Indonesia’s natural beauty and welcoming community have drawn many foreigners for long-term stays. To enhance your life here, obtaining a KITAP Indonesia is essential. A KITAP allows a stay of up to five years and two years of multiple entries. Yet, note that not entering Indonesia within a year voids its validity.
Upon expiry, KITAP holders can renew for five years or convert to an unlimited KITAP. This means reporting to immigration every five years instead of annually.
What is a KITAP?
KITAP or Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap is a permanent stay permit card. KITAP is given to foreigners who plan to reside and settle in the Indonesian Territory as Indonesian Residents. This permit functions as an ‘unlimited KITAP Indonesia’ as it is automatically extended for those who possess it.
A permanent stay permit is granted to these certain subjects:
- Foreigners with limited stay permit (ITAS/KITAS)
- Family by mixed marriage
- Husband, wife, children of foreigners
- Foreigners who were former Indonesian citizens (WNI) or former children with dual nationality Republic of Indonesia
Benefits of Having a KITAP
There are benefits of having a KITAP for foreigners, such as:
- Grants you five years with the possibility of automatic KITAP renewal
- Gain legal permission to work and earn a living in Indonesia
- Allow foreigners to establish and own businesses in Indonesia
- Be a sponsor to family members for their visas
- Having a KITAP gives you more access to financial products. It allows you to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, etc
- KITAP holders can apply for local driver’s licenses in Indonesia
- KITAP often comes with a Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit (MERP) and you can have travel flexibility to exit and enter Indonesia.
Requirements for obtaining a KITAP in Indonesia
The Indonesian government only issues a KITAP to foreigners with KITAS (limited stay permit) and sets strict KITAP requirements. Those eligible to obtain KITAP Indonesia are:
- Foreigners who are married to an Indonesian citizen for a minimum of two years (spouse-sponsored KITAS holders)
- Foreign investors, directors, or commissioners in a Limited Liability Company or PT PMA (current Indonesian investor visa holder for three consecutive years)
- Foreigners who plan to retire in Indonesia (holders of an Indonesian retirement visa)
- Indonesians who are in the process of regaining their citizenship
The different types of visas in Indonesia
| Visa types | Short-term visit visa | Long-term visit visa |
|---|---|---|
| Available options |
|
|
| Validity | Single-entry (valid for 60 days, extendable 2 times) |
|
| What foreigners can & cannot do | Can:
Cannot do:
|
– |
| Various KITAS types | – |
|
Types of KITAP
Indonesia offers various types of KITAP to foreigners residing in Indonesia. Each of them caters to different eligibility requirements. Here are a few types of KITAP in Indonesia:
- Investor KITAP is granted to foreign investors who have shares within a PT PMA. They must have held an Investor KITAS for a minimum of 4 years before the KITAP application.
- Retirement KITAP is a 5-year permit granted for foreigners over 60 years old who have had a retirement KITAS for 3 years.
- Spouse KITAP is a permit that is granted to foreigners who are legally married to Indonesians with KITAS after two years of marriage.
- Employment KITAP is a permit that is granted to foreigners who hold positions as directors or commissioners by Indonesian companies.
Document Requirement for KITAP Indonesia Application
The KITAP application in Indonesia needs to complete the documents that are required. Here is the list of documents required to obtain an unlimited KITAP Indonesia:
- Letter of guarantee (sponsorship letter)
- ID card of the sponsor
- Tax Identification Number (NPWP)
- Valid passport
- Certificate of residence
- Power of attorney (if necessary)
However, depending on the type of KITAP you are applying for, the required documents may be different and have additional requirements.
How to Apply for a KITAP
The application for a permanent stay permit in Indonesia (KITAP) granted directly is submitted by the guarantor or person in charge by filling out the data application and attaching the required documents.
Here is a general guideline to apply for an unlimited KITAP Indonesia:
Can KITAP Holders Work in Indonesia?
KITAP holders are allowed to work in Indonesia without the need for additional work permits. One of the benefits of holding a KITAP is the ability to work and earn a living while residing in Indonesia.
However, it’s important to know that KITAP holders must comply with Indonesian labor regulations, hence certain specific professions or industries need necessary permits. KITAP holders are subject to taxation in Indonesia on their income earned within the country. They are also eligible for benefits such as social security, healthcare services, etc.
