One crucial component of Indonesia’s immigration system that often raises questions among foreigners is the Exit Permit Only (EPO). Understanding the EPO process is vital for a smooth and compliant departure if you are a professional KITAS holder.

This guide delves into EPO, its importance, and how foreigners can obtain it seamlessly.

What is an Exit Only Permit (EPO) in Indonesia?

The Exit Permit Only is an official document issued by the Indonesian Immigration Office that allows a foreigner to exit the country legally while terminating their stay permit (KITAS). This permit effectively cancels the current residence permit, signaling to the Indonesian government that the individual is no longer residing or working there.

Unlike regular exit or re-entry permits, Exit Permit Only confirms that you are leaving Indonesia without any intention of returning with the same stay permit. Once the exit permit is issued, your current KITAS will no longer be valid.

This exit permit applies primarily to foreign nationals with several limited stay permits, including work KITAS, dependent KITAS, investor KITAS, and retirement KITAS.

When do you need EPO?

Obtaining an EPO is essential if you plan to leave Indonesia as a KITAS holder. Below are several situations where requiring it becomes mandatory for foreigners:

1. End of Employment or Work Contract

If your employment contract in Indonesia ends, your work KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit for Work) becomes invalid. Before legally exiting the country, your KITAS must be formally canceled through the EPO process.

2. Resignation or Job Termination

When you resign or are terminated, your KITAS remains linked to your sponsoring company. This exit permit will properly discontinue it, preventing future immigration issues.

3. Sponsorship Change

If you plan to change jobs or sponsorships, you must process an EPO with your current sponsor before applying for a new KITAS under the new company.

4. Visa Transition

Switching from a work KITAS to another type of stay permit requires cancelling your current license through the exit permit only process.

5. Returning to Home Country or Relocating Abroad

If your stay in Indonesia has concluded and you plan to leave for a long duration with no immediate plan to return under the same KITAS or permanently, the EPO is required.

Read more: KITAS in Indonesia: Essential updates in 2025

Why is obtaining an EPO important for foreigners?

If you’re a foreigner living in Indonesia on a KITAS (work, investor, dependent, or retirement stay permit), you must get an EPO before leaving the country.

Here’s why the Exit Permit Only matters and what could happen if you skip it.

Legal Compliance with Indonesian Immigration Law

Indonesia requires all KITAS holders to cancel their stay permits through the exit permit process before they leave. Skipping this step means your KITAS remains active even after you’re gone. This can lead to:

• Fines and penalties for visa overstay
• Entry restrictions or blacklisting
• Delayed or denied applications for future visas

Protecting Your Immigration Record

Indonesia monitors every foreigner’s visa record. An incomplete exit process may negatively impact your reputation with immigration authorities. It can cause long-term complications, including trouble getting new work permits, delays in applying for investor or retirement KITAS, and possible problems for any dependents listed under your current KITAS.

Sponsorship Termination

Your KITAS is always linked to a sponsor, usually your employer, an investment company, or a family member. Failing to cancel the KITAS through an Exit Permit Only may expose the sponsor to several issues, including:

• Accountability issues with Indonesian immigration authorities
• Inability to fully utilize the immigration quota assigned for hiring foreign workers

Preventing Overstay Penalties

Indonesia enforces strict penalties on foreigners who stay beyond their permitted visa period. Overstay fines can be IDR 1 million (approximately USD 65) daily.

Without an exit permit, your KITAS may still be considered active even after your intended departure, triggering these penalties.

Smooth Re-Entry

Completing the exit permit process correctly prevents delays in future visa applications. Immigration officials will view your record as clean and compliant, which will help seamless permit requests in the future.

Read more: Easy guide to employment permits for foreign workers in Indonesia.

EPO vs ERP: What are the key differences?

When leaving Indonesia as a foreigner, many confuse EPO (Exit Permit Only) with ERP (Exit Re-entry Permit). While both are related to exiting the country, they serve different purposes.

Unlike the Exit Permit Only, ERP allows a KITAS holder to leave Indonesia temporarily and return to Indonesia without canceling their current stay permit. This permit is commonly used for short-term business travel, holidays, or family visits, as long as the return is planned before the KITAS validity period ends.

Read more: Navigating import duties and taxes in Indonesia.

How to obtain an EPO in Indonesia

Before you plan to leave Indonesia permanently or switch visa types, make sure you understand how to obtain an exit permit before your departure. The process will involve the foreigner and the sponsor who originally facilitated your KITAS.

Here’s the step-by-step process so you can avoid mistakes and ensure a smooth exit

1. Eligibility Check

Confirm that you meet the requirements before starting the EPO process. The EPO is mandatory for KITAS holders who end their work contract, change sponsors, or permanently relocate out of Indonesia.

2. Required Documents Preparation

To apply for this permit, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Copy of your KITAS, both the original and a photocopy.
• Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining.
• A letter of request from your sponsor, an official statement from your employer or sponsor explaining the reason for the EPO application.
• Copy of the sponsor’s company documents, such as Business License (SIUP), Company Tax Number (NPWP), and company registration (if applicable).
• Exit flight ticket

3. Application Submission

After gathering all the necessary documents, submit your EPO application to the Indonesian Immigration Office, where your KITAS was registered. Don’t forget to settle any applicable processing fees during submission.

4. Processing and Approval

The processing time for Exit Permit Only typically ranges from 3 to 7 working days, but this can vary depending on the region and the complexity of your case.

Once your exit permit is approved, your KITAS will be officially canceled, and you will typically be given 7 to 14 days to exit Indonesia after the permit is issued.

5. Departure from Indonesia

After receiving your exit permit, ensure you leave Indonesia before the permit’s validity expires. Keep your EPO approval document with you when departing, as immigration officers at the airport may request it at the exit checkpoint.

Make your exit easy with InCorp

Indonesian visa rules can seem complicated, but you don’t have to face them alone. InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) is here to help you manage your entry and exit process smoothly, offering complete immigration support, from KITAS applications to EPO processing.

Why choose Incorp?

• Stay Compliant: Our immigration experts understand the regulations’ framework, ensuring your EPO is handled correctly and without mistakes.
• Fast and Hassle-Free: We handle the paperwork and communication with immigration, so you can relax while we manage the details.
• Complete Visa Support: We offer one-stop visa solutions for all your visa and legal needs in Indonesia

Contact us today and let us make your visa and immigration process simple, smooth, and stress-free.

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