What is KITAS in Indonesia? The Clear 2025 Guide for Expats

If you're planning to work, invest, or join family in Indonesia, the first and most important term you need to know is KITAS. So, what is KITAS in Indonesia?

A KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is your physical Limited Stay Permit card. It's the official ID that proves your legal right to reside in Indonesia for longer than a standard tourist visit. It's the crucial final step after a process that begins with a visa application from abroad. Essentially, if you ask yourself, "what is KITAS?" - think of it as your Indonesian resident ID card for foreigners, valid for a specific purpose and time.

This guide breaks down exactly what is KITAS in Indonesia, the different types available in 2025, and the process to get one.

KITAS, ITAS, and VITAS: Untangling the Confusion

When learning what is KITAS in Indonesia, you'll hear two other terms. Here's the simple breakdown of how they work together:

• VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas): This is the entry visa you apply for from an Indonesian embassy abroad. It allows you to travel to Indonesia to get your KITAS. This is the core of the "KITAS visa Indonesia" process.
• ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas): This is the legal residency status stamped in your passport by immigration after you arrive with your VITAS.
• KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas): This is the physical ID card you receive after your ITAS stamp. This is the card you use for daily life.

The flow is simple: Apply for VITAS → Enter Indonesia → Convert to ITAS stamp → Receive your KITAS card.

Who Needs a KITAS and What Are the 2025 Types?

You need a KITAS if you plan to stay in Indonesia for purposes like work, investment, family reunion, or retirement. The main types in 2025 are:

Work KITAS
 This is for foreign professionals employed by an Indonesian company.

• Requires: Sponsorship by a local entity (PT, PT PMA) and a work permit (RPTKA).
• Validity: 12 or 24 months.
• Key Feature: Eligible for a Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP).

Investor KITAS
 Ideal for foreign directors or shareholders of an Indonesian PT PMA company.

• Requires: Sponsorship by your own PT PMA.
• Validity: Up to 2 years.
• Key Advantage: A more streamlined process that doesn't require a separate work permit.

Spouse KITAS
 For foreigners legally married to an Indonesian citizen.

• Requires: Sponsorship by your Indonesian spouse and a legally registered marriage.
• Important Note: This permit does not allow you to work.

Retirement KITAS
 For individuals aged 55 and above who wish to retire in Indonesia.

• Requires: Proof of age, health insurance, a local lease, and must be applied for through a licensed agent.
• Important Note: Work is not permitted, but you can open bank accounts and lease property.

The Step-by-Step KITAS Application Process for 2025

The process to secure your KITAS is multi-stage but straightforward when broken down.

1. Secure a Sponsor: Your sponsor depends on the KITAS type (e.g., an employer for a Work KITAS, your spouse for a Spouse KITAS).
2. Apply for VITAS Abroad: Your sponsor initiates the process, and you apply for the VITAS at an Indonesian embassy in your home country.
3. Enter Indonesia: Once the VITAS is approved, you use it to travel to Indonesia.
4. Convert to KITAS: Upon arrival, you have a limited time to visit the local immigration office to convert your VITAS into an ITAS passport stamp and receive your physical KITAS card.

​​​​​​​

KITAS Indonesia Price 2025: Understanding the Costs

When budgeting for your move, understanding the KITAS Indonesia price 2025 is essential. Costs are not a single fee but a combination of government levies, agency fees (if used), and mandatory permits. Key cost components include:

• VITAS/ITAS Grant Fee
• Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP) Fee
• Immigration Card (KITAS) Physical Card Fee
• Legal Agent or Sponsor Fees (variable)
• Required reports and documentation costs

Prices can vary based on the permit type and duration, but applicants should budget between IDR 3-8 million for basic government fees, excluding agent fees.

Beyond KITAS: Understanding KITAP Indonesia

After holding a KITAS consecutively for several years, you may become eligible for a KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap), or Permanent Stay Permit. KITAP Indonesia offers a five-year validity period and provides greater stability and rights, such as being able to own certain types of property. It is the long-term goal for many expats settling in Indonesia permanently.

Why Your KITAS is Non-Negotiable

It's critical to understand that a work permit (RPTKA) alone is not enough to live or work legally in Indonesia. The RPTKA simply allows a company to hire you. The KITAS is what gives you the legal right to reside and work. Without a valid KITAS, you are in the country illegally, risking heavy fines, deportation, and being blacklisted.

Always extend your KITAS well before it expires to avoid overstay fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day.

Settle In and Explore with WAHDAH Car Rental

Once your KITAS is sorted, the next step is getting the freedom to explore your new home. Whether you need a car for daily commutes or weekend adventures, WAHDAH provides reliable and flexible rental solutions.

• Flexible Pickup & Drop-off: 
• Unlimited Mileage
• Well-Maintained Fleet
• Transparent Pricing
• Customer Support

Book Your WAHDAH Car for Your New Life in Indonesia

KITAS Indonesia FAQ

What is the difference between a KITAS and a work permit (RPTKA)?
 The RPTKA is a company document that gives a business permission to hire a foreigner. The KITAS is your personal residency permit that allows you to legally live and work in the country. You need both to be fully compliant.

I have a Spouse KITAS. Can I work?
 No. A Spouse KITAS does not grant work rights. To work legally, you would need to secure a job with a company that can sponsor you for a separate Work KITAS and RPTKA.

What is KITAS KITAP in Indonesia?
 These are often mentioned together as they represent the progression of stay permits. What is KITAS KITAP? KITAS is the temporary stay permit, while KITAP is the permanent stay permit. You typically need to hold several KITAS consecutively before you can apply for a KITAP.

How long does it take to get a KITAS?
 The entire process, from applying for the VITAS abroad to receiving the physical KITAS card in Indonesia, typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the type and completeness of the application.

Can I travel in and out of Indonesia with a KITAS?
 Yes, but you need an additional permit. You must apply for a Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP) to keep your KITAS valid when traveling abroad. A single-trip exit permit is also available.

What is KITAS Indonesia?
 KITAS Indonesia is the acronym for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, which translates to a Limited Stay Permit Card. It is the official physical identification card that grants a foreigner the legal right to reside in Indonesia for specific, temporary purposes such as work, investment, family reunion, or retirement.

What is KITAS Bali?
 A KITAS Bali is simply a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) for someone residing on the island of Bali. The permit itself is a national Indonesian permit, not specific to Bali. The process and requirements are the same, but the application is processed through the local immigration offices located in Denpasar, Bali.

What is the difference between a Visa and a KITAS?

A visa (like the VITAS) is an entry permit that allows you to travel to an Indonesian port of entry and request permission to enter. A KITAS, on the other hand, is a residence permit that proves your legal right to stay in Indonesia after you have entered. The VITAS visa is converted into a KITAS upon your arrival in Indonesia.

Are a Permit and a KITAS the same thing?
 This depends on the context. "Permit" is a general term. In Indonesian immigration, your KITAS is a type of stay permit (a Limited Stay Permit). However, you also need other specific "permits" to be fully legal. For example, to work, you need both a KITAS (stay permit) and a work permit (IMTA). So, a KITAS is a specific type of permit for residency, but it is not the only permit you may require.

Read more: 

-Does Malaysian Need Visa to Indonesia? Easy Guide

-How to Plan a Road Trip with an Electric Car

-How to Avoid Travel Scams for Safe & Smart Travel

Anatashia Nuraini (Travel Writer)