Exploring the vibrant archipelago of Indonesia while maintaining your remote career requires understanding the complex Indonesia work permit visa landscape. With its stunning beaches, affordable lifestyle, and growing digital infrastructure, Indonesia has become a magnet for location-independent professionals. However, navigating the Indonesian immigration system requires knowledge of specific permits, requirements, and processes.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about securing the right Indonesia work permit visa, from understanding the different types to simplifying the application process. Whether you’re planning a short stay in Bali or considering a longer-term arrangement in Jakarta, we’ve got you covered with practical information to make your transition smooth and compliant. For more comprehensive nomad resources, check out Nomada’s digital nomad guides.
Understanding the Indonesian visa system for remote workers
Indonesia’s visa system has evolved to accommodate various types of foreign visitors, including digital nomads and remote workers. Before diving into specific work permits, it’s essential to understand the overall visa framework and how it applies to location-independent professionals.
Types of visas and permits for working in Indonesia
When planning to work remotely from Indonesia, you’ll encounter several visa and permit options:
- Business Visa (B211A): allows for business-related activities but not formal employment with Indonesian companies. This is often the starting point for many digital nomads.
- KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas): a temporary stay permit card that allows foreigners to legally reside and work in Indonesia. This is what most people refer to as an Indonesia work permit visa.
- ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas): the actual temporary stay permit that the KITAS card represents.
- KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap): a permanent stay permit available after several years of holding a KITAS.
- Digital Nomad Visa: a relatively new initiative being developed specifically for remote workers.
🌟 Pro tip: for short-term digital nomads planning to work for overseas employers while staying in Indonesia, the B211A business visa is often the most practical solution, as it doesn’t require local sponsorship from an Indonesian company.
How long can you stay with each type of permit?
Understanding the duration of stay permitted under each Indonesia work permit visa type is crucial for planning your Indonesian remote work experience:
- Business Visa (B211A): valid for 60 days and extendable up to 4 times for a total stay of 180 days.
- KITAS/ITAS: usually issued for 6 months to 1 year, with possible extensions up to 6 years.
- KITAP: allows for a 5-year stay and is renewable.
- Digital Nomad Visa: expected to allow stays of up to 5 years, according to proposed regulations.
💡 Did you know? Indonesia is working on a dedicated digital nomad visa that would allow remote workers to live in the country for up to five years tax-free if they earn income from outside Indonesia.
The KITAS work permit: requirements and application process
The KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is the primary Indonesia work permit visa that allows foreigners to legally work and live in Indonesia. If you plan to stay long-term or work with local Indonesian companies, understanding the KITAS application process is essential.
Documents and requirements for a KITAS application
Applying for an Indonesia work permit visa through the KITAS route requires thorough preparation and documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Valid passport with at least 18 months validity
- Completed application forms
- Recent color photographs (4x6cm with red background)
- CV/resume detailing your qualifications
- Educational certificates
- Job description from your sponsoring company
- Health certificate from an approved facility
- Proof of health insurance valid in Indonesia
- RPTKA approval from your employer
- Tax ID number (NPWP) once you arrive
- Police clearance certificate from your home country
The specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the sponsoring company, and the local immigration office.
Step-by-step application process
The Indonesia work permit visa application process involves multiple stages:
- Employer sponsorship: an Indonesian company must agree to sponsor your application.
- RPTKA approval: your employer obtains Expatriate Placement Plan approval from the Ministry of Manpower.
- Work permit (IMTA): after RPTKA approval, your employer applies for a work permit.
- VITAS application: with the approved work permit, you apply for a Limited Stay Visa at the Indonesian embassy in your home country.
- Enter Indonesia: upon arrival, you receive a temporary VITAS entry stamp.
- ITAS conversion: within 30 days, convert your VITAS to an ITAS at the local immigration office.
- KITAS card issuance: after ITAS approval, you receive the physical KITAS card.
- Additional registrations: register with local police and get your tax ID.
🌟 Pro tip: building a good relationship with your sponsoring company’s HR department is crucial, as they’ll handle most of the bureaucratic processes.
Alternative options for digital nomads
For many digital nomads who work for overseas companies or clients, the full Indonesia work permit visa process may be unnecessary. Fortunately, there are more suitable alternatives for remote workers in Indonesia.
Business visa route for remote workers
The Business Visa (B211A) is often the most practical option for digital nomads in Indonesia:
- Application process: apply at your nearest Indonesian embassy or through an authorized visa agent.
- Requirements: valid passport, application form, photos, proof of funds, and return ticket.
- Activities permitted: business meetings and working remotely for non-Indonesian employers.
- Limitations: cannot receive salary from Indonesian sources or work for local companies.
This visa allows you to legally stay in Indonesia while working remotely for overseas employers. However, you’ll need to leave the country when it expires or before extending it.
The upcoming digital nomad visa
Indonesia has announced plans to introduce a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa:
- Proposed benefits: long-term stay (up to 5 years), tax exemption for foreign-sourced income.
- Target audience: remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs with income from outside Indonesia.
- Current status: still in development, with official launch dates to be announced.
While we await this visa, digital nomads continue to use the Business Visa or Social-Cultural Visa for shorter stays. If you’re interested in other visa options for digital nomads around the world, explore Nomada’s visa guides.
💡 Did you know? Bali has emerged as Indonesia’s unofficial digital nomad capital, with numerous coworking spaces specifically catering to remote workers.
Technology and infrastructure for remote work in Indonesia
Securing the right Indonesia work permit visa is just one aspect of successful remote working. Understanding the technological landscape is equally important for maintaining productivity.
Internet connectivity and coworking spaces
Indonesia’s internet infrastructure varies significantly:
- Major cities: Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung offer reliable high-speed internet.
- Bali: internet quality varies by area. Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak generally offer better connectivity.
- Remote islands: expect slower and less reliable connections.
Coworking spaces have proliferated across popular digital nomad destinations:
- Bali: dozens of spaces including Outpost, Dojo Bali, and Tropical Nomad.
- Jakarta: spaces like CoHive, GoWork, and WeWork provide enterprise-grade facilities.
- Yogyakarta: emerging spaces catering to the growing digital nomad community.
🌟 Pro tip: ensure seamless connectivity wherever you go in Indonesia with Holafly’s eSIM. Having a reliable mobile data backup is essential, especially in areas with less reliable WiFi.
Banking and financial considerations
Managing your finances while working remotely in Indonesia requires planning:
- Local bank accounts: KITAS holders can open Indonesian bank accounts, but those on business visas typically cannot.
- International banking: services like Wise and Revolut are popular for managing currencies and receiving payments.
- Digital payments: GoPay, OVO, and DANA are commonly used mobile payment platforms in Indonesia.
While Indonesia typically doesn’t tax foreign-sourced income for temporary visitors, longer stays with a KITAS may create tax residency obligations.
Final thoughts: choosing the right permit for your nomadic lifestyle
Selecting the appropriate Indonesia work permit visa depends on your specific circumstances and planned duration of stay. For most digital nomads working for overseas clients, the Business Visa (B211A) provides the best balance of legitimacy and simplicity. Those seeking longer-term arrangements or employment with Indonesian companies will need to pursue the KITAS path.
Indonesia’s recognition of the digital nomad movement is evident in its developing visa policies. The country is increasingly accommodating to remote workers, balancing the economic benefits they bring with regulatory needs.
Remember that immigration rules can change quickly, so verify the latest requirements before making final plans. Working with reputable visa agents can simplify the process and help you navigate the sometimes complex Indonesian bureaucracy.
Ready to work remotely in Indonesia?
Indonesia offers a unique blend of tropical beauty, cultural richness, and growing digital infrastructure that makes it an ideal destination for location-independent professionals. Understanding your Indonesia work permit visa options is the first step toward a successful Indonesian remote work experience.
Need more guidance on your nomadic journey? From visa applications to finding the perfect coworking space, find the practical advice you need just a click away.
Let Nomada be your guide 👉
Frequently asked questions about Indonesia work permit visas
Strictly speaking, no. Tourist visas are intended for tourism activities only. For remote work, the Business Visa (B211A business stream) is more appropriate as it allows for business activities, including remote work for overseas employers. Working for Indonesian companies always requires a proper Indonesia work permit visa like the KITAS.
For a KITAS work permit, expect to pay between $1,000-$1,500 including all government fees, processing costs, and associated permits. Business Visas are less expensive, typically costing $100-$300 plus extension fees if needed.
Digital nomads on Business Visas earning income from foreign sources typically don’t need to pay Indonesian income tax. However, those with a KITAS staying more than 183 days in a year may become tax residents.
Generally, no. Work permits typically require you to apply for a VITAS at an Indonesian embassy outside the country first. However, some exceptions exist during certain periods, so consult with an immigration specialist about current regulations.
The complete KITAS application process typically takes 2-3 months from initial application to receiving your physical KITAS card.
