If you plan to live and work in Indonesia as a foreigner — as an employee, a director, or a founder — you need the right stay and work permits. The central document is the KITAS. This guide explains what it is, the permits that sit around it, and how the process works in 2026.
Company formation and visa filing in Indonesia are handled end-to-end by Sam Consulting, our sister company — so once your business is set up, getting your team legally on the ground is a single coordinated process.
What is a KITAS?
A KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a limited stay permit that lets a foreigner reside in Indonesia for a defined period — commonly 6 or 12 months, renewable. It is not, by itself, permission to work; for employment you also need a work permit.
The permits you actually need to work
Working legally as a foreign employee usually involves three linked pieces:
- RPTKA — the Foreign Worker Placement Plan your sponsoring company files, defining the position and that it can be held by a foreigner.
- Work permit (IMTA / notification) — government approval for the specific foreign worker to be employed.
- Work KITAS — the stay permit issued on the basis of the approved work permit.
A local sponsoring entity (your PT or PT PMA) is required for a work KITAS. If you don't have a company yet, see How to Open a Company in Indonesia and PT PMA vs Local PT.
