Business & Working Visa in Indonesia: Application and Regulation

Planning to do business or work in Indonesia? Understanding the difference between a business visa and a working visa is crucial to ensure smooth entry and compliance with local regulations. 

Whether you’re attending a conference, leading a project, or planning a long-term assignment, knowing which visa you need will save you time and avoid unnecessary complications. 

Let’s break down the essentials of each visa type and how to navigate the application process in Indonesia.

The difference between work permit & business visa

If you’re planning to visit or work in Indonesia, it’s crucial to know whether you need a business visa or a work permit. The difference may seem tricky, but understanding it can make your journey much smoother.

• Business visa: Perfect for short-term activities like attending conferences, meetings, or training. It’s for business-related tasks but not for earning an income. Think of it as your ticket for networking and learning, not working.
• Work permit: If you plan on working and earning in Indonesia, this is your go-to. It allows you to engage in paid work and stay for a longer duration.

So, whether you’re networking at a seminar or leading a team, getting the right visa ensures you’re covered legally. 

Read more: Foreign Company Registration in Indonesia: A Simple Guide

Business visa

Whether you’re attending a conference, exploring new business opportunities, or making repeated trips, Indonesia offers several visa options. 

• Single-entry business visa: Ideal for short-term trips like meetings or market research. Valid for 60 days upon arrival and can be extended up to four times. It’s sponsored by a legal entity in Indonesia, but you can’t work on this visa.
  
• Multiple-entry business visa: This visa allows repeated visits for one year, with each stay limited to 60 days. If your trip exceeds this, you’ll need to exit and re-enter the country. A US$100 fee applies.
  
• Golden visa: Aimed at high-net-worth individuals and corporate investors, this visa offers long-term residence (5-10 years) depending on investment size. For example, a US$2.5 million investment in a local business qualifies you for five years, or ten years with a US$5 million investment. There are also alternatives for those investing in public shares or bonds.
  
• Visa on Arrival (VoA): This visa allows short stays (up to 30 days) for tourism, business, government visits, or transit purposes.

Each visa type comes with its own set of rules, so make sure you choose the one that fits your needs.

Read more: 10 Things you Should Know Before Doing Business in Indonesia

Working visa / IMTA in Indonesia

In Indonesia, a working visa (IMTA) can only be applied for by an Indonesian company that intends to hire a foreign worker. 

The company must demonstrate to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that the foreign applicant is needed for a specific role that cannot be filled by an Indonesian citizen. 

Additionally, foreign workers are restricted from working in certain sectors such as:

• Human resource management
• Legal services
• Health and safety
• Quality control
• Supply chain management

Before hiring a foreign worker, the company must submit a Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (RPTKA), detailing the job role, work type, and duration of employment. The RPTKA serves as the foundation for visa and stay permit applications.

There are four types of RPTKA based on the work’s duration:

• Temporary work (e.g., production quality control, machine installation): Up to 6 months; non-extendable.
• Employment for more than 6 Months: Up to 2 years, extendable.
• Employment not requiring payment to the foreign worker utilization compensation fund: Up to 2 years, extendable.
• Employment in Special Economic Zones (SEZ): 5 years, extendable. For directors or commissioners, the validity is as needed by the employer.

Once the RPTKA is approved, the worker can apply for a VITAS (limited stay visa) and an ITAS (temporary stay permit). 

• The VITAS allows the worker to enter Indonesia, while the ITAS permits them to stay and work for up to one year, with the option for extensions. 
• The VITAS and ITAS can typically be obtained within 2 to 5 working days.

For those already residing in Indonesia, the company must ensure they have the proper work entitlements before employment begins. 

• Once the ITAS is granted, the foreign worker will receive a KITAS, allowing them to work for up to 12 months, which can also be extended. 
• Additional requirements include a letter of good standing and a health certificate confirming no contagious diseases.

Read more: Payroll, Contracts & Employment Laws in Indonesia 2025

How to apply business visa in Indonesia 

To apply for a business visa in Indonesia, follow these requirements:

• A passport valid for at least six months.
• An invitation letter from an Indonesian sponsor, mentioning the visit purpose and stay duration. The sponsor will apply online for you.
• A business cover letter from your company.
• One passport-sized photo with a white background.
• A copy of your round-trip electronic airline ticket.
• A payment of the US$50 application fee.
• A bank statement proving you have at least US$1,500.

The process takes about five working days, after which the immigration office will send a visa approval letter to the nearest Indonesian embassy to issue your visa.

How to apply working visa in Indonesia

To apply for a work visa in Indonesia, both the employer and employee must provide specific documents:

For the employer:

• Capital Registration License (SPPMA) from the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board
• NPWP tax identification number
• A copy of the sponsor’s identity card (KTP)
• Copy of the RPTKA
• Copy of a local employee’s ID
• Company registration letter (TDP)
• Company’s certificate of domicile (SKTU)
• Annual report on local and international employees
• Company stamp and approval certificates (SITU & HO)
• Company’s deed establishment (Akta Notaris) authorized by the Department of Justice
• Blank sheet with company’s letterhead

For the employee:

• Color copy of passport (valid for at least 18 months)
• Resume with company stamp and director’s signature
• Highest education certificate with employer’s stamp and signature
• Certificate of at least five years of work experience
• Two color passport-sized pictures
• Proof of insurance

The work visa application is submitted at the Indonesian embassy or consulate, and it typically takes about two months to process.

Accelerate your business expansion with Mekari 

To drive business growth and efficiency, leveraging the right tools is essential. Mekari offers comprehensive solutions that help businesses optimize their operations by automating time-consuming tasks. 

• Mekari Talenta, Indonesia’s leading HR, payroll, and people management software, can seamlessly handle core HR functions and optimize business processes.
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By using integrated SaaS from Mekari, employers can manage both employee administration and tax compliance in one place, driving efficiency and accelerating growth.

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