Indonesia
At a Glance
Capital | Jakarta |
Language | Bahasa Indonesia |
Population | 273,524,000 |
GDP Total | $1 trillion |
GDP Per Capita | $3,893.50 |
When traveling to Indonesia, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.
What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?
As a business visitor to Indonesia, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:
- » Attend business meetings or roundtable discussions held at the head office or representative office in Indonesia
- » Attend an international show or exhibition
- » Attend business discussions for import/export of trade commodities
- » Attend conferences or seminars
If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Citizens of most countries are eligible to enter Indonesia on visa-waivered status and conduct limited business activities. However, under Indonesian law, permissible business activities are extremely restricted and it is highly recommended that all business travelers obtain a Visit Visa (Business) from an Indonesian Consulate or Embassy prior to travel.
Similarly, while many nationalities may be eligible for a Visa on Arrival, or an Electronic Visa on Arrival, it is recommended that all business visitors obtain a consular Visit Visa prior to traveling to Indonesia.
What types of activities require work authorization?
The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Indonesian law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Indonesia, even if conducted for a short duration.
- » Touring a company facility
- » Repairs and maintenance
- » Hands-on technical work
In limited circumstances, foreign nationals may engage in select professional activities for a short duration without obtaining work authorization, although strict preconditions must be met. Please contact your immigration provider for an individual assessment prior to travel to determine your eligibility for a work authorization exemption.
If I am traveling to Indonesia for work, what type of work authorization do I need?
The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, the nature of your work, and the duration of your intended stay in Indonesia. Foreign nationals must obtain work authorization through the Manpower Plan Approval (RPTKA), Notification, and Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) application process under one of the following categories:
- » Emergency (urgent repairs for up to 30 days)
- » Short-Term (up to 180 days)
- » Long-Term (more than 180 days)
Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?
There are no work authorization exemptions based on nationalities in Indonesia; however, certain exemptions may apply to shareholders of a local Indonesian company or for employees in specific industries. Please seek further details from your immigration provider regarding requirements and restrictions associated with these exemptions.
Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.
News and Events
E-Visa on Arrival introduced
At a Glance
Capital | Jakarta |
Language | Bahasa Indonesia |
Population | 273,524,000 |
GDP Total | $1 trillion |
GDP Per Capita | $3,893.50 |
Related News
-
COVID-19 policies ended for some visa, permit applications
INDONESIA 6 Jul 23
-
Annual reporting requirement forthcoming
INDONESIA 2 Dec 22
-
E-Visa on Arrival introduced
INDONESIA 10 Nov 22
-
Insurance requirement implemented for short-term foreign workers
INDONESIA 10 Nov 22
-
Government introducing new investor visa
INDONESIA 1 Nov 22
-
Multiple Entry Business Visa program to reopen
INDONESIA 28 Sep 22
-
COVID-19: ‘Visa on Arrival’ resumed, entry rules relaxed
INDONESIA 16 Sep 22
-
Insurance requirement for short-term foreign workers to be...
INDONESIA 19 Aug 22
-
COVID-19: Testing requirements removed
INDONESIA 20 May 22
-
Extensions for single-entry visit visas reduced
INDONESIA 2 May 22
-
COVID-19: Entry, quarantine requirements eased
INDONESIA 25 Mar 22
-
Visa on arrival announced for 23 countries
INDONESIA 10 Mar 22
-
COVID-19: Quarantine requirements eased for foreign nationals
INDONESIA 7 Mar 22
-
COVID-19: Health requirements eased for foreign nationals
INDONESIA 18 Feb 22
-
COVID-19: Entry requirements updated
INDONESIA 4 Feb 22
-
COVID-19: Travel ban ended, entry requirements updated
INDONESIA 19 Jan 22
-
COVID-19: Travel restrictions, health protocols updated
INDONESIA 5 Jan 22
-
COVID-19: Testing, quarantine requirements reduced
INDONESIA 8 Nov 21
-
COVID-19: Health protocols, entry requirements updated
INDONESIA 22 Oct 21
-
COVID-19: New travel measures for certain foreign nationals...
INDONESIA 18 Feb 21
-
Job Creation Law passed
INDONESIA 30 Dec 20
-
Updates for eVisas announced
INDONESIA 28 Oct 20
-
COVID-19: Singapore and Indonesia announce reciprocal green lane
INDONESIA, SINGAPORE 13 Oct 20
-
COVID-19: Extension, stay permit provisions updated
INDONESIA 16 Jul 20
-
Regulations for new work permits implemented
INDONESIA 26 Jun 20
-
COVID-19: Immigration offices open for some services
INDONESIA 18 Jun 20
-
COVID-19: Health protocols for foreign nationals announced
INDONESIA 19 May 20
-
COVID-19: Government issues entry guidance for expired permit,...
INDONESIA 12 May 20
-
COVID-19: Government issues new travel ban exemption
INDONESIA 12 May 20
-
COVID-19: New temporary travel restrictions
INDONESIA 29 Apr 20
-
COVID-19: Temporary entry ban, visas extended
INDONESIA 2 Apr 20
-
Travel restrictions expanded, visa-exemption policy suspended
INDONESIA 18 Mar 20
-
Government suspends flights, entry for travelers from mainland...
INDONESIA 11 Feb 20
-
New jobs list could limit availability to recruit...
INDONESIA 24 Sep 19
-
New fee schedule announced
INDONESIA 13 May 19
-
Limited stay visa collection limited to 22 locations
INDONESIA 24 Jan 19
-
Annual reporting deadline announced
INDONESIA 24 Dec 18
-
Ministry of Manpower limits RPTKA validity period to...
INDONESIA 11 Dec 18
-
Digital visa stamps with QR code to replace...
INDONESIA 30 Nov 18
-
Biometrics appointment now required for applicants in Indonesia
INDONESIA, SAUDI ARABIA 21 Nov 18
-
Ministries complete integration of work permit application systems
INDONESIA 19 Nov 18
-
New documentary requirements set for stay permits
INDONESIA 11 Oct 18
-
Ministry of Manpower plans switch to new online...
INDONESIA 6 Aug 18
-
IT work could delay biometrics appointments, visa applications
INDONESIA 31 Jul 18
-
New work permit regulation include mandatory language requirement
INDONESIA 17 Jul 18
-
Switch to new online application system delayed
INDONESIA 10 Jul 18
-
Delays expected with move to new online application...
INDONESIA 3 Jul 18
-
New work-permit regulations issued
INDONESIA 6 Apr 18
-
Indonesia waives recommendation requirement for oil and gas...
INDONESIA 8 Mar 18
-
Holidays to slow work permit processing
INDONESIA 12 Dec 17
-
Technical glitch at Indonesian Embassy delays visa processing
INDONESIA, INDIA 12 Dec 17
-
Technical problem in Jakarta immigration office halts processing
INDONESIA 22 Nov 17
-
Domicile letter to be required with ITAS applications...
INDONESIA 3 Nov 17
-
Pakistan removed from extra-scrutiny list for visa processing
INDONESIA 11 Sep 17
-
Holiday closures and application deadlines confirmed
INDONESIA 16 Jun 17
-
Ministry of Manpower sets application, processing schedule for...
INDONESIA 8 Jun 17
-
New system implemented for Telex approval of visa...
INDONESIA 2 Feb 17
-
Email verification step implemented in permit application system
INDONESIA 23 Jan 17
-
Changes affect Temporary Resident Visas for foreign employees...
INDONESIA 2 Dec 16
-
KITAS stay permits to go electronic
INDONESIA 2 Dec 16
-
South Jakarta offers flexible option for foreign workers...
INDONESIA 23 Nov 16
-
Immigration authorities will no longer accept filings from...
INDONESIA 21 Nov 16
-
Indonesia changes skills-fee payment procedures
INDONESIA 23 Aug 16
-
Holiday closures, application deadlines announced
INDONESIA 27 Jun 16
-
Authorities increasing document checks during Ramadan
INDONESIA 17 Jun 16
-
Visa exemption extended to 169 countries
INDONESIA 11 May 16
-
KITAS applications for foreign workers go online
INDONESIA 17 Feb 16
-
Business travelers advised against use of visas on...
INDONESIA 10 Feb 16
-
Australia to provide Indonesians with 3-year, multiple-entry visas
AUSTRALIA, INDONESIA 23 Nov 15
-
New decree reverses several recent immigration regulation changes
INDONESIA 27 Oct 15
-
Significant changes taking effect for companies employing foreign...
INDONESIA 27 Jul 15
-
Regulation aims to require work permits for company...
INDONESIA 17 Jul 15
-
Indonesia strengthens localization program
INDONESIA 15 Jul 15
-
Language proficiency rules to be announced soon
INDONESIA 19 Mar 15
-
Work visas limited to 6 months for some...
INDONESIA 16 Feb 15
-
Appointment system leads to significant delays
INDONESIA 5 Jan 15
-
Foreign nationals ending employment must leave country sooner
INDONESIA 20 Nov 14
-
Indonesia tightens document requirements for work permits
INDONESIA 19 Nov 14
-
Indonesia tightens document requirements for work permits, limited-stay...
INDONESIA 18 Nov 14
-
Government increases fees for visas-on-arrival
INDONESIA 25 Jul 14
-
Provisional permits no longer available
INDONESIA 18 Jul 14