Indonesia – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Indonesia?

Your need for a visa before arriving in Indonesia depends on your passport, the reason for your visit, and how long you plan to stay. The Directorate General of Immigration maintains a list of nationalities that qualify for visa exemption; citizens of roughly 17 countries may enter Indonesia without any visa for a maximum of 30 days. This exemption is strictly non-extendable, meaning you must depart before the 30-day window closes — no extensions are permitted under this category.

Indonesia has been actively expanding its visa-free arrangements. Brazil and Turkey were formally added to the Visa Exemption regime with effect from 3 July 2025, following the introduction of Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services Regulation No. 9 of 2025. Given that this is a rapidly evolving policy area, you should always confirm the current list of exempt nationalities before making travel plans.

Nationals of approximately 97 eligible countries can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or an electronic VoA (e-VoA), permitting a stay of up to 30 days with the option to extend once for a further 30 days. This can be arranged online through the official e-Visa portal or collected in person at designated airports and seaports upon arrival.

Most travellers from non-exempt countries are eligible for a VoA, but certain nationalities must obtain a visa in advance from an Indonesian diplomatic mission before travel. The “Calling Visa” applies to passport holders of countries deemed to present particular security or vulnerability concerns; these applicants must first secure special authorisation from the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta before their visa application can proceed.

It is essential to recognise that tourist or short-stay entry — regardless of whether it is visa-free, via a VoA, or a single-entry Visit Visa — does not entitle a person to reside in, work in, or remain in Indonesia beyond the permitted period. All foreign nationals must hold a valid visa or residence permit for stays that exceed what their entry category permits; overstaying carries serious consequences including substantial daily fines, forced deportation, and bans on future entry. Individuals planning to relocate rather than visit should pursue the correct long-stay permit well ahead of their intended arrival date. Verify your particular circumstances with the Directorate General of Immigration.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Indonesia?

Indonesia’s visa framework underwent significant reform from 2023 onwards and was further streamlined in 2025. The system is structured around Visit Stay Visas (Types A, B, C, D, and F) and Temporary Stay Visas (Type E), with various sub-categories consolidated and the rights of visa holders across different sectors clarified. For those planning to live in Indonesia, the most relevant options fall under the Type E Temporary Stay Permits, collectively known as KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas).

Work KITAS (E23)
From June 2025, the revised framework introduces a single general working visa — the E23 — by bringing together a number of previously separate sector-specific work authorisations; visas for skilled foreign workers with corporate sponsorship are now consolidated under this one category. Foreigners seeking to work in Indonesia must obtain both an RPTKA (the official work authorisation) and a KITAS; the KITAS serves as the temporary residence permit, and applicants must have a sponsoring entity, normally an Indonesian-registered company such as a PT, PT PMA, or representative office. This is broadly similar in concept to employer-tied work visa schemes in other countries — you generally cannot proceed without an employer already confirmed.

Retirement KITAS (Silver Hair Visa)
From August 2023, Indonesian regulations introduced a temporary residence option for foreigners wishing to retire in the country, known as the Silver Hair Visa and valid for up to five years. Applicants must be at least 55 years of age and demonstrate a minimum monthly pension income of USD 3,000. This permit allows continuous residence, unrestricted travel in and out of Indonesia, and access to local services such as banking — but working for income is not permitted.

Second Home Visa (E33)
Launched in 2022, the Second Home Visa had by 2025 emerged as one of the most prominent long-stay options for foreign nationals, offering a five- or ten-year residence period without any requirement to establish a business or formally retire. Applicants are required to deposit USD 130,000 into an account in their own name at a state-owned Indonesian bank within 90 days of arrival. Unlike the Retirement Visa, which has an age requirement, the Second Home Visa carries no minimum age restriction.

Investor KITAS (E28A)
The Investor KITAS is designed for foreigners who are investing in or establishing a PT PMA company in Indonesia. This route requires the creation of a PT PMA company meeting a minimum capital requirement of IDR 10 billion and grants both residency and work rights. It is a more involved pathway but well suited to those intending to operate a business within the country.

Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency programme aimed at foreign investors. Individual investors must commit IDR 38 billion for a five-year permit or IDR 76 billion for a ten-year permit, while corporate investors can secure five-year visas for company directors and commissioners through an IDR 380 billion investment. This programme targets high-net-worth individuals and is broadly comparable to investor residency schemes in countries such as Portugal or the UAE.

Family / Dependent KITAS
The Family or Dependent KITAS enables spouses and children of existing KITAS or KITAP holders to reside lawfully in Indonesia. Requirements include legalised marriage and birth certificates together with the sponsor’s valid permit. This category does not confer employment rights but allows dependants to access healthcare, enrol in schools, and use other local services.

Roles within certain digital fields — including artificial intelligence, data science, digital security, and software development — are now grouped under the E23Y visa, the general digital-sector working visa. Visit the Directorate General of Immigration for a complete and current listing of all visa sub-categories.

How do I apply for a visa for Indonesia?

The method you use to apply for an Indonesian visa depends on the category you are seeking. Short-stay options such as the VoA and e-VoA can be arranged online or collected on arrival, while long-term residence permits follow a more structured sequence that should be initiated before departure. Indonesia has continued to modernise its entry processes through the Electronic Visa Application System (e-Visa), first introduced by the Indonesian Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in 2024, enabling foreign travellers to submit applications for a range of visa types online ahead of arrival.

Applying for a Visa on Arrival or e-VoA
The Indonesian e-VoA is available for purposes including tourism, official government visits, business travel, purchasing goods, and transit, and applications can be submitted through the Indonesian Immigration official website before travel. It is also possible to obtain the VoA physically upon arrival. Nationals of eligible countries may collect a VoA at any of the designated border crossing points, which include 16 airports, 95 seaports, and 11 overland cross-border posts.

Applying for a long-term KITAS or similar permit — step by step

1. Determine your visa category. Establish which KITAS type corresponds to your circumstances — work, retirement, investor, family, or Second Home. Each carries distinct eligibility criteria and sponsorship requirements.
2. Obtain a sponsor or guarantor where required. Work KITAS applicants must have a sponsoring entity, typically an Indonesian-registered company such as a PT, PT PMA, or representative office. Retirement applicants require a licensed Indonesian travel agency as their guarantor, while Second Home Visa applicants have no sponsorship requirement.
3. Gather your documents. Assemble all supporting materials for your chosen category (see the documents section below). Certain documents will need to be officially translated into Indonesian by a sworn translator.
4. Apply for a VITAS (limited-stay entry visa). You must first obtain a Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas (VITAS) from an Indonesian embassy or consulate in your country of residence — this preliminary authorisation allows you to enter Indonesia for the purpose of completing your KITAS application. Applications can also be lodged online via the e-Visa portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
5. Travel to Indonesia. Enter Indonesia using your VITAS before the expiry date shown on the visa.
6. Convert to KITAS at the local immigration office. After entering Indonesia on your entry visa, you will need to convert it into a Temporary Residence Permit (KITAS) by attending the local immigration office, where you will submit biometric data and complete the required paperwork.
7. Register and comply with local requirements. KITAS holders are required to register locally and ensure renewals are completed on time. If you intend to travel internationally during your permitted stay, you will also need to obtain a Multiple Exit and Re-entry Permit (MERP).

Applicants based in the United States should contact the Embassy of Indonesia in Washington D.C., with additional consular posts in Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Those based in the United Kingdom should approach the Embassy of Indonesia in London. Applicants elsewhere should contact their nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate. Always confirm current procedures on the official immigration website at imigrasi.go.id.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Indonesia?

The documentation required for an Indonesian visa application differs by category, though several items are common to most types. All travellers must carry a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, along with a confirmed return or onward travel ticket. For long-stay permits, the validity requirement may be more demanding — the retirement KITAS, for instance, typically requires at least 18 months remaining on your passport at the time of application.

For a Visa on Arrival or e-VoA, the documentation requirements are straightforward:

• A scan of the biographical data page of your passport showing at least 6 months’ validity from the arrival date (in JPG/JPEG/PNG format), a passport-sized photograph, a valid email address, and a valid Mastercard, Visa, or JCB credit card.
• Evidence of accommodation (such as a hotel reservation or an invitation letter) and proof of an onward or return flight.

For a KITAS application (Work, Retirement, Investor, or Family), you will typically need to provide:

• A valid passport with the required months of remaining validity (varies by permit type)
• Recent passport-sized photographs (usually against a red or white background)
• A completed visa application form
• Evidence of adequate financial resources — a personal bank statement showing a minimum balance of USD 2,000 or equivalent over the preceding three months, clearly displaying the account holder’s name, the relevant dates, and the balance. The retirement KITAS additionally requires proof of a minimum monthly pension or income of USD 3,000
• Proof of accommodation in Indonesia (such as a lease agreement or property ownership documents)
• A sponsor or guarantor letter (from an employer, a licensed travel agency, or — for family visas — an Indonesian citizen spouse or a KITAS holder)
• For work permits: a job offer letter or signed employment contract, together with the employer’s company registration documents
• For retirement permits: a curriculum vitae and a travel itinerary
• Health insurance that is valid for use in Indonesia
• Marriage or birth certificates for family or dependent applications (these typically require apostillation and certified translation into Indonesian)

Documents that are neither in Indonesian nor in English will generally need to be officially translated by a sworn translator (penerjemah tersumpah) recognised by the Indonesian government. For a definitive and current checklist tailored to your specific visa category, consult the Directorate General of Immigration or the Indonesian embassy or consulate serving your country of residence.

How long does a visa application for Indonesia take to process?

Processing durations in Indonesia differ markedly depending on the type of visa being sought, the channel through which the application is submitted, and whether your documentation is complete. As with most immigration systems, published timelines are indicative rather than guaranteed, and are subject to change.

For a Visa on Arrival or e-VoA, the turnaround is generally fast. When applying online, you can typically expect to receive approval as a downloadable PDF by email within around three days — print this and present it at immigration on arrival. It is advisable to submit your application at least 72 hours before your departure date. Obtaining a VoA physically at the airport counter usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

For a Single Entry Visit Visa (C-type) submitted in advance through an embassy or via the online portal, processing typically takes between one and seven days (as of 2025).

For a KITAS (Work, Retirement, or Investor), the process is more involved as it encompasses both the initial visa application and the subsequent in-country conversion to a residence permit. The retirement KITAS takes approximately four weeks to process (as of 2024). An Investor KITAS generally takes around four to six weeks (as of 2025). The family or dependent KITAS — initiated offshore and completed after entry — is typically finalised within two months (as of 2025).

For the Second Home Visa, processing usually takes between seven and ten working days, subject to immigration workload and the completeness of submitted documents (as of 2024).

Anyone planning a permanent move to Indonesia should initiate the visa process well before their planned departure — ideally several months in advance for more complex KITAS applications. For current processing time estimates, which may change without notice, consult the Directorate General of Immigration’s website.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Indonesia?

Indonesian visa fees are established by the government and may be revised at any time. The figures below include “as of [year]” qualifiers where these can be verified. Always consult the official immigration authority for the current fee schedule before submitting an application.

Visa on Arrival (VoA / e-VoA): The VoA fee is IDR 500,000 and permits a stay of up to 30 days. A single extension of a further 30 days can be obtained inside Indonesia at designated offices for an additional IDR 500,000 (as of 2025).

KITAS (Work/Investor): For an Investor KITAS, government fees are approximately USD 150 plus roughly IDR 17 million in administrative support costs (as of 2025). The base government fee for a Work KITAS is IDR 7,000,000 for a permit of up to one year or IDR 9,500,000 for up to two years (as of 2025).

Second Home Visa: The government visa fee is IDR 12,000,000 for a five-year permit or IDR 18,500,000 for a ten-year permit (as of 2025). This is entirely separate from the financial deposit of USD 130,000 that must be held in a state-owned bank account.

Beyond the core government charges, applicants should plan for a number of additional costs:

• Sworn translation fees: Required for any documents not in Indonesian or English; rates vary by translator and the length of the document.
• Legalisation and apostille fees: Applied to official documents such as birth and marriage certificates.
• Health insurance: Adequate medical coverage valid in Indonesia is typically required for all longer-stay permits.
• Immigration agent or legal fees: Many applicants engage a licensed local consultant or law firm to manage the application process; costs vary considerably.
• Multiple Exit and Re-entry Permit (MERP): An additional fee applies if you need to travel outside Indonesia and return during your permitted stay.
• Biometric registration: Attendance at the local immigration office for biometric data capture is required as part of the KITAS conversion process; this is generally covered within the government permit fee.

Can my family members join me in Indonesia on a visa?

Indonesia does permit dependants to accompany the primary permit holder in most long-term residency categories. However, family members are generally required to obtain their own individual permits and may not rely solely on the primary holder’s visa for their right to remain.

The Family or Dependent KITAS enables spouses and children of KITAS or KITAP holders to live lawfully in Indonesia. Applicants must provide legalised marriage and birth certificates along with the sponsor’s valid permit. This permit does not carry employment rights but allows dependants to access healthcare, schooling, and other local services.

For the Second Home Visa, the family arrangement is particularly accommodating. The primary Second Home Visa holder can sponsor immediate family members — including a spouse, children, and parents — to apply for the Second Home Family Visa, which grants the same duration of stay as the principal visa. Family members are treated as “followers” and are not individually required to satisfy the deposit or property conditions.

For the Retirement KITAS, when one partner holds a retirement visa the other may apply for a dependent visa. Given the volume of supporting documentation required for the retirement visa itself, it is often advisable for one partner to apply for the retirement visa while the other applies for a dependent visa. Children under 18 can also accompany the primary holder and will need dependent visa applications submitted on their behalf.

Dependent KITAS holders are generally not entitled to work in Indonesia. The Family KITAS — whether for the foreign spouse of an Indonesian citizen or for a child of a KITAS holder — does not include employment rights. Dependants who later wish to take up employment would need to apply for the appropriate work permit category separately.

In cases involving a retirement visa with accompanying dependants, the primary holder must demonstrate a higher monthly income threshold. A dependent KITAS application is, however, generally less demanding to obtain. Consult the Directorate General of Immigration for current income thresholds and full dependent visa requirements.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Indonesia?

Indonesia has defined pathways leading from initial short-stay entry through to long-term residence and, ultimately, permanent residency. Each stage carries conditions that must be maintained continuously throughout.

Extending short-stay visas: The VoA costs IDR 500,000 and is valid for 30 days; a single extension of a further 30 days may be obtained inside Indonesia at designated offices for an additional IDR 500,000 (as of 2025). Single-entry Visit Visas can typically be extended for further periods — consult the official portal for current rules, as maximum permitted stays differ by visa sub-category.

Renewing a KITAS: The validity period of a KITAS varies by permit type and the grounds on which it was issued, ranging from six months to two years. Most KITAS categories can be renewed on an annual basis. The Retirement KITAS may be extended a maximum of five times through annual renewals. Throughout the renewal period, holders must continue to satisfy the qualifying conditions — such as maintaining valid employment, an active sponsorship arrangement, or documented pension income.

KITAP (Permanent Residency): After five continuous years of holding a KITAS, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency in the form of a KITAP. The KITAP is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely at the end of each five-year period. It grants multiple re-entries, a more stable legal status, and broader rights — including the ability to co-own property (for spouses of Indonesian citizens) and to obtain long-term local licences.

Citizenship: Foreign nationals who have resided permanently in Indonesia for five consecutive years, or for a cumulative total of ten years on an intermittent basis, are eligible to apply for naturalisation. However, Indonesian law does not permit dual citizenship, and obtaining Indonesian nationality requires the applicant to renounce their existing passport. Proficiency in the Indonesian language is also a requirement. This is a significant consideration for anyone contemplating naturalisation, as it involves surrendering their current nationality entirely.

For the latest eligibility rules and any changes to residency conditions, refer to the Directorate General of Immigration.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Indonesia are refused?

Being aware of the most frequent grounds for refusal will help you submit a more robust application. While Indonesian immigration authorities do not always provide detailed explanations when declining an application, the following issues arise with regularity.

Incomplete or inconsistent documentation is among the most prevalent causes of both delays and outright refusals. Once a visitor visa has been processed, the information it contains cannot be altered; all details in your visa must correspond exactly to those in your passport — any discrepancy will render the visa invalid, and no refund will be issued. Missing translations, unsigned forms, or contradictory information across documents can each lead to rejection.

Insufficient evidence of financial means is a frequent stumbling block, particularly for retirement and long-stay applications. Applicants need to demonstrate convincingly that they can support themselves financially throughout their stay without any need for local employment. Bank statements must cover the required period and display the account holder’s name clearly.

Unclear purpose of stay or mismatched visa category can also prompt a refusal. Immigration officers consider whether the visa type selected corresponds genuinely to the applicant’s stated intentions. Applying under a tourist category while planning to work, for example, is likely to lead to rejection or subsequent enforcement action. The immigration officer at any port of entry retains the authority to refuse entry to any foreigner who has supplied incorrect information on their application.

Criminal history may affect eligibility, especially for long-stay permits. The Calling Visa system is additionally applied to nationals of countries where Indonesian immigration authorities hold specific security-related or other concerns — applicants in these categories must obtain advance authorisation from the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta before any visa application can proceed.

Sponsor or guarantor deficiencies are a practical hurdle encountered by Work and Retirement KITAS applicants. If the sponsoring company does not hold current, valid permits, or if a travel agency used to support a retirement application is not properly licensed, the application is likely to be refused.

If your application is declined, reapplying with corrected or supplementary documentation is generally your most practical course of action. Indonesia does not operate a formal appeal mechanism in the same way as some other immigration systems, so the most effective approach is to identify the specific reason for refusal and submit a fresh application addressing that issue. Working with a licensed Indonesian immigration consultant or lawyer is especially advisable if you have experienced a prior refusal. Always obtain current, qualified legal advice before reapplying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Indonesia on a tourist visa or Visa on Arrival?

No. The only foreign nationals permitted to work in Indonesia are those holding a work permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower — that is, a valid Indonesian Work Visa. Carrying out paid work on a tourist entry or VoA constitutes a serious breach of immigration law and may result in fines, deportation, and a prohibition on future entry.

What is the difference between KITAS and KITAP?

A KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a limited-duration residence permit that enables foreigners to live in Indonesia on a long-term basis. Once you have held a KITAS for five consecutive years, you become eligible to apply for a KITAP — Indonesia’s permanent residence permit — which is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely thereafter.

Do I need a sponsor to apply for a KITAS in Indonesia?

This depends on the permit type. Those applying for a Work KITAS must have a sponsoring entity, generally an Indonesian-registered company such as a PT, PT PMA, or representative office. The Second Home Visa, however, allows eligible foreigners to live in Indonesia for five or ten years without requiring a local sponsor. Applicants for the Retirement KITAS must use a licensed travel agency as their guarantor.

Can I apply for an Indonesian visa entirely online?

Indonesia’s e-Visa application system allows foreign nationals to apply for a visa online without visiting an Indonesian representative office abroad or attending an immigration office in person. The e-VoA and most visit visa categories are fully accessible online via evisa.imigrasi.go.id. That said, converting to a KITAS still requires an in-person appointment at the local immigration office in Indonesia to supply biometric data.

Can I convert a tourist visa or VoA into a KITAS without leaving Indonesia?

For most KITAS categories, converting from a tourist visa to a KITAS while remaining inside Indonesia is not generally permitted. The standard process requires you to leave Indonesia, obtain the appropriate entry visa (VITAS) from an Indonesian embassy or consulate abroad, and then re-enter the country before converting to a full residence permit. Consult the Directorate General of Immigration for the most current guidance on in-country conversion rules.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Indonesia?

Overstaying carries serious consequences, including significant daily fines, deportation, and bans on re-entering the country. The overstay penalty is IDR 1,000,000 per day (as of 2025). An overstay on your record can also damage your prospects in future visa applications, so it is critical to renew your visa or stay permit before it expires.

Does Indonesia allow dual citizenship?

Indonesia does not recognise dual citizenship. Anyone who chooses to naturalise as an Indonesian national will be required to give up their current nationality. This is a decision with profound and irreversible consequences, and anyone contemplating this step should seek thorough legal advice before proceeding.

Where can I find the official and most up-to-date information on Indonesian visas?

The principal official source is the Directorate General of Immigration (imigrasi.go.id). Online visa applications and e-VoA services are handled through evisa.imigrasi.go.id. For consular applications, reach out to the Indonesian embassy or consulate nearest to you. Indonesia’s visa regulations change frequently, so always verify the requirements directly with official sources prior to applying.