The two routes at a glance
Foreign investors picking an Indonesian stay permit normally choose between the standard Investor KITAS (E28A) and the Golden Visa (E28C). Both are run by the Directorate General of Immigration and processed through the official eVisa portal, but they target very different capital profiles.
| Feature | Investor KITAS (E28A) | Golden Visa 5 year (E28C) | Golden Visa 10 year (E28C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 or 2 years | 5 years | 10 years |
| Investment type | Shareholding in a PT PMA | Government bonds, public shares or bank deposit | Same, at higher threshold, or USD 50M+ corporate director route |
| Minimum investment | Paid up share capital in a PT PMA (typically IDR 10 billion) | From USD 350,000 | From USD 700,000 (individual), USD 50M (corporate) |
| Family included | Yes, via dependent KITAS | Yes, immediate family | Yes, immediate family |
| Right to work | Passive investor only, unless paired with Working KITAS | No | No |
| Physical presence to apply | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| Path to KITAP | After 3 to 5 consecutive years | Possible on renewal | Possible on renewal |
Investor KITAS (E28A): the PT PMA route
The classic Investor KITAS is tied to shareholding in a PT PMA, the Indonesian foreign investment company structure. To qualify, you must hold shares in a live PT PMA that meets the minimum paid up capital set by BKPM (the investment coordinating board). As of 2026 that threshold sits at IDR 10 billion of paid up capital for most sectors, though a handful of industries on the Positive Investment List require higher thresholds.
The Investor KITAS is especially popular with founders who already have a company in Indonesia. It reduces paperwork compared with the Working KITAS because it does not require the RPTKA or DKPTKA compensation fund. The tradeoff is that the Investor KITAS alone does not allow you to perform day to day paid operational work. Founders who also want to run the company often combine it with a Working KITAS, which is handled as a single file by Kitas VIP.
Golden Visa (E28C): the 5 and 10 year programme
Indonesia launched the Golden Visa in late 2023 and it is now the headline investment visa. It has two individual tiers:
- 5 year tier. Requires an investment of at least USD 350,000 in Indonesian government bonds, shares of IDX listed companies, deposits in state owned banks, or the formation of a qualifying PT PMA.
- 10 year tier. Requires an investment of at least USD 700,000 in the same eligible instruments. The tier is specifically designed to compete with Golden Visa programmes elsewhere in the region.
There is also a corporate directors route, where directors of companies investing USD 25 million (5 year) or USD 50 million (10 year) in Indonesia can apply. For large multinational expansions into Indonesia this is often the cleanest option, and the investment can be made into the Indonesian subsidiary directly.
The Golden Visa is notably family friendly. Spouses, children and, in some cases, parents of the principal applicant are covered by the same application. There is no language requirement and no employment requirement. Applicants can apply from anywhere in the world, and the entire process runs online through the eVisa portal.
What the Investor KITAS does not cover
It is important to understand what the Investor KITAS is not. It does not give you the right to perform paid day to day work in Indonesia on behalf of the PT PMA, even if you own the company. Active operational roles still require a Working KITAS paired with the Investor KITAS, or a dedicated Working KITAS with the PT PMA as sponsor. This is a subtle but important point that has caught out many founders relocating to Indonesia.
It is also not automatically a path to permanent residency or citizenship. Indonesian citizenship is rare for foreign nationals and requires many years of continuous residency, demonstrated ties to the country and government discretion. KITAP (permanent stay) is more realistic and is generally available after holding a qualifying KITAS for 3 to 5 consecutive years.
How Kitas VIP handles the application
- We review your intended investment route and confirm which tier and index applies.
- For PT PMA routes, we verify the company's paid up capital, articles of association, NPWP and NIB match the Investor KITAS criteria.
- For Golden Visa routes, we coordinate the qualifying investment proof (bond certificates, IDX shareholding, state bank deposit letters or capital commitment evidence).
- We lodge the VITAS application through the official eVisa portal and track it daily until the approval telex is issued.
- You travel to Indonesia at your convenience. Within 30 days of arrival, we handle the conversion to KITAS and the collection of the card plus supporting documents.
- Renewals are handled ahead of time so there is no lapse in status.
Investor KITAS and Golden Visa FAQ
Can I buy property in Indonesia on an Investor KITAS?
Foreigners cannot hold freehold (Hak Milik) title on Indonesian land, regardless of visa status. Investor KITAS and Golden Visa holders can use Hak Pakai (right of use) arrangements for residential property, or purchase apartment units under strata title structures. Commercial property is typically held through a PT PMA.
Can I apply from outside Indonesia?
Yes. The entire Investor KITAS and Golden Visa application runs online. You only need to travel to Indonesia after your eVisa is approved, and you must complete the KITAS conversion within 30 days of arrival.
Will the Golden Visa lead to Indonesian citizenship?
Not automatically. Indonesian citizenship is discretionary and rare for foreign nationals. It usually requires many years of continuous residence, strong personal ties to Indonesia and a formal naturalisation process. Most Golden Visa holders eventually move to KITAP instead, which provides long term residency without citizenship.
Can I use the Golden Visa to sponsor staff?
No. The Golden Visa is a personal stay permit. To employ foreign staff in Indonesia, the sponsoring company must go through the RPTKA and Working KITAS route for each employee, separate from the Golden Visa of the owner.