Planning to live in Bali, or elsewhere in Indonesia, for more than a few months? Then a tourist stay will not be enough. An Indonesia KITAS is the limited stay permit that lets foreigners live in the country for a set period, for reasons such as remote work, investment, retirement or family. This guide explains what a KITAS is, the main types, how the process works and what to avoid. If you only need a short holiday stay, our Indonesia visa assistance page covers the simpler options.
What is an Indonesia KITAS?
A KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is Indonesia’s limited stay permit. It lets you live in the country for a fixed period, usually one or two years, and many types can be extended. It is built for living in Indonesia, not visiting.
A KITAS is not permanent residency. It is also not a general work permit. What you can do depends on the type you hold.
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Indonesia. Approval is always decided by the authorities.
KITAS, ITAS and VITAS explained
These three terms are often mixed up.
- VITAS (limited stay visa): the visa you apply for before you travel. It allows you to enter Indonesia and take up your stay permit. For the E33G remote worker visa, immigration says it must be used within 90 days of issue.
- ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas): the permit itself. For many categories it is issued automatically when the officer admits you at the border, together with a re-entry permit.
- KITAS: the everyday name for the permit. It used to be a physical card. Many permits are now held electronically, so people use KITAS and ITAS to mean the same thing.
Indonesia KITAS vs tourist visas
The first question most people ask is whether they really need a KITAS. The answer depends on how long you plan to stay and what you plan to do.
The B1 visa on arrival gives 30 days and can be extended once by 30 days, so 60 days at most. The C1 tourist visa is a single-entry visa for 60 days. It can be extended twice by 60 days each, for up to 180 days. C1 is the visa formerly known as B211A.
| Feature | B1 (VOA / e-VOA) | C1 visit visa | KITAS |
| Main purpose | Short holiday | Longer visit | Living in Indonesia |
| Maximum stay | 60 days | 180 days | Usually 1 to 2 years, extendable |
| Work allowed | No | No | Depends on the type |
If you want to stay beyond about six months, a KITAS is usually the lawful route. Passport holders from ASEAN countries get visa-free entry for 30 days, which cannot be extended. Check the rules for your own passport before you plan.
Main types of Indonesia KITAS
Indonesia offers several KITAS types. Each one has its own purpose, sponsor rules and limits.
| Permit | Who it suits | Typical stay |
| Remote worker (E33G) | People employed by a company outside Indonesia | 1 year |
| Investor (E28A) | Foreign business owners and investors | 1 or 2 years |
| Retirement (E33F) | Retirees, generally aged 55 or older | 1 year, renewable |
| Spouse or family | Spouses and dependants of Indonesian citizens or permit holders | Often 1 to 2 years |
| Work | Employees of a registered Indonesian company | Tied to the work approval |
| Student | People studying at an accredited institution | Tied to the course |
Remote worker KITAS (E33G)
For many travellers living in Bali, this is the most relevant option. The E33G remote worker visa is for people employed by a company outside Indonesia. According to the official immigration page, it allows a one-year stay and the permit can be extended online.
The income requirement is around USD 60,000 per year from foreign sources, so confirm the current criteria before you apply. Holders may not work for Indonesian companies. The E33G is not a way to take local jobs or run a local business.
Investor KITAS (E28A)
The E28A is for foreign investors who run or invest in a company in Indonesia. Official guidance lets you choose a one-year or two-year stay. Your sponsor extends the permit online through the e-visa portal. Capital and company requirements are strict, so speak to a qualified adviser before you commit.
Other types
Work KITAS holders need an Indonesian employer who handles the work approvals. Retirement and spouse permits need specific supporting documents, and some need a sponsor. Because requirements change, always check the current rules for your category.
How to get an Indonesia KITAS, step by step
The process differs by type, but most applications follow the same pattern. For a wider look at applying, see our Indonesia visa application steps guide.
- Choose the right type. Match the permit to your real purpose, not just the stay length you want.
- Confirm who sponsors you. Some types need an employer, company or family sponsor. Remote worker applicants apply for themselves.
- Prepare your documents. Expect a passport with enough validity, a recent photo, a CV, a travel itinerary and category-specific proof, such as a contract or income evidence.
- Apply for the VITAS online. Applications go through the official immigration e-visa portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
- Pay the government fee. Fees are set by the authorities and are separate from any agent’s service fee.
- Enter Indonesia on time. For the E33G, you must enter within 90 days of the visa being issued.
- Receive your ITAS. For many categories it is issued automatically when you are admitted at the border.
Costs and processing times
Government fees depend on the type and stay length. Two examples from the official immigration pages:
| Permit | Stay | Government fee |
| E33G remote worker | 1 year | IDR 7,000,000 |
| E28A investor | 1 year | IDR 7,000,000 |
| E28A investor | 2 years | IDR 9,500,000 |
These are government fees only. Agents charge a service fee on top, and that varies by provider.
For the E33G, the official page says processing takes about five working days after payment. Other types can take longer, especially when a sponsor and several documents are involved. Allow extra time and never book non-refundable travel before your approval.
Extending, converting and moving to KITAP
Many KITAS types can be extended before they expire. Official guidance says the E33G can be extended online. Investor permits can be extended by the sponsor through the same portal. Start early and keep an eye on the date.
Some permits can also be converted to another type of stay permit. After several years of continuous stay in certain categories, you may qualify for a KITAP, which is a permanent stay permit. The required time and conditions depend on your category, so confirm them with immigration before you plan around it.
If you are in Bali and weighing your options, our Bali visa assistance guide explains local extension questions in more detail.
Never let a permit lapse. The overstay fine is IDR 1,000,000 per day. Longer overstays can lead to deportation and an entry ban.
Common mistakes with an Indonesia KITAS
- Choosing by name, not purpose. The right permit depends on what you will actually do in Indonesia.
- Working on the wrong permit. Tourist visas do not allow work. An E33G allows remote work for an overseas employer only.
- Missing the entry window. A visa issued but not used in time may have to be reapplied for.
- Extending too late. Start the extension well before expiry to avoid overstay fines.
- Using a tourist visa as a long-stay plan. B1 and C1 have firm maximum stays.
- Relying on old information. Fees and criteria change, and old pages still circulate online.
- Ignoring tax. A permit does not decide your tax position. Ask a qualified adviser.
Apply yourself or use help?
Applying yourself is possible, especially for a simple case. If your documents are clear and you have time for follow-up questions, the official portal works.
Help is worth considering when your paperwork is complicated, you are short on time or you want a second set of eyes before submitting. Mistakes such as mismatched names or unclear files can cause delays. Whichever route you choose, keep your own records and check the official rules.
How Hey Rick Visa helps
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service based in Legian, Bali, and part of PT Rick’s Group Indonesia. We are not a government body, and we charge a service fee for our help.
Our process has three steps:
- Find your visa with the visa checker.
- Apply and pay in under 10 minutes.
- We handle the rest, with technology and human experts checking everything.
You can apply 24/7, save your application and continue later, and pay by several methods. Our team answers by chat, WhatsApp and email around the clock, in multiple languages. On our site, the KITAS-type permit you can apply for directly is the E33G. If you need a different type, ask us what support is available. We cannot promise approval, because that decision belongs to the authorities.
Frequently asked questions
What does KITAS stand for?
KITAS stands for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, which means limited stay permit card. The formal name for the permit is ITAS. People use both terms to mean the same thing.
Can I work on a KITAS?
It depends on the type. A work KITAS or investor KITAS allows activity linked to that purpose. The E33G allows remote work for a company outside Indonesia but not work for Indonesian companies.
How long is a KITAS valid?
Most are valid for one or two years and many can be extended. Some investor and second-home routes run for five or ten years. Your approval shows your exact dates.
Is a KITAS the same as a C1 or B1 visa?
No. B1 and C1 are short-stay visas with maximum stays of 60 and 180 days. A KITAS is a limited stay permit for living in Indonesia.
What happens if I overstay?
The fine is IDR 1,000,000 per day. Longer overstays can lead to deportation and an entry ban. Extend before your permit expires.
Does Hey Rick Visa guarantee approval?
No. Approval is decided by the Indonesian authorities. We check your application carefully before submission, but no private service can promise an outcome.
Next steps for your Indonesia KITAS
An Indonesia KITAS is the right tool when you want to live in the country rather than visit. Pick the type that matches your real purpose, check the current rules for your passport and plan your extensions early. If you would like support, you can apply for an Indonesia visa through our site, or contact our team with questions about your situation.
Hey Rick Visa is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with the Government of Indonesia. We provide assistance with visa applications and charge a service fee.