Thinking about working in Indonesia? With its growing economy, strategic location, and evolving job market, Indonesia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for global talent.
As one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, Indonesia continues to attract foreign professionals with its dynamic markets and expanding business landscape. With the government targeting an ambitious $120 billion in investments for 2025 and aiming for an 8% economic growth rate, the nation is focusing on inviting global investments and talents to take part in the movements.
For global talents and foreign employees looking to stay in Indonesia and embrace the opportunity to work in Jakarta, Bali, or any other provinces within Indonesia, obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower is one of the most essential steps to legally work in the country.
Indonesia Work Visa and Work Permit: Guide to Work in Indonesia as A Foreigner
What is Work Visa in Indonesia?
A Work Visa in Indonesia is the first step for foreign nationals who intend to work in the country legally. It allows the applicant to obtain a limited stay permit (KITAS) and is issued after the Indonesian employer receives authorization from the Ministry of Manpower. Once approved, the visa must be used to arrive in Indonesia, after which the foreign worker can proceed with completing immigration formalities and begin working.
What is Indonesian Work Permit?
An Indonesia Work Permit, officially known as the IMTA, is the legal authorization granted by the Ministry of Manpower that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Indonesia. This permit is issued based on a valid job offer and is tied to a specific role and employer. Without a valid work permit, foreign nationals are not allowed to engage in any income-generating activity in the country.
Types of Visas for conducting Business in Indonesia as a Foreigner
Foreign nationals who plan to conduct business or work in Indonesia have several visa options depending on their purpose, duration of stay, and employment status.
Work KITAS
The Work KITAS is a temporary stay permit issued to foreign professionals employed by an Indonesian company. It is commonly valid for 6 to 12 months and can be extended based on contract duration. In addition to the KITAS, visa holders must ensure they have valid visa extensions if they remain in Indonesia beyond the original permit period. It is the most common document for legal employment in Indonesia.
Work KITAP
The Work KITAP is a permanent residence permit typically granted to foreign nationals who have lived and worked in Indonesia for several consecutive years under a Work KITAS. It allows for longer-term employment without the need for frequent renewals and is generally valid for five years with the option to extend. KITAP is ideal for senior executives or long-term foreign residents.
Single Entry Business Visa
The Single Entry Business Visa allows foreign nationals to visit Indonesia for short-term business activities, such as meetings, training, or negotiations. It is valid for 60 days and can sometimes be extended. However, it does not permit employment or any form of paid work in Indonesia.
Multiple Entry Business Visa
The Multiple Entry Business Visa is ideal for professionals who need to make frequent business visits to Indonesia. Valid for up to 12 months, it allows stays of 60 days per entry and is best suited for investors, consultants, or corporate representatives. Like the single-entry version, it does not allow employment or income-generating work while in Indonesia.
Types of Work Permit in Indonesia
There are two main types of work permit 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.
IMTA
The IMTA (Izin Menggunakan Tenaga Kerja Asing) is the formal work permit that authorizes the employment of foreign workers in Indonesia. To obtain a work permit, the sponsoring company must first receive approval for the RPTKA. Once granted, the IMTA allows a foreign national to legally work in Indonesia for a specific role and duration.
IMTA is issued by the Ministry of Manpower, but its compliance also involves oversight from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, especially in relation to stay permits. Without an IMTA, any form of employment is considered illegal.
RPTKA
The RPTKA is a required document that outlines the employment of foreign workers in a company. It is the first step in the process of obtaining any type of permit to work in Indonesia.
This plan must be submitted by the employer to the Ministry of Manpower and must include:
- Job title and description
- Duration of employment
- Location of work
- Indonesian counterpart (as part of skill transfer)
Only after RPTKA approval can an employer proceed with the IMTA and visa processes.
DPKK
The RPTKA is a required document that outlines the employment of foreign workers in a company. It is the first step in the process of obtaining any type of permit to work in Indonesia.
This plan must be submitted by the employer to the Ministry of Manpower and must include:
- Job title and description
- Duration of employment
- Location of work
Indonesian counterpart (as part of skill transfer)
Only after RPTKA approval can an employer proceed with the IMTA and visa processes.
Work Visa Requirements: Documents for Work Visa, and Employment Permit
To work legally in Indonesia, foreign nationals must apply for both a work visa and a work permit. Here are the standard documents required:
- Valid passport (minimum 18 months validity)
- Passport-sized photographs
- RPTKA approval letter
- IMTA document
- Employment contract
- Sponsor letter from the employer
- Proof of DPKK payment
- Curriculum vitae and educational qualifications
Once these are submitted and approved, the worker will receive a VITAS (Limited Stay Visa), which must be converted into a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) upon arrival.
Do Foreign Workers Need Driver License in Indonesia?
Yes, foreign workers in Indonesia who intend to drive must hold a valid Indonesian driver’s license, known as SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi). While some international licenses may be temporarily accepted, obtaining a SIM A (for cars) or SIM C (for motorcycles) is strongly recommended for long-term stay and to comply with local traffic laws.
The license can be obtained at the nearest police office with the following:
- Copy of passport and KITAS
- Copy of work permit (IMTA)
- Health check certificate
- Completed application form
Driving without a valid license can result in fines or legal complications, even for expatriates.
How LMI Consultancy Helps with Your Work Permit Application
Navigating the process of obtaining a work permit in Indonesia can be complex, especially for foreign professionals unfamiliar with local regulations. LMI Consultancy specializes in simplifying this journey. With years of experience and direct engagement with government institutions, LMI Consultancy offers end-to-end support on preparing required documentation, coordinating with the Ministry of Manpower, to obtaining the IMTA (Work Permit) and KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit).
Our team ensures full compliance with the latest immigration policies and company sponsorship requirements, minimizing processing delays and legal risks. Whether you’re an expatriate employee or an HR department managing foreign hires, LMI Consultancy provides a structured, transparent, and efficient path to securing your work permit in Indonesia.
Lets Move Indonesia Visa Agency: Our Dedicated Support for Your Visa Application to Enter Indonesia
As one of the most trusted names in the industry, Lets Move Indonesia Visa Agency (now operating as LMI Consultancy) offers dedicated, reliable support for your visa application to enter Indonesia. Whether you’re applying for a work visa, business visa, or stay permit, our consultants are well-versed in the intricacies of Indonesia’s immigration framework.
We handle every aspect of the application process such as document verification, submission via the OSS system, liaising with immigration authorities, and timely updates, so you don’t have to navigate the system alone. Our mission is to make immigration easier, safer, and more transparent for every client.
Backed by a decade of success, Lets Move Indonesia remains committed to setting the standard for visa consultancy in Indonesia.
