The Indonesian residence permit can be issued for a limited duration or permanent stay; however, the procedure is different in accordance with the reason for moving here. If you plan on relocating to the country in 2025, you should consider your options based on your visa type and the intended length of stay. Our short guide is useful for knowing the main types of residence permits that are available this year, however, for more complex questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our immigration lawyers in Indonesia can give you complete details.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit types |
– ITAS for work, – investment, – study, – retirement, – family reunification |
|
Time needed to obtain a temporary residence permit in Indonesia (approx.) |
3 days |
|
Temporary residence permit validity |
1 year in most cases. It can depend on its purpose. |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence |
– filled in application, – valid passport, – photograph, – relevant visa fee payments, – visa-specific documentation (proof of employment, investment, family relationship, etc.) |
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) |
Individuals who obtain a residence permit in Indonesia will register with the local authorities in their area of residence. |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder (Yes/No) |
Subject to certain conditions. |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes |
Temporary ITAS issued for investors who wish to obtain a residence permit in Indonesia, generally valid for 2 years. |
| Special requirements for foreign investors interested in permanent residency |
The investor is required to have a sponsor in Indonesia. The sponsor needs to be a locally registered company. Other conditions may apply. |
| Minimum investment amount in order to obtain a residence permit in Indonesia |
Mandatory investment of USD 7000.000 for a PT PMA company (foreign company), irrespective of the type of business activity. |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 4 years (once the ITAS has been re-obtained for the 4th time) |
| Residency for individuals married to a citizen of the country |
Permanent residency can be awarded after 2 years of marriage. Conditions apply. |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence |
– valid identification document, – proof of lawful, continuous stay in the country, – marriage certificate (if applicable), – other case-by-case documents |
| Naturalization requirements |
– permanent residency for at least 5 consecutive years in Indonesia or proof of marriage with an Indonesian citizen, – proof of financial resources, – sufficient language knowledge and social integration |
| Citizenship after permanent residence |
For applicants qualifying for naturalization |
| Dual citizenship permitted (Yes/No) | No |
Table of Contents
New regulations in Indonesia
The procedure of obtaining an Indonesian residence permit depends on several aspects, among which are the reasons for which a person wants to move here and the type of visa they apply for. There are no special requirements based on nationality when applying for a visa to Indonesia.
In 2017 and 2018, the government issued two new regulations related to obtaining residency in Indonesia: Regulation No. 13/2017 on the Procedures for Licensing and Investment Facilities, respectively Regulation No. 20/2018 on Foreign Workers.
Our immigration lawyers in Indonesia can offer information on both new laws that dictate how one can relocate to Indonesia in 2025.
How to obtain a temporary residence permit (ITAS) in Indonesia
The temporary residence permit (ITAS) is issued to those wanting to move to Indonesia under one of the following situations:
- for work reasons – those who want to work in Indonesia can apply for a temporary residence permit which also requires sponsorship from a local company (the employer);
- for marriage purposes – foreign citizens married to an Indonesian national can also obtain a temporary residence permit;
- for retirement purposes – foreign citizens can retire to Indonesia provided that they are at least 55 years old and have sufficient funds;
- the dependent temporary residence permit which allows a foreign citizen to come join a relative and start the process for immigration to Indonesia;
- for business purposes – foreign citizens who want to register companies in Indonesia can apply for temporary residence permits.
The advantage of obtaining a temporary residence permit is that it can be converted into a permanent one after living for three years in Indonesia.
Our Indonesian company formation advisors can guide foreign businessmen when applying for residence permits.
We can offer tailored accounting services in Indonesia.
The permanent residence permit (KITAP) in Indonesia
The Indonesian permanent residence permit card, or the KITAP, can be applied for immediately after the individual has obtained the fourth ITAS. Special provisions are available for foreigners interested in investing in Indonesia.
Those who want to come to Indonesia based on a permanent residence permit will need to comply with the following requirements:
- as an investor must hold a director function in a company with the prospect of becoming a shareholder by investing at least 1 billion Rp;
- the second option for an investor is to own shares with a value of at least 10 billion Rp in a local company;
- as an individual, any foreign citizen who has obtained a temporary residence permit as a religious worker can convert into a permanent one;
- a foreign citizen who has at least one Indonesian citizen as a parent can also apply for a permanent residence permit;
- the husband or wife of a permanent residence permit holder can also apply to obtain the same status.
It is important to note that in the case of foreign investors, one will be first granted a temporary residence permit and once the conditions above are fulfilled, he or she can become a permanent resident of Indonesia in 2025.
Permanent residency is mandatory for those interested in immigration to Indonesia. If you would like to know more about the process, as well as your options depending on your reason for relocation to the country (business, employment, etc.), our team can answer your questions. We also assist foreign nationals who have married Indonesian citizens and have questions about their rights.
KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) in Indonesia
KITAS is a type of visa that allows foreigners to stay in Indonesia for a specific period, usually for work or other purposes. The KITAS is issued by the Indonesian immigration authorities and is an essential document for expatriates living in the country for an extended period. Foreigners typically need a KITAS in Indonesia when they plan to stay in the country for an extended period, usually for purposes such as:
- employment: If a foreigner is planning to work in Indonesia, they will likely need a KITAS sponsored by their employer. To request work KITAS, individuals from abroad need to secure sponsorship from their employer, which must be a registered company in Indonesia.
- investment: Foreign investors who intend to establish a business or invest in Indonesia may need a KITAS. This could be for purposes related to running and managing their business. There are two distinct variants of investor KITAS: the C313 and C314. The sole distinction lies in their validity periods, with C313 being valid for one year and C314 for two years. Both types are eligible for extension, allowing for a maximum duration of up to five years.
- research and education: Foreigners engaged in research or academic activities, such as attending a university or conducting scientific research, may require a KITAS.
- family reunion: Foreigners who are married to Indonesian citizens or have family ties with Indonesian citizens may need a KITAS for family reunion purposes. The KITAS is initially valid for one year, and there is an annual extension option for up to five years, especially if you are married to an Indonesian citizen.
- retirement: Some foreigners choose to retire in Indonesia and may obtain a KITAS for retirees to facilitate their stay.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a KITAS can vary based on the purpose of stay and Indonesian immigration regulations. The process usually involves sponsorship from a local entity or individual, such as an employer or a family member, and compliance with the relevant immigration and visa regulations. Please consult with our Indonesian company incorporation agents if you are interested in applying for KITAS in Bali.
How KITAS is different from ITAS and KITAP?
In Indonesia, KITAS, KITAP, and ITAS are different types of permits that allow foreigners to stay in the country for various purposes. Here’s an overview of the distinctions:
Indonesian KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas – limited stay permit card):
- purpose: KITAS in Indonesia is issued for a limited period and is generally intended for individuals staying in Indonesia for purposes such as employment, investment, family reunion, education, or retirement.
- validity: Indonesian KITAS has a specific duration, and individuals must renew it before expiration if they wish to continue staying in Indonesia.
- sponsorship: KITAS in Indonesia typically requires sponsorship from a local entity or individual, such as an employer, family member, or educational institution. If you are seeking to apply for a KITAS, please consult our lawyers.
Moreover, you are also welcome to get in touch with our Indonesian company formation agents. They can also assist you in setting up a company in Indonesia.
Indonesian KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap – permanent stay permit card):
- purpose: KITAP in Indonesia is a permanent stay permit that allows a foreigner to reside in Indonesia for an indefinite period.
- eligibility: Indonesian KITAP is usually granted to individuals who have held a KITAS for a certain number of years and have met specific criteria, such as contributing significantly to the Indonesian economy.
- sponsorship: While KITAS in Indonesia requires ongoing sponsorship, KITAP represents a more permanent status and may not require sponsorship after a certain period. If you have further questions about KITAP in Indonesia, please ask our specialists. Also, with the assistance of our company formation consultants, you can open a company in Indonesia.
ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas – limited stay permit):
- terminology: ITAS in Indonesia is sometimes used interchangeably with KITAS, but officially, the term KITAS is more commonly used. Both refer to the limited stay permit.
- validity: Indonesian ITAS is issued for a specific period, similar to KITAS, and individuals must renew it to extend their stay.
In summary, KITAS and ITAS are often used to refer to the same limited stay permit, while KITAP represents a more permanent stay status. The choice between KITAS and KITAP depends on factors such as the intended duration of stay, the purpose of stay, and meeting the eligibility criteria for permanent residency. Please get in touch with our lawyers in Indonesia if you are planning to apply for a residence permit. They can also help throughout the procedure of immigration to Indonesia.
Document requirements when applying for residency in Indonesia
The following documents are required when applying for a residence permit in Indonesia:
- the valid passport (the minimum validity period is one year and a half);
- the application form issued by the Indonesian authorities;
- the employment contract for those applying for residency as workers;
- information about the company the director will occupy a position in, in case of investors;
- the marriage certificate in the case of those applying for residency as spouses.
The list of documents required is more extensive and particular to each case, which is why we invite you to consult our company registration representatives in Indonesia who are qualified to assist you if you wish to apply for a permit in 2025. You can also rely on us if you want to set up a business in Indonesia.
Population growth statistics
According to BPS-Statistics Indonesia, the 2024 mid-year population was 281,603,800. Other statistical data is summarised below by our team:
- One of the provinces with the highest average population growth between 2020 and 2024 was Kalimantan Timur (1,93%). Other regions that can be included in this category are Nusa Tenggara Timur (with a 1,64% growth) and Nusa Tenggara Barat (with a 1,62% growth);
- In the entire country, the average population growth was 1,11% between 2020 and 2024.
Note: The population growth rates are calculated based on the population in 2020, compared to the number of individuals living in the same regions in 2023 or 2024 in some cases.
Discussing your options with our lawyers in Indonesia who specialize in immigration matters is advisable before traveling to the country. Besides this, our lawyers can also offer you accounting services. In Indonesia, accountants play a crucial role in navigating the complex financial landscape of the country. With a rapidly growing economy and diverse business environment, our accountants in Indonesia are instrumental in ensuring financial transparency.
You can contact one of our attorneys and, upon the first evaluation of your case, we will be able to provide you with adequate solutions that are both effective and personalized. Please reach out to our immigration lawyers in Indonesia for more information about our services.