How to Choose the Right KITAS for Your Stay in Indonesia

Indonesia is a dream destination for many foreigners. Whether you’re planning to retire in Bali, manage a business in Jakarta, work in a multinational company, or join your Indonesian spouse, the country offers multiple pathways for a long-term stay.

However, you cannot simply arrive with a tourist visa and live here indefinitely. To stay legally in Indonesia for more than a short period, you’ll need a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas), which is the limited stay permit granted to foreign nationals. Choosing the right KITAS is crucial, because each type serves a specific purpose and comes with its own requirements.

In this article, we’ll explain the different types of KITAS available, their requirements, who they are designed for, and how to decide which one suits your needs best.

1. What is a KITAS?

A KITAS is a temporary stay permit issued to foreigners who intend to stay in Indonesia for an extended period, usually 1 year (sometimes 2 years), and it can be extended multiple times. Holding a KITAS allows you to reside legally, open a local bank account, register for utilities, and in some cases, work or manage a business.

It’s different from a KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap), which is a permanent stay permit granted to those who have already lived in Indonesia under a KITAS for several years.

2. The Main Types of KITAS in Indonesia

a. Retirement KITAS

Who it’s for: Foreign nationals aged 55 years or above who want to retire in Indonesia.

Validity: 1 year, extendable up to 5 times.

Key Requirements:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Bank statement showing a minimum balance of around IDR 30,000,000.
• Proof of monthly pension/income of at least IDR 45,000,000.
• Curriculum Vitae and recent photo.

Best For: Retirees who want to enjoy Indonesia’s lifestyle long-term without working.

b. Investor KITAS

Who it’s for: Foreign nationals who own or invest in an Indonesian company (PT PMA).

Validity: 1 or 2 years, extendable.

Key Requirements:

• Proof of investment in a PT PMA (minimum capital IDR 10 billion).
• Company documents.
• Passport valid for 6 months.
• Bank statement with at least IDR 30,000,000.

Best For: Business owners and investors who want to legally manage their company in Indonesia.

c. Working KITAS

Who it’s for: Foreign nationals employed by an Indonesian company.

Validity: 1 year, extendable.

Key Requirements:

• Work permit (IMTA) issued by the Ministry of Manpower.
• Guarantee letter from employer.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Passport valid for at least 6 months.

Best For: Professionals and skilled workers employed in Indonesia.

d. Family KITAS

Who it’s for: Foreign nationals married to Indonesians or family members of KITAS/KITAP holders.

Validity: 1 year, extendable up to 5 times.

Key Requirements:

• Marriage certificate (translated if not in English or Indonesian).
• Guarantee letter from spouse or family member.
• Passport valid for 6 months.
• Bank statement showing at least IDR 30,000,000.

Best For: Spouses and children of Indonesians or foreign KITAS holders who want to stay together as a family.

e. Remote Worker KITAS (Digital Nomad KITAS)

Who it’s for: Foreigners working online for companies based outside Indonesia.

Validity: 1 year, extendable up to 5 times.

Key Requirements:

• Employment contract with a foreign company.
• Proof of annual income of at least IDR 900,000,000.
• Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Bank statement with at least IDR 30,000,000.

Best For: Digital nomads and freelancers who want to legally stay in Indonesia while working remotely.

3. How to Decide Which KITAS is Right for You

Choosing the right KITAS depends on your personal circumstances, goals, and long-term plans in Indonesia. Here are some scenarios:

• You’re 60 years old and want to retire in Bali: → Retirement KITAS.
• You’re investing in a villa rental business in Bali: → Investor KITAS.
• You’re offered a job in Jakarta by an Indonesian company: → Working KITAS.
• You’re married to an Indonesian citizen: → Family KITAS.
• You’re a software engineer working remotely for a company in the US: → Remote Worker KITAS.

Ask yourself:

• Will I be working or running a business in Indonesia?
• Do I plan to retire here?
• Am I married to an Indonesian citizen?
• Do I want to work remotely while staying in Bali?

Your answers will point you to the most suitable KITAS option.

4. The Benefits of Having the Right KITAS

• Legal Stay: Avoid overstaying fines and deportation.
• Peace of Mind: Live and travel freely within Indonesia.
• Banking & Finance: Open bank accounts, sign contracts, and manage money legally.
• Property & Business: Eligible to set up businesses, rent or lease property legally.
• Family Stability: Allows you to live with your spouse and children without visa runs.

5. Common Mistakes Expats Make with KITAS

Many foreigners fail to choose the right KITAS or try to cut corners, leading to problems. Common mistakes include:

• Applying for a tourist visa and overstaying.
• Running a business on the wrong visa (illegal and risky).
• Entering on a business visa when intending to work or invest long-term.
• Not preparing proper financial or company documents.
• Forgetting to extend KITAS before expiry.

6. Steps to Apply for a KITAS

The process can vary depending on the type, but generally includes:

• Choose the KITAS type that fits your situation.
• Prepare required documents (passport, bank statements, company papers, etc.).
• Submit the application to Indonesian immigration.
• Wait for approval (processing time can range from a few days to a few weeks).
• Receive your KITAS card and enjoy legal residency.

7. KITAS vs KITAP

While KITAS is a temporary stay permit, the KITAP is a permanent stay permit valid for 5 years. It is usually available after:

• 2 years of holding a Family KITAS (married to an Indonesian).
• 3+ years of holding an Investor or Retirement KITAS.

For those planning to live in Indonesia permanently, KITAP is the ultimate goal.

8. Why Use a Legal Consultant Like Bali Legal Hub

The immigration process in Indonesia can be confusing, with frequent regulation updates and paperwork in Bahasa Indonesia. Working with a trusted consultant like Bali Legal Hub ensures:

• Accurate document preparation.
• Faster processing.
• No risk of rejection due to missing requirements.
• Peace of mind knowing your stay is fully legal.

Indonesia offers many opportunities for foreigners to live, work, invest, or retire. But staying here safely and legally requires choosing the right residency permit. Whether it’s a Retirement KITAS, Investor KITAS, Family KITAS, Working KITAS, or Remote Worker KITAS, each is designed for specific needs.

By selecting the KITAS that matches your circumstances, you gain the stability and security to enjoy life in Indonesia without legal worries.

At Bali Legal Hub, we simplify the process by offering end-to-end assistance for all types of KITAS. Our experienced team will guide you from start to finish, ensuring your application is smooth and stress-free.