A Work KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is the limited stay permit that lets a foreign national legally reside and work in Indonesia under the sponsorship of a registered Indonesian company. Under Article 42 of Law No. 13 of 2003 on Manpower, any company hiring a foreign employee must first obtain written authorization from the Minister of Manpower. No authorization, no legal employment. This guide covers the full requirements, documents, process, costs, and timelines for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The Work KITAS falls under the E23 visa category. It is tied to a specific employer, job title, and work location. Changing any of these requires a new application cycle.
- Before the KITAS can be issued, the employer must secure RPTKA approval from the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) via the TKA Online system and pay the DKP-TKA levy of USD 100 per month per foreign worker.
- Individual employees must have at least five years of relevant professional experience in their field to qualify for an E23 Work KITAS.
- The complete process from RPTKA submission to KITAS issuance typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on document completeness and Ministry review.
- Working without a valid Work KITAS is illegal and can result in deportation, employer fines, and company blacklisting by immigration authorities.
What Is Work KITAS and Why Is It Required?
The Work KITAS is the document that combines residence and work authorization for foreign employees in Indonesia. The Directorate General of Immigration (Ditjen Imigrasi), under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham), issues it. Its legal basis comes from Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, which governs how foreign nationals enter, reside, and exit the country.
The permit works in tandem with the employer-side work permit. Under Government Regulation No. 34 of 2021 and Minister of Manpower Regulation No. 8 of 2021, the RPTKA Approval (Pengesahan RPTKA) acts as both the work permit and the trigger for immigration to issue a Limited Stay Visa (VITAS), then the KITAS itself.
A business visa does not authorize employment. Short-term project work on a tourist or business visa violates Indonesian immigration law. If you draw a salary from an Indonesian entity, the Work KITAS is not optional.
For a broader overview of how this permit fits into Indonesia’s immigration framework, read our guide on what is KITAS in Indonesia, which covers all stay permit categories and their legal basis.
What Are the Work KITAS Requirements for Foreign Employees in 2026?
Eligibility runs on two tracks. The employer must satisfy company-level conditions before any individual application moves forward. Then the employee must meet the personal requirements. Both need to hold at the same time.
Employer Eligibility Requirements
The sponsoring company takes on most of the legal and administrative load for a Work KITAS. These are the conditions that must be in place before filing an RPTKA:
Registered Indonesian legal entity
Only officially registered companies (PT, PT PMA, or certain representative offices) can sponsor a Work KITAS. A local PT without foreign ownership can also be an eligible sponsor, provided it holds the correct business activity codes and manpower structure. See our article on hiring foreign employees through a representative office for the specific rules that apply to KPPA structures.
Active NPWP and business license
The company must hold a valid tax registration number (NPWP) and an active business license (NIB) through the OSS system. Expired licenses cause RPTKA rejection.
HPK RPTKA feasibility assessment
The employer must justify why the position cannot be filled by an Indonesian national. This Hasil Penilaian Kelayakan assessment requires documenting the specific technical expertise gap the foreign worker addresses. The Ministry of Manpower has tightened scrutiny of this stage since late 2025, particularly for tech and energy sector applications. Vague justifications get rejected.
Indonesian counterpart requirement
For most positions, the company must designate at least one Indonesian employee to undergo knowledge transfer from the foreign hire. Directors and commissioners are exempt from this condition.
DKP-TKA levy obligation
The employer must pay the Development Fund for Foreign Workers levy (DKP-TKA) of USD 100 per month per foreign employee. This is a mandatory government fee paid by the sponsoring company, not the individual worker. Failure to pay renders the work permit invalid.
For a detailed look at how these obligations sit within Indonesia’s broader labor framework, see our Indonesia employment law guide.
Employee Eligibility Requirements
Minimum five years of work experience
A foreign national applying for the E23 Work KITAS must demonstrate at least five years of cumulative experience in the relevant professional field. This is verified against the educational qualifications and employment history submitted during RPTKA processing.
Education qualifications matching the position
Academic credentials must align with the job title stated in the RPTKA. The Ministry cross-checks this via the TKA Online platform.
Valid passport
The passport must be valid for at least 18 months from the intended start date in Indonesia, to cover the full KITAS validity period plus buffer time.
Clean immigration record
Applicants with prior overstays, visa violations, or deportation records in Indonesia face rejection.
Nationality restrictions
As of 2026, citizens of certain countries including Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria, and a small number of others are excluded from the Indonesian work visa system. This list is maintained and updated by the Directorate General of Immigration.
What Documents Do You Need for a Work KITAS Application?
Documents come from both sides. Incomplete packages are the most common reason for delays, so getting the employer and employee files ready together before RPTKA submission saves the most time.
Employer Documents
Company registration deed (akta pendirian). The notarized deed of establishment, plus any amendments, proving the company’s legal existence.
NIB from OSS. The Business Identification Number issued through the Online Single Submission system, confirming the company’s registered business activities.
NPWP certificate. Current tax registration certificate showing active status.
RPTKA submission form via TKA Online. The foreign workforce utilization plan, completed on the Ministry of Manpower’s TKA Online system. This includes the proposed job title, work location, contract period, salary details, and the justification for why the role cannot be filled by an Indonesian national.
DKP-TKA payment proof. Government billing receipt for the levy, calculated based on the intended employment duration.
Indonesian counterpart (pendamping) data. Name, position, and qualification documents of the designated Indonesian employee assigned to shadow the foreign worker.
Employee Documents
Passport (minimum 18 months validity). Scanned color copy of the biographical data page and any previous Indonesian visa stamps.
Curriculum vitae. Minimum five years of documented experience in the relevant field, with employer contact details for verification.
Academic certificates. Degree or diploma relevant to the position, with legalization by the relevant Indonesian embassy or apostille where applicable.
Recent passport photos. Standard immigration-format photos, taken within the past three months.
Health certificate. Issued by a recognized medical facility, covering standard immigration health checks. Required at the KITAS conversion stage after entering Indonesia on the VITAS.
Sponsor letter from employer. A formal letter in Bahasa Indonesia and English confirming the employment offer, position, salary, and contract duration.
How Does the Work KITAS Application Process Work in 2026?
Two government agencies are involved and they work in sequence. The Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) handles the work permit side. The Directorate General of Immigration handles the visa and stay permit side. The second agency cannot start until the first finishes.
Step 1: RPTKA Submission and Approval (Ministry of Manpower)
The employer logs into the TKA Online system at kemnaker.go.id and submits the RPTKA application. This includes the HPK RPTKA feasibility assessment justifying the foreign hire, along with all company and position documents. The Ministry reviews the application, may request additional documentation, and issues the Pengesahan RPTKA (RPTKA Approval) once satisfied.
Step 2: DKP-TKA Payment
After RPTKA approval, the employer receives a government billing notification and pays the DKP-TKA levy. Payment is required before the work permit notification is issued.
Step 3: Electronic Work Permit Notification (Notifikasi)
The Ministry of Manpower issues the electronic Notifikasi. This now does the legal work that the old IMTA document used to do. The Ministry transmits the notification to the Directorate General of Immigration, which then issues the Limited Stay Visa (VITAS).
Step 4: VITAS Application (Limited Stay Visa)
The employee applies for the VITAS through the Indonesian embassy or consulate in their home country, or via the e-Visa portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. As of 2024, applications must go through the MOLINA immigration system. The VITAS is typically valid for 60 days, allowing the employee to enter Indonesia and convert to a full KITAS.
Step 5: Entry to Indonesia and KITAS Conversion
The employee enters Indonesia using the VITAS. Within the VITAS validity period, they must attend their local immigration office to complete biometric registration, submit a health certificate, and convert the VITAS to a full KITAS card. The KITAS is typically valid for up to 2 years, though 2-year validity is not automatically granted for all positions.
Step 6: Post-Arrival Compliance
Within 14 days of receiving the KITAS, the foreign employee must register their address with local civil authorities. The employer must also file a Wajib Lapor Ketenagakerjaan (WLK), an annual workforce report stating the number of foreign and local employees. Skipping this report triggers a compliance audit from the Ministry of Manpower. It is one of the steps most companies forget.
Getting the RPTKA Right Is the Part Most Companies Underestimate
A weak feasibility justification is the most common reason for RPTKA rejection in 2026. A rejection restarts the whole timeline.
How Much Does a Work KITAS Cost and How Long Does It Take?
Costs split between mandatory government fees and professional handling fees. The table below reflects typical 2026 ranges. Figures vary by company size, position, and whether the RPTKA already covers previous hires.
| Fee Component | Amount | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| DKP-TKA (foreign worker levy) | USD 100/month per worker | Employer |
| RPTKA + Notifikasi government fees | Included in DKP-TKA (year 1) | Employer |
| VITAS application fee | Varies by embassy/consulate | Employee |
| KITAS issuance fee | Set by immigration authority | Employee/Employer |
| Multiple Re-entry Permit | Additional immigration fee | Employee |
| Professional handling (first hire) | Approx. USD 1,800 to 3,000 | Employer |
Government fees are mandatory and non-negotiable. Professional handling fees cover multi-agency coordination across Kemnaker, the Directorate General of Immigration, and the relevant embassy. Subsequent hires under an already-approved RPTKA cost less because the company-level groundwork is already done.
Timeline: the full process from RPTKA submission to KITAS issuance typically runs 6 to 12 weeks when documents are complete. The RPTKA review at the Ministry of Manpower alone takes 7 to 14 working days. Document gaps or HPK feasibility issues add more time on top. The VITAS and KITAS conversion stage adds another 5 to 15 business days after the work permit notification is issued.
What Positions Are Restricted for Foreign Workers in Indonesia?
Not every role is open to foreign nationals. Under Government Regulation No. 34 of 2021, the Ministry of Manpower keeps a list of positions reserved for Indonesian citizens only. Restricted categories typically cover human resources roles, positions in certain regulated industries, and roles that directly manage Indonesian labor relations.
There is also an important rule about dual employment. Only one employer can sponsor a foreign national under a single Work KITAS. The exception under Article 5 of Permenaker No. 8/2021 allows dual employment for directors or commissioners, employees in the vocational education sector, digital economy roles, and oil and gas workers under cooperation contracts.
For a full breakdown of what foreign nationals can and cannot do professionally in Indonesia, our guide on working in Indonesia as a foreigner covers common positions, sector restrictions, and income reporting requirements.
What Happens If You Work in Indonesia Without a Valid Work KITAS?
Working without a valid Work KITAS is a violation of both Indonesian immigration law and manpower law. The consequences land on both sides of the employment relationship.
The foreign employee risks deportation, a re-entry ban, and being added to the immigration authority’s monitoring list. Foreigners found working on a tourist or business visa face immediate detention processing. There is no warning-first protocol.
The employer faces administrative fines, suspension of the right to hire foreign workers, and potential company blacklisting by immigration authorities. Directors can face personal legal exposure depending on the severity of the violation.
Working on an expired KITAS carries similar consequences. The KITAS renewal must be initiated 30 to 60 days before expiry. Letting the permit lapse creates irregular status that takes far longer to resolve than a timely renewal ever would.
Work KITAS vs. Investor KITAS vs. E33G Remote Worker KITAS: What Is the Difference?
These three permit types cover different situations. Picking the wrong one has compliance consequences. The table below shows how they compare on the criteria that matter most.
| Category | Work KITAS (E23) | Investor KITAS (E28A) | Remote Worker KITAS (E33G) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Foreign nationals employed by an Indonesian company | Foreign shareholders or directors of a PT PMA | Remote workers employed by an overseas company |
| Requires RPTKA? | Yes | No | No |
| Indonesian employer sponsor? | Required | PT PMA company (own investment) | Not required |
| Can earn from Indonesian entity? | Yes (salary from sponsor) | Yes (from PT PMA) | No (overseas income only) |
| Validity | Up to 2 years, renewable | 1 or 2 years, renewable | 1 year, renewable |
| DKP-TKA levy? | Yes (USD 100/month) | Not for investor role | No |
If you work remotely for a company based outside Indonesia, the Indonesia Remote Worker KITAS E33G is the correct legal pathway. Introduced in April 2024 for digital nomads and remote professionals, it exists specifically because there is no Indonesian employer to act as sponsor. A Work KITAS does not fit that situation.
For a full breakdown of all stay permit categories, see our article on the types of KITAS in Indonesia and their requirements.
How to Renew Your Work KITAS in Indonesia
Start the renewal 30 to 60 days before expiry. Waiting until the last week leaves no buffer for processing time and creates a gap in legal status.
Renewal requires the employer to update the RPTKA if the employment period is being extended, pay the DKP-TKA levy for the next period, and submit updated employee documents including a current health certificate. The immigration office then issues the renewed KITAS for up to another 2 years.
The Work KITAS can be renewed up to five times. Once a foreign national has held a KITAS in the same position long enough, they may become eligible to apply for a Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP). That application follows a separate process with its own criteria. Our article on the difference between KITAS and KITAP in Indonesia explains the conversion conditions, and our guide on working in Indonesia with a KITAP covers what changes once the permit switches.
One thing many foreign employees miss: before leaving Indonesia during any KITAS validity period, you must arrange a Multiple Re-entry Permit first. Exiting without one cancels the stay permit. The employee then has to restart the application process from abroad.
Coordinating Kemnaker, the Directorate General of Immigration, and in some cases sector-specific ministries is the part most companies find hardest to manage without help. For employers who want the RPTKA and KITAS handled correctly from the start, InvestinAsia’s Work KITAS service covers the full employer-side process, from RPTKA submission and DKP-TKA payment through to immigration conversion and post-arrival compliance.
Need Your Work KITAS Sorted Before the Start Date?
InvestinAsia’s team of 380+ in-house professionals handles RPTKA, DKP-TKA, and KITAS conversion with no gaps in your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner work in Indonesia without a Work KITAS?
No. Any foreign national performing work duties for an Indonesian company and receiving a salary from that company must hold a valid Work KITAS and an approved RPTKA. Performing work on a tourist visa, business visa, or dependent KITAS is illegal and can result in deportation and employer sanctions.
How long does it take to get a Work KITAS in Indonesia in 2026?
The full process from RPTKA submission to KITAS card issuance typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. The RPTKA review at the Ministry of Manpower alone takes 7 to 14 working days when all documents are complete. Document deficiencies or HPK feasibility rejections restart the clock. The VITAS and KITAS conversion stage, handled by immigration, adds a further 5 to 15 business days after the work permit notification is issued.
What happens if my Work KITAS expires while I am still in Indonesia?
An expired Work KITAS puts the holder in irregular immigration status. The employee cannot legally continue working, and both the employee and employer face administrative consequences. Renewal applications must be submitted 30 to 60 days before expiry. If the KITAS has already expired, the employee may need to exit Indonesia and restart part of the process from outside the country, depending on the immigration office’s assessment.
Can I change employers while holding a Work KITAS?
No. The Work KITAS is tied to the sponsoring company, job title, and work location stated in the original RPTKA. Changing employer, role, or location requires canceling the existing KITAS and starting a new RPTKA and application cycle with the new employer. There is no transfer or endorsement mechanism that carries over from one employer to another.
Is there a minimum salary requirement for Work KITAS holders in Indonesia?
Indonesia does not publish a single statutory minimum salary for foreign workers that applies universally. However, the salary stated in the RPTKA must reflect the expertise and position being justified. An unrealistically low salary figure relative to the claimed expertise level can trigger questions during the HPK feasibility assessment. Employers should document the compensation package in full when preparing the RPTKA submission.
What is the difference between IMTA and RPTKA in Indonesia?
Under Government Regulation No. 34 of 2021 and Permenaker No. 8 of 2021, the old IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Asing) no longer exists as a separate permit. The RPTKA Approval (Pengesahan RPTKA) is now the work permit, and an electronic Notifikasi does what the IMTA used to do. When employers or agencies still use the term “IMTA,” they are generally referring to the current Notifikasi step in the updated system.
References
1. Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Law and Human Rights. (2024). Visa and Stay Permit Information for Foreign Nationals. Retrieved from
https://imigrasi.go.id
2. Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia. (2021). Government Regulation No. 34 of 2021 on the Employment of Foreign Workers (PP No. 34 Tahun 2021 tentang Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing). Retrieved from
https://jdih.kemnaker.go.id
3. Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia. (2021). Minister of Manpower Regulation No. 8 of 2021 on the Implementation of Government Regulation No. 34 of 2021 (Permenaker No. 8 Tahun 2021). Retrieved from
https://jdih.kemnaker.go.id
4. Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia. (n.d.). TKA Online System for Foreign Worker Permit Applications. Retrieved from
https://tka-online.kemnaker.go.id
5. State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia. (2003). Law No. 13 of 2003 on Manpower (UU No. 13 Tahun 2003 tentang Ketenagakerjaan), Article 42. Retrieved from
https://jdih.setneg.go.id
6. State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia. (2011). Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration (UU No. 6 Tahun 2011 tentang Keimigrasian). Retrieved from
https://jdih.setneg.go.id
