Having a job lined up or going to start a business in Indonesia? Chances are if you are going to work in Indonesia, it also means that you will need to stay in Indonesia as well. Then, you are going to need a working KITAS, also known as a working visa or a temporary stay permit, for your to legally work and stay in Indonesia at the same time.
Cekindo always has the most updated information about Indonesian Working KITAS. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of the most common questions with answers on working KITAS. Whether you are a company or an individual looking to work and stay in Indonesia, read on.
No, it is not. The working KITAS application process can only start upon your arrival in Indonesia. However, Cekindo’s clients have often opted for the work permit initiation process first, which you can do overseas as a pre-KITAS application.
If you do not want to face serious sanctions, such as being deported by the Indonesian immigration, you must not do that. Holding a working KITAS does not mean that you can have different jobs at the same time in Indonesia. In accordance with the Indonesian Law, a foreigner is only permitted to work at one company and hold only one position.
One of the main reasons that the Indonesian government allow companies to hire foreign employees is because of the lack of certain skills and qualifications. Therefore, they prefer highly-skilled and qualified foreigners and a university degree is always the requirement. The degree does not have to be in the exact same field, a degree in a related or similar field is often considered as well. Otherwise, you will need at least 5 years of relevant work experience from your previous jobs.
Usually the maximum age for working KITAS is 55 years old because it is a recommended retirement age in Indonesia. However, there are cases that foreigners still get a working KITAS at 70 years old because of they are in highly skilled positions or are experienced managers.
The validity of working KITAS varies depending on the type of company that sponsors you, as well as the position you hold at the company. If you go for a managerial position at a local company, you will probably get a non-extendable 6-month working KITAS. If you are going to serve as a commissioner or director in a foreign-owned company, you will get a 12-month working KITAS, which can be extended for a maximum of 5 times.
No, you cannot convert your spouse KITAS to a working KITAS. You can only apply for a working KITAS after you have got your work permit.
Also read: Is Doing Business on A Spouse Visa Legal in Indonesia?
There is actually no required minimum days you need to stay in Indonesia to maintain your working KITAS, according to the Indonesian Law. However, do keep in mind you will not be allowed to leave the country for a few weeks during the application process.
While not all KITAS holders are eligible for a KITAP application, we’d like to tell you that a KITAP actually offers more benefits than a KITAS. One of the criteria for you to be qualified for a KITAP is to hold KITAS 4 times consecutively, with a work permit as a commissioner or a director in a foreign-owned company in Indonesia.
Having been present on the Indonesian market for almost a decade, Cekindo is able to assist you during the preparation and application process for permits and visas in Indonesia.
Get in touch with us today by filling in the form below or visit our offices in Jakarta, Bali and Semarang.