Who the Retirement KITAS is for
The Retirement KITAS is the longest standing visa category for foreign retirees in Indonesia and remains popular with applicants from Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, the Netherlands and Japan. It is designed for people who have a stable foreign pension or investment income, who want to live in Indonesia as their primary residence, and who have no intention of working locally.
If you are younger than 55 or you want to pair residency with active investment or employment, a different KITAS category will suit you better. For remote workers under 55, see the Digital Nomad KITAS. For older retirees with higher capital, the Second Home Visa is a simpler alternative.
Retirement KITAS requirements at a glance
- Minimum age 55 at the time of application.
- Stable foreign income of at least USD 3,000 per month, supported by pension letters, investment statements or long term employer statements.
- Bank statements showing an average balance of USD 2,000 or more for the last three months.
- Health and life insurance covering at least the minimum government requirement (currently IDR 25 million of medical cover).
- Long term accommodation lease in Indonesia with a minimum term of 12 months, whether rented or owned through a Hak Pakai (right of use) arrangement.
- Local domestic helper employed under a written agreement.
- Local sponsor. Retirement applicants cannot self-sponsor and must go through a licensed Indonesian agent. Kitas VIP provides this sponsorship as part of the concierge service.
- Passport with at least 18 months validity and three blank pages.
- No intention to work in Indonesia for any Indonesian employer or client.
How to prove income of USD 3,000 per month
Indonesia is flexible about the source of the USD 3,000 per month so long as it is stable and verifiable. Typical documentation we accept on a Retirement KITAS file includes:
- Official pension award letter from a government or corporate scheme.
- Annual social security or state pension statement.
- Brokerage or fund statements for retirement or investment accounts showing dividend and interest income.
- Rental income contracts from properties held outside Indonesia.
- Consistent monthly transfers into your personal bank account from foreign sources.
Self employed or semi retired applicants whose income comes from active work abroad are better placed on the Digital Nomad KITAS, which was designed with that profile in mind.
Insurance requirement and what counts
Indonesian immigration requires every Retirement KITAS holder to carry health and life insurance. The statutory floor is modest (IDR 25 million of medical cover, which is roughly USD 1,600), but most applicants significantly exceed this figure with international expat policies from providers such as Cigna, Allianz or AXA. If you already have global coverage, our team will confirm whether it meets the Indonesian requirement. If not, we help you arrange qualifying cover before your VITAS is lodged.
Accommodation and the domestic helper rule
You must have a binding long term accommodation arrangement in Indonesia, with a minimum lease term of 12 months, before your KITAS can be issued. This is normally a signed rental contract for a villa, apartment or house, but it can also be a Hak Pakai right of use certificate on a property that is titled in the name of an Indonesian citizen or a PT PMA you are associated with. We review the lease for compliance as part of your application.
In addition, the Retirement KITAS still carries the domestic helper requirement: you must employ at least one local worker, typically on a full or part time basis. This rule exists to protect local employment and has been a feature of the Retirement KITAS since its inception. For most retirees it is a non issue, because a household helper or part time driver is both affordable and routine in Indonesia.
From VITAS to KITAS: the retirement flow
- Upload your passport and fill in the Kitas VIP applicant form. We confirm your eligibility within one business day.
- We prepare the VITAS application, including the sponsor documents, insurance confirmation, lease evidence and income proof.
- The Directorate General of Immigration issues the eVisa approval, typically within 5 to 10 working days.
- You travel to Indonesia with the eVisa attached to your passport.
- Within 30 days of arrival, Kitas VIP accompanies you to the local immigration office for biometrics and KITAS card collection.
- Your KITAS is valid for 1 year. We handle the renewal up to 60 days before expiry, and renewals can continue for up to 5 consecutive years.
Retirement KITAS versus Second Home Visa
Both options allow you to live in Indonesia long term, but they suit different profiles. The Retirement KITAS (E33F) has a lower financial bar (USD 3,000 per month) and renews yearly, while the Second Home Visa (E33E) requires a USD 50,000 deposit in a state owned Indonesian bank but grants up to 5 years of stay without annual renewals. If you are 60 or older and you can set aside the deposit, the Second Home Visa is often more convenient. If you are between 55 and 59, or you prefer not to tie up capital, the Retirement KITAS is the right choice. Full comparison is in our Second Home Visa guide.
Retirement KITAS FAQ
Can my spouse under 55 join me?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be included on the same Retirement KITAS file under the E31 dependent KITAS, even if the spouse is under 55. We include family members at a reduced concierge rate.
What happens after 5 years of Retirement KITAS?
After 5 consecutive years of Retirement KITAS renewals, you are generally eligible to apply for the KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit), valid for 5 years at a time. KITAP brings additional benefits including fewer renewal requirements and easier access to longer term property arrangements.
Can I leave Indonesia during the year?
Yes. Retirement KITAS holders receive an MERP multiple exit re-entry permit, which allows unlimited travel in and out of Indonesia for the validity period of the KITAS. You do not need a new visa each time you travel.
Am I an Indonesian tax resident on a Retirement KITAS?
If you spend more than 183 days in Indonesia during any 12 month period you are generally considered an Indonesian tax resident. Indonesia uses a worldwide income basis for residents. Since you are not working in Indonesia, in practice this often affects only investment income. Always consult a qualified tax adviser for your specific situation.