Home Blog The Most Common Questions about Indonesian Working KITAS Answered Immigration Services The Most Common Questions about Indonesian Working KITAS Answered InCorp Editorial Team 8 January 2026 6 minutes reading time Table of Contents Is it possible to apply for a working KITAS outside Indonesia? Once I have obtained my working KITAS for the company in which I am employed, can I have a part-time job at another company as well? Is it compulsory to have a university degree related to the field or the position that I apply for in Indonesia? Is there an age limit for working KITAS application? What is the validity for working KITAS? Is it allowed to convert my spouse KITAS to a working KITAS? What is the required minimum days you need to stay in Indonesia if I am on a working KITAS? Is KITAP an option once I have held the KITAS for several years? How InCorp Can Help with Your KITAS Application in Indonesia Frequently Asked Questions 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. InCorp 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. Is it possible to apply for a working KITAS outside Indonesia? No, it is not. The working KITAS application process can only start upon your arrival in Indonesia. However, InCorp’s clients have often opted for the work permit initiation process first, which you can do overseas as a pre-KITAS application. Once I have obtained my working KITAS for the company in which I am employed, can I have a part-time job at another company as well? 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. Is it compulsory to have a university degree related to the field or the position that I apply for in Indonesia? 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. Is there an age limit for working KITAS application? The recommended age for working KITAS is under 57 years old, based on Government Regulation Number 45 Year 2015 concerning Pension Security Program Implementation. Interested applicants above such age may still attempt to apply for working KITAS by subjecting to the policy from issuing institution. Related article: An In-Depth Guide into Retirement Visa in Indonesia What is the validity for working KITAS? 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. Is it allowed to convert my spouse KITAS to a working KITAS? 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? What is the required minimum days you need to stay in Indonesia if I am on a working KITAS? 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. Is KITAP an option once I have held the KITAS for several years? 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. How InCorp Can Help with Your KITAS Application in Indonesia Having been present on the Indonesian market for almost a decade, InCorp 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. Frequently Asked Questions What is KITAS, and how is it different from VITAS and ITAS? KITAS (Limited Stay Permit Card) is the official proof that a foreign national is legally allowed to stay in Indonesia for a limited period. In practice, KITAS is part of a sequence:– VITAS (Limited Stay Visa): the entry visa approved before arrival in Indonesia.– ITAS (Limited Stay Permit): the immigration status granted after entering Indonesia using a VITAS.– KITAS: the physical or digital card that evidences the ITAS status.In short, VITAS allows entry, ITAS grants the stay status, and KITAS serves as the formal identification of that status. Who needs a KITAS, and what types of KITAS are commonly used today? A KITAS is required for foreigners who intend to stay in Indonesia for purposes beyond short-term visits. Common KITAS types include:– Work KITAS: for foreign employees sponsored by an Indonesian company.– Investor KITAS: for shareholders or directors of a foreign-owned company (PT PMA).– Family / Dependent KITAS: for spouses or children of KITAS or KITAP holders.– Retirement KITAS: for eligible foreign retirees.– Student or Research KITAS: for education or academic research purposes.The applicable KITAS type depends strictly on the purpose of stay and the sponsoring entity. What is the current process and timeline to obtain a KITAS? The KITAS process generally involves:– VITAS approval through the sponsor in Indonesia.– Entry into Indonesia using the approved VITAS.– Biometric registration and ITAS issuance at the local immigration office.Processing times vary depending on the KITAS type and document readiness, but most applications take several weeks from initial submission to final issuance. Delays often occur due to incomplete documents, sponsor eligibility issues, or changes in immigration system requirements. Does holding a KITAS automatically allow someone to work in Indonesia? No. Only a Work KITAS or Investor KITAS allows employment-related activities, and even then, only within the scope approved by the authorities.A Work KITAS limits the holder to one company and one specific position.A Family or Dependent KITAS does not grant work rights; a separate work permit and KITAS conversion are required if employment is intended.Working outside the approved scope can result in fines, deportation, or blacklisting. What are the main benefits of a KITAS, and how does it lead to KITAP? Key benefits of holding a KITAS include:– Legal long-term residence in Indonesia– Eligibility for Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permits (MERP)– Ability to sponsor dependents (for eligible KITAS types)– Access to local administrative services (banking, leasing, utilities, etc.)After holding a KITAS continuously for a qualifying period and meeting eligibility requirements, foreigners may apply for KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit), which offers longer validity, fewer renewals, and greater immigration stability. Read Full Bio Verified by Ales Cina Consulting Manager at InCorp Indonesia Aleš manages solution delivery at InCorp Indonesia, optimizing incorporation processes and client relationships. His experience in internal auditing, retail, and sales offers valuable global insights. Aleš, with a degree in... Read more Get in touch with us. 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