A Guide to the Differences Between ITAS and ITAP Indonesia

Are you considering a move to Indonesia, driven by work, family, or personal aspirations? If so, you’re not alone in facing the sometimes bewildering array of visa options available to foreigners seeking to establish themselves in this diverse and vibrant country. It would be best to have ITAS in Indonesia for all those purposes.

The Indonesian visa landscape can be perplexing, especially regarding residency visas. Among the notable distinctions lies the contrast between ITAS, KITAS, ITAP, and KITAP—terms that can bewilder even the seasoned traveler.

In this guide, we unravel the complexities to help you make an informed choice, paving the way for a successful journey toward realizing your entrepreneurial or family dreams in Indonesia.

What are ITAS and KITAS in Indonesia?

The acronyms ITAS and KITAS correspond to Izin Tinggal Sementara and Kartu Izin Tinggal Sementara, respectively. Essentially, both terms refer to the same concept: a limited or Indonesian temporary residence permit.

The distinction between the two is simple: KITAS is the physical card embodying the permit (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas), while ITAS refers to the permit (Izin Tinggal Terbatas). The “K” in KITAS stands for “Kartu” in Indonesian, translating to “card” in English.

However, it’s important to note that the physical card aspect has evolved. Indonesian immigration predominantly issues limited stay visas to Indonesia electronically, leading to a shift in terminology. As such, the term “e-ITAS” or simply “ITAS” is now commonly used to refer to the electronic version.

Types of ITAS (KITAS)

ITAS in Indonesia covers four primary categories, each tailored to specific circumstances:

1. Spouse ITAS (Family ITAS)

If you’re legally married to an Indonesian citizen, this visa category allows you to reside in Indonesia. However, it does not grant work rights; a separate work permit in Indonesia is essential for employment.

This ITAS is granted under the following terms:

• Valid for five years (with mandatory annual renewal) for individuals legally married to an Indonesian citizen.*
• Matches the validity period of the spouse’s ITAS.**

Notes:

• *ITAS holders may apply for permanent residency (ITAP) after two years of marriage to an Indonesian citizen.
• ** If the spouse’s Investor ITAS is valid for over a year, the Family ITAS will be issued for only one year.

2. Work Visa ITAS

A work visa ITAS can only be sponsored by a company or organization. The work permit’s validity influences its duration, and it may include multiple exits and re-entry permits.

Work permits can be issued for varying durations and may or may not be extendable, depending on several factors. Typically, a work visa is granted for either 6 or 12 months.

3. Retirement Visa ITAS

Designed for those seeking retirement in Indonesia, retirement ITAS in Indonesia doesn’t mandate employment or business involvement. This visa is available to applicants aged 60 and above.

It’s important to check if your nationality qualifies for this visa. A retirement visa is valid for a year or five and can be extended up to four times.

To qualify for a Retirement ITAS, the applicant must provide proof of income or allowances totaling at least US$3,000 per month.

For those seeking a 5-year ITAS, an additional requirement is a commitment statement confirming that the applicant will deposit a minimum of $50,000 into a personal account at a state-owned bank in Indonesia.

4. Transit ITAS

This visa facilitates a temporary stay permit for Indonesians regaining their citizenship. Its validity ranges from 6 to 12 months.

Additionally, the visit stay permit in Indonesia allows for temporary stays for various purposes, including tourism and business.

5. Entertainment ITAS

Entertainment ITAS, a work permit for a freelancer or artist, does not require an employer to apply. Instead, sponsorship can be arranged through our company.

The Entertainment ITAS is typically valid for six months and cannot be extended. If you wish to continue working after this period, you must close your current ITAS and reapply for a new one.

6. Remote Worker ITAS

The Remote Worker ITAS (E33G) is issued for one year and grants you the following privileges:

• Perform work assignments for an overseas company.
• Sponsor eligible family members for a Family ITAS to live in Indonesia.
• Travel to and from Indonesia freely.
• Engage in tourism activities and visit friends or family.

7. Student ITAS

Student ITAS can be obtained for those planning to study in Indonesia. Before applying for a student visa, you must be officially enrolled in or accepted into an educational program, and the educational institution must be ready to provide sponsorship.

To apply for a Student ITAS, the applicant must have a letter statement of study from the educational institution where they will study.

8. Second Home ITAS

The Second Home visa is designed for specific foreign nationals and former Indonesian citizens who wish to reside in Indonesia and contribute positively to its economy.

This ITAS allows holders to stay in the country for 5 or 10 years (depending on the conditions met) and participate in various non-work-related activities.

Additionally, holders of the Second Home ITAS can sponsor their family members for residence permits with the same validity period.

Key Requirements:

• Passport with a minimum validity of 36 months.
• Proof of funds, either by maintaining at least $130,000 in an Indonesian bank account or by owning luxury real estate in Indonesia valued at a minimum of $1,000,000.

9. Investor ITAS

The Investor ITAS is issued to individuals who invest in a PT PMA (Foreign Investment Company) in Indonesia, either as a CEO, Commissioner, or shareholder.

• Index 313: 1-year Investor ITAS
• Index 314: 2-year Investor ITAS

Key Requirements:

• The investor must have a minimum of 10 billion IDR in shares invested.
• The company must have paid-up capital of at least 10 billion IDR and a declared investment plan of at least 10 billion IDR.

READ MORE:

• Is Doing Business on a Spouse Visa Legal in Indonesia?
• A Complete Guide on How to Obtain Indonesia Golden Visa for Investors
• The Most Common Questions about Working KITAS Answered

What are ITAP and KITAP in Indonesia?

Enter ITAP (Izin Tinggal Tetap) and its card version, KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) – both equate to permanent residency visas. The “K” signifies the card aspect. ITAP/KITAP serves as a pathway for foreign nationals to establish lasting roots in Indonesia. With a validity of five years and limitless extensions, this visa is accessible to several groups:

• Foreigners with an Indonesia KITAS visa are classified as expatriates, investors, retirees, or religious missionaries.
• Members of mixed-marriage families.
• Spouses or children of permanent stay visa holders.
• Foreigners with previous Indonesian citizenship or dual citizenship of Indonesia and another country.

The Benefits of Getting ITAS/ITAP Indonesia

KITAS, or the limited stay permit Indonesia card, offers a range of advantages for foreign nationals wishing to reside in Indonesia for an extended period. Whether you’re considering work, study, investment, or simply seeking a new cultural experience, KITAS opens doors to various opportunities:

1. Legal Residency

KITAS provides a legal framework for residing in Indonesia, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and avoiding legal issues.

2. Work Authorization

Holders can obtain work permits in Indonesia to enable legal employment and facilitate career growth.

3. Access to Services

KITAS holders can easily access essential services like opening bank accounts and obtaining driver’s licenses.

4. Property Ownership

Certain KITAS types grant the ability to own property, making real estate investment an attractive option.

5. Education and Study

KITAS facilitates enrollment in Indonesian educational institutions, enhancing educational pursuits.

6. Long-Term Stay

For extended stays and retirements, KITAS offers a legitimate means to enjoy the country’s beauty and culture.

7. Cultural Engagement

Immerse yourself in Indonesian life, language, and communities, fostering meaningful cultural experiences.

8. Family Reunification

KITAS can be extended to family members, promoting the unity of loved ones.

9. Investment Ventures

Entrepreneurs and investors can establish and manage businesses under specific KITAS categories.

10. Networking and Opportunities

KITAS holders gain access to professional networks and opportunities within Indonesia.

As you explore your options for residing in Indonesia, understanding the benefits of KITAS can guide your decisions and open doors to a fulfilling and enriching experience.

READ MORE:

• KITAP Indonesia: How to Obtain A Permanent Stay Permit in Indonesia
• How to Become A Permanent Residents in Indonesia for Foreigners
• Everything You Need to Know about KITAS Indonesia 2023

How to Apply for a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS/ITAS) in Indonesia

Applying ITAS in Indonesia can vary slightly depending on your reason for staying and your sponsor. However, the general steps are as follows:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements 

Each KITAS/ITAS category has specific requirements you must meet. For example, the Investor KITAS/ITAS requires a minimum investment amount, while the Retirement KITAS/ITAS has age and income limitations.

2. Obtain a Sponsor 

It would be best to have sponsorship from an Indonesian citizen, company, or government institution. They will provide supporting documents and assist with the application process.

3. Gather the Necessary Documents 

This typically includes your passport, visa application form, photographs, medical certificate, police clearance, and sponsor documents. Specific documents may vary depending on your KITAS/ITAS category.

4. Submit your Application 

You can submit your application to your Indonesia ITAS online through the Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi (Immigration Directorate General) website or at an immigration office.

5. Pay the Processing Fees 

Fees cover administrative costs and vary depending on your KITAS/ITAS category and processing duration.

6. Attend a Medical Examination 

You will be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the health requirements for residency.

7. Biometric Enrollment 

This involves capturing your fingerprints and photographs for identification purposes.

8. Interview 

You may be called for an interview with an immigration officer to discuss your application and answer any questions.

9. Permit Issuance 

If your application is successful, you will receive your KITAS/ITAS card, allowing you to stay in Indonesia for the approved duration.

How to Apply for a Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP/ITAP) in Indonesia

Acquiring a KITAP/ITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap/Izin Tinggal Tetap) bestows permanent residency status in Indonesia, albeit with more rigorous eligibility criteria and a demanding application process compared to KITAS/ITAS. Here’s a concise breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Fulfill Eligibility Requirements

These are more stringent than KITAS/ITAS and often involve specific residency durations, substantial investments, or marriage to an Indonesian citizen.

2. Secure a Sponsor 

Like KITAS/ITAS, obtaining sponsorship from an Indonesian citizen or government institution is necessary.

3. Compile Essential Documents 

This encompasses comprehensive paperwork related to financial status, property ownership, tax compliance, and sponsor details.

4. Lodge Your Application 

The application process mirrors that of KITAS/ITAS, allowing for online submission or in-person visits to the immigration office.

5. Settle Processing Fees 

Generally higher than KITAS/ITAS fees, the costs may vary based on processing timelines and additional background checks.

6. Undergo Multiple Interviews and Clearances 

Expect several interviews with immigration officials and potential background checks by relevant authorities.

7. Complete a Medical Examination and Tests 

Depending on age and health status, more comprehensive medical examinations and specific tests may be mandatory.

8. Await Final Decision and Issuance

The approval process for KITAP/ITAP is protracted and can span several months. Upon successful approval, you’ll obtain your KITAP/ITAP card, conferring permanent residency in Indonesia.

It’s essential to note that this overview is brief. For detailed and current guidance on KITAP/ITAP applications, consult the official immigration website or an experienced immigration consultant.

Restriction for Spouse-sponsored ITAS and ITAP

It’s generally understood that holders of spouse-sponsored ITAS or ITAP are prohibited from working in Indonesia. Yet, a grey area exists, allowing those with a spouse visa to engage in business activities.

Per Indonesian law, a spouse visa allows foreigners to conduct business to support their family. While regulations don’t explicitly detail the scope of permissible businesses, engaging in ventures without hiring employees or doing informal sector work is generally accepted.

How You Can Obtain ITAS or ITAP in Indonesia

Understanding the intricate lexicon of temporary and permanent stay visas need not be daunting. The path to obtaining ITAS and ITAP involves a series of requisite documents, often culminating in an e-ITAS or e-ITAP issuance or the traditional KITAS and KITAP cards resembling Indonesian ID cards (KTP).

For a smoother journey, InCorp Indonesia stands ready to guide you through the entire process and assist with applications. There is no need to navigate multiple immigration offices or manage intricate procedures; we streamline the process, ensuring you can focus on embarking on your Indonesian adventure. Reach out to us today and pave the way for your seamless transition.

At InCorp Indonesia, we will advise you on the whole process and assist you with the application. Thanks to this, you will not need to travel to several immigration offices in Indonesia and manage the procedure promptly. Talk to us now.