KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is Indonesia’s Temporary Stay Permit, valid for 1-2 years. It is required for anyone who wants to live, work, retire, or study in Indonesia long-term. KITAS categories include Work KITAS (sponsored by employer), Retirement KITAS (age 55+, proof of pension), Investor KITAS (minimum IDR 1.5 billion investment), Marriage KITAS (married to Indonesian citizen), and Student KITAS. Costs range from IDR 12,000,000-25,000,000 through an agent including all government fees.
KITAS Bali — Temporary Stay Permit Guide 2026
The KITAS — Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas — is your gateway to long-term living in Indonesia. While tourist visas like the VOA and B211 are designed for short visits, the KITAS is for those who want to make Indonesia their home — whether for work, retirement, marriage, investment, or study. It is a residency permit that grants you stay periods of 1-2 years at a time, with the possibility of conversion to permanent residency (KITAP) after meeting certain conditions.
Having a KITAS transforms your status in Indonesia from visitor to resident. You gain access to Indonesian banking services, can obtain a local driving license (SIM), register for an Indonesian tax number (NPWP), rent property under your own name, and access government healthcare programs. For many expatriates in Bali, the KITAS is the foundation upon which their entire Indonesian life is built.
Types of KITAS Available in Indonesia
Work KITAS (Index 312)
From IDR 15M
Sponsored by Indonesian employer or your own PT PMA company. Includes work permit (IMTA). Valid 6-12 months, renewable.
Retirement KITAS (Index 319)
From IDR 12M
For retirees age 55+. Proof of pension/passive income required. No work permitted. Valid 1-2 years.
Investor KITAS (Index 314)
From IDR 25M
For business investors. Requires minimum IDR 1.5 billion investment through PT PMA. Includes work permit.
Marriage KITAS (Index 317)
From IDR 12M
For foreigners married to Indonesian citizens. Spouse sponsors the application. Valid 1-2 years.
KITAS Application Process
The KITAS application is a multi-step process that involves coordination between immigration, the Ministry of Manpower (for work KITAS), and various other government agencies. Here is the typical timeline when processed through our agency:
Week 1-2: Document preparation — We collect your passport, photos, sponsor documents, and supporting paperwork. Each KITAS type has specific requirements. We prepare and verify everything before submission.
Week 2-4: VITAS application — We submit your Visa Tinggal Terbatas Sementara (VITAS) application to the Directorate General of Immigration. This is the entry visa that allows you to enter Indonesia for the purpose of obtaining your KITAS.
Week 4-6: VITAS approval and entry — Once approved, you receive a VITAS approval letter. You enter Indonesia using this letter, and the immigration officer stamps your passport with the initial KITAS endorsement.
Week 6-8: Biometric registration — Within 30 days of arrival, you must register at the local immigration office for biometric capture (fingerprints and photo). We accompany you to this appointment.
Week 8-10: KITAS card issuance — Your physical KITAS card is produced and delivered. This is your official residency card in Indonesia.
KITAS Requirements by Type
Work KITAS Requirements
A sponsoring Indonesian company (PT or PT PMA), approved RPTKA (Foreign Worker Utilization Plan), IMTA work permit, valid passport (18+ months), CV/resume, educational qualifications, passport photos, and completed application forms. The sponsoring company must demonstrate why a foreign worker is needed and commit to training Indonesian replacements. For help with company establishment, see our Company Setup (PT PMA) guide.
Retirement KITAS Requirements
Age 55 or above, proof of pension or passive income (minimum USD 1,500/month), health insurance covering Indonesia, statement that you will not work in Indonesia, proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property ownership), and a CV. You must also appoint an Indonesian sponsor or use an agent. Retirement in Bali is increasingly popular — see our Retirement Visa guide for more details.
Investor KITAS Requirements
A registered PT PMA company with minimum IDR 10 billion authorized capital and IDR 1.5 billion paid-up capital, proof of investment, company documents (SIUP, TDP, domicile letter), and personal documents. The Investor Visa guide covers the full investment requirements and options.
KITAS Costs Breakdown
KITAS costs vary significantly by type. Here is a general guide to expect when working with our agency (all-inclusive pricing):
Work KITAS: IDR 15,000,000-20,000,000 (includes IMTA, VITAS, biometrics, KITAS card)
Retirement KITAS: IDR 12,000,000-15,000,000 (includes VITAS, biometrics, KITAS card, annual reporting)
Marriage KITAS: IDR 12,000,000-15,000,000 (includes sponsor letter, VITAS, biometrics, KITAS card)
Investor KITAS: IDR 25,000,000-35,000,000 (includes PT PMA verification, VITAS, biometrics, KITAS card)
For detailed pricing on all services, visit our pricing page.
KITAS to KITAP Conversion
After holding a KITAS consecutively for 3-5 years (depending on your KITAS type), you may be eligible to convert to a KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) — Indonesia’s permanent stay permit. The KITAP is valid for 5 years and grants you most of the rights of an Indonesian resident. The KITAS vs KITAP comparison explains the differences and upgrade path in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a KITAS application take?
The complete process from initial document submission to receiving your KITAS card typically takes 6-10 weeks. Work KITAS may take longer if RPTKA approval is needed. Rush processing is available for urgent cases.
Can I leave Indonesia on a KITAS?
Yes, but you need a Re-Entry Permit (MERP — Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit) to leave and re-enter without invalidating your KITAS. We include MERP processing in our KITAS packages.
What happens when my KITAS expires?
KITAS must be renewed before expiry. The renewal process takes 4-6 weeks and should be started 2-3 months before expiry. Failure to renew results in overstay status.
Can I switch KITAS types?
Yes, but it requires a new application. For example, switching from Marriage KITAS to Work KITAS requires a new sponsor, IMTA, and application. We handle the transition process.
Do I need to report to immigration?
KITAS holders must complete annual reporting (SKPPS) at their local immigration office. We handle this reporting as part of our annual maintenance service.
Can my family get KITAS too?
Yes. Spouse and children under 18 can apply for dependent KITAS (Index 317) linked to your primary KITAS. See our Family KITAS guide.
What is the difference between KITAS and KITAP?
KITAS is temporary (1-2 years, renewable). KITAP is permanent (5 years, renewable). KITAP requires 3-5 years of consecutive KITAS. See our detailed comparison.
Can I buy property with a KITAS?
Foreigners with KITAS can hold property under Hak Pakai (right to use) title for up to 80 years. This is different from freehold (Hak Milik) which is reserved for Indonesian citizens.
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Let our team handle the complex KITAS process from start to finish. All government fees and immigration visits included.
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