Are you considering living in Indonesia but are unsure about the type of visa you need? This is a common situation for foreigners who want to stay in Indonesia for work, family, or other reasons.
The legal terms and various visa options in Indonesia can make the visa application process more complicated than necessary.
One key difference lies in ITAS and KITAS, as well as ITAP and KITAP – terms that can be confusing even for experienced travelers.
We have prepared a straightforward and effective guide to help you understand the distinctions between ITAS and ITAP.
This guide will assist you in determining which visa is the most suitable for your needs, whether you’re pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities or planning to reunite with your family in Indonesia.
Understanding KITAS: Indonesian Stay Permits
In Indonesia, two terms frequently come up in discussions about stay permits: ITAS and KITAS, which respectively stand for “Izin Tinggal Terbatas” (Limited Stay Permit) and “Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas” (Limited Stay Permit Card).
In essence, both terms signify the same thing – a temporary authorization to reside in Indonesia.
The distinction between these terms is straightforward. KITAS is the physical card embodying the permit, where “K” stands for “Kartu,” meaning “card” in Indonesian. Meanwhile, ITAS refers to the permit itself, excluding the card.
However, it’s important to note that Indonesian immigration predominantly issues limited stay permits electronically nowadays, which has led to a change in terminology.
Therefore, the terms “e-ITAS” or simply “ITAS” are now commonly used to refer to the electronic version.
KITAS is governed by Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 29 of 2021 on Visas and Stay Permits (“RMLHR 29/2021”), Article 1 number 18, which defines Limited Stay Permit as:
“A permit given to a foreigner to reside within Indonesian territory for a limited period.”
To secure this document, an applicant typically requires employment in Indonesia and sponsorship from the company where the foreign individual is employed.
Read more: Indonesia KITAS – Everything You Need to Know in 2023
Types of ITAS (KITAS) in Indonesia
ITAS in Indonesia covers four primary categories, each tailored to specific circumstances:
Spouse ITAS (Family ITAS)
If you are legally married to an Indonesian citizen, this visa category allows you to reside in Indonesia. However, it does not grant work rights; a separate work permit in Indonesia is essential for employment.
Work Visa ITAS
A work visa ITAS can only be sponsored by a company or an organization. The work permit’s validity influences its duration and may include multiple exits and re-entry permits.
Retirement Visa ITAS
Designed for those seeking retirement in Indonesia, retirement ITAS in Indonesia doesn’t mandate employment or business involvement.
It’s important to check if your nationality qualifies for this visa. A retirement visa is valid for one year and can be extended up to four times.
Transit ITAS
For Indonesians in the process of regaining Indonesian citizenship, this visa facilitates their temporary stay permit. Its validity ranges from 6 to 12 months.
Read more: Full Guide to Starting a Business for Foreigners in Indonesia 2023
Understanding ITAP and KITAP in Indonesia
ITAP (Izin Tinggal Tetap) and its card version, KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) – both equate to permanent residency visas. The “K” signifies the card aspect.
ITAP/KITAP serves as a pathway for foreign nationals to establish lasting roots in Indonesia. With a validity of five years and limitless extensions, this visa is accessible to several groups:
- Foreigners with a temporary stay permit (ITAS or KITAS) in categories like expats, investors, retirees, or religious missionaries.
- Members of mixed-marriage families.
- Spouses or children of permanent stay visa holders.
- Foreigners with previous Indonesian citizenship or dual citizenship of Indonesia and another country.
According to Article 106 number 1 of Law Number 11 of 2020 on Job Creation (“Law 11/2020”), which amends Article 1 number 23 of Law 6/2011, KITAP is defined as a limited stay permit, as follows:
“Permission granted to specific foreigners to live and settle in Indonesia as Indonesian residents.”
Read more: KITAP Indonesia – How To Obtain Residence Permit in Indonesia
KITAP vs KITAS: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between KITAS and KITAP lies in how long they last and how flexible they are.
KITAS allows you to stay for a limited time, while KITAP can be used for a permanent stay. With KITAS, you need to renew it every year, but KITAP lets you stay in Indonesia indefinitely without needing to renew it regularly.
Who Can Get KITAS?
- Employees: Foreign workers with jobs in Indonesia and the required work permits.
- Students: International students studying in Indonesian educational institutions.
- Dependents: People accompanying family members with valid residence permits.
- Investors: Foreign investors actively involved in their investment projects in Indonesia.
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Who Can Get KITAP?
- KITAS Holders: Foreign nationals who have lived in Indonesia under a KITAS for a specific time and meet the requirements for permanent residency.
- Spouses of Indonesian Citizens: Foreign nationals married to Indonesian citizens may qualify for KITAP.
Read more: Guide to the Indonesia Business Visa for Foreigners 2023
Benefits of Having KITAS or KITAP
KITAS, or the limited stay permit card, offers several advantages for foreign nationals wishing to reside in Indonesia for an extended period.
Whether you’re considering work, study, investment, or simply seeking a new cultural experience, KITAS opens doors to various opportunities:
- Legal Residency: KITAS provides a legal framework for residing in Indonesia, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and avoiding legal issues.
- Work Authorization: Holders can obtain a work permit in Indonesia to enable legal employment within the country and facilitate career growth.
- Access to Services: KITAS holders can easily access essential services like opening bank accounts and obtaining driver’s licenses.
- Property Ownership: Certain KITAS types grant the ability to own property, making real estate investment an attractive option.
- Education and Study: KITAS facilitates enrollment in Indonesian educational institutions, enhancing educational pursuits.
Image by Freepik - Long-Term Stay: For extended stays and retirements, KITAS offers a legitimate means to enjoy the country’s beauty and culture.
- Cultural Engagement: Immerse yourself in Indonesian life, language, and communities, fostering meaningful cultural experiences.
- Family Reunification: KITAS can be extended to family members, promoting the unity of loved ones.
- Investment Ventures: Entrepreneurs and investors can establish and manage businesses under specific KITAS categories.
- Networking and Opportunities: KITAS holders gain access to professional networks and opportunities within Indonesia.
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As you explore your options for residing in Indonesia, understanding the benefits of KITAS can guide your decisions and open doors to a fulfilling and enriching experience.
Restriction for Spouse-Sponsored KITAS and KITAP
It’s generally understood that holders of spouse-sponsored ITAS or ITAP are prohibited from working in Indonesia. However, there is a grey area that allows those with a spouse visa to engage in business activities.
Per Indonesian law, a spouse visa affords foreigners the opportunity to conduct business for the purpose of supporting their family. While regulations don’t explicitly detail the scope of permissible businesses, engaging in ventures without hiring employees or informal sector work is generally accepted.
Read more: Work Permit in Indonesia – Essential Formalities You Need to Know
How to Obtain KITAS or KITAP Visas in Indonesia
Understanding temporary (ITAS) and permanent (ITAP) stay visas doesn’t have to be complicated. Getting these visas involves preparing specific documents. You might receive e-ITAS or e-ITAP, or get traditional cards called KITAS or KITAP, similar to Indonesian ID cards (KTP).
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