How to Obtain a Single-Entry Business Visa for Short-Term Professional Visits

An Indonesian Single-Entry Business Visa is used when foreign professionals visit for short-term assignments without entering local employment. These visits commonly involve installation support, inspections, training, or after-sales activities that require presence at Indonesian sites beyond routine meetings. 

Uncertainty often arises in selecting the correct single-entry business visa type. When the entry category does not align with the planned scope, complications can surface during the visit. Clarifying the appropriate visa early helps professional assignments proceed without disruption. 

What is an Indonesia Single-Entry Business Visa? 

An Indonesia Single-Entry Business Visa generally refers to the Visa Kunjungan (C-series) used for short-term professional visits without local employment. Under this visit visa framework, foreign nationals remain employed overseas while entering Indonesia for specific non-employment activities hosted by a local entity. 

Key Characteristics 

• Short-term professional or business purpose 
• No Indonesian employment relationship 
• Activities are limited to the approved visit scope 
• Sponsored by an Indonesian company or partner 
• Typically, a single-entry stay period 

When It is Typically Used 

• Overseas specialists supporting Indonesian clients 
• Suppliers assisting after equipment delivery 
• Trainers conducting on-site sessions 
• Auditors or inspectors visiting facilities

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Single-Entry Business Visa Types for Professional Visits 

Within the Single-Entry Business Visa framework, each index is assigned to a specific professional activity. Selecting the appropriate type depends on the purpose of the visit, not the visitor’s job title. Aligning the activity with the correct C-series visa helps ensure the visit remains within permitted scope. 

C20 Visa (Installation & Repair of Machinery) 

C20 visa is used when foreign specialists install, commission, or repair equipment supplied by an overseas company to an Indonesian recipient. 

• Initial equipment installation 
• Commissioning or technical setup 
• Corrective repair or adjustment 

C19 Visa (After-Sales Service) 

C19 visa is used for servicing or maintenance of products or equipment that have already been delivered to Indonesia. 

• Warranty servicing visits 
• Scheduled maintenance 
• Post-delivery technical support 

C18 Visa (Trial Testing Activities) 

C18 visa is used when foreign specialists conduct product trials or technical testing before full commercial use. 

• Pilot runs 
• Product evaluation 
• Feasibility or performance testing 

C17 Visa (Audit & Quality Inspection) 

C17 visa is used for professional visits focused on inspection, audit, or quality control at Indonesian facilities. 

• Factory audits 
• Quality inspections 
• Compliance or standards checks 

C16 Visa (Training or Instructor) 

C16 visa is used when foreign trainers deliver structured operational or technical training in Indonesia. 

• Equipment operation training 
• Technical skill transfer 
• On-site training sessions 

How to Choose the Right Single-Entry Business Visa 

Selecting the appropriate Single-Entry Business Visa starts with identifying the primary purpose of the visit. The same project may involve multiple stages, but the visa type should reflect the main activity carried out during the stay. Match the visit purpose to the C-series type, such as: 

• C20 Visa: Installing or repairing supplied equipment 
• C19 Visa: Servicing delivered products 
• C18 Visa: Conducting trials or testing 
• C17 Visa: Performing an inspection or audit 
• C16 Visa: Delivering structured training 

When activities overlap, the dominant scope of work during the visit generally determines the appropriate category. Clarifying this alignment early helps ensure the entry type remains consistent with the planned on-site activities. 

Activities Not Allowed Under Single-Entry Business Visa 

While the Single-Entry Business Visa allows foreign professionals to conduct specific short-term assignments, it doesn’t permit activities that resemble ongoing employment or operational roles within an Indonesian entity. 

• Taking on a position within the host company 
• Managing daily operations or local staff 
• Performing routine production or service work 
• Receiving salary or remuneration from Indonesia 

These restrictions distinguish a professional visit from local employment. When the planned role extends into operational responsibility or continuous work, a work stay permit rather than a visit visa is typically required. 

How to Obtain a Single-Entry Business Visa 

A Single-Entry Business Visa is arranged through an Indonesian sponsor who hosts the professional visit. The process is typically completed before travel, with the visa issued electronically once approved. The general process includes: 

• Confirm the Right Visa: The visit purpose is aligned with the relevant index (e.g., installation, training, inspection). 
• Indonesian Entity Acts as Sponsor: The host company or partner submits the application on behalf of the visitor. 
• Immigration Review and Issuance: The visa is issued once the activity scope and sponsor details are accepted. 
• Entry Using the Approved Visit Visa: The visitor enters Indonesia and conducts activities within the permitted scope. 

Since the visa is tied to both the sponsor and the activity category, accurate initial classification helps ensure the issued Single-Entry Business Visa reflects the intended professional assignment.

What Happens if You Get the Wrong Visa

A Single-Entry Business Visa allows only the professional activities specified in its approved category. Engaging in work or tasks outside this scope may be deemed unauthorized for employment under immigration regulations. Possible consequences include: 

• Immigration findings during site visits or inspections 
• Requirement to cease activities or leave Indonesia 
• Impact on future visa eligibility for the visitor 
• Compliance implications for the Indonesian host entity 

These visas are activity-specific, so even short-term assignments can exceed permitted boundaries if the on-site scope changes. Confirming the correct classification before travel helps prevent issues.

Secure a Single-Entry Business Visa with InCorp 

A Single-Entry Business Visa enables foreign professionals to enter Indonesia for defined short-term assignments. Since each visa corresponds to a specific activity scope, selecting the appropriate visa type is essential to ensure professional visits remain within permitted boundaries. 

For companies coordinating cross-border projects, early clarification of visit purpose, sponsor role, and activity classification helps ensure assignments proceed without interruption once on site. 

InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) provides structured support across the arrangement process for business visa, including: 

• Supporting the preparation of the required visa application information 
• Coordinating submission with the Indonesian sponsor 
• Assisting throughout the visa issuance process 

Fill out the form below to obtain the right visa for your planned professional visit.

Frequently Asked Questions