Types of Residency in Indonesia
Indonesia offers various types of visas and residency permits for foreign nationals who want to live, work, or study in the country. These include temporary and permanent residency options.
Temporary Residency
Visitor Visa
A visitor visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to visit Indonesia for tourism, business, or social/cultural purposes. This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
Business Visa
A business visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to conduct business in Indonesia. This visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended up to six months.
Social-Cultural Visa
A social-cultural visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to visit Indonesia for social and cultural reasons, such as attending a conference, visiting family or friends, or participating in a cultural program. This visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended up to four times for 30 days each time.
Work Visa
A work visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to work in Indonesia. To obtain this visa, the applicant must have a work permit from the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower. The work visa is valid for six months and can be extended up to two years.
Student Visa
A student visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to study in Indonesia. To obtain this visa, the applicant must have a letter of acceptance from an Indonesian educational institution. The student visa is valid for one year and can be extended up to five years.
Permanent Residency
KITAP
The KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) is a permanent residency permit issued to foreign nationals who have lived in Indonesia for at least three years with a temporary stay permit. This permit allows the holder to live and work in Indonesia without any time restrictions.
KITAS
The KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a temporary residency permit that allows foreign nationals to stay in Indonesia for up to five years. This permit is renewable and is issued to those who have a work permit or are studying in Indonesia.
Process for Applying for Residency in Indonesia
The process for applying for residency in Indonesia can be quite complicated and time-consuming. The application process differs depending on the type of residency permit you are applying for, but in general, the following steps are required:
Obtain a sponsor: To apply for most types of residency permits in Indonesia, you need a sponsor who is a local individual or company.
Gather necessary documents: The documents required for the application vary depending on the type of residency permit, but typically include a passport, photos, a health certificate, a police certificate, and other supporting documents.
Submit the application: You must submit your application at an Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Wait for approval: The processing time for residency permit applications can be quite long and may take several months.
Register with the local authorities: Once you arrive in Indonesia, you must register with the local authorities and obtain a stay permit (KITAS or KITAP).
Documents Required for Residency in Indonesia
The documents required for residency in Indonesia vary depending on the type of residency permit, but typically include:
- Passport
- Photos
- Health certificate
- Police certificate
- Supporting documents, such as a letter of acceptance from a university or a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower.
Registration with the Local Authorities
Foreign nationals who stay in Indonesia for more than 30 days are required to register with the local authorities and obtain a stay permit (KITAS or KITAP). This process can be done at the local immigration office. Upon arrival in Indonesia, foreign nationals must register their stay with the immigration office and obtain a Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS) or Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP). They must also register with the local police department and obtain a Residence Card.
Reliable Information on Residency in Indonesia
For reliable and up-to-date information on residency in Indonesia, expats can consult the following websites:
- The Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights: http://hukum.go.id/
- The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.kemlu.go.id/
- The Indonesian Immigration Office: http://www.imigrasi.go.id/