Indonesia Work Visa Guide
Indonesia, renowned for its burgeoning job market and career opportunities across various industries, has become a coveted destination for job seekers from around the world, including India. Fulfilling the dream of working in this vibrant country is possible through the issuance of an Indonesia work visa.
Understanding the Indonesia Work Visa:
Whether you’re a student seeking employment after completing your studies or a current employee looking to switch locations, working in Indonesia necessitates obtaining a work visa. Typically, this visa is a multiple-entry permit, often referred to as an Indonesia work permit, and it comes in two primary categories:
Indonesia Work Permit: ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas) An ITAS is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and can be obtained from the local immigration office. However, before obtaining an ITAS, applicants must first acquire a VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas), which is a limited stay permit granted to those seeking to work or reside in Indonesia.
Indonesia Work Permit: KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) A KITAP is a permanent stay permit granted to foreign employees who have held an ITAS for three consecutive years. This permit provides permanent residency and job security to eligible candidates.
How to Apply for an Indonesia Work Visa:
The application process for an Indonesia work visa is predominantly offline and can be initiated at the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate. However, before proceeding with the application, it is crucial to understand and meet the eligibility criteria. The application procedures for both types of permits differ and are outlined as follows:
- Start by downloading the application form.
- Choose the appropriate visa type.
- Complete the visa application form and gather the required documents.
- Collect the necessary supporting documents.
- Submit the complete set of documents to the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate.
- Await approval from the Directorate General of Immigration.
- After approval, you will receive information about any additional requirements, if necessary.
- Proceed with the payment, and the processing of your visa will commence.
When filling out the application form, it is imperative to provide accurate and correct information that matches the details on your supporting documents. Any unverifiable information may lead to application rejection, potentially affecting future visa applications. It is advisable to engage a professional visa agency to avoid such issues.
Eligibility:
To apply for an Indonesia work visa, you must adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The essential requirements are as follows:
Meeting Health Requirements: Applicants must be in good health to travel to Indonesia. A medical test is mandatory before entering the country, supported by relevant documentary proof.
Age Limit: Applicants must meet age requirements specified for work permits.
Character Requirements: Applicants must have good character and genuine intentions for working in Indonesia. This must be substantiated with relevant documentary proof, such as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
Sufficient Funds: Applicants must possess or have access to adequate funds to cover their stay and other expenses in Indonesia. Bank statements or equivalent documents must be submitted as proof.
Confirmed Employment: Applicants must have a job and provide a letter from the employing organization confirming their employment in Indonesia.
Documents Required for an Indonesia Work Visa:
Requirements for an Indonesia work visa may vary depending on the type of permit. However, the common Indonesia work visa requirements include:
- Original passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the intended date of travel.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two photos meeting specific size and format requirements.
- A cover letter from the hiring company.
- Proof of identification and nationality, such as PAN card or Aadhaar card.
- Evidence of confirmed travel dates, such as a one-way air ticket.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Indonesia, including a letter of remittance, income tax returns, or bank statements.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a rent agreement.
Photo Specifications:
- Two copies must be provided.
- Photo size: 50mm x 50mm.
- Colored copies are required.
- The face should cover about 70-80% of the frame.
- The head should be centered.
- Maintain a gap of 2mm to 6mm between the top of the head and the frame.
- Photos should not be older than 6 months.
- The background must be white.
- Neutral facial expressions.
- Glasses are not permitted.
- Headgear is allowed only for religious reasons.
- Clothing should not match the background.
Indonesia Work Visa Processing Time:
The processing time for an Indonesia work visa typically takes approximately 2 months. However, this duration can vary based on factors such as the workload at the embassy, staff availability, document completeness, and other variables.
Indonesia Work Visa Fees:
The fee for an Indonesia work visa is estimated based on several parameters, including the type of visa. Applicants are required to pay this fee to the embassy or the agency facilitating the application. Various factors influence the cost of the visa, such as the number of entries, the purpose of the visit, service charges, and more.
After Submission:
Following the submission of the visa application form and supporting documents:
- Any additional requirements or application mistakes must be promptly reported to the embassy or agency.
- Changes related to the application, such as marital status or the birth of a child, must be communicated to the embassy/agency.
- Applicants can inquire about the status of their application and its processing.
- In the event of a change of plans, applicants can withdraw their application.
- It’s important to note that visa fees are generally non-refundable.
How to Check Status:
Applicants can check the status of their Indonesia work permit offline by contacting the embassy. If they have applied through a professional agency, online status tracking is available on the agency’s website.
Upon Receiving the Visa:
Once you have obtained your Indonesia work visa, several important considerations come into play:
Before You Travel:
- Note the visa’s expiry date and the number of permitted entries; do not overstay beyond this period.
- Ensure you travel to Indonesia within the visa’s validity.
- Carry copies of your passport and other essential travel documents.
- Obtain health and travel insurance from a certified company.
At the Border:
- Have your documents checked, and your passport verified.
- Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
- Consult with airport authorities for any required assistance.
- Review your visa copy for additional guidelines and rules.
When Entering Indonesia:
- Abide by activities that are permissible to non-Indonesian residents; unauthorized activities may lead to legal issues.
- You are permitted to work and explore the country with this visa.
- You can later invite and sponsor your family to the country.
- Avoid prohibited tourist areas.
- Ensure you do not overstay and apply for a visa extension if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
To extend your work visa, you must have a valid reason. You can apply for an extension through the Immigration Office in Indonesia. Your application and passport will be verified by the Immigration Office, and upon approval, you will receive an extension. Extension criteria vary based on the type of visa.
Once your work visa has expired, you are not permitted to stay in the country any longer. However, if you have humanitarian reasons to remain in Indonesia, the government may grant you an extension. If you fail to leave the country after your visa expires, you may face charges and potential bans on re-entry in certain cases. Ensure you extend your visa with valid reasons within the designated timeline if necessary.
A medical test is a health examination conducted by an authorized doctor to ensure that the applicant does not possess any contagious diseases. While this test includes HIV/AIDS and other transmissible illnesses, it is not mandatory for all types of visas. Long-term visas typically require this test, but short-term work permits may not necessitate it.
You cannot directly convert one type of visa to another. If you are on a work permit and wish to apply for a tourist visa, you can do so after your work permit expires. Alternatively, you can cancel the work visa and apply for a tourist permit.
The Indonesian Embassy does not specify a precise savings account requirement for an Indonesia work visa. The requirements may vary based on the type of visa and whether it is a long-term or short-term permit. Applicants should confirm this information based on their specific visa type and other relevant factors, as requirements can change.
Due to the processing time of approximately 2 months or longer in some cases, it is advisable to apply for the permit at least 3 to 4 months before your intended departure to Indonesia. This allows ample time for document verification and ensures the permit is issued in time for your trip.
