Indonesia’s expanding market opportunities have made it a prime destination for foreign businesses seeking to establish a presence in its business landscape. This growth has increased the importance of hiring foreign workers to support business expansion and competitiveness.

This guide is a comprehensive resource that will explain the essential steps, requirements, and strategies for overcoming challenges when hiring foreign workers in Indonesia, ensuring you have all the information you need at your fingertips.

Employment regulations for Indonesia’s foreign workers

Several key regulations govern Indonesia’s legal framework for employing foreign workers. Among these, the Manpower Law (Law No.13 of 2003 on Employment) stands out as the primary guide for securing foreign employees’ stay permits and work visas, a crucial piece of information for any business owner or HR professional.

Companies looking to hire foreign workers in Indonesia must also comply with the Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (RPTKA). The RPTKA outlines detailed requirements, including eligible positions, qualifications, and mandatory knowledge transfer programs that employers must fulfill.

Work visas for foreigners in Indonesia

Foreign professionals seeking employment in Indonesia must obtain the appropriate visa and work permit based on their role, industry, and duration of stay. The Indonesian government categorizes work visas to streamline the process for different types of employment. Below are the primary work visas available for foreign workers:

1. Temporary Work Visa (VITAS – Visa Tinggal Terbatas)

Ideal for short-term professional engagements, this visa is designed for foreign workers involved in temporary assignments.

• Consulting projects, technical training, or business advisory roles
• Short-term employment contracts requiring specialized expertise
• Assignments that must be completed within 90 days of visa issuance

2. Long-Term Work Visa (ITAP – Izin Tinggal Tetap)

This visa is intended for professionals who plan to work in Indonesia for extended periods. It is typically granted to:

• Foreign employees in specialized roles that cannot be filled by local talent
• Senior executives, investors, and professionals in industries with high demand for foreign expertise
• Workers whose employment duration exceeds six months

3. Non-DKPTKA Work Visa

This category is designed for specific roles exempt from the Foreign Worker Utilization Compensation Fund (DKPTKA) requirements. Key features include:

• A validity period of up to five years, renewable upon approval
• Streamlined processing for businesses operating within SEZs
• Tailored regulations to attract skilled foreign talent in key industries

4. Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Work Visa

For foreign professionals working in Indonesia’s designated Special Economic Zones (SEZs), this visa offers benefits such as:

• A validity period of up to five years, renewable upon approval
• Streamlined processing for businesses operating within SEZs
• Tailored regulations to attract skilled foreign talent in key industries

Read more: Indonesia’s Visa Policy in 2025

Job opportunities for foreign workers in Indonesia

Indonesia’s Ministry of Labor regulates the employment of foreign professionals, outlining specific sectors where international workers are eligible to contribute. According to Regulation No. 228 of 2019, foreign workers can find opportunities in several key industries.

Construction & Real Estate

Foreign professionals are sought after in engineering, architecture, project management, and large-scale infrastructure development projects.

Education

Opportunities exist in international schools, universities, vocational training, and specialized language instruction roles.

Manufacturing & Industrial Processing

Foreign expertise is welcomed in industrial production, quality control, supply chain management, and automation to improve efficiency in Indonesia’s growing manufacturing sector.

Water, Waste Management & Recycling

Professionals in environmental engineering, waste treatment, and sustainability consulting are in demand to support Indonesia’s green initiatives.

Arts & Entertainment

The country’s film, music, theater, and creative industries offer opportunities for foreign specialists in production, artistic direction, and performance coaching.

Transportation & Warehousing

Foreign professionals contribute to logistics, supply chain management, aviation, and maritime industries, particularly in strategic trade hubs.

Hospitality & Food Services

Indonesia’s thriving tourism sector attracts foreign experts in hotel management, culinary arts, and restaurant consulting.

Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries

Foreign specialists in agribusiness, sustainable farming, and fisheries management help develop innovative agricultural solutions.

Professional & Financial Services

Industries such as banking, insurance, investment, consulting, and legal advisory services employ foreign professionals with niche expertise.

Healthcare & Social Services

Indonesia seeks foreign medical professionals, including specialist doctors, researchers, and public health experts, to fill gaps in healthcare services.

Information Technology & Telecommunications

With the rise of digitalization, demand is high for software development, cybersecurity, AI, blockchain, and data science experts.

Mining, Energy & Utilities

Foreign professionals in renewable energy, oil & gas, geothermal projects, and power plant management play a vital role in Indonesia’s energy sector.

Wholesale & Retail Trade

Foreign expertise in business development, procurement, and supply chain operations contributes to retail growth and global trade expansion.

Restricted positions for foreign workers

While Indonesia welcomes foreign talent in various sectors, some positions remain reserved for Indonesian nationals. These typically include:

Administrative & Clerical Roles

Local employees primarily fill office assistants, receptionists, data entry personnel, and other clerical positions.

Labor-Intensive & Trade Jobs

Positions in industries with an abundant local workforce, such as general construction labor, factory work, and artisanal trades, are restricted.

Public Sector & Government Jobs

Roles that involve government administration, policymaking, and national security require Indonesian citizenship and are not open to foreign workers.

How to hire foreign workers in Indonesia

Employers must follow a series of steps, from securing the necessary permits to fulfilling obligations to comply with Indonesia’s employment laws.

Below is the breakdown of the hiring step-by-step guide:

1. Obtain RPTKA Approval

Employers must submit an RPTKA application detailing the position, qualifications, and justification for hiring a foreign national. Before proceeding, approval from the Ministry of Manpower, which oversees labor issues and regulations in Indonesia, is required.

2. Apply for a Work Permit (IMTA)

Once the RPTKA is approved, employers must apply for a Work Permit (IMTA) to authorize foreign workers to work in Indonesia.

3. Secure a Limited Stay Visa (VITAS)

After obtaining the IMTA, the employer or worker must apply for a Limited Stay Visa (VITAS) through the Indonesian Embassy in the worker’s home country. This involves submitting the necessary documents and attending an interview. This visa allows entry into Indonesia for employment purposes.

4. Register for a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS)

Upon arrival in Indonesia, the foreign worker must register for a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS), which grants legal residency for the duration of employment.

5. Conduct Mandatory Training and Knowledge Transfer

Employers must implement a knowledge transfer program to train local employees during the foreign worker’s tenure. This ensures the development of local talent that will eventually take over the role.

Read more: 6 benefits of HRO services that can transform your business

Navigating hiring challenges in Indonesia

Hiring foreign workers in Indonesia involves navigating a complex regulatory landscape. Employers must comply with multiple requirements, which demand precise documentation and compliance that can potentially cause errors and result in delays.

Another common challenge is meeting the mandatory knowledge transfer obligations. Employers must implement structured programs to train local workers, ensuring they can eventually fill the roles occupied by foreign hires. This can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, particularly for smaller businesses.

Start hiring foreign workers in Indonesia.

Hiring foreign workers in Indonesia requires a deep understanding of the country’s evolving regulations, making it challenging for many businesses to comply.

At InCorp Indonesia (An Ascentium Company), we provide expert guidance and tailored solutions to help you navigate these complexities with ease through our one-stop services:

• Recruitment Agency: Our recruitment services simplify your hiring process and help you secure top talent for your business.
• Working KITAS: We assist you in obtaining stay permits for your foreign employees, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
• Employer of Record: We offer end-to-end hiring solutions, enabling your business to manage employment processes effectively while remaining fully compliant.

Contact us today and find out how we can help you optimize your foreign employment strategies in Indonesia.

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