Working KITAS
If you plan to work or earn an income in Indonesia, you’ll need a Work KITAS — a limited stay permit that allows foreigners to work legally in the country.
Work KITAS permits are typically issued for 6 or 12 months, depending on the role and approval from Indonesian authorities.
It’s important to understand that job opportunities for foreigners in Bali are extremely limited, and securing local employment can be very challenging.
Ways to Obtain a Work KITAS
There are three primary pathways to legally work in Bali:
1. Employer-Sponsored Work KITAS
This is the most common route. Your employer must apply for a work permit (RPTKA/IMTA) through the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower.
Your Work KITAS will be:
- Sponsored by a specific company
- Issued for a defined job role
- Restricted to that employer (you cannot work elsewhere or change roles)
Approval depends heavily on:
- The nature of the company
- The role being offered
- Justification for hiring a foreigner instead of a local candidate
Work KITAS are typically granted for 6 or 12 months, but not all roles qualify for longer durations.
Some positions are only eligible for a 6-month KITAS because they are:
- Not considered specialist or expert-level
- Project-based or temporary
- Roles that could be filled by local workers
- Automatically limited by the government system
2. Work KITAS via Your Own PT PMA
If you establish a foreign-owned company (PT PMA), you can sponsor your own Work KITAS through your business.
This option offers more flexibility but requires:
- Meeting minimum investment requirements
- Proper business setup and licensing
- Ongoing compliance with Indonesian regulations
Learn more about setting up a business in Bali here.
3. Work KITAS via Visa Agent Sponsorship
In some cases, a visa agent can sponsor your Work KITAS for a specific role.
This pathway:
- Is typically used for short-term or specialised roles
- Usually results in a 6-month KITAS
- Must align with government-approved job titles and requirements
Eligibility depends on the Ministry of Manpower’s system, and not all roles are approved under this structure.
All pathways involve strict regulations, and approval is never guaranteed. Processing times and eligibility can vary depending on your individual situation.
If you’d like guidance, we can connect you with trusted visa agents and business consultants to help you navigate the process smoothly and compliantly.