A work permit for Indonesia, also called a work visa, is a legal authorisation issued by the national government through the Regional Offices of the Ministry of Manpower allowing a non-citizen, in other words, a foreigner, to officially be employed by an Indonesian company.
A work visa in Indonesia can be for professional positions, such as manager, teacher, technician, and field executive. The Indonesian market is swamped by global corporations that regularly hire professionals who are foreign nationals, which makes work visa applications in Indonesia very common.
Locally referred to as KITAS or simply ITAS, the work visa in Indonesia allows foreigners to fill in positions in Indonesian companies.
Today, in an effort to encourage more foreign investors, the Indonesian government has simplified the procedure on work visa application for foreigners. For example, if previously IMTA was required, it is no longer the case.
Below are some of the important changes on work visa application in Indonesia.
Foreigners no longer need to apply for IMTA
In March 2021, the Indonesian Government issued The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Regulation No. 8/2021 that revoked MOM Regulations No. 10/2018 concerning The Employment of Foreign Workers. The recent regulation stipulates that RPTKA approval now serves as the basis for the authority to grant a limited stay visa (VITAS). Once you have received a VITAS, the immigration in Indonesia will issue your limited stay permit (KITAS/ITAS).
Directors and commissioners that are also shareholders no longer need RPTKA
The RPTKA Approval is no longer required for foreign directors and commissioners with a certain ownership of shares in the company.
The RPTKA Approval is also exempted for foreigners who are engaged in diplomatic and consular activities, hired by a local employer for emergency activities, as well as vocational activities for Indonesian tech-based startups.
However, it is also worth noting that this exemption for startups only lasts for three months, after which the company must apply for the RPTKA Approval.
For further information on essentials about Indonesian work visa, read Work Permit in Indonesia from A to Z
As previously mentioned, the Indonesian government is attempting to a more business-friendly environment for foreign investors. In addition to simplifying the work visa application process, the government has lifted some positions that were restricted for foreign nationals.
Some updates on the positions include the following:
Note that there are certain job positions that are prohibited for foreign workers. According to the Minister of Manpower Decree No. 349/2019, foreigners are not eligible to work and obtain a work permit for the following positions:
People on contractual employment or who want to do business ventures in Indonesia will find the work permit useful. In addition, English teachers looking for a career opportunity may apply for work visas for a career in Indonesia.
KITAS is valid for a whole year from the date of issue and an annual extension is possible. It can be be extended for five years in a row, as long as the sponsoring company remains the same. After five extensions, a work visa holder in Indonesia is eligible to apply for a permanent stay permit (KITAP).
If the visa holder leaves the country anytime in between, they will be required to show a re-entry permit at the time of departure. Such exits are subject to a duty charge by the FISKAL Indonesia department.
Processing of a work visa application in Indonesia takes approximately 30 days. An entire year of validity and the possibility of extension allows one to work in the country for five years at a stretch. The visa enables professionals from different walks of life to have official entry into the country for professional pursuits.
Throughout many years, Cekindo’s team of visa specialists has been assisting those in need of work visas in Indonesia. Let us handle the paperwork and deal with the immigration officers on your behalf.
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