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Immigration & Stay Permits

Management of foreign national permits such as KITAS, KITAP, Reporting Certificate (TTKOA), Residence Certificate (SKTT), RPTKA, Mandatory Reporting, Exit Permit Only (EPO), Exit Re-entry Permit (ERP)

Reviewed by the MCS Consulting Legal Team · Last updated July 2026 · 7 min read

Foreign nationals living, working, or doing business in Indonesia need the right immigration document for their situation — a temporary stay permit, permanent residence, a business visa, or official certification. MCS Consulting handles the full range of immigration services, from KITAS applications through to permit closures when your stay in Indonesia ends.

On this page

Which permit do you need?

The right document depends on why you're in Indonesia and how long you plan to stay — working, joining family, running periodic business trips, or settling permanently all require different permits. The table below shows what applies to your situation.

KITAS

What it is
Limited (temporary) Stay Permit
Who it's for
Foreign workers, family members joining a sponsor
Validity
Typically 1–2 years, renewable
Allows work in Indonesia?
Yes, for Working KITAS

KITAP

What it is
Permanent Residence Permit
Who it's for
Long-term residents who've held KITAS through two extensions
Validity
5 years per extension
Allows work in Indonesia?
Yes

Business Visa

What it is
Multiple-entry visa for business travel
Who it's for
Foreign nationals making frequent short business trips
Validity
2 months per visit
Allows work in Indonesia?
No — business activities only, not employment

EPO/ERP

What it is
Exit permits for ending or pausing your stay
Who it's for
Anyone ending their stay (EPO) or leaving and returning (ERP)
Validity
One-time use per exit
Allows work in Indonesia?
Not applicable

What's included with each service

Limited Stay Permit (KITAS)

  • New Application & Extension
  • Working KITAS
  • Family Reunion KITAS
  • Official Permit for Foreign Nationals

Permanent Residence (KITAP)

  • Permanent Residence Permit
  • Available after two KITAS extensions
  • Valid for 5 years per extension
  • Full Immigration Compliance

Permit Closures (EPO/ERP)

  • Exit Permit Only (EPO)
  • Exit Re-entry Permit (ERP)
  • Returning Immigration Documents
  • Ending Stay in Indonesia

Business Visas

  • Multiple Business Visa
  • Frequent Business Trips
  • 2-Month Validity per Visit
  • Sponsorship Support

Official Certificates

  • Residence Certificate (SKTT)
  • Reporting Certificate (TTKOA)
  • Dukcapil & Police Coordination
  • Identity Documents for Foreigners

Requirements by permit type

KITAS (Limited Stay Permit)

You'll need a sponsoring company (for Working KITAS) or sponsoring family member (for Family Reunion KITAS), a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity, and — for Working KITAS — confirmation that your sponsoring company holds the correct RPTKA (foreign worker utilization plan) approval before your application can proceed.

KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit)

You'll need to have held and extended your KITAS for the qualifying period (generally after two KITAS extensions), along with your complete immigration history and sponsor documentation.

Permit Closures (EPO/ERP)

For an EPO, you'll need your current KITAS/KITAP and confirmation you're permanently leaving Indonesia. For an ERP, you'll need your current permit and your travel dates, since an ERP allows you to exit and return within your permit's validity.

Business Visas

You'll need a sponsoring company in Indonesia, a valid passport, and documentation supporting the business purpose of your visits.

Official Certificates

Requirements vary by certificate — SKTT (Residence Certificate) and TTKOA (Reporting Certificate) require your current stay permit and coordination with local Dukcapil (civil registry) and police, which MCS Consulting manages on your behalf.

Immigration matters in Indonesia are governed by Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration and administered by the Directorate General of Immigration, with additional coordination through Dukcapil (civil registry) and local police for residence and reporting certificates. MCS Consulting stays current with all immigration regulation updates on your behalf.

Step-by-step process

1

Eligibility and document check

We confirm which permit fits your situation and what documentation you'll need.

2

Sponsor and application preparation

For KITAS and business visas, we prepare the sponsorship documentation and application with your sponsoring company or family member.

3

Immigration submission

Your application is submitted to the Directorate General of Immigration for processing.

4

Certificate and follow-up registration

Once your permit is issued, we handle any required follow-up registration, including SKTT and TTKOA certificates with Dukcapil and local police.

How long does it take?

Total typical timeline

2–4 Weeks

For new KITAS applications; KITAP processing depends on completed KITAS history; business visas and permit closures are typically faster, often within 1–2 weeks.

Not sure which permit fits your situation? Schedule a free consultation and our team will identify exactly what you need.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

KITAS is a Temporary Stay Permit, generally valid for 1-2 years and requires annual renewal. KITAP is a Permanent Stay Permit, valid for 5 years. Foreigners usually must hold a KITAS for several consecutive years before being eligible to upgrade to a KITAP.
No. A Dependent KITAS (Family KITAS) strictly prohibits the holder from earning an income in Indonesia. To work legally, the spouse must obtain their own Working KITAS sponsored by a local employer.
Yes. Foreign workers typically must be between 25 and 55 years old, possess a relevant university degree, and have at least 5 years of related work experience. Exceptions are sometimes made for Director or Commissioner positions.
An EPO is required when a foreigner ends their employment, changes sponsors, or permanently leaves Indonesia. It officially cancels the KITAS and ensures the sponsoring company is no longer liable for the individual.
Generally, dual employment is prohibited; a foreigner can only be sponsored by one company. However, foreign Directors or Commissioners can hold board roles in multiple companies, subject to Ministry of Manpower approval.

Simplify Your Immigration Process

Let us handle all your foreign worker permit requirements efficiently and professionally