Indonesia: Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa and/or work permit?

If you wish to spend more than a brief holiday in Indonesia, the procedures are complex and highly bureaucratic.

All UK citizens entering Indonesia must have a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into Indonesia. The required validity period is much longer in some cases, so be sure to check thoroughly when submitting your visa application form. 

Longer-term visitors to the country would be advised to plan their visa application well in advance and to make sure they fully understand the requirements. Breaching certain regulations can lead to protracted judicial proceedings, fines, deportation and even imprisonment.

For full details of the different types of visa and downloadable application forms, see the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in London  website.

If you are not a UK national, check with your embassy about regulations for obtaining work in Indonesia.

How do I apply for a visa and/or work permit?

The situation is particularly complicated if you wish to work in Indonesia. All applicants must have a sponsoring company that has obtained permission from the government to hire an expatriate. This can be a lengthy, costly and extremely bureaucratic process. If the government accepts the company’s application, a work permit will be issued. The company can then apply for a semi-resident visa (or VITAS) for the new employee, valid for a maximum period of 12 months, with the possibility for extension.

If you intend to study in Indonesia, you must obtain a place at a university before applying for a visa. You will need proof that you have been accepted on a course. After you have completed all the necessary documentation and application forms, you will need to go to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in London , or your nearest Indonesian embassy if you are not in the UK, to apply for a Social/Cultural Visit Visa, which must be converted to a student visa after you arrive in Indonesia. Full details are available on the embassy website.

The helpful and highly detailed unofficial guide to immigration and visas at Living in Indonesia, A Site for Expatriates  is well worth exploring. It includes explanations of the different types of visa, costs and what documentation is needed.

UK nationals may find advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)  useful. If you are not a UK citizen, you may find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Indonesia.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

Provided you meet the necessary criteria, you can apply for an Indonesia permanent residency permit (or KITAP), which is valid for a period of five years. Keep a copy of all the legal documents you receive to demonstrate that your residency is legal. Application is made through your local immigration office.

Receiving a permanent residency permit does not automatically entitle you to a work permit. Some people choose to use agents to help them with their applications but their fees can be high. A useful and concise guide to KITAP is available in English at Wijaya & Co , along with information about Indonesian law on a number of other issues relevant to foreigners.