Indonesia – Residency

What types of residency are available to foreign nationals in Indonesia?

Indonesia structures its residency framework around two fundamental permit types — temporary (KITAS/ITAS) and permanent (KITAP/ITAP) — alongside newer long-stay visa categories such as the Golden Visa and Second Home Visa. Every pathway is aimed at a distinct group of prospective residents and comes with its own eligibility conditions. Which option suits you best will depend on your purpose for living in Indonesia and your financial or professional profile.

KITAS — Temporary Stay Permit

KITAS is an abbreviation of Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, meaning “Temporary Stay Permit Card.” It is the principal long-term temporary permit allowing foreign nationals to reside lawfully in Indonesia for a defined period — ordinarily between two and five years. It is open to those wishing to work, invest, join a family member, retire, or carry out remote work. Categories include Work KITAS, Investor KITAS, Spouse/Family KITAS, and Retirement KITAS.

Those who may qualify include professionals employed by Indonesian or foreign-owned businesses, investors or shareholders in an Indonesian legal entity (PT PMA), foreign spouses of Indonesian citizens, dependants of existing ITAS/KITAS holders, retirees aged 55 or older, and researchers or repatriated Indonesians returning from overseas.

KITAP — Permanent Stay Permit

KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) is Indonesia’s permanent stay permit, awarded to foreign nationals who wish to remain in Indonesia long-term without seeking citizenship. KITAP holders are recognised as permanent residents and are granted multi-year or indefinitely valid permits — most commonly five years, ten years, or unlimited duration. A KITAP can only be obtained by converting an existing KITAS, and applicants must satisfy minimum continuous-stay requirements that differ according to their permit category.

Second Home Visa

The Ministry of Law and Human Rights introduced the Second Home Visa through Regulation Number 22 of 2023, supplemented by Regulation Number 11 of 2024. Foreign nationals and their accompanying family members may secure a visa permitting residence in Indonesia for five to ten years, with no requirement for a business sponsor or employment arrangement. It is particularly suited to those who wish to settle in Indonesia — often Bali — on a long-term basis without establishing or managing a business, and offers five- or ten-year stays determined by financial standing.

Under the fund deposit route, applicants must keep a minimum of USD 130,000 in their own name at an Indonesian state-owned bank. As an alternative, applicants may hold Indonesian real estate valued at USD 1,000,000 with right of use (Hak Pakai). A leasehold arrangement does not satisfy this requirement. Check the official immigration portal for current thresholds, as these figures are subject to regulatory revision.

Golden Visa

The Golden Visa is tailored to corporate investors, individual investors, property purchasers, internationally recognised talent, public figures, and those seeking to use Indonesia as a second home, including their family members. Golden Visa holders become eligible to convert to permanent residency after three years of residing in Indonesia. Since July 2024, Indonesia has issued more than 1,000 Golden Visa permits to investors from 61 countries, with corporate investment driving the greatest demand.

Retirement KITAS

The Indonesia Retirement KITAS carries a one-year validity. Applicants who hold and consecutively renew their KITAS over five years become eligible to apply for a permanent stay permit (KITAP), valid for five years and renewable indefinitely. Retirees must be aged 55 or above and must demonstrate adequate funds and accommodation arrangements in Indonesia — consult the official immigration authority for the current income and proof-of-funds thresholds.

Digital Nomad / Remote Worker KITAS

In April 2024, Indonesia’s government launched a formal Digital Nomad visa programme. This visa enables foreign nationals to reside in Indonesia and work remotely for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension. Unlike a work KITAS, it does not authorise the holder to take up employment with or receive income from an Indonesian employer. Verify the latest eligibility criteria directly with the Directorate General of Immigration before applying.

Global Citizen of Indonesia (GCI)

According to Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration, the Global Citizen of Indonesia (GCI) is a policy framework granting a permanent stay permit of unlimited duration (“izin tinggal tetap tanpa batas waktu”) to qualifying foreign nationals who hold blood ties, family connections, historical ties, or other meaningful links to Indonesia. Those eligible include former Indonesian citizens, descendants of former Indonesian citizens up to the second degree, legal spouses of Indonesian citizens, and children born of lawful marriages between an Indonesian citizen and a foreign national.

How does temporary residency work in Indonesia, and how can it lead to permanent residency?

Indonesia’s residency progression follows a structured sequence that will be recognisable to anyone familiar with multi-stage permit systems in countries such as Japan, South Korea, or the UAE. The defining feature is that a KITAS must be held before a KITAP application can be lodged — there is no direct path to permanent residency from a tourist or short-stay visa.

Understanding VITAS, ITAS, and KITAS

Before a KITAS is issued, applicants must first obtain a VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas — Temporary Stay Permit Visa) and subsequently an ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas — Temporary Stay Permit), which constitutes the formal immigration status itself. The KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is the physical card serving as evidence of that authorisation. Put simply, the ITAS is the legal standing; the KITAS is the tangible document confirming it.

Validity and renewal of KITAS

KITAS is available across a broad range of purposes including employment, investment, family or spousal sponsorship, retirement, education, and remote work. Depending on the permit category, validity typically ranges from six months to two years, with renewal possible in accordance with current immigration regulations. Applications for renewal should be lodged well ahead of the expiry date — ideally at least two months before the current KITAS lapses.

Converting KITAS to KITAP

Foreign nationals holding a valid KITAS may apply for a five-year permanent stay permit (KITAP), provided they have lawfully resided in Indonesia for a minimum of five years. The KITAP conversion effectively transforms temporary residency into permanent residency. The required holding period, however, varies by category. Spouses of Indonesian citizens may qualify for a KITAP after two consecutive years of residence, while retirees and international workers must generally wait four years before applying.

To be eligible for a five-year KITAP, a KITAS must typically have been held for at least three years — and in some instances up to four years. Investor KITAS holders can convert after three years, while spouses benefit from a shorter two-year pathway following marriage.

Progressing beyond the first KITAP

Once a five-year KITAP has been held, holders become eligible to apply for a ten-year KITAP. After the ten-year KITAP, an Unlimited KITAP becomes available. From 17 December 2024, all KITAP categories automatically include a Multiple Entry and Re-entry Permit (MERP) matching the duration of the KITAP. This change eliminates the previously separate two-year MERP renewal requirement.

The entire KITAP application process must be completed while the applicant is physically present in Indonesia. The passport is retained by immigration authorities during processing, and departure from the country is not permitted until the KITAP has been issued. This is an important practical constraint for anyone with existing travel commitments.

How do you apply for residency in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s immigration system has shifted substantially toward digital channels, though in-person attendance at a local immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) remains necessary at key stages — particularly for biometric collection and physical permit retrieval. By 2025, applications have been partially streamlined through the Online Visa Approval system operated by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration, but the process still demands careful planning and thorough documentation.

1. Identify the correct permit category. Establish which KITAS type or long-stay visa applies to your circumstances — work, retirement, investor, family, Second Home, Golden Visa, or remote worker. Requirements differ considerably between categories, so confirm your eligibility with the Directorate General of Immigration or a licensed immigration consultant before proceeding.
2. Secure a sponsor. All KITAP applications must be underpinned by a local sponsor — an employer, spouse, or retirement agency, depending on the permit type. The sponsor bears legal responsibility for the applicant’s stay. For a work KITAS, the sponsoring employer must be a company registered in Indonesia.
3. Obtain a VITAS (if applying from abroad). Applications for a KITAS may be initiated either inside or outside Indonesia. When applying from overseas, the VITAS — the entry visa that triggers ITAS status upon arrival — is typically requested by the sponsor through the official e-Visa platform or via an Indonesian consulate. Review processing times and fee schedules on the official immigration portal before applying.
4. Enter Indonesia and activate your ITAS. If visa approval is granted while the applicant is already in Indonesia, they must depart and re-enter the country to activate their KITAS. Applicants have 90 days from the date of visa issuance to travel to Indonesia and complete the activation.
5. Apply online through the immigration e-Visa platform. Since 2022, Indonesia has operated an electronic immigration system. All ITAS applications, renewals, and sponsor submissions are handled through the Online Visa Approval (e-Visa) platform at evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
6. Attend the local immigration office for biometrics and registration. Following online approval, KITAS holders must complete local registration with the relevant authorities (see the registration section below). The KITAS is now sent directly to the applicant’s email address, reducing administrative processing time.
7. Pay the applicable fees. As of 2025, KITAP application fees are payable at designated bank counters or electronically through the official immigration portal. For the period 2024–2025, the five-year KITAP — covering retirement, spouse, investor, working, repatriation, and clergyman categories — ranges from IDR 39,500,000 to IDR 47,000,000; the ten-year equivalent ranges from IDR 46,000,000 to IDR 53,500,000. Always verify the current fee schedule on the official immigration portal, as these figures are subject to change.
8. For KITAP conversion: begin well in advance. Obtaining a permanent stay permit can take several months in total, and it is advisable to begin the process a few months before the KITAS expiry date. Maintaining the same sponsor throughout the entire KITAS holding period is important in order to facilitate the conversion. The conversion itself takes a maximum of five working days from the date of application, and the physical Permanent Residence Card should be received within 15 working days of KITAP approval.

Processing times differ by permit type. A work KITAS application generally takes between six and ten weeks. A spouse-sponsored KITAS is typically processed within a month, while a retirement KITAS takes approximately ten business days from submission. Consult the Directorate General of Immigration website for current processing timeframes, as these can change.

What documents do you need to apply for residency in Indonesia?

The precise list of required documents varies considerably depending on the KITAS or KITAP category being applied for. The items below represent those most frequently requested across the various categories. Always consult the official immigration authority or the official e-Visa portal for the definitive and current requirements applicable to your specific permit type.

• Valid passport: All applicants must hold a passport with at least six months’ remaining validity. For KITAS and KITAP applications, the passport must retain sufficient validity beyond the intended period of stay.
• Sponsor letter or guarantee: A sponsorship letter or formal guarantee from a sponsor — such as a spouse, parent, educational institution, or employer — is frequently required across most categories.
• Proof of financial means: Evidence of adequate financial resources to support living expenses is a standard requirement. For Second Home Visa applicants, this takes the form of a bank statement demonstrating USD 130,000 held at a state-owned Indonesian bank (as of 2025).
• Proof of accommodation: Applicants must demonstrate they have accommodation in Indonesia, either through a long-term rental agreement or a property title deed. For a retirement KITAS, the monthly rental must be at least USD 500 in Jakarta, Bandung, and Bali; USD 300 on Java, Batam, and Medan; or USD 200 in other locations (as stipulated under current retirement visa regulations).
• Purpose-of-stay documents: An Investment KITAS requires supporting materials such as proof of investment, share ownership certificates, company registration documents, or bank statements. For a work KITAS, the employer must first obtain a work permit (IMTA) from the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower.
• Police clearance certificate: A criminal record check from the applicant’s country of origin and/or current country of residence is typically required, especially for KITAP applications.
• Medical certificate / health insurance: Evidence of valid health insurance coverage and, in certain categories, a medical certificate are required. Specific requirements vary according to permit type.
• Recent passport photographs: Standard passport-size photographs against a white background are required at various stages of the application process.
• Marriage certificate (if applicable): For spouse or family KITAS/KITAP applications, a certified and legalised marriage certificate must be provided.
• For KITAP conversion specifically: Applicants are required to provide sponsorship from a travel agency or relevant sponsor, proof of funds, proof of accommodation, evidence of employment of at least one Indonesian national, and additional administrative documentation.

Document requirements may be updated at any time. Always cross-reference with the Directorate General of Immigration or your nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate before lodging an application.

Do you need to register with any government department or authority after arriving in Indonesia?

Yes. Foreign nationals are subject to registration obligations both upon arrival and following the issuance of a stay permit in Indonesia. Failing to register within the required timeframes can lead to fines, complications when renewing permits, or other administrative consequences. The process involves multiple authorities at both the immigration and local civil administration levels.

Local Civil Registry Office (Catatan Sipil)

Foreign residents are required to report their address to the local Civil Registry Office (Catatan Sipil) within 14 days of taking up residence, in order to remain fully compliant. This registration produces a Certificate of Registration for Temporary Residents (SKPPS/SKTT), which functions as a local identity document for foreign residents and is needed for a range of administrative purposes such as opening a bank account or entering into a lease agreement.

Police reporting

KITAS holders must obtain a Police Report Letter (STM) from the local police department and register with the municipal population office, thereby receiving a Certificate of Registration for Temporary Residents (SKPPS). This obligation applies most directly to work KITAS holders but is broadly recommended for all long-stay permit holders.

KITAS holders’ ongoing obligations

KITAS holders must keep their local registrations current and renew their permits on schedule. Updating the relevant authorities when changing address is an important ongoing compliance requirement. Failing to report, overstaying a permit, or losing one’s sponsorship can result in permit cancellation, financial penalties, or in serious cases, deportation. Always check with your nearest Kantor Imigrasi for local registration procedures, as these can vary from one region to another.

What are the rights and restrictions that come with residency in Indonesia?

Holding residency status in Indonesia provides a lawful basis to remain in the country, but it carries notable conditions and limitations that set it apart from permanent residency regimes in, for example, EU countries or Australia, where permanent residents commonly access public services and employment entitlements on terms broadly comparable to citizens.

Right to work

Only specific ITAS categories — namely Work Visa ITAS and Investor ITAS — authorise the holder to engage in employment lawfully. Those holding a Spouse, Dependent, or Retirement ITAS are not permitted to work unless they change their visa category and obtain a valid work permit through a sponsoring employer. The Second Home Visa likewise does not carry employment authorisation — work requires a separate work-authorised visa such as a KITAS.

Access to public services

Indonesia does not operate a universal public healthcare system comparable to, for instance, the NHS in the United Kingdom or Medicare in Australia. Foreign residents are not generally enrolled automatically in the national health insurance scheme (BPJS Kesehatan) unless employed by a registered Indonesian employer. The majority of expatriates therefore rely on private health insurance. Access to state schooling for children of foreign residents is possible in principle but varies by school and locality — families should confirm arrangements directly with local schools and education authorities.

KITAP holders’ rights

A KITAP holder enjoys greater flexibility in areas including employment, banking, property leasing, and visa-free re-entry to Indonesia. While the KITAP confers the right to reside in Indonesia on a long-term basis, it does not amount to citizenship. Naturalisation, which follows a separate legal process, is the route to full Indonesian citizenship.

Citizenship eligibility

Foreign nationals who have held permanent residence in Indonesia for five consecutive years — or for a cumulative ten years on an intermittent basis — may apply for citizenship. Naturalisation requires demonstrated proficiency in the Indonesian language. Indonesia does not recognise dual citizenship. This is a significant distinction from countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, all of which permit dual nationality. Anyone considering naturalisation should obtain legal advice regarding the consequences for their existing citizenship.

KITAP validity and the absence requirement

Where there have been no changes to the holder’s status after five years, the KITAP renews automatically. However, a KITAP becomes automatically void if the holder fails to enter Indonesia within one year. Extended absences can therefore result in the loss of residency status — unlike certain other countries’ permanent residency systems, which allow prolonged travel with prior authorisation.

Where can you find reliable, up-to-date information on residency in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s immigration environment is in a state of active development, with new visa categories, revised regulations, and updated fee structures introduced on a regular basis. Consulting official sources — rather than relying solely on third-party guidance or potentially outdated material — is essential.

• Directorate General of Immigration (Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi): The Directorate General of Immigration is an Echelon I Unit operating under the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections. Official Indonesian government ministry websites end in .go.id. The primary portal is imigrasi.go.id, which publishes authoritative guidance on all permit types, fees, and application procedures.
• Official e-Visa portal: Visa and stay permit applications are submitted through evisa.imigrasi.go.id, which is Indonesia’s official e-Visa and online visa approval platform.
• Indonesian embassies and consulates abroad: For those applying from outside Indonesia, the nearest Indonesian diplomatic mission can supply country-specific guidance, consular fee information, and appointment procedures. A directory of Indonesian overseas missions is available through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (kemlu.go.id).
• Ministry of Immigration and Corrections: The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections is the Indonesian government body responsible for administering and developing immigration and corrections policy. Policy announcements and regulatory changes are published at the ministerial level and communicated through the Directorate General of Immigration.
• Local Kantor Imigrasi (Immigration Offices): The Directorate General of Immigration operates 115 immigration offices across Indonesia, supported by 33 regional offices. For any in-country application or registration matter, the local Kantor Imigrasi is the first port of call and can clarify requirements specific to that region.

Indonesia’s residency regulations can and do change at short notice — new permit categories have been introduced, investment thresholds revised, and processing procedures restructured in recent years. Always verify the current position through official sources before making financial commitments or travel plans connected to a residency application.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the whole residency application process take in Indonesia?

A work KITAS typically takes between six and ten weeks from start to finish. A spouse-sponsored KITAS is generally processed within a month, and a retirement KITAS takes approximately ten business days from the point of submission. That said, the overall timeline can extend to several months depending on the permit category and individual circumstances. Always consult the official immigration portal for the latest processing estimates, as these can change.

Can family members be included in a residency application?

Foreign nationals and their accompanying family members may obtain a Second Home Visa permitting residence in Indonesia for five to ten years without any business sponsorship or employment requirement. For work and investor KITAS holders, dependent family members can obtain a Spouse/Family KITAS. Every family member must hold their own individual stay permit — accompanying relatives are not automatically covered by the primary applicant’s permit.

What happens if a residency application is refused?

When a KITAS or KITAP application is rejected, the applicant is ordinarily notified through the immigration office or the online system. It may be possible to reapply with supplementary or corrected documentation, or to seek clarification from the Directorate General of Immigration. Working with a licensed immigration consultant or legal professional is advisable when facing a refusal, as grounds for appeal and procedures for reapplication can be complex. Contact your local Kantor Imigrasi for guidance on the process applicable to your case.

Can residency be lost through extended absence from Indonesia?

Yes. A KITAP is automatically rendered void if the holder does not enter Indonesia within a one-year period. KITAS holders who overstay or fail to renew their permits on time also risk their status lapsing. Unlike some countries’ permanent residency frameworks — which permit extended absences with advance notice — Indonesia’s system requires holders to maintain physical presence, particularly to preserve KITAP validity. Notify the immigration authorities if a prolonged absence is anticipated.

How does Indonesian residency affect tax obligations?

Holding a long-term stay permit in Indonesia may lead to you being classified as a tax resident under Indonesian law, which generally regards any person who has been physically present in Indonesia for more than 183 days within a twelve-month period as a tax resident liable for tax on worldwide income. The applicable tax treatment will depend on your individual circumstances and any double taxation agreements in force between Indonesia and your country of origin. Seek advice from a qualified tax professional with expertise in Indonesian tax law before committing to long-term residency.

Does Indonesian residency lead to citizenship?

Foreign nationals who have held permanent residence in Indonesia for five consecutive years — or for a cumulative ten years intermittently — are eligible to apply for Indonesian citizenship. Naturalisation requires demonstrated command of the Indonesian language. Indonesia does not permit dual citizenship. After holding a KITAP on two occasions, a foreign national becomes eligible to apply for citizenship through the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. The loss of one’s existing nationality upon naturalising is a serious matter that should be fully understood before pursuing this path.

Is a sponsor always required for a residency application?

Every KITAP application must be supported by a local sponsor — whether an employer, spouse, or retirement agency — depending on the permit category in question. For the Second Home Visa and Golden Visa, applicants may obtain a visa without business sponsorship or an employment arrangement, although financial thresholds apply. The sponsorship requirement is a defining characteristic of Indonesia’s immigration framework; maintaining the same sponsor throughout the permit period is particularly important when applying for KITAP conversion.

What is the difference between KITAS, ITAS, KITAP, and ITAP?

ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas) denotes the actual residency status conferred by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration. KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is the physical Limited Stay Permit Card that serves as proof of that status. Every ITAS holder is entitled to the physical card. In essence, the ITAS is the legal entitlement; the KITAS is the document that evidences it. ITAP and KITAP operate on the same principle at the permanent residency level — ITAP is the status, KITAP is the card.

Can I apply for the Golden Visa or Second Home Visa without being in Indonesia?

Yes, initial applications for both the Golden Visa and the Second Home Visa can be lodged from outside Indonesia through the official e-Visa portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id or through an Indonesian consulate. On arrival in Indonesia, the holder must pass through passport control via the ITAS section, where they will be photographed and issued with a ready-made ITAS. Airport immigration will stamp the passport indicating that evidence of funds or property must be provided within 90 days. Always confirm the current application procedure directly with the Directorate General of Immigration before making travel arrangements.