Quick comparison of the main KITAS categories
Indonesia groups its long stay permits under E index codes. Each code corresponds to a specific purpose, sponsor requirement, and duration. The seven categories below cover almost every expat, investor, retiree and remote worker we support.
Working KITAS
For foreign professionals employed by an Indonesian company or PT PMA. Requires a Ministry of Manpower work plan (RPTKA) and work permit notification.
Read the full guide › E33FRetirement KITAS
For retirees aged 55 and over with stable foreign income. Issued for 1 year at a time and renewable up to 5 years. Local sponsor required.
Read the full guide › E28Investor KITAS and Golden Visa
For foreign shareholders of an Indonesian company, plus the 5 and 10 year Golden Visa options for larger capital commitments. No work permit required.
Read the full guide › E33GDigital Nomad KITAS
For remote workers employed by a non-Indonesian company who earn income entirely from abroad. 1 year, renewable up to five times.
Read the full guide › E31Family and Spouse KITAS
For spouses, children and dependents of KITAS or KITAP holders, or of Indonesian citizens. Work is not permitted without a separate permit.
Read the full guide › E33ESecond Home Visa
Also called the Silver Hair Visa for retirees aged 60 and over. Requires a USD 50,000 deposit in a state owned Indonesian bank. Up to 5 years.
Read the full guide › C316 / E30AStudent KITAS
For international students accepted by an Indonesian educational institution registered with the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Read the full guide ›What is KITAS and why does it matter
KITAS is the physical evidence that a foreigner has the legal right to stay in Indonesia beyond a short tourist visit. It is administered by the Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi, and it is the building block for everything from opening a local bank account to signing a long term rental contract in Bali or Jakarta. Without a KITAS, most activities beyond tourism are not legally available to you.
Every KITAS category requires a sponsor. Depending on the visa type, the sponsor may be an Indonesian company, a licensed agent, an educational institution, or an Indonesian citizen who is your family member. This sponsor is legally responsible for reporting your stay to immigration and confirming the reason you are in the country.
How to choose the right KITAS category
Picking the correct KITAS category is the single most important decision in the process. Applying under the wrong index wastes time and money, and it can trigger a rejection that is visible on your immigration record. Here is a simple decision framework.
Work for an Indonesian company
If you have a signed employment contract with an Indonesian legal entity or PT PMA, the correct category is the Working KITAS under index E23. Your employer handles the RPTKA and work permit notification with the Ministry of Manpower before you apply for the visa itself. See our Working KITAS guide for the full checklist.
Own shares in an Indonesian company
If you have invested capital into an Indonesian company but you do not actually work in operational roles, the Investor KITAS under index E28 is usually the right route. The Golden Visa introduced in 2023 is a separate higher tier within the same family, with investment thresholds starting at USD 350,000 for a 5 year permit and USD 700,000 for a 10 year permit. Our Investor and Golden Visa guide explains both options.
Retire in Indonesia
Two options exist for retirees. The Retirement KITAS under index E33F is available from age 55 with a qualifying monthly income, insurance and a 12 month accommodation lease. The Second Home Visa under index E33E is available from age 60 and replaces the renewal treadmill with a USD 50,000 deposit in a state owned Indonesian bank. Compare them in the Retirement KITAS guide and the Second Home Visa guide.
Work remotely for a foreign employer
If your income comes entirely from outside Indonesia and your employer or clients have no Indonesian legal presence, you qualify for the Digital Nomad KITAS under index E33G. The visa was designed specifically for location independent professionals and does not require an Indonesian sponsor company. Full details are in our Digital Nomad KITAS guide.
Join a family member already in Indonesia
If your spouse, parent or child already holds a KITAS, a KITAP or Indonesian citizenship, you can join them under the Family KITAS at index E31. Our Family and Spouse KITAS guide covers which family member qualifies as your sponsor and what documents you need.
Study at an Indonesian institution
If you have been accepted by a university, school or language institute registered with the Ministry of Education and Culture, you apply under the Student KITAS. Our Student KITAS guide walks through the recommendation letter and enrollment documentation.
The KITAS process in one glance
Every KITAS category follows the same basic path, even though the documents and sponsor type vary.
- Apply online for VITAS (the Limited Stay Visa) through the official eVisa portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. Kitas VIP prepares and lodges the application on your behalf.
- Receive the approval telex and eVisa by email, usually within 5 to 10 working days after all documents are complete.
- Travel to Indonesia with the eVisa attached to your passport. Children and spouses on the same application travel together.
- Within 30 days of arrival, convert your VITAS into KITAS at the local immigration office. This involves biometrics, photos and fingerprints.
- Collect your KITAS card plus supporting documents such as the MERP re-entry permit, police notification (STM) and civil registry report (SKTT).
KITAS versus KITAP versus short stay visas
There are three tiers of Indonesian stay permit you should understand before applying.
- Visa on arrival and tourist eVisa. Short term, typically up to 60 days with an extension. Not a KITAS. Not suitable for working, studying or long term rentals.
- KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas). Limited Stay Permit. Issued for a specific purpose with a specific sponsor. Valid from 6 months to 10 years depending on the category.
- KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap). Permanent Stay Permit. Normally available after holding the correct KITAS for several consecutive years. Valid for 5 years at a time and renewable.
Most expats start on KITAS and, if they remain long enough and their category is eligible, eventually apply for KITAP. Golden Visa holders and family KITAS holders are the most common KITAP applicants.
Why foreigners use a concierge service
Indonesian immigration is bilingual, document heavy and unforgiving of small mistakes. A missing stamp or an expired sponsor document can delay your case for weeks. Kitas VIP was built for expats who value their time. You upload your passport, answer a short questionnaire, and we handle everything else, from drafting the sponsor letter to booking your biometrics appointment.
The alternative is to navigate the system yourself, which is possible but requires Bahasa Indonesia, familiarity with each regulation, and usually one or two visits to the nearest immigration office. For most people, the time saved with a concierge service is worth considerably more than the fee.
Frequently asked questions about KITAS
Do I need to be in Indonesia to apply?
No. The entire VITAS application happens online before you travel. You only need to be physically present in Indonesia for the conversion to KITAS, which happens within 30 days of your arrival.
How long does a KITAS last?
The validity depends on the category. Working and Retirement KITAS are usually issued for 1 to 2 years at a time. Investor KITAS can be 1 or 2 years, with the Golden Visa tier offering 5 and 10 year options. Second Home Visa can be up to 5 years. Student KITAS aligns with your programme length.
Can I work on any KITAS?
Only the Working KITAS and certain sub categories of the Investor KITAS include the right to perform paid work inside Indonesia. All others, including Retirement, Family, Student, Digital Nomad and Second Home, do not permit you to earn money from Indonesian clients or employers.
Can my family join me?
Yes. Spouses and children can apply for a dependent KITAS under index E31, which is tied to the main applicant's stay permit. We include family members in the same application at a reduced rate.
What happens if I change jobs or circumstances?
Your KITAS is tied to a specific sponsor. If you change employer, investor status or family status, you must update your KITAS through a new sponsor or a new visa category. Do not let the old KITAS lapse or misuse it. We handle the transition for existing clients as part of the concierge service.