Work KITAS: is it possible to work for a foreign company?

What is KITAS

KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a limited stay permit issued to foreigners in certain cases for a period of 6 months to 5 years. A work KITAS is issued if you have a sponsor-employer and is valid for 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. It confirms your legal residence status and allows you to apply for a work permit (IMTA).

Can I work for a foreign company with a KITAS visa?

Many people ask: can I work for a foreign company that is not registered in Indonesia with a KITAS?

• Working on a KITAS is officially permitted only if you are sponsored by an Indonesian company and have a work permit (IMTA). It is not possible to work legally for a company that does not have a representative office in Indonesia on a standard KITAS and IMTA work visa: your contract must be with an Indonesian legal entity.
• Alternative: Remote Worker Visa (E33G) — a type of KITAS visa that allows you to legally work remotely for a foreign company registered outside Indonesia. This is also a KITAS, but it only allows you to work for a foreign employer.

📌 How Visa Pro Indonesia can help

• We help you choose the right option: working under KITAS with an Indonesian employer or Remote Worker KITAS (E33G) for a foreign company.
• We process all documents online — no need to visit the consulate.
• We accompany the entire process: collection and submission of documents, communication with immigration authorities, monitoring of deadlines and notifications on the status of the application.
• We work directly and without intermediaries: since 2017, we have independently processed more than 7,000 KITAS, guaranteeing reliability and flexibility in resolving any issues.

What are the advantages of KITAS

✅ Advantages of a KITAS visa:

• Legal residence and rights
  KITAS allows you to open a bank account, pay taxes, and freely enter and leave Indonesia without losing your visa.
• Official employment and social security
  KITAS employment is based on a contract with an Indonesian employer; having an IMTA provides legal income and social security.
• A variety of formats for different purposes
  In addition to the KITAS work visa, there are other options: investor KITAS, family KITAS, freelance KITAS, and KITAS E33G, each type adapted to a specific task.
• Transition to a permanent KITAP visa
  After 3 years with a KITAS work visa sponsored by the same Indonesian company, you can apply for a KITAP work visa (permanent residence permit), valid for 5 years.

FAQ

1. What is KITAS and how does it differ from a work KITAS?
   KITAS is a general term for a temporary residence permit in Indonesia. A work KITAS is a visa that allows you to engage in official employment in Indonesia.
2. Can I work for a foreign company with a KITAS?
   No, a standard work KITAS only allows you to work for a company registered in Indonesia. For a foreign employer, you need an E33G remote employee KITAS.
3. What visa allows you to work for a foreign company?
   To legally work remotely in Indonesia, you need an E33G remote employee KITAS.
4. Can I change employers with a valid KITAS?
   No, changing employers requires closing your current KITAS (exit permit) and applying for a new one with sponsorship from another employer.
5. How long is a KITAS valid for?
   From 3 months to 1 year, depending on the category selected.