KITAS Indonesia: The Complete Guide to Every Stay Permit Type

STEPS.ID — Immigration Consultant & Stay Permit Services for Foreign Nationals in Indonesia

If you are planning to live, work, invest, retire, or reunite with family in Indonesia for longer than a tourist visa allows, you will eventually run into one word: KITAS. It is the single most important document for any foreign national settling in the country — and also one of the most confusing, because “KITAS” is really an umbrella term covering seven very different permits, each with its own sponsor requirements, costs, and eligibility rules.

This guide breaks down every current KITAS category, how they compare, what they cost, and how the application process actually works from start to finish.

Legal Basis

This guide is based on the following regulations, current as of 2026:

• Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration — the foundational immigration law
• Government Regulation No. 45 of 2024 on Immigration PNBP Tariffs — official fee schedule
• Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 22 of 2023 on Visas and Residence Permits, as amended by Regulation No. 11 of 2024 and Regulation No. 3 of 2025
• Minister of Immigration and Corrections Decree No. M.IP-08.GR.01.01 of 2025, effective 2 June 2025

Immigration rules in Indonesia change frequently. This guide reflects the framework in place as of 2026 and will be updated as regulations evolve.

What Is a KITAS? The Short Answer

KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a Limited Stay Permit — a physical ID card that gives a foreign national the legal right to reside in Indonesia for a defined period, typically one or two years, renewable.

It’s easy to confuse KITAS with three related terms:

In practice, the flow is: apply for a VITAS → enter Indonesia → convert to ITAS → receive your KITAS card.

Indonesia’s KITAS Types at a Glance

Since 2023, Indonesia has used standardised E-series visa index codes, replacing older classifications like C312–C314. Here is how the main categories compare:

Work KITAS (E23): The Employment Route

The Work KITAS is the standard pathway for foreign professionals hired by an Indonesian company. It cannot be obtained independently — an employer must first secure approval to hire a foreign worker through the RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) process at the Ministry of Manpower, pay the DKP TKA compensation levy, and then sponsor the VITAS and KITAS application. The position applied for must match the company’s registered business classification (KBLI), and the process typically takes 6–10 weeks from RPTKA submission to card issuance.

Related guide: RPTKA Explained — How Companies Get Approval to Hire Foreign Workers

Investor KITAS (E28A): For Directors and Commissioners

The Investor KITAS is designed for foreign nationals who hold at least IDR 10 billion in shares in a PT PMA (foreign investment company) and serve as a Director or Commissioner. Directors under this permit can actively manage the business without needing a separate work permit; Commissioners are limited to a supervisory role. It’s a popular route for foreign business owners because it ties residency directly to genuine equity ownership rather than employment.

Related guide: Investor KITAS vs Work KITAS — Which One Fits Your Situation?

Golden Visa & Second Home Visa: For Larger or Passive Investment

For investors who don’t want to actively run a company, Indonesia offers longer-validity options under the E28 Golden Visa tiers (from roughly USD 350,000 up to USD 50 million depending on the tier) and the Second Home Visa, which requires a refundable deposit or property investment of around IDR 2 billion (approx. USD 130,000) for a 5–10 year permit. Neither requires day-to-day business management, making them suited to retirees, passive investors, or high-net-worth individuals who simply want long-term residency.

Related guide: Second Home Visa vs Golden Visa vs E33G — Which Long-Stay Option Is Right for You?

Dependent KITAS (E31): Bringing Your Family

Spouses and children of a KITAS or KITAP holder — or of an Indonesian citizen — can be sponsored on a Dependent KITAS. This runs on the same validity cycle as the sponsoring holder’s own permit and requires proof of the family relationship (legally registered marriage certificate, birth certificates) recognised by Indonesia’s Civil Registry.

Related guides: Dependent KITAS for Spouses — Full Document Checklist · Dependent KITAS for Children — Requirements and School Enrolment

Remote Worker KITAS (E33G): For Digital Nomads

Launched in April 2024, the E33G is Indonesia’s first permit purpose-built for people who work remotely for a company based outside Indonesia. It is a genuine 1-year ITAS (not just a visa), generally requires proof of income of at least USD 60,000 per year, and strictly prohibits working for or being paid by an Indonesian entity. Since December 2025, E33G holders have also been able to sponsor dependants on their own linked permits.

Related guide: E33G Remote Worker KITAS — Eligibility, Income Requirements, and Application Steps

Retirement KITAS: For Foreign Retirees

Aimed at retirees generally aged 55–60 and above, this permit requires proof of pension or stable income, valid health insurance, and sponsorship through a licensed agency. It is typically issued for one year and renewed annually.

Related guide: Retirement KITAS in Indonesia — Age, Income, and Insurance Requirements

Student KITAS: For International Students

Tied to enrolment at an accredited Indonesian educational institution, the Student KITAS is sponsored by the institution itself and runs for the duration of the study programme.

Related guide: Student KITAS — Requirements for Studying at an Indonesian Institution

How Much Does a KITAS Cost?

Regardless of category, most KITAS applications involve the same official government fees (PNBP), set under Government Regulation No. 45 of 2024:

These are government tariffs only. Investor, Golden Visa, and Second Home routes carry additional capital or deposit requirements specific to their category, as outlined above.

The KITAS Application Process, Step by Step

While requirements differ by category, nearly every KITAS follows the same underlying structure:

1. Sponsor secures approval — an RPTKA (for Work KITAS), a qualifying PT PMA shareholding (for Investor KITAS), or equivalent eligibility proof for other categories.
2. VITAS is issued through an Indonesian embassy abroad or the e-Visa portal.
3. The applicant enters Indonesia using the VITAS, which is converted into an ITAS status.
4. The physical KITAS card is issued, collected at the local immigration office, along with mandatory in-person biometric verification.
5. A MERP (Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit) is arranged so the holder can travel in and out of Indonesia without applying for a new visa each time.
6. Civil registration — SKTT at the local Civil Registry Office (Dukcapil) and STM at the local police station — must be completed within 14 days of KITAS issuance.

Total processing time is typically 6–10 weeks, assuming documents are complete and there are no delays synchronising data between government systems.

Related guide: How Long Does It Take to Get a KITAS in Indonesia? A Realistic Timeline

Life After Your KITAS Is Issued

Getting the card is not the end of the process. KITAS holders have ongoing obligations: mandatory in-person biometric verification (required since May 2025 and not able to be delegated to a representative), civil registration renewal, and — for anyone spending more than 183 days per year in Indonesia — potential tax residency on worldwide income. Staying compliant matters: overstaying a KITAS can result in fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day, detention, deportation, and future entry bans, and Indonesia’s 2026 immigration enforcement has become notably stricter, particularly in Bali.

Related guides: SKTT and STM Explained · Biometric Registration for KITAS Holders · Tax Residency and the 183-Day Rule · Overstaying Your KITAS — Fines, Blacklisting, and 2026 Enforcement

Get Expert Help With Your KITAS Application

Choosing the right KITAS category — and getting the sponsor documentation right the first time — is where most applications succeed or stall. Let’s talk through your situation with STEPS.ID and find the permit that actually fits your circumstances, whether that’s employment, investment, family, remote work, retirement, or study.

GRAHA STEPS.ID Jl. Pd. Kelapa Raya No.5B – Blok F1, RT.6/RW.11, Pondok Kelapa, Kec. Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, DKI Jakarta 13450 WhatsApp: 0851-2135-5067

STEPS.ID is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with the Government of Indonesia. Official immigration services are available directly through the relevant government agencies.

References: Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration · Government Regulation No. 45 of 2024 on Immigration PNBP Tariffs · Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 22 of 2023 on Visas and Residence Permits (as amended by Regulation No. 11 of 2024 and Regulation No. 3 of 2025) · Minister of Immigration and Corrections Decree No. M.IP-08.GR.01.01 of 2025

STEPS.ID — is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. Official services are directly available through the relevant government agencies. We provide consulting and assistance for Limited Stay Permit applications (Work KITAS, Investor KITAS, and Family KITAS) in full compliance with the laws and regulations of the Republic of Indonesia.

A Limited Stay Permit Card (KITAS – Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is an official residency document issued by the Indonesian government to foreign nationals (WNA), allowing them to reside in Indonesia for a specified period based on their purpose of visit—such as working, investing, studying, family reunification, or other activities permitted by law.

Issued by the Directorate General of Immigration, a KITAS comes with a limited validity period that can be extended as long as the holder continues to meet the applicable requirements. Beyond serving as proof of legal residence, a KITAS acts as a prerequisite for foreign nationals to fulfill various administrative needs, including obtaining a Tax Identification Number (NPWP), opening bank accounts, applying for work permits (for specific categories), and accessing other regulated services.

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Nationwide KITAS Services: STEPS.ID

 STEPS.ID  is an independent consultant and is not affiliated with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. Official services are provided through the relevant government institutions, including the Directorate General of Immigration, the Ministry of Manpower, and the Ministry of Investment/BKPM. STEPS.ID provides consultation and assistance throughout the administrative process for KITAS applications in accordance with applicable regulations. Through the authorized government institutions, we help ensure that the residence permit application process is legal, transparent, and compliant with the laws and regulations applicable in Indonesia. We serve KITAS processing needs in cities and regencies throughout Indonesia.

Let’s discuss KITAS with STEPS.ID !

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