Indonesia is the biggest economy in Southeast Asia. It is a great place for skilled people from other countries. There are many jobs in tech in Jakarta, in banks, and in mining or oil and gas. But the rules to come and work here are strict. You must follow them. The government controls who can work. They want jobs for local people first. Only if no local person can do the job, a foreign expert can come. This guide makes it easy. It explains the main papers you need: KITAS and RPTKA. It shows the steps to work legally in big cities like Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya.
Many foreigners want to live and work here. Indonesia has beautiful islands, busy cities, and growing companies. But without the right papers, you cannot stay or earn money. The process looks hard, but if you know the steps, it is possible. Your boss must help a lot. They do most of the work.
This guide is for workers, bosses, and agents. It uses simple words. It covers everything from start to finish. By the end, you will know what to do. You will feel ready to start.
The Tripartite System: RPTKA, C312, and KITAS
To work legally in Indonesia, you need three papers. They connect to each other. Your boss must get them for you. The boss is the sponsor.
The Manpower Approval: RPTKA
RPTKA means Plan for Using Foreign Workers. It is the first paper.
- Who gives it? The Ministry of Manpower. It is called Kemnaker.
- What does it do? The boss explains why they need a foreign person. They say the job name, how long, and where. There is a limit on how many foreign workers a company can have.
The boss sends company papers and job details online to Kemnaker. They must prove no local person can do this job. Kemnaker checks everything. If okay, they approve. This can take some weeks. It is important to start early.
The Visa Approval: C312
After RPTKA is ready, go to immigration.
- Who handles it? Directorate General of Immigration. It is DGI.
- What is it? The boss asks for C312 Visa. This is for work. DGI sends a telex. It is like an approval letter. It goes to the Indonesian Embassy in your home country. You use it to get the visa stamp in your passport.
The telex is also called Calling Visa or TA-01. You cannot enter Indonesia without this stamp. The boss sends the RPTKA and payment proof to DGI. Then DGI makes the telex fast.
The Residency and Working Permit (IMTA): KITAS
This is the card you carry in Indonesia.
- KITAS means Limited Stay Permit Card. It lets you live here.
- IMTA means work permit. Now it is digital. It comes with KITAS. You apply together online.
KITAS is like your ID for staying. It has your photo and details. IMTA says you can work. Without them, you break the law. Police can check anytime.
The Complete 5-Step Indonesia Work Visa Process
The company or a helper agent does all steps. You cannot do it alone.
RPTKA Submission to Kemnaker
The boss sends papers to Kemnaker online. They include company license, job description, and why a foreigner is needed. They show the plan to train local staff. Kemnaker looks at it. They may ask for more info. If good, they approve in a few weeks.
Pay the DKP-TKA Fee
DKP-TKA is a fund for using foreign workers. It is not tax. It helps develop skills. The cost is $100 each month you work. Boss pays for the whole time at once. For one year, it is $1,200. They get a receipt. This receipt is needed next.
Calling Visa Issuance by DGI
Boss sends RPTKA, payment receipt to DGI. DGI checks. They send telex to the embassy. You go to the embassy with your passport, photos, and other papers. Embassy puts C312 stamp. Now you can fly to Indonesia. The visa is usually for 60 or 90 days to enter.
Entry and KITAS Conversion
You arrive with C312 stamp. You have only seven days to start KITAS.
- Boss goes to local immigration office.
- You need police clearance from your home country. It shows no crime.
- You need medical check in Indonesia. It checks health, no serious disease.
Boss submits all. They take your fingerprints and photo. After some days, you get KITAS card. Now you can live and work.
If you miss seven days, you pay fine or leave.
Compliance and Renewal
KITAS lasts 6 or 12 months. Sometimes up to 2 years for special jobs. Boss must renew before it ends. They start 2 months early. Same steps but easier. Pay DKP-TKA again. If job changes, new RPTKA needed.
Renew on time. If late, big fine or deportation.
Indonesian Labour Law and Compliance Requirements
Indonesia protects local workers. Foreigners must follow rules. This helps transfer knowledge.
Mandatory Compliance Rules
- You must have an Indonesian helper. This local person learns from you. Put their name in RPTKA. You teach them. After some time, they can do the job.
- Learn Bahasa Indonesia. In first year, you must speak basic Indonesian. Company may give classes. It helps daily life and work.
- No two jobs. You cannot be director in two companies. Or work two places. Only one position.
Break rules, lose KITAS.
Family and Financials
- Family can come. After your KITAS, apply for spouse and kids under 18. It is Dependent KITAS. They cannot work.
- Money rules. Boss must give fair salary. Follow minimum wage for experts. You get severance pay if contract ends. It is like bonus for years worked.
- Tax. You pay income tax. It starts low, goes higher if earn more. Company helps deduct.
Health insurance is must. Company provides or you buy.
Key Authorities and Costs Summary
| Authority | Responsibility | Fees & Costs Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Kemnaker (MOM) | Approves RPTKA and monitors the Expat Quota System. | DKP-TKA (Development Fund) |
| DGI (Immigration) | Issues C312 Visa, Calling Visa, and KITAS. | Visa Fees Indonesia / KITAS Fee |
| BKPM | Facilitates approval for investment-related positions. | N/A, focus on speed/ease of process |
DKP-TKA is main cost. $100 per month. Visa stamp at embassy has small fee. KITAS has fee too, around Rp 1,000,000 or more. Medical check costs money. Police paper from home may cost.
Total for one year: maybe $2,000 to $3,000. Boss pays most.
Call to Action (CTA)
Are you ready to secure your Indonesia Work Visa? Ensure your employer has begun the crucial RPTKA process! Share this guide with anyone looking for Tech Jobs Jakarta to help them understand the complexities of the KITAS Fee and compliance.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available policies from the Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) (Kemnaker) as of late 2025. Readers are strongly advised to verify all application details, fees, and requirements directly from the official Indonesian government websites or a licensed immigration agency before applying or making financial decisions.