Indonesia is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning scenery, and hospitable people. Many dream of living here or investing in property in Bali or other regions. In this article, we will explain the types of residence visas for foreigners and the procedure for obtaining them. We will also talk about the benefits of a residence permit in Indonesia.
Content:
- Foreigners in the country
- Visa regime in Indonesia
- Visa-free short visit
- Visa on arrival
- Tourist or social visa (Index 211)
- Business visa (Index 212)
- Telex visa
- Visa for property owners
- Residence permit in Indonesia
- Investor KITAS (Index 313/314)
- Work KITAS (Index 312)
- Student KITAS (Index 316)
- Family KITAS (Index 317/318)
- Retirement KITAS (Index 319)
- Documents required for a residence permit in Indonesia
- Procedure for obtaining residency and citizenship of Indonesia
- Reasons for refusal to issue a residence permit
- What are the advantages of a residence permit in Indonesia?
- We will help you get a residence permit
Foreigners in the country
The country attracts many citizens of other countries with its beauty, culture, and relatively low cost of living. According to the latest data, the number of foreign nationals living here is about 100,000 people. These are mainly representatives of international organisations, expats working in various industries, remote workers, and owners of local real estate. However, in order to reside in the country officially, you must obtain a suitable visa or apply for a residence permit in Indonesia.
Visa regime in Indonesia
The visa policy encompasses several types of permits allowing foreign nationals to stay in the country for various purposes. Next, we will look at the main types of visas in Indonesia.
Visa-free short visit
The country provides visa-free entry for tourists from a number of countries. The visa waiver rules are subject to change, so you are recommended to check the latest information before planning your trip. Here are some of the countries whose nationals do not usually need a visa:
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- South Korea
- USA
- EU countries
- Japan
There are certain restrictions and conditions for visa-free entry, such as the maximum number of days of stay, which is up to 30 days, compulsory onward or return tickets, and proof of sufficient funds for the stay.
Visa on arrival
If your stay in Indonesia does not last more than 30 days, you need to apply for a visa upon arrival. You can do it right at the airport. The cost is $35. This visa is valid for up to 30 days.
Tourist or social visa (Index 211)
This type of visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 60 days and can be extended. It is suitable for those planning to have a holiday or visit relatives and friends.
Business visa (Index 212)
A business visa is granted to foreign nationals who intend to engage in commercial or business activities. It allows you to stay in the country for up to 60 days and can be extended.
Telex visa
A Telex is a special type of invitation issued by Indonesian companies and organisations to arrange work and business visas. To obtain a Telex, you will need a sponsor in Indonesia who will apply for a visa on your behalf. You will need to provide the sponsor with an application form, a copy of a passport valid for at least six months from the planned date of entry, and other standard documents. Once your application has been submitted, your sponsor will monitor its status and notify you when a Telex is approved. This may take from a couple of days to several weeks, depending on the processing time.
Once your application is approved, the sponsor will provide you with a visa number, which you will need to provide upon entry. Upon arrival, you will receive an issued visa at the airport or at the consulate in the country.
Visa for property owners
This refers to a second home visa, a temporary stay permit (ITAS) allowing you to stay in the country from 5 to 10 years without the right to work. With this visa, you will be able to invest, travel, or reside after retirement.
Residence permit in Indonesia
A KITAS is a residence and work permit for foreign nationals issued by Indonesian immigration authorities.
Residence permit eligibility
An Indonesian residence permit is issued if you meet certain conditions. There are legal grounds for obtaining a residence permit. These can be investments, work, study, or family ties. You can get a residence permit in Indonesia when buying real estate, for example, an apartment in Bali or another property.
Investor KITAS (Index 313/314)
A residence permit for investment is granted to foreign nationals who invest heavily in the country’s economy. It allows you to live and work in the country for 1 or 2 years, depending on the type.
Work KITAS (Index 312)
This type of permit is issued to foreign nationals who have received a job offer from an Indonesian company or organisation. It is issued for a year and is extendable.
Student KITAS (Index 316)
This type of permit is granted to foreign nationals who have enrolled in one of the educational institutions in Indonesia. To obtain it, you must provide an invitation and a certificate of admission.
Family KITAS (Index 317/318)
This type of permit is issued to foreign nationals who are married or related to Indonesian citizens. Depending on the type of relationship, it can be temporary or permanent.
Retirement KITAS (Index 319)
This type of permit is granted to foreign nationals who have reached retirement age (55 years old) and have sufficient financial means to sustain themselves. To obtain it, you must provide documents proving the availability of the required amount.
Documents required for a residence permit in Indonesia
To apply for a residence permit, it is necessary to prepare a certain set of documents. Here are the basic documents for long-term visas:
- A passport with a valid visa. This is the main document proving your identity and the right to stay in the country.
- An application. You must complete a special form, filling in all the necessary information.
- Photos. It is usually required to provide several 35x45 mm photos.
- Documents proving the purpose of your stay. This may be a work contract or an invitation from a company or educational institution.
- Medical insurance in Indonesia for a residence permit. In some cases, proof of an insurance policy is required.
Procedure for obtaining residency and citizenship of Indonesia
It will take some time to get a residence permit in Indonesia. The first step to obtaining a residence visa is to apply at the nearest Indonesian consulate or embassy. Then you need to go through an interview and provide all the required documents. How long does a residence permit last? If the applicant meets all the rules and conditions, they are issued a special document, KITAS. It is valid for two years.
How to extend a residence permit?
After successfully obtaining a residence permit, you may need to extend its validity. To do this, you must apply for an extension in a timely manner before the expiration of your current documents. It may also require certain certificates (as with the initial application) and the payment of a $1,200 fee. If you are a KITAS holder, you can convert it into a KITAP, a permanent stay permit, which is valid for five years and can be extended an indefinite number of times.
Reasons for refusal to issue a residence permit
There are several reasons why a residence permit in Indonesia for foreigners will not be issued, including:
- Non-compliance. If you do not meet certain requirements set by the government, your application may be rejected.
- Incorrect paperwork. If you provide incorrectly completed or incomplete documents, this will also cause a rejection.
- Insufficient funds. If you cannot prove that you have sufficient financial means to sustain yourself, you will be denied as well.
What are the advantages of a residence permit in Indonesia?
Obtaining a residence permit provides a number of advantages and opportunities, with the main ones being:
- Legal stay. A residence permit allows you to legally stay and work in Indonesia for a certain period.
- Business activity. The document provides an opportunity to open your own business or invest in an existing one.
- Education. A residence permit allows you to get an education, which is especially important for students.
We will help you get a residence permit
Applying for and obtaining a residence permit in Indonesia can be a complex and time-consuming process. Therefore, many people seek help from specialists, who prepare paperwork and provide advice. This allows you to save time and avoid mistakes that can lead to a residence permit application being rejected.
Getting a residence permit is feasible and affordable for most people. However, it is necessary to carefully prepare for the procedure and take into account all the requirements of the Indonesian government. If you are willing to walk this path, then you will have the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful country, its culture, and hospitality for a long time.
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