the most attractive documents for foreigners visiting Indonesia. However, Indonesia’s immigration process has often been criticized for being complex and unclear. Nevertheless, you can navigate the challenges of obtaining a spouse visa in Indonesia with thorough research and the assistance of a professional consulting firm.

What is a spouse visa?

Foreigners who marry Indonesian citizens can get a visa through a spouse-sponsored marriage or a spouse visa. The spouse visa in Indonesia can sponsor two immigration documents, KITAS/ITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) and KITAP. 

In this article, we will provide information about the requirements for a spouse visa in Indonesia, the process of obtaining it, and the benefits it offers for living and conducting business in Indonesia.

Requirements for a spouse visa in Indonesia

The first requirement for obtaining a spouse visa is being married to an Indonesian citizen. Additionally, you will need an official marriage certificate approved by the government as one of the necessary documents.

Getting married in Indonesia vs. abroad

According to Indonesian law, a marriage to an Indonesian spouse is considered valid only when conducted according to the regulations and religious beliefs recognized by both husband and wife in Indonesia.

Marriages in Indonesia can be performed at authorized offices such as Kantor Urusan Agama (Office of Religious Affairs) and civil registry offices (Kantor Catatan Sipil). If the marriage occurs outside of Indonesia, foreigners can file a marriage report and submit other official marriage certificates to the Indonesian Embassy abroad.

Procedure to get a spouse visa in Indonesia

By engaging with InCorp Indonesia (formerly Cekindo) for a spouse visa application, you will only need to visit the immigration office once during the process. Typically, this visit is required for converting VITAS to KITAS and for biometric data processing.

Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a spouse visa in Indonesia:

1. Electronic VITAS

• Prepare a valid passport and a copy of the passport, marriage certificate, copy of ID and family card of your Indonesian spouse (with “married” status), copy of the Indonesian spouse’s latest bank statement, and sponsor letter.
• Apply for an Electronic VITAS, issued by Indonesian Immigration, within ten working days.

2. Convert VITAS into KITAS/ITAS

When your passport is scanned upon entering Indonesia, your electronic VITAS will automatically be converted into a KITAS/ITAS. The KITAS is valid for six months to a year and must be renewed every 12 months. It can have a total validity of up to five years.

3. Civil Registration and Reporting

• Within 14 days of KITAS issuance, a foreigner with a spouse-sponsored KITAS/ITAS must register with the civil administration department.
• Prepare the required documents and present them to the civil administration department.
• You will get SKTT (Temporary Residence Permit) and STM (Police Report Certificate)

4. Convert KITAS/ITAS into KITAP/ITAP

After two years of marriage, consider converting your KITAS/ITAS to a KITAP/ITAP, a more permanent stay permit for your spouse in Indonesia. KITAP must be renewed every five years, possibly consecutively for 25 years. The KITAP/ITAP can serve as an essential document for further progression toward obtaining full Indonesian citizenship.

Company-Sponsored KITAS/ITAS

If you have a company-sponsored working KITAS/ITAS, you can still convert it to a KITAP. However, your Indonesian spouse must provide a sponsor letter. It is important to note that you cannot work for any company without a work permit RPTKA (Pengesahan Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing or the Foreign Worker Utilization Plan) from the Manpower Department in Indonesia. The company is the only valid entity authorized to sponsor you for RPTKA.

The Benefits of a Spouse Visa in Indonesia

Obtaining a KITAS/ITAS or KITAP spouse visa in Indonesia offers the following benefits

• Validity for a stay in Indonesia: 5 years (for spouse KITAP)
• Validity of MERP (Multiple Exit/Re-Entry Permit): 2 years
• An Indonesian ID, KTP (Kartu Tanda Penduduk), with a validity of 5 years (for spouse KITAP)
• An Indonesian driver’s license, SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi)
• Ability to open bank accounts, apply for loans and credit cards in Indonesia
• Eligibility for local prices at tourist attractions
• Eligibility for pursuing Indonesian citizenship

What Will Happen in the Event of a Divorce?

Suppose you have been married to your Indonesian spouse for less than ten years, and you get divorced. In that case, you must submit a new sponsor to the immigration authorities in Indonesia within 60 days to maintain the validity of the spouse visa you have obtained.

Conclusion

Obtaining a spouse visa in Indonesia can be challenging if you try to navigate it independently. The complicated processes and requirements often overwhelm individuals. To avoid the burdensome paperwork and save time spent at the immigration office, start your journey with InCorp Indonesia.

We will handle all your hassles and ensure a smooth spouse visa application process. Fill out the form below for more information about spouse visa applications in Indonesia.