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Indonesia – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Indonesia

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit in order to work legally in Indonesia. The employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the expat, and the expat must also have a valid visa. There are limited exemptions for certain types of work, such as unpaid work for a non-profit organization, but these are exceptional cases.

Types of work permits for expats in Indonesia

The following are the types of work permits available for expats in Indonesia:

  1. KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit): This permit allows an expat to stay and work in Indonesia for a specified period of time, usually 1 to 2 years.

  2. KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit): This permit allows an expat to stay and work in Indonesia indefinitely, subject to renewal every 5 years.

  3. KITAS WNA (Work and Residence Permit for Foreigners): This permit allows an expat to work and live in Indonesia for a specific period of time, usually 1 to 2 years.

Eligibility for a work permit in Indonesia is based on several factors, including the expat’s qualifications, the type of work they will be doing, and the salary they will receive.

Procedure to apply for a work permit in Indonesia


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The procedure to apply for a work permit in Indonesia includes the following steps:

  1. The expat’s employer applies for a work permit with the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower.

  2. The employer then submits a recommendation letter to the Indonesian Immigration Office.

  3. The expat must undergo a medical examination and obtain a police clearance certificate.

  4. The Indonesian Immigration Office reviews the application and issues the work permit, which must then be approved by the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower.

The entire process can take between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the completeness of the application and the current processing time at the Indonesian Immigration Office.

Documents needed to apply for a work permit in Indonesia

The following documents are needed to apply for a work permit in Indonesia:

  1. Passport and visa

  2. Recommendation letter from the expat’s employer

  3. Medical examination certificate

  4. Police clearance certificate

  5. CV and educational certificates

  6. Evidence of financial stability

  7. Letter of employment

Costs involved in applying for a work permit in Indonesia

The costs involved in applying for a work permit in Indonesia can vary, depending on the type of permit, the processing time, and the services used. Typically, costs can range from $1,000 to $2,500, and include visa fees, medical examination fees, police clearance fees, and processing fees.

Where to go for reliable information on working legally in Indonesia

For reliable information on working legally in Indonesia, expats can consult the following websites:


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