What’s the Right KITAS for You? Explore All the Different Types of KITAS Here
Do you want to live in Bali long-term? If the answer is yes, then perhaps you need a KITAS. Having one will allow you to stay longer term in Bali and will give you many added benefits that make life here easier and more secure.
Indonesia ranks high as one of the top countries for expatriates to live, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and diverse cultures.
But, what is a KITAS?
KITAS—Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas—is an Indonesian limited stay permit for foreigners who want to stay long-term in Bali. Previously, the Indonesian government issued a physical card for KITAS holders, hence the ‘kartu’ (which means card in Bahasa Indonesia) in the acronym KITAS. Nowadays, everything is done digitally, which means you may also hear it referred to with its new name, ITAS. Depending on the type of KITAS/ITAS you get, having one may allow you to live, work, invest or study in Indonesia, and perhaps bring your family along, too.
However, it’s not one-size-fits-all. There are several types of KITAS, each tailored to various needs and purposes. If you’ve been looking at an endless array of Indonesian visa services but are still not sure what the best option is, this article should give you a good idea of the different types of KITAS, so you can see if one is right for you.
What are the benefits of having a KITAS?
Stay between 1 and 2 years, sometimes with the chance to renew for up to 5 years.
Multi-entry
Ability to purchase local insurance, open a bank account and get driver’s license
Discounts and faster lanes at the airport
Family are eligible to apply for Family KITAS to join you
Ability to purchase a motorbike or car
Different Types of KITAS
1. Remote Worker KITAS E33G:
A new addition to the KITAS visa options - the Remote Worker KITAS is for working professionals looking to live and work legally in Indonesia while still having an overseas job. It’s important to mention here that you can’t work for an onshore company if you get this KITAS, you need to have an employment contract and work solely for a company outside of Indonesia, with an annual income of $60,000 or more.
Duration: stay for up to a year.
For more information about the process and requirements, please visit our page Remote Worker KITAS.
2. Investors KITAS E28A:
Having an Investors KITAS will allow you to invest in an Indonesian Limited Liability Company, also known as PT PMA, or to start your own. For more information on the process of setting up a company, see our page: Company Set Up. It should be noted that Investor KITAS doesn’t act as a work permit - to physically work in Indonesia for an Indonesian company, you need a Working KITAS.
Duration: valid for up to 2 years.
For more information about the process and requirements, please visit our page Investors KITAS.
To legally invest in Bali real estate, foreign nationals will need to setup a PT PMA and process Investor KITAS visa.
3. Working KITAS C312:
Having one of these acts as a work permit for foreigners who are employed by an onshore company in Indonesia. If you change your job, the KITAS becomes invalid as it is sponsored by the company you are employed by. You can only do the role that is stated on your KITAS (e.g. chefs can only be a chef and not work as a waiter, too) and you can’t sponsor yourself to get one, as it has to be done by the company, also known as “PT”.
Duration: It will be valid for either 6 months or 1 year, depending on the job you do.
To learn more, please visit our page Working KITAS.
4. Retirement KITAS E33F:
If you dream of retiring in Bali, a Retirement KITAS might be the answer. These visas are only granted to those over 55 years of age and who are able to prove that they can support themselves adequately without working.
Duration: Valid for 1 year, but can be renewed up to 5 years.
To find out if you can apply, please visit our page Retirement KITAS.
5. Family Dependent KITAS E31:
E31E for children, E31B for a legal spouse, E31H for parent(s).
The Family Dependent KITAS is a visa option for the immediate family member (either spouse, parent or children under 18) of a foreigner with a KITAS.
Duration: It will be valid for 1 year or for the same duration as the primary holder’s KITAS, if it has less than 1 year validity left.
For more information about the requirements, please visit our page Family Dependent KITAS.
6. Student KITAS E30A:
If you have been accepted by an Indonesian education institution or university, then having a student KITAS will allow you to stay long term in the country and study.
Duration: You can stay for up to 1 year and then later renew it to match your program length.
For more information about the process and requirements, feel free to contact us.
7. Spousal KITAS E31A:
The spousal KITAS is a good option for anyone married to an Indonesian citizen looking to stay long term. It is important to note, however, that Spousal KITAS is not a working permit in Indonesia. If Spousal KITAS holder would like to potentially work in Indonesia, he or she will need to process a work permit, called IMTA, on top of their Spousal KITAS.
Duration: Valid for stays of 1 year, but it’s possible to renew it for up to 5 years.
If you’d like to know more, please visit our page Spousal KITAS.
KITAS holders can sponsor their family members with 1 year Family Dependent KITAS to join them in Indonesia.
Finding the Right Visa For You
We hope you found something that fits your plans, and that you can enjoy living in Bali on a longer term basis. We are Bali’s premier visa and business consulting agency, so if you need assistance or help feel free to reach out to us and we can get the ball rolling on your application or advise you on the best option for you. Simply give us a call or message on WhatsApp, or come and see us at our office in Pererenan.
If you weren’t able to find a KITAS that you would be eligible for, perhaps this article can help you explore other visa options that can help you stay in Bali longer: So, You Want to Live in Bali?
Written by Team Bali Solve
