Visa & Immigration

KITAS – Temporary Stay Permit

Legal support for foreign nationals applying for a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) in Indonesia — handled by a licensed Indonesian lawyer.

Overview

What is KITAS?

KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a Temporary Stay Permit issued by the Indonesian Immigration Authority to foreign nationals who wish to reside in Indonesia for an extended period — typically for work, investment, or family reasons.

A KITAS is not a visa, but a stay permit that is issued after entering Indonesia on the appropriate visa. It allows the holder to live legally in Indonesia for a specified period (usually 6 or 12 months) and is renewable annually.

Having a valid KITAS is a legal requirement for any foreign national residing in Indonesia beyond a tourist or business visit. Overstaying without a valid permit can result in fines, detention, and deportation.

⚠️ Important: A KITAS must be applied for through a licensed Indonesian sponsor — either a company (employer/PT PMA), a government body, or (for certain categories) an individual sponsor. Our office provides full legal support through the entire process.

KITAS at a Glance

  • Full Name Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas
  • Issued By Indonesian Immigration Authority (Imigrasi)
  • Validity 6 or 12 months (renewable)
  • Max Stay Up to 5 years (renewed annually)
  • Multiple Entry Yes – with Multiple Re-Entry Permit
  • Work Permit Required separately for working
Ask About Your KITAS

Types of KITAS We Handle

Different KITAS categories apply depending on your purpose of stay in Indonesia. Our office assists with the following types:

Investor KITAS

For foreign nationals who own shares in a PT PMA company registered in Indonesia. Requires a valid investment position through BKPM/OSS.

Investor KITAS Details →

Working KITAS

For foreign workers employed by an Indonesian company. Requires a Work Permit (IMTA/RPTKA) approved by the Ministry of Manpower before application.

Ask About Working KITAS →

Spouse / Family KITAS

For foreign nationals married to an Indonesian citizen or accompanying a KITAS holder as a dependent. Different documentation is required.

Ask About Family KITAS →

Student / Social KITAS

For foreign nationals studying, conducting research, or on a social or cultural mission in Indonesia. Requires an appropriate sponsor institution.

Ask About Student KITAS →

KITAS Requirements

The following documents are generally required for a KITAS application. Exact requirements may vary by KITAS type and applicant nationality. We review your full document list during consultation.

Applicant Documents

  • Valid passport (min. 18 months validity)
  • Recent passport-size photographs (4×6 cm)
  • VITAS (Limited Stay Visa) approval letter
  • Health certificate (from recognised clinic)
  • Police clearance certificate (from home country)
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable – translated)

Sponsor / Company Documents

  • Sponsor's deed of establishment (Akta Pendirian)
  • Company registration (NIB / TDP)
  • NPWP (Tax ID) of sponsoring company
  • Sponsor letter / guarantee letter
  • For Investor KITAS: OSS / BKPM investor registration
  • For Working KITAS: IMTA / RPTKA approval

Forms & Applications

  • Completed Imigrasi application form
  • Signed sponsor guarantee letter
  • Completed VITAS/KITAS application (online via sistem imigrasi)
  • Administrative fee payment receipt
  • LKPM report (for Investor KITAS – if applicable)
  • Biometric data submission at immigration office
📌 Note: Document requirements are subject to change by the Indonesian Immigration Authority. Our office ensures that your application is prepared with the most up-to-date requirements at the time of submission.

KITAS Application Process

The KITAS process involves multiple government agencies. Our legal team coordinates the entire process on your behalf.

1

Legal Consultation

We assess your eligibility, identify the correct KITAS type, and review your documents before any application is submitted.

2

VITAS Application

We prepare and submit the Limited Stay Visa (VITAS) application to the Indonesian Embassy in your country or through the sponsor in Indonesia.

3

Entry to Indonesia

Once VITAS is approved, you enter Indonesia on the VITAS. The KITAS conversion process begins immediately after arrival.

4

Biometric & Immigration

We accompany or coordinate your visit to the Immigration Office for biometric data capture and KITAS card issuance.

5

KITAS Card Issued

Your KITAS card is issued and valid for the approved period. We provide a renewal reminder before expiry.

6

Annual Renewal Support

We manage your KITAS renewal process each year and advise on upgrading to a KITAP after 5 years of continuous stay.

Processing Timeline

Estimated processing times for each stage of the KITAS application. Times may vary based on immigration office workload and applicant nationality.

1 – 2 weeks

VITAS Application

Preparation and submission of the Limited Stay Visa application to the Indonesian Embassy or via sponsor in Indonesia.

2 – 4 weeks

VITAS Approval

Processing time at the Indonesian Embassy / Directorate General of Immigration varies by country and KITAS type.

7 – 14 days

KITAS Conversion

After entry to Indonesia, the KITAS conversion at the local Immigration Office typically takes 7–14 working days.

1 – 3 days

Card Collection

KITAS card collection at the Immigration Office after processing is completed and fees are paid.

⏱ Total Estimated Time: 4 – 8 weeks from initial consultation to KITAS card receipt. Investor KITAS timelines may be longer due to OSS/BKPM registration requirements.

What Our KITAS Legal Support Includes

We provide end-to-end legal support — not just document assistance. All services are supervised by our licensed Indonesian lawyer.

Eligibility Assessment

Review of your personal situation, nationality, and purpose of stay to determine the correct KITAS category.

Document Review & Preparation

Full review of all required documents. We identify gaps and advise on how to obtain missing documents from your home country.

Government Agency Coordination

We liaise with the Immigration Office, Ministry of Manpower, BKPM/OSS, and notary offices on your behalf.

Overstay Risk Management

We track your visa and KITAS validity dates and alert you well in advance to prevent overstay fines or legal complications.

Renewal Management

Annual KITAS renewal coordination. We remind you of renewal deadlines and manage the full renewal process.

KITAP Upgrade Advice

After 5 years of continuous KITAS, we advise on upgrading to a KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) for long-term residents.

Multiple Re-Entry Permit

Assistance with obtaining the Multiple Re-Entry Permit (MERP) so you can travel in and out of Indonesia freely during your KITAS validity.

English Communication

All communications, document explanations, and legal advice provided in clear English for our international clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from foreign nationals about KITAS in Indonesia.

Can I apply for a KITAS without a sponsor company?

In most cases, a KITAS requires an Indonesian sponsor — either a company, government body, or individual (for family KITAS). An Investor KITAS requires a PT PMA company where the applicant holds shares. If you do not yet have a company, we can assist with PT PMA setup as part of the process.

What is the difference between KITAS and KITAP?

A KITAS is a Temporary Stay Permit (renewable annually, up to 5 years). A KITAP is a Permanent Stay Permit, available to foreign nationals who have held a KITAS for 5 consecutive years. KITAP is valid for 5 years and is renewable, making it more convenient for long-term residents.

Can I work in Indonesia with a KITAS?

A KITAS alone does not automatically authorise you to work in Indonesia. A Working KITAS requires a valid Work Permit (IMTA) and a Manpower Utilisation Plan (RPTKA) approved by the Ministry of Manpower. Investor KITAS holders may participate in company management but are subject to specific restrictions. We advise on the correct permit type for your situation.

What happens if my KITAS expires?

If your KITAS expires and you remain in Indonesia, you are subject to overstay fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day. Extended overstay can result in detention, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Indonesia. We provide renewal reminders and emergency extension support to prevent this situation.

How much does a KITAS application cost?

KITAS costs include official government fees (set by the Indonesian Immigration Authority) and our legal service fee. Total costs vary depending on the KITAS type, your nationality, and whether company registration is also required. Please contact us for a detailed cost breakdown based on your situation.

Can I apply for a KITAS while already in Indonesia?

In most cases, a KITAS requires a VITAS (Limited Stay Visa) which must be obtained from an Indonesian Embassy abroad before entry. However, in certain circumstances, particularly for Investor KITAS, there may be pathways to apply from within Indonesia. We assess your specific situation during the initial consultation.

Ready to Apply for Your KITAS?

Speak with our licensed lawyer to assess your KITAS eligibility, review your documents, and start the application process with full legal support.