Depending on the purpose of stay, current visa category, and prevailing immigration regulations, applicants may be able to complete an onshore visa application, enabling them to obtain a new stay permit while remaining legally in Indonesia.
However, not all visa categories are eligible for onshore conversion. In certain circumstances, foreign nationals must first complete an Exit Permit Only (EPO) before applying for a new visa or changing sponsors. Understanding the correct immigration pathway is essential to maintain compliance and avoid unnecessary administrative complications.
Can You Apply for an Indonesian Visa Without Leaving Indonesia?
Yes. Depending on the visa category and your immigration status, Indonesia allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for a new visa without travelling outside the country.
This process, commonly referred to as an onshore application, enables applicants to change from one immigration status to another while remaining legally in Indonesia. Whether an onshore conversion is permitted depends on the current visa held, the intended purpose of stay, sponsorship arrangements, and the latest regulations issued by the Directorate General of Immigration.
For example, a visitor intending to commence employment may be eligible to transition to a Work KITAS, while an investor establishing a PT PMA may apply for an Investor KITAS, subject to sponsorship and supporting documentation.
Before submitting any application, applicants should ensure their passport and current immigration documents remain valid, as expired permits may affect eligibility.
When is an Exit Permit Only (EPO) Required?
An Exit Permit Only (EPO) is an official immigration clearance issued to KITAS or KITAP holders who intend to terminate their current stay permit before leaving Indonesia or changing to another immigration status.
The EPO formally closes the existing stay permit within Indonesia’s immigration system. Without completing this administrative process, the previous permit may remain active, potentially delaying or affecting future immigration applications.
An EPO is commonly required when:
- A foreign employee resigns and their Work KITAS is cancelled.
- A foreign national changes to another visa category that requires cancellation of the existing KITAS.
- The sponsoring company or individual withdraws sponsorship.
- A KITAS or KITAP holder permanently leaves Indonesia before the permit expires.
Obtaining the correct exit clearance helps ensure future visa applications proceed smoothly and remain compliant with Indonesian Immigration requirements.
Exit Permit Only (EPO)
Once an Exit Permit Only (EPO) has been approved by Indonesian Immigration, the existing Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP) is officially cancelled.
The permit holder is generally required to leave Indonesia within the period specified by the Immigration Office. Failure to depart before the deadline may result in administrative sanctions or complications for future immigration applications.
After departing Indonesia under an EPO, foreign nationals may apply for and return using a new visa, provided all immigration requirements have been fulfilled.
For expatriates changing employers, investors restructuring their business, or foreign nationals changing sponsors, the EPO often serves as the final administrative step before beginning a new immigration process.
Exit Re-Entry Permit (ERP & MERP)
Unlike an EPO, an Exit Re-Entry Permit (ERP) or Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP) allows eligible KITAS or KITAP holders to leave Indonesia temporarily and return without cancelling their existing stay permit.
These permits are commonly used by expatriates, investors, and executives who travel internationally while maintaining valid residency in Indonesia.
Choosing between an EPO, ERP, or MERP depends on whether you intend to retain your current stay permit or permanently terminate it before applying for a different immigration status.
Changing to a Work KITAS
Foreign nationals planning to commence employment in Indonesia must obtain a Work KITAS sponsored by an Indonesian company.
In addition to the standard immigration documents, applicants are generally required to provide supporting documentation from the sponsoring employer, including an approved RPTKA (Foreign Manpower Utilisation Plan) and fulfil the applicable work authorisation requirements under Indonesian regulations.
The required documents and application process may differ depending on the type of KITAS being requested. Existing KITAS holders changing employers or sponsors should ensure their current stay permit remains valid throughout the transition.
Documents Required for an Onshore Visa Application
Document requirements vary depending on the visa category and the applicant’s immigration history. Generally, applicants should prepare:
- A valid passport
- Current Indonesian immigration documents (Visa, KITAS or KITAP)
- Sponsor documents (where applicable)
- Completed immigration application forms
- Supporting administrative documents
- Additional documents requested by the Directorate General of Immigration
Certain visa categories may also require employment documents, company incorporation documents, family relationship certificates, or other supporting evidence.
Preparing complete documentation before submission can help minimise processing delays and reduce the likelihood of additional requests from Immigration.
A Practical Example
A foreign employee holding a Work KITAS who resigns from their employer cannot immediately begin working for another company using the same permit.
The existing sponsor must first complete the cancellation of the current Work KITAS, typically through an Exit Permit Only (EPO) or another applicable immigration procedure. Once the previous permit has been formally closed, the new employer may proceed with sponsoring a new Work KITAS application.
Similarly, a foreign investor holding a visitor visa who establishes a company in Indonesia may, subject to prevailing immigration policies, be eligible to transition to an Investor KITAS through an onshore application without first leaving the country.
Obtain Professional Immigration Consultation with LMI Consultancy
LMI Consultancy provides strategic immigration consultation and compliance advisory for expatriates, investors, multinational companies, and foreign professionals across Indonesia.
Whether you are changing employment, restructuring your business, relocating to Indonesia, or planning your long-term immigration strategy, our team provides tailored guidance based on the latest Indonesian immigration regulations.
Speak with our professional consultants today and claim your complimentary one-hour consultation to discuss the most suitable immigration solution for your needs.
