Complete Guide to Online Work Visa and KITAS Processing in Indonesia

Complete Guide to Online Work Visa and KITAS Processing in Indonesia (Bali, Lombok & Sumbawa and All Indonesian Regions)

Indonesia continues to attract foreign professionals, investors, and skilled workers, particularly in regions such as Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa, where tourism, construction, hospitality, technology, and foreign investment activities are rapidly growing. To legally work and reside in Indonesia, foreign nationals must comply with Indonesian manpower and immigration regulations. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the legal process, regulatory framework, and document requirements for work permits and KITAS, while highlighting how these services can be completed fully online for Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa.

Legal Framework and Regulations Governing Foreign Workers in Indonesia

The employment of foreign nationals (Tenaga Kerja Asing / TKA) in Indonesia is regulated by a combination of investment law, manpower law, and immigration law. The primary legal basis includes Law No. 13 of 2003 on Manpower, as amended by Law No. 11 of 2020 on Job Creation (Omnibus Law), along with its implementing regulations, particularly Government Regulation No. 34 of 2021 concerning the utilization of foreign workers.

Under these regulations, foreign workers may only be employed for specific positions and purposes, and must possess qualifications that are not readily available in the local workforce. Employers are required to prioritize knowledge transfer to Indonesian employees and comply with reporting obligations to the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker).

In addition to manpower regulations, immigration compliance is governed by Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, which regulates visas, stay permits, and re-entry permits for foreign nationals. All foreign workers must hold a valid work visa (E-Visa) and a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) issued by the Directorate General of Immigration.

The integration of business licensing and manpower approval is facilitated through national online systems such as OSS (Online Single Submission), Kemnaker Online, and the Immigration e-Visa system, allowing applications to be processed digitally across Indonesia.

Online Service Coverage: Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa

Although regulatory approvals are centralized at the national level, the entire application process can be handled online, regardless of whether the company is located in Bali, Lombok, or Sumbawa. Physical presence is only required at limited stages such as biometric capture at immigration offices. All document submission, coordination, and monitoring can be managed remotely through authorized systems.

Overview of the Work Permit & KITAS Process

The legal employment and stay of a foreign worker in Indonesia involves multiple sequential approvals. Each stage must be completed correctly to avoid rejection or delays.

The main process includes:

1. Approval of the foreign worker utilization plan (RPTKA)
2. Issuance of work permit notification
3. Payment of manpower development fund (DPKK)
4. Issuance of work authorization
5. Immigration approvals (E-Visa, KITAS, and MERP)

Personal Data Requirements for Foreign Nationals

Foreign workers must provide complete and valid personal documentation to comply with manpower and immigration regulations. The required personal data includes a scanned passport bio-data page with a minimum validity of 18 months, a recent passport photo wearing appropriate attire with a red background, and proof of vaccination.

If the foreign national is already in Indonesia, the latest electronic visa (E-Visa) and the most recent passport extension stamp must be submitted. Proof of residential address in Indonesia is mandatory, as immigration authorities require clarity on the foreign worker’s domicile.

For KITAS extensions, additional documents are required, including a personal NPWP, BPJS registration, educational certificates, and employment-related documentation. These requirements ensure ongoing compliance with taxation, social security, and manpower regulations.

Company Data Requirements

The sponsoring company plays a critical role in the approval process. Only legally registered companies with valid business licenses are eligible to sponsor foreign workers. Required company documents include the Business Identification Number (NIB), business license, location permit or PKKPR, standard certificates, Ministry of Law and Human Rights approval, deed of establishment, and company tax number (NPWP).

Additional administrative documents such as company letterhead, company stamp, identification documents of the responsible person, and company profile extracted from the AHU system must also be prepared. Companies are required to comply with mandatory manpower reporting (WLK) and BPJS employment registration.

Sponsor Company Documents for Foreign Worker Applications

The sponsoring company must submit incorporation documents, including the deed of establishment and any amendments along with their corresponding approvals. Tax registration, OSS system data, manpower compliance documentation, and identification of HR or responsible officers are mandatory.

Financial capability is demonstrated through a company bank statement showing a minimum balance requirement. This ensures the company’s ability to support the employment and legal stay of the foreign worker.

Foreign Worker Supporting Documents

Foreign workers are required to submit proof of educational qualifications, typically a university degree or equivalent, along with references demonstrating a minimum of five years of relevant work experience. Proof of health insurance and residential address in Indonesia is also mandatory.

These documents are evaluated to ensure that the foreign worker meets professional qualification standards and aligns with the approved job position.

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Government Approvals and Documents Processed

The official approvals processed through government institutions include the RPTKA approval from the Ministry of Manpower, followed by issuance of the work permit notification. Employers must pay the DPKK (Manpower Development Fund) through appointed state banks.

Subsequently, immigration approvals include the issuance of E-Visa, KITAS (Limited Stay Permit), and MERP (Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit). Each document has a specific legal function, enabling lawful employment, residence, and international travel.

Fully Online Processing & Regional Applicability

Thanks to integrated government systems such as OSS, Kemnaker online platforms, and immigration portals, the majority of the process can be handled digitally. This allows companies and foreign nationals based in Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa to complete applications without repeated physical visits.

Our service coordinates document preparation, submission, tracking, and authority communication entirely online, ensuring efficiency and regulatory compliance across regions.

Why Professional Assistance Is Essential

The work permit and KITAS process involves complex regulatory interpretation, strict document validation, and multi-agency coordination. Errors or incomplete submissions can result in rejection, delays, or legal exposure for both the company and the foreign worker.

By using a professional service provider, companies ensure accurate structuring, faster approvals, and ongoing compliance with Indonesian manpower and immigration regulations.

Conclusion

Hiring foreign professionals in Indonesia requires careful adherence to manpower and immigration laws. Whether your business operates in Bali, Lombok, or Sumbawa, the process can be completed efficiently through online systems when managed correctly.

With proper documentation, regulatory understanding, and professional coordination, companies can legally employ foreign workers while foreign nationals can work and reside in Indonesia with confidence and legal certainty.