A temporary stay permit in Indonesia, or KITAS, is not like other visas or residence permits. If you have a KITAS and do not plan to renew it, you must close it and obtain an Exit Permit Only (EPO).
In this article, we will explain why you need to close your KITAS and obtain an EPO (Exit Permit Only).
What should you do if your KITAS expires?
If you do not plan to renew your KITAS, you must close it. Unlike other residence permits, KITAS does not expire automatically. You must go through the closure procedure. You must submit all documents for the company that issued your KITAS to the immigration office.
This procedure will clear the legal status between you and your sponsor. Thus, you and your sponsor are responsible for canceling the KITAS and obtaining an Exit Permit Only (EPO).
When do you need an Exit Permit (EPO) in Indonesia?
There are several situations when you need to apply for an Exit Permit (EPO) only. These situations include the following:
- Your KITAS is about to expire, and you do not plan to renew it;
- You are leaving Indonesia and will still be abroad when your KITAS expires;
- Termination of employment with the company sponsoring your KITAS;
- Change of sponsor for your current KITAS, for example: you are changing employers in Indonesia or are planning to switch from a work KITAS to another type of visa or KITAS.
If you are unsure about applying for an EPO or have concerns about your residence permit, please contact Visa Pro Indonesia. Our team can advise you on any steps you need to take regarding your residency status in Indonesia. We can also help you complete the necessary procedures, such as applying for an EPO or renewing your KITAS.
To start the EPO process, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport;
- KITAS;
- Departure tickets;
- Company documents.
You need to close your KITAS if you plan to return to Indonesia in the future.
Please note that the KITAS closure process takes about 5-7 business days. After the stamp is affixed, you must leave the country within 7 days.
There are cases when foreigners try to leave Indonesia without closing their KITAS. In this case, there may be a problem at departure, and immigration will ask you to close your current KITAS first and only then depart.
How to apply for an EPO from abroad
If you are leaving Indonesia and cannot return before your KITAS expires, you need to close your KITAS remotely (ERP).
Visa Pro Indonesia can help you obtain an ERP. To do this, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Your departure tickets;
- A photo of the exit stamp in your passport;
- A photo of the KITAS stamp in your passport;
- Documents for the company under which the KITAS was issued.
You will not be able to enter Indonesia without an ERP if your KITAS has expired. Without closing your KITAS, you will also not be able to obtain a new visa for Bali.
Frequently asked questions about EPO in Indonesia
When do I need to apply for an Exit Permit (EPO)?
You must apply for an EPO no later than two weeks before leaving Indonesia.
What do I need to apply for an EPO?
You must prepare all travel and immigration documents. These include your passport, departure ticket, KITAS, and other related documents.
We will help you prepare all the necessary documents for your EPO application. Contact us, and our consultants will be happy to assist you.
Why do I need to apply for an EPO?
The main purpose of an EPO is to clear your residency status in Indonesia. It is important to apply for an EPO before your KITAS expires. This is necessary to ensure that you do not encounter any problems when visiting Indonesia in the future.
What happens if I leave Indonesia without closing my KITAS?
You can leave Indonesia and return while your KITAS is still valid. However, it is not so easy to return to Indonesia if your KITAS expires while you are abroad. The authorities will prohibit entry into Indonesia if your KITAS has expired.
If your KITAS expires before your planned return to Indonesia, apply for an EPO. If you are unable to do so, apply for an ERP before returning to Indonesia.
Will my KITAS expire when I start working for another Indonesian company?
A common misconception is that changing employers automatically cancels your KITAS. However, when moving from one Indonesian company to another, you must first apply for an EPO. After that, you can apply for a KITAS sponsored by your new employer.
Cost of closing KITAS:
Closing within Indonesia (EPO onshore): IDR 1,000,000 | $60
Closing outside Indonesia (ERP offshore): IDR 2,000,000 | $120
Visa Pro Indonesia can facilitate this process. Simply fill out the form below to contact us.
