Over the past decade, Indonesia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic destinations for foreign professionals. With the world’s fourth-largest population and a rapidly modernising economy, the archipelago continues to attract skilled expatriates seeking new frontiers in business, technology, education, and infrastructure.
As regional investment flows diversify under the “China-plus-one” strategy and ASEAN integration deepens, Indonesia’s government has streamlined immigration and employment regulations, inviting qualified experts to play an active role in its transformation.
To streamline your exploration through the Indonesian market, understanding how to work legally and effectively is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what every foreign professional should know before embarking on a career in Indonesia, such as visa regulations and work permits, cultural expectations, ideal locations, and the industries where international expertise is most in demand.
Can Foreigners Work in Indonesia?
Yes, but bear in mind that it must be under clearly defined legal frameworks. Foreigners are permitted to work in Indonesia provided they obtain a valid work permit and are sponsored by a registered local company. The right to employ expatriates is regulated under the Ministry of Manpower (Kementerian Ketenagakerjaan) and coordinated with the Ministry of Investment/BKPM.
The employer must first secure an RPTKA (Foreign Manpower Utilisation Plan), which justifies the need for a foreign hire by demonstrating that no local worker is suitably qualified for the role. Once approved, the company may proceed with a formal authorisation or notification replacing the older IMTA (Work Permit) that grants the expatriate permission to work.
Foreign employees then apply for a Limited Stay Visa (ITAS), which converts into a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) upon arrival. The KITAS legally allows them to live and work in Indonesia for a fixed period, typically six to twelve months, renewable thereafter.
Freelance or self-employment arrangements are not recognised under Indonesian labour law. All expatriates must have a sponsoring entity, usually a PT (Local Limited Company) or PT PMA (Foreign-Owned Limited Company), to obtain a valid work authorisation.
Those wishing to manage or own their business must first establish a PT PMA and obtain an Investor KITAS.
Visas and Permits Required
Working legally in Indonesia requires navigating several key permits and visa categories, each serving distinct professional purposes.
1. Working KITAS (Work Visa)
The most common option for foreign professionals employed by Indonesian firms. It requires sponsorship from an authorised company and prior RPTKA and Notification approval from the Ministry of Manpower.
2. Investor KITAS (C313/C314)
Designed for foreign shareholders or directors of a PT PMA investing a minimum paid-up capital of IDR 2.5 billion per investor. This visa is valid for one to two years and allows holders to manage and reside in Indonesia without additional work permit fees.
3. Business Visa (Single or Multiple Entry)
Allows foreigners to visit Indonesia for short-term activities such as meetings, market research, or investment negotiations, but not for employment. Typically valid for 60 days per visit or one year for multiple entries.
4. Dependent KITAS
Issued to spouses and family members of foreign workers. Holders cannot work but can reside legally during the principal KITAS holder’s stay.
5. Digital Nomad and Remote Work Permits
Indonesia is currently evaluating frameworks to accommodate digital nomads, especially in Bali. Until formalised, long-stay or socio-cultural visas remain temporary alternatives for remote professionals.
Every foreign worker must also obtain a Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit (MERP) to freely travel in and out of Indonesia while their KITAS remains valid. Processing times vary by province, but working with an authorised consultancy ensures smoother coordination with immigration offices and ministries.
Types of Work Permit in Indonesia
There are two main types of work permits in Indonesia that foreign workers must obtain to work legally:
- RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) – a Foreign Manpower Employment Plan
- IMTA (Izin Menggunakan Tenaga Kerja Asing) – a Work Permit issued after RPTKA approval
These permits are regulated under Indonesia’s manpower laws and must be secured through the employer before a foreign worker can legally begin employment. The process involves coordination with several authorities, including the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
Related article: Understand Types of Work Visas and Work Permits in Indonesia
Working Conditions: Hours, Holidays, and Work Culture
Working Hours in Indonesia
Indonesia’s employment laws stipulate a standard 40-hour work week, divided into either 7 hours per day for 6 days or 8 hours per day for 5 days. Overtime is permissible up to 3 hours daily or 14 hours weekly, with mandatory compensation rates.
Annual Leaves and Holidays
After one year of continuous employment, workers are entitled to 12 days of paid annual leave, in addition to 15–16 national public holidays. Certain industries, particularly hospitality and manufacturing, may operate under specific scheduling rules approved by the Ministry of Manpower.
Working Cultures in Indonesia
Workplace culture in Indonesia is generally hierarchical and relationship-oriented. Respect for seniority, collective harmony, and modest communication styles are highly valued. Punctuality and patience are appreciated, as bureaucratic processes may take time.
Expats often receive enhanced benefits packages, including housing allowances, health insurance, and transportation support, reflecting both market practice and the additional costs of relocation. Many multinational firms in Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya follow international HR standards, providing a familiar professional environment with a local flavour.
Best Locations for Foreign Professionals’ Placement
While opportunities exist across the archipelago, several regions stand out as prime destinations for expatriate employment and investment:
Jakarta
The capital remains Indonesia’s commercial and financial heart, home to multinational corporations, government agencies, and embassies. Key sectors include banking, energy, logistics, and consulting.
Bali
The island’s creative economy and tourism-driven ecosystem attract digital marketers, hospitality experts, wellness coaches, and designers. Increasingly, Bali has become Southeast Asia’s remote-work hub.
Batam and Bintan
Proximity to Singapore makes these free-trade zones ideal for manufacturing, shipbuilding, and logistics industries.
Surabaya
A key trading port and Indonesia’s second-largest city, Surabaya, thrives in industrial manufacturing, retail, and infrastructure projects.
Bandung
Known for its universities and start-up culture, Bandung is a centre for technology, creative design, and software development.
Yogyakarta
A cultural and educational hub offering roles in academia, creative media, and English education.
Infrastructure development, digital connectivity, and the government’s creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) continue to expand employment opportunities beyond Java.
Qualifications and Expertise Requirements
Indonesia encourages the hiring of foreign experts only where local talent remains limited. As such, expats are generally expected to hold:
- A relevant degree (typically a bachelor’s or higher) aligned with the role.
- At least five years of professional experience in the same industry.
- Demonstrated expertise through certifications, managerial records, or a proven professional portfolio.
Foreign professionals are often hired for roles such as Directors, Managers, Technical Advisors, Engineers, and Specialists. The employer must justify that the skills brought by the foreign hire are necessary and include a knowledge transfer plan to train local staff, ensuring capacity building within Indonesia’s workforce.
While Bahasa Indonesia proficiency is not mandatory, learning basic communication greatly enhances workplace relationships and integration. Many international companies also offer cross-cultural training to help new expatriates adapt smoothly.
Top Industries for Foreigners in Indonesia
- Energy, Oil, and Gas:
Indonesia’s resource-rich landscape provides consistent demand for foreign engineers, project managers, and technical consultants in exploration, renewables, and sustainable energy projects. - Technology and Digital Economy:
Indonesia’s digital sector is expanding rapidly, particularly in fintech, e-commerce, and SaaS industries. Jakarta and Bandung host numerous start-ups and unicorns seeking experienced developers and data professionals. - Education:
English teachers, curriculum designers, and international school administrators are in steady demand, especially in Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and Bali. - Finance and Investment:
As ASEAN’s largest economy, Indonesia remains a hub for investment banking, auditing, insurance, and advisory services. Global financial institutions in Jakarta often hire expatriates for executive and compliance roles. - Tourism and Hospitality:
Bali, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo continue to attract experienced hoteliers, chefs, resort managers, and wellness experts, particularly as post-pandemic tourism rebounds. - Manufacturing and Logistics:
The industrial estates of Batam, Karawang, and Bekasi serve as regional production centres. Foreign specialists in supply chain management and engineering are valued for process optimisation. - Creative and Media Industries:
Content marketing, digital storytelling, and film production are expanding rapidly. Foreign professionals with strong portfolios in branding or digital media often collaborate with local agencies.
Interested in seeking professional jobs in Indonesia?
Indonesia offers a dynamic and fast-growing job market, attractive opportunities across multinational and local companies, and a vibrant lifestyle that continues to draw talent from around the world. Whether you are exploring professional roles, relocating for work, or planning long-term career growth, securing the right visas in Indonesia is the first and most crucial step.
At LMI Consultancy, we specialise in guiding foreign professionals through the legal, administrative, and immigration pathways needed to work and live in Indonesia confidently. Our experienced team ensures accurate documentation, smooth submissions, and full compliance, so you can focus on your career while we take care of the details.
