Work Permit Indonesia: A Practical Guide for Expats and Foreign Workers
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Published on October 29, 2025 · 4 min read · by Imam

Work permit Indonesia. Photograph: Tom Fisk via Pexels

Planning to work in Indonesia?

Whether you’re a corporate expat, a consultant, or a remote worker hired by a local company, you’ll need to understand one crucial thing: the Indonesian work permit system.

Indonesia doesn’t issue a traditional “work visa” like some other countries.

Instead, it uses a system involving a work permit (IMTA) and a stay permit (KITAS), both essential if you plan to live and work here legally.

This guide breaks down the process in simple terms, including requirements, timelines, and costs, based on the latest 2025 regulations.

What Is a Work Permit in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, a work permit for a foreign worker (TKA) is now integrated into the RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing), which is the official plan approved by the Ministry of Manpower for a company to hire an expat.

The RPTKA must be followed by a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas), or a Limited Stay Permit, which allows the expat to legally reside in Indonesia for the duration of their employment.

It is illegal to work in Indonesia using a tourist, social, or business visa.

This rule applies even to volunteering or remote employment, and violations can lead to severe penalties, including fines and deportation.

Who Needs a Work Permit?

If you’re a foreign national employed by a local company, NGO, or multinational in Indonesia, you will need a work permit.

Common roles that qualify include:

Company directors or commissioners
Consultants or engineers
Teachers at international schools
Industry specialists (tech, oil & gas, hospitality, etc.)

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Work Permit Requirements

To obtain a work permit, the employer must apply on your behalf. You can’t apply independently.

The process involves several steps and documents:

Employer must provide:

Company registration documents
RPTKA (Foreign Manpower Utilization Plan)
Proof of role necessity (showing why no local can fill the role)

You (the employee) must provide:

Copy of passport (minimum 18-month validity)
Curriculum Vitae
Degree certificate (translated if needed)
Health insurance
Recent photo
Employment contract

Estimated processing time: 10–30 working days (depending on sector and completeness)

Types of Work Permits in Indonesia

Work permit Indonesia. Photograph: Tom Fisk via Pexels

Temporary Work Permit (Short-term KITAS)

For assignments under 6 months
Common for consultants, short projects

Standard Work Permit (KITAS)

Valid for 6–12 months (renewable)
For full-time foreign employees

Investor KITAS

For foreign company shareholders or directors
Work permit bundled with investment role

Second Home Visa (New Policy)

Available for foreigners with at least IDR 2 billion in local bank accounts
Doesn’t automatically allow work, but flexible for high-net-worth individuals

Fees & Sponsorship

Most fees are covered by your sponsoring company. However, you may encounter:

Item	Estimated Cost (USD)
RPTKA Approval	Included by employer
Foreign Worker Compensation Fund (DKPTKA)	~$100/month
KITAS Processing Fee	~$150–200/year
Telex Visa (for consular entry)	~$50–100

Can You Change Jobs with the Same Permit?

No. Your work permit and KITAS are tied to a single employer.

If you want to switch jobs, your current permit must be canceled and a new one processed by the new employer.

Penalties for Working Without a Permit

Indonesia takes illegal employment seriously. Working without a valid work permit may result in:

Deportation
Fines
Blacklisting from reentry

Always ensure your paperwork is handled by reputable legal agents or directly by the employer.

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Navigating the Indonesian work permit process may seem bureaucratic, but it’s manageable with the right support.

The key is to have a legitimate local sponsor and to ensure all documents are in order from the start.

Whether you’re heading to Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya, having a valid work permit ensures peace of mind, and keeps you compliant with Indonesian immigration law.