Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, continues to attract global businesses seeking opportunities in its dynamic market of over 270 million consumers. From Jakarta's bustling financial district to Bali's growing digital economy and manufacturing hubs across Java, understanding the work permit in Indonesia is essential for companies hiring international talent. This comprehensive guide covers Indonesia's work authorization framework, visa categories, application procedures, and compliance requirements for foreign professionals. Whether you're an HR manager coordinating international assignments or an employer establishing operations in Indonesia, this resource provides the practical knowledge needed to navigate the country's immigration and employment regulations successfully.
A work visa and work permit in Indonesia are interconnected authorizations required for foreign nationals to work legally in the country. The Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights manages visa issuance and stay permits, while the Ministry of Manpower oversees work permit approvals (known as IMTA - Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing).
Indonesia's immigration framework is governed by Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration and Presidential Regulation No. 20 of 2018 (as amended) concerning the Use of Foreign Workers. The system requires employers to obtain approval to employ foreign workers before securing work visas and permits for their foreign employees.
Recent regulatory developments, particularly through the Omnibus Law (Job Creation Law No. 11 of 2020) and its implementing regulations, have streamlined certain processes and introduced the Online Single Submission (OSS) system to improve efficiency. The Indonesian government has also implemented stricter localization requirements and priority sector designations to balance foreign expertise with local employment protection.
Indonesia's work authorization system emphasizes employer sponsorship through a sponsorship company (typically the Indonesian entity employing the foreign worker), which remains responsible for ensuring compliance with immigration and labor regulations throughout the employment period.
Indonesia offers several work authorization pathways designed for different professional circumstances and business structures:
The C312 Work Visa combined with KITAS and IMTA (work permit) is the standard pathway for foreign employees hired by Indonesian companies. The work authorization process involves three key components: IMTA (employer's permit to employ foreign workers), work visa (C312), and KITAS (limited stay permit card allowing residence and work).
The Online Single Submission (OSS) system integrates various business licensing and work permit processes for eligible companies, particularly those in priority sectors or investment zones. The Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) facilitates applications for foreign investors and companies with substantial investment commitments.
The work authorization process in Indonesia follows a multi-stage approach and typically takes 6-12 weeks for complete processing:
Step 1: Manpower Planning (RPTKA)
Before hiring foreign employees, Indonesian employers must submit a Manpower Utilization Plan (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing - RPTKA) to the Ministry of Manpower or through the OSS system. The RPTKA justifies the need for foreign workers, specifies positions, qualifications required, and includes an Indonesian counterpart training plan (Technology Transfer Program).
Step 2: RPTKA Approval
The Ministry of Manpower reviews the RPTKA application, assessing whether the positions require foreign expertise and cannot be filled by Indonesian workers. Approval is granted for specific positions, numbers of workers, and time periods (typically up to 2 years).
Step 3: Work Permit Application (IMTA)
With approved RPTKA, the employer applies for IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing) through the Ministry of Manpower or OSS portal. The IMTA is the actual work permit authorizing the company to employ a specific foreign national in a designated position.
Step 4: Foreign Worker Compensation Fund (DPKK)
Employers must pay the Dana Pengembangan Keahlian dan Keterampilan (DPKK) - a compensation fund intended to develop Indonesian workers' skills. The fee is USD 100-1,200 per foreign employee per month, depending on position level and duration.
Step 5: Work Visa (C312) Application
With the approved IMTA, the employer applies for a C312 work visa through the Directorate General of Immigration online system. This requires submission of a visa approval letter (Telex Visa) request. Once approved, the foreign employee can obtain the C312 visa at an Indonesian embassy/consulate abroad or at designated entry points.
Step 6: Entry to Indonesia
The foreign employee enters Indonesia using the C312 work visa, which is initially valid for 60 days and serves as authorization to apply for KITAS upon arrival.
Step 7: KITAS Application and Issuance
Within the C312 visa validity period, the employee must apply for a Temporary Stay Permit Card (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas - KITAS) at the local immigration office. This involves biometric registration, medical examination, and document submission. The KITAS is typically issued for up to 2 years and serves as the legal residence and work authorization document.
Step 8: Multiple Re-Entry Permit (MERP)
Foreign workers should obtain a Multiple Re-Entry Permit allowing them to exit and re-enter Indonesia multiple times during their KITAS validity without canceling their stay permit.
Step 9: Local Registration (STM)
Within 14 days of receiving KITAS, foreign employees must complete local registration (Surat Tanda Melapor - STM) at their local immigration office, reporting their residential address.
Processing Time: The complete process from RPTKA submission to KITAS issuance typically takes 8-12 weeks. RPTKA approval requires 2-4 weeks, IMTA processing takes 2-3 weeks, visa approval takes 1-2 weeks, and KITAS issuance after arrival takes 2-4 weeks. Priority sectors and OSS-registered companies may experience faster processing.
Fees: DPKK fees range from USD 100-1,200 per month per employee. Work visa and KITAS fees total approximately IDR 3,000,000-8,000,000 (USD 200-550) depending on duration and nationality. MERP fees are approximately IDR 500,000-2,000,000.
Indonesia's work permit process requires extensive documentation demonstrating both employer legitimacy and employee qualifications:
For the Employee:
For the Employer (Sponsor):
Specific Conditions:
Application forms and detailed guidelines are available through the Ministry of Manpower website and the OSS portal for registered companies.
Initial Validity:
IMTA (work permit) is typically granted for up to 2 years, aligned with the RPTKA approval period. KITAS (stay permit) is issued for the same duration as the IMTA, up to 2 years maximum initially. The work visa (C312) is valid for 60 days for entry purposes only.
RPTKA and IMTA Renewal:
RPTKA renewals should be submitted 60-90 days before expiry to the Ministry of Manpower or through the OSS system. Required documents include:
Once RPTKA is renewed, IMTA renewal follows automatically or requires separate application depending on the province and processing method.
KITAS Extension:
KITAS extensions must be applied for 30 days before expiry at the local immigration office. Required documents include:
Extensions are granted for up to 2 years and can be processed multiple times while the RPTKA remains valid and employment continues.
MERP Renewal:
Multiple Re-Entry Permits must be renewed in alignment with KITAS validity. Applications are submitted to immigration offices with the extended KITAS and payment of applicable fees.
Change of Employer or Position:
Changing employers requires a complete new application process:
Changing positions within the same company requires RPTKA and IMTA amendments, which can be processed domestically but still involve significant documentation and approval processes.
Cancellation:
When employment terminates, employers must cancel the IMTA within 7 working days by notifying the Ministry of Manpower. KITAS must be cancelled at the immigration office, and the foreign employee must depart Indonesia within the remaining visa validity or face overstay penalties. Proper cancellation is critical to avoid blacklisting and future visa complications.
The Directorate General of Immigration provides specific guidelines for extensions and cancellations, with procedures varying slightly by regional immigration offices.
Successful integration of foreign employees in Indonesia extends beyond work authorization to encompass practical relocation and ongoing compliance:
Tax and Social Security Registration:
Foreign employees must register with the Directorate General of Taxation and obtain a Tax Identification Number (NPWP) for personal income tax purposes. Indonesia operates a progressive tax system with tax residency determined by the 183-day rule. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents pay tax only on Indonesia-sourced income.
Foreign employees must be registered with BPJS Kesehatan (health insurance) and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (employment social security) within 30 days of KITAS issuance. These mandatory programs provide healthcare access, workplace accident coverage, old age savings, pension benefits, and death benefits.
Geographic Considerations:
Indonesia's vast archipelago offers diverse relocation options based on industry clusters and lifestyle preferences. Jakarta, the capital and economic center, hosts the majority of multinational corporations, financial institutions, and regional headquarters. Expatriate communities concentrate in areas like Kemang, Menteng, Pondok Indah, and Kelapa Gading, with extensive international schools and healthcare facilities.
Bali has emerged as a hub for digital businesses, hospitality, and creative industries, offering island lifestyle with growing infrastructure supporting remote work and entrepreneurship. Areas like Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, and Ubud attract international professionals seeking work-life balance.
Batam and Bintan serve as manufacturing and logistics hubs with proximity to Singapore. Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, offers lower costs with improving business infrastructure. Industrial zones across West Java (Karawang, Bekasi) and Central Java host manufacturing operations with developing expatriate services.
Dependent Visas (KITAS):
Foreign employees with valid KITAS can sponsor dependent KITAS for:
Dependent KITAS holders receive limited stay permits aligned with the principal employee's KITAS duration. Dependents can reside in Indonesia but require separate IMTA and work KITAS if they wish to engage in employment.
Practical Relocation Support:
Employers typically assist with initial accommodation (often providing housing or housing allowances for expatriates), school enrollment at international schools, healthcare registration at international hospitals or clinics, banking setup, and orientation to local transportation, cultural norms, and daily life. Understanding Indonesian business culture, language basics, and social etiquette significantly enhances professional and personal success.
Navigating Indonesia's complex, multi-layered work authorization system requires deep expertise in immigration regulations, labor law, and coordination across multiple government agencies and regional variations. AYP provides comprehensive mobility compliance and visa management support to streamline foreign employee deployment.
Our services include:
Whether you're establishing your first Indonesian entity or managing a large expatriate workforce across Jakarta, Bali, and industrial zones, AYP's local expertise ensures efficient, compliant work authorization management throughout the archipelago.
Talk to Our Visa & Mobility Experts
How long does it take to get a work permit in Indonesia?
The complete work authorization process typically takes 8-12 weeks from RPTKA submission to KITAS issuance. RPTKA approval requires 2-4 weeks, IMTA processing takes 2-3 weeks, work visa approval takes 1-2 weeks, and KITAS processing after arrival takes 2-4 weeks. Priority sectors and companies using the OSS system may experience faster processing times.
What documents are required for a work visa?
Essential documents include a valid passport, academic qualifications (notarized and legalized), professional certifications, curriculum vitae, employment contract, approved RPTKA and IMTA from the employer, company registration documents, health certificate from Indonesian medical facility, and proof of DPKK payment. The employer must also provide comprehensive business documentation and training plans.
Can foreigners work remotely in Indonesia?
Foreign nationals cannot legally work remotely for overseas companies while in Indonesia on tourist or social visit visas. Any work activity conducted in Indonesia requires valid IMTA and KITAS. Indonesia introduced the Second Home Visa program allowing high-net-worth individuals to reside long-term, though specific work restrictions apply. Digital nomads working remotely should consult immigration specialists about appropriate visa categories.
What is the validity of a work permit?
IMTA (work permit) is typically issued for up to 2 years, aligned with RPTKA approval. KITAS (stay permit) matches the IMTA duration, up to 2 years maximum. Both can be renewed multiple times while employment continues and the employee remains eligible.
How to renew or cancel a work visa?
RPTKA and IMTA renewals should be submitted 60-90 days before expiry through the Ministry of Manpower or OSS system. KITAS extensions must be applied for 30 days before expiry at local immigration offices. Cancellation must occur within 7 days of employment termination, with the employer notifying the Ministry of Manpower and the employee cancelling KITAS at the immigration office before departure.
Can dependents apply for a spouse visa?
Yes, foreign employees with valid KITAS can sponsor dependent KITAS for their legal spouse and children under 18 (or up to 25 if studying). Dependent KITAS are granted for durations aligned with the principal employee's permit. Dependents can reside in Indonesia but require separate work authorization if they wish to work.
