Work KITAS Indonesia — Work Permit (IMTA) Guide 2026
Foreigners working in Indonesia need both an IMTA (work permit from Ministry of Manpower) and a Work KITAS (stay permit from Immigration). This guide explains the requirements, the role of the employer, documents needed, processing timeline, and how Visa Nest helps companies and employees through the process.
Working legally in Indonesia as a foreigner requires an IMTA (work permit) from the Ministry of Manpower and a Work KITAS (stay permit) from Immigration. Both are sponsored by the Indonesian employer. The employer initiates the process; the employee provides personal documents. Work KITAS is valid for 1 year and renewable. Visa Nest assists both employers and employees with the complete Work KITAS application.
Work KITAS Process Overview
Employer Eligibility Check
The Indonesian employer must have an active NIB (business license), TKA employment plan approved by Ministry of Manpower, and be registered in OSS system.
TKA Plan (RPTKA) Submission
Employer submits RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) to Ministry of Manpower detailing position, nationality, and duration of employment.
IMTA Application
Once RPTKA is approved, the employer applies for the IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing) — the actual work permit.
Telex Visa (if outside Indonesia)
If the employee is outside Indonesia, a Telex Visa is obtained from Immigration to allow entry for KITAS processing.
Work KITAS Application
With IMTA in hand, the KITAS application is submitted to the local immigration office. Employee undergoes biometric enrollment.
KITAS Card Issued
Work KITAS card is issued — the physical residency permit authorising legal stay and employment in Indonesia.
Annual Renewal
Both IMTA and KITAS must be renewed annually. Employer remains responsible for renewal. Visa Nest handles this process.
Required Documents
From the Employee (Foreign National)
- •Valid passport (18+ months validity)
- •Passport-size photos (white background)
- •CV / resume with qualifications
- •Educational certificates (degree, diplomas)
- •Professional certificates/licenses
- •Health certificate
From the Employer (Indonesian Company)
- •NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha) — business license
- •Company deed and Ministry of Law approval
- •RPTKA (TKA employment plan)
- •IMTA application form
- •Tax ID (NPWP) of company
- •Company domicile letter
Frequently Asked Questions
Work KITAS (KITAS Tenaga Kerja Asing or Employment KITAS) is a limited stay permit that authorises a foreign national to reside and work legally in Indonesia. It is always paired with an IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing) — the actual work permit. The employer sponsors both the IMTA and KITAS.
Any foreign national employed by an Indonesian company (PT, PT PMA, Yayasan, or government body) must have a Work KITAS and IMTA. This applies regardless of nationality. Working in Indonesia on a tourist visa, eVOA, or other non-work visa is illegal and can result in deportation.
Work KITAS is for foreigners employed as workers or professionals by an Indonesian company. Investor KITAS is for foreigners who own and manage a PT PMA (foreign-owned company) in Indonesia. Investor KITAS does not require a separate IMTA, while Work KITAS always requires an IMTA. Work KITAS is employer-tied; Investor KITAS is company-ownership-tied.
Work KITAS processing (including IMTA) typically takes 3–6 weeks from complete document submission. The process involves Ministry of Manpower (IMTA) and Immigration Directorate General (KITAS). Timeline can vary based on the company's OSS/NIB status and document completeness.
No. Work KITAS must be sponsored and applied for by the Indonesian employer. The company must have an active NIB (business license) and be registered to employ foreign workers (TKA Plan). The employee provides personal documents, but the employer initiates and is responsible for the application.
Work KITAS is tied to a specific employer. If you change employer, the current KITAS must be cancelled and a new IMTA and KITAS applied for with the new employer. There is no transfer mechanism. Plan for a gap in processing time if changing jobs.
About Visa Nest
Visa Nest is an independent consultancy. Our team reviews your case and guides the correct application process according to current Indonesian government requirements.
Work KITAS Indonesia — Employer and Employee Support
Visa Nest helps Indonesian companies and foreign employees navigate the IMTA and Work KITAS process. WhatsApp us for a free consultation on your situation.
WhatsApp Visa NestVisa Nest is an independent visa and business setup consultancy. We provide guidance, document preparation, application assistance, and case support according to current Indonesian requirements. Visa Nest is not a government immigration authority. Final approval is always subject to the decision of the relevant Indonesian authorities.
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Visa Nest is an independent consultancy. We provide guidance and document support. Final approval is always subject to Indonesian authority decision.