A KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is Indonesia's temporary stay permit that allows foreigners to live and work in the country. For entrepreneurs, the Investor KITAS — tied to a PT PMA — is the standard option. It's valid for 2 years, renewable, and can eventually be converted to a KITAP (permanent stay permit). The application process takes 2–4 weeks and costs IDR 15–25 million.
What is a KITAS?
KITAS stands for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas — literally "Limited Stay Permit Card." It's the primary residence permit for foreigners living in Indonesia beyond tourist visa terms.
A KITAS is not a visa in the traditional sense — it's a residence permit that accompanies your visa. Your visa type determines which KITAS you receive and what activities you can perform.
Types of KITAS
| KITAS type | Sponsor | Allows | Typical holder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor KITAS | Your PT PMA | Own and operate a business | Foreign entrepreneurs |
| Worker KITAS | Indonesian employer | Employment | Foreign employees |
| Dependent KITAS | Spouse's company/employer | Living with family, no work | Spouses, children |
| Retirement KITAS | Self-sponsored | Residency for retirees | Retirees (55+) |
| Student KITAS | Educational institution | Study | Foreign students |
For entrepreneurs, the Investor KITAS is the relevant type. It's tied to your PT PMA and allows you to manage your company, sign contracts, open bank accounts, and conduct all business activities.
How to get an Investor KITAS
Prerequisites
Before applying, you need:
- A fully registered PT PMA (active NIB, NPWP, notarial deed)
- Appointment as director or commissioner in the PT PMA
- Approved RPTKA (foreign worker utilisation plan)
- Approved IMTA (foreign worker permit)
- Valid passport with 18+ months remaining
Step-by-step process
Step 1: RPTKA approval (3–5 days)
Your company submits a foreign worker utilisation plan to the Ministry of Manpower. This document justifies why your position requires a foreigner and outlines plans for Indonesian staff development.
Step 2: IMTA issuance (3–5 days)
Upon RPTKA approval, your IMTA (foreign worker permit) is issued. This document authorises your employment by your PT PMA and is the basis for your KITAS application.
Step 3: KITAS application (5–10 days)
Submit your KITAS application to the immigration office with:
- Passport (original + copies)
- IMTA approval
- PT PMA company documents
- Passport photos (4x6 cm, red background)
- Sponsorship letter from the PT PMA
- Health declaration
Step 4: Biometric capture (1 day)
Visit the immigration office for fingerprinting and photo capture. You must be physically present — this cannot be done remotely.
Step 5: KITAS card issuance (3–5 days)
Your KITAS card is printed and delivered. This is your official residence document — carry it at all times alongside your passport.
Step 6: MERP (same day)
Apply for your MERP (Multiple Exit-Reentry Permit) so you can travel internationally without cancelling your KITAS.
Total timeline: 2–4 weeks
Cost breakdown
| Item | Cost (IDR) | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| RPTKA processing | 2–3 million | 110–170 |
| IMTA fee (DKP-TKA levy) | 1.2 million | 67 |
| KITAS application | 3–5 million | 170–280 |
| KITAS card | 2–3 million | 110–170 |
| MERP | 2–3 million | 110–170 |
| Agent fee | 5–10 million | 280–560 |
| Total | 15.2–25.2 million | 847–1,417 |
What you can do with a KITAS
- Live in Indonesia for 2 years (renewable)
- Work in your PT PMA as per your IMTA
- Open bank accounts (personal and corporate)
- Drive with an Indonesian driving licence (SIM)
- Access healthcare through BPJS
- Lease or buy property under Hak Pakai
- Travel internationally with MERP
What you cannot do with a KITAS
- Work for a different company than your sponsor
- Perform work activities not listed in your IMTA
- Stay in Indonesia without a valid MERP if you travel abroad
- Overstay beyond the KITAS expiry date
- Vote in Indonesian elections
Renewal
KITAS renewal should begin 2–3 months before expiry. The process mirrors the initial application (RPTKA renewal, IMTA renewal, KITAS extension) but is typically faster since your company documents are already on file.
Renewal cost: IDR 12–20 million (EUR 670–1,120) — lower than initial application because company setup fees are not repeated.
Critical: if your KITAS expires before renewal is processed, you become an overstayer. Daily fines of IDR 1 million apply. Always start renewal early.
From KITAS to KITAP
After holding consecutive KITAS permits for 3–4 years, you may apply for a KITAP (permanent stay permit):
| Feature | KITAS | KITAP |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 2 years | 5 years |
| Renewal | Every 2 years | Every 5 years |
| Indonesian language test | Not required | Required (basic level) |
| Travel freedom | MERP required | Built-in |
| Path to citizenship | No | Potential (after 5+ years KITAP) |
KITAP requirements
- Consecutive KITAS renewals without gaps
- Active, compliant PT PMA
- Clean immigration record
- Basic Indonesian language test (Bahasa Indonesia)
- Financial stability demonstration
The KITAP is significantly more convenient — fewer renewals, no MERP requirement, and stronger residence stability.
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions
What happens if I lose my KITAS card?+
Report the loss to the nearest police station and obtain a police report (Surat Kehilangan). Then apply for a replacement KITAS at the immigration office. The process takes 1–2 weeks and costs approximately IDR 3–5 million. Carry a photocopy of your KITAS separately as a backup.
Can I change my KITAS type without leaving Indonesia?+
In most cases, yes. Converting from one KITAS type to another (e.g., worker KITAS to investor KITAS) can be done onshore. Your agent handles the cancellation of the old KITAS and application for the new one. There may be a brief gap — plan accordingly.
Does my KITAS expire if I leave Indonesia?+
Only if you don't have a MERP (Multiple Exit-Reentry Permit). Without MERP, leaving Indonesia cancels your KITAS. With MERP, you can travel freely and return without affecting your KITAS status. Always obtain MERP immediately after receiving your KITAS.
Can my KITAS be revoked?+
Yes. Common grounds for revocation: company non-compliance (missed LKPM filings, tax arrears), criminal activity, working outside the scope of your IMTA, or immigration violations. Keeping your PT PMA compliant and your activities within your IMTA scope prevents revocation.