The basics
What is a KITAS?
KITAS stands for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, the Indonesian Limited Stay Permit. It allows foreigners to legally live in Indonesia for a specific purpose and a specific duration, with a specific sponsor. It is the standard long-stay visa for expats in Bali, Jakarta and across the country.
How many KITAS categories exist?
The seven categories that cover almost every applicant are Working (E23), Retirement (E33F), Investor and Golden Visa (E28), Digital Nomad (E33G), Family and Spouse (E31), Second Home (E33E), and Student (E30A or C316). See our KITAS types hub for a full comparison.
What is the difference between KITAS and KITAP?
KITAS is the Limited Stay Permit for a set duration and purpose. KITAP is the Permanent Stay Permit, available after several consecutive years on an eligible KITAS category. KITAP is valid for 5 years at a time and has fewer renewal requirements.
Do I need to be in Indonesia to apply?
No. The entire VITAS application is done online through the official eVisa portal before you travel. You only need to be in Indonesia to convert the VITAS into the physical KITAS card, which happens within 30 days of your arrival.
Eligibility and documents
Which KITAS is right for me?
If you are employed by an Indonesian company, the Working KITAS is correct. If you are retired with stable foreign income, the Retirement KITAS or Second Home Visa. If you invest in a PT PMA, the Investor KITAS. If you work remotely for a foreign employer, the Digital Nomad KITAS. Our types hub walks through the decision tree.
What documents do I need?
Every KITAS requires a valid passport, regulation photograph, health insurance, financial evidence and category-specific items. See the full required documents checklist.
How long must my passport be valid?
At least 18 months from the intended entry date, with at least three blank pages. Passports with shorter validity are rejected automatically. Renew your passport early if you are within this window.
Do I need to speak Bahasa Indonesia?
No. There is no language requirement for any KITAS category. Kitas VIP's concierge service is entirely in English and our team handles all Indonesian-language paperwork on your behalf.
Timing and process
How long does a KITAS take to obtain?
Typical total time is 3 to 7 weeks from application start to KITAS card in hand. Working KITAS cases trend longer due to the RPTKA step. Digital nomad and retirement cases are usually faster. See our processing timeline guide for category-specific breakdowns.
What happens after my eVisa is approved?
You travel to Indonesia with the eVisa attached to your passport. Within 30 days of arrival, you attend a biometric appointment at your local immigration office to convert VITAS into KITAS. Kitas VIP accompanies clients at this appointment in most major cities.
Can I start the application before my documents are ready?
Yes. Start the intake flow anytime and upload documents as you collect them. We will confirm your category and timeline immediately and begin preparing the sponsor documents in parallel.
Renewals and changes
What happens if my KITAS expires?
Letting a KITAS lapse creates immigration penalties including daily overstay fines and, in serious cases, detention and deportation. Always renew 30 to 60 days before expiry. Kitas VIP tracks expiry dates for all clients and initiates renewals automatically.
Can I change employers on my Working KITAS?
No. The Working KITAS is tied to a specific sponsor company. Changing employers requires cancelling the current KITAS and applying for a new one under the new sponsor. We handle the transition as a single case.
Can I change from one KITAS category to another?
Yes. Transitions between categories happen often (Student to Working after graduation, Working to Investor after starting a business, Retirement to Second Home Visa at age 60). Kitas VIP handles transitions end to end.
Family and dependents
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Spouses and children can apply for a dependent Family KITAS (index E31) tied to the primary applicant's KITAS. We bundle family cases at a reduced concierge rate.
Can my spouse work on a dependent KITAS?
No. Family KITAS does not grant the right to work. If your spouse wants to work, they need their own Working KITAS through an Indonesian employer or their own Investor KITAS through a PT PMA.
Can my children attend school in Indonesia?
Yes. Children on dependent KITAS can attend Indonesian schools, international schools or be home schooled. Many expat families in Bali and Jakarta choose international schools with English or multilingual programmes.
Tax, work and living
Does Indonesia tax KITAS holders?
Anyone present in Indonesia more than 183 days in any 12 month period becomes an Indonesian tax resident, liable to personal income tax on worldwide income. Digital nomads on the E33G whose income is entirely foreign sourced typically have limited practical tax liability in Indonesia. Consult a qualified tax adviser.
Can I buy property on a KITAS?
Foreigners cannot hold freehold (Hak Milik) title on Indonesian land. KITAS holders can use Hak Pakai (right of use) arrangements for residential property or purchase apartment units under strata title. Commercial property is typically held through a PT PMA.
Can I open a bank account on a KITAS?
Yes. Indonesian banks open personal accounts for KITAS holders with a KITAS card, passport, NPWP (tax ID where required) and proof of address. We can recommend expat-friendly banks in Bali and Jakarta.
Can I drive in Indonesia?
Yes. KITAS holders can apply for a local Indonesian driving licence (SIM) at a police station. An international driving permit is also accepted for short periods, but long-term residents usually prefer a local SIM.
Kitas VIP concierge
Are you a law firm?
No. Kitas VIP is a private concierge service. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Official filings are handled by licensed Indonesian immigration providers. Our role is to make the process simple and guided for the client.
Is my data secure?
Yes. Every document and form we handle is encrypted at rest with AES-256-GCM and transmitted over TLS 1.3. We do not share your data with advertisers and we do not use third-party trackers. See our security page for technical details.
Can I cancel my application?
Yes. See our refund policy for the current cancellation terms. We aim to be fair and transparent about what work has been performed versus what can be refunded.