Foreign nationals can legally work in Indonesia only if they obtain a valid work visa sponsored by an Indonesian-registered company. The most common pathway is through a VITAS (entry visa) followed by an ITAS (temporary stay permit), arranged by your employer before arrival. Earning between $800 per month in entry-level roles and over $8,000 monthly
Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy, located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. With a GDP exceeding $1.3 trillion and membership in the G20, it attracts foreign professionals in tech, engineering, education, hospitality, and executive roles.
Why Is Visa Sponsorship Required in Indonesia?
Indonesia requires all foreign workers to be sponsored by a legally registered Indonesian entity. This sponsorship ensures:
- Legal employment authorization
- Proper tax registration (NPWP)
- Compliance with Ministry of Manpower regulations
- Immigration approval
Without sponsorship, foreigners cannot obtain a valid work permit.
Types of Work Visas in Indonesia
What Is VITAS?
VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a limited-stay entry visa issued by an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate before arrival. It allows entry for:
- Employment
- Study
- Family reunification
- Retirement
What Is ITAS?
ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a temporary stay permit issued after arrival. It allows you to:
- Reside legally
- Work for your sponsoring employer
- Re-enter Indonesia multiple times
ITAS validity is typically 6–12 months, renewable.
What Is KITAP?
KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) is a permanent stay permit.
You may apply after holding an ITAS for three consecutive years.
Visa Sponsorship Letter Requirements
To obtain sponsorship, your employer must provide:
- Application date
- Applicant passport details
- Sponsor company information
- Company registration documents
- Official signature and stamp
The company must be licensed and incorporated in Indonesia.
Indonesia Work Visa Requirements
Employer Must Submit:
- Business license
- NPWP tax number
- Capital Registration License (BKPM)
- Company registration letter
- Company domicile certificate
- Sponsor’s ID (KTP)
- Wajib Lapor report
Employee Must Provide:
- Passport (valid at least 18 months)
- Passport photos
- Health insurance
- CV (signed and stamped)
- Highest degree certificate
- Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience certificate
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
Step 1: Employer Applies for RPTKA
The company first submits an Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA) to the Ministry of Manpower.
Step 2: Apply for VITAS
Once approved, the employer applies for your VITAS via Indonesian immigration authorities.
Step 3: Embassy Processing
You visit the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your country to finalize the visa.
Step 4: Enter Indonesia & Receive ITAS
Upon arrival, immigration converts your VITAS into an ITAS.
Processing time typically ranges between 7–14 working days, depending on documentation.
How Much Does an Indonesia Work Visa Cost?
Costs vary by nationality and visa duration, but typical government fees range from:
- $150–$300 for VITAS
- Additional ITAS processing fees
Employers usually cover visa sponsorship costs.
Latest Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Indonesia
Below are sectors actively hiring foreign professionals:
Marketing & Brand Management
- Marketing Partnership & Sponsorship
- Brand Strategy Supervisor
- Senior Brand Executive
- Marketing Communication Manager
Education & Training
- International Ballet Instructor
- ESL / TEFL English Teachers
Younger expats frequently teach English, especially in Jakarta and Bali.
Engineering & Construction
- Engineering Project Manager
- Construction Manager
- Technical Consultants
Infrastructure development across Java Island drives demand.
Digital & Tech Roles
- Digital Transformation Associate
- Data Science VP
- UX/UI Designer
- AI Specialist
- Cloud Engineer
Indonesia’s growing fintech and e-commerce sectors are key employers.
Hospitality & Tourism
- Hospitality Manager (5-star properties)
- Operations Director – Tourism
- PR Consultant – Hospitality
Bali remains a strong tourism hub.
What Are the Highest-Paid Jobs in Indonesia?
Top-paying roles include:
- C-Suite Executives
- Risk Director
- VP Government Relations
- Head of Corporate Strategy
- Project Director
- Operations Director
Senior executives can earn significantly higher compensation compared to local averages.
What Is the Average Salary in Indonesia?
- Average gross annual salary: $13,436
- Monthly average: $1,120
- Hourly average: $6.46
Salaries vary by city and industry. Jakarta offers higher wages than smaller cities.
What Does a Waiter Earn in Bali?
In Bali, average annual earnings for a hotel waiter range between
- IDR 89,000,000–IDR 145,000,000 per year
Hospitality wages depend on hotel class and experience.
Most In-Demand Skills in Indonesia
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Marketing
- Project Management
- UX Design
- Data Analysis
- Web Development
- Market Research
- Social Media Marketing
Important Factors to Consider
- Sponsorship must come from an Indonesian-registered company.
- Family members can apply for dependent VITAS.
- Employers must comply with Ministry of Manpower rules.
- ITAS is employer-specific changing jobs requires new sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get a Job in Indonesia as a Foreigner?
You must secure employment with an Indonesian-registered company that sponsors your VITAS and ITAS.
How Do I Get a Sponsor for an Indonesia Visa?
A licensed Indonesian company applies for a telex visa (approval letter) on your behalf before embassy processing.
What Are Common Jobs in Indonesia?
Common expat jobs include:
- AI Specialist
- Marketing Manager
- Software Developer
- UX/UI Designer
- English Teacher
- Cloud Engineer
- Customer Service Specialist
Conclusion
Indonesia offers a compelling destination for international professionals, with its rapidly growing economy, diverse job market, and vibrant culture. The pathway to working here is clear but requires understanding the employer-driven sponsorship process. The journey begins with securing a job offer from a licensed Indonesian company, which will then apply for your VITAS (Limited Stay Visa) . This process involves obtaining an Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA) from the Ministry of Manpower.
Once your VITAS is approved, you can enter Indonesia, and your employer will finalize your ITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) at the local immigration office. After several years, you may be eligible for a KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) . With in-demand skills in areas like digital marketing, AI, and project management, and major companies actively hiring, the opportunities are vast. For those ready to take the next step, Indonesia is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a foreigner get a job in Indonesia?
Foreign nationals must obtain an ITAS (Limited Stay Permit) sponsored by an Indonesian-registered company. The employer handles the visa and work authorization process after offering a formal employment contract.
What is the difference between VITAS and ITAS?
- VITAS is the limited-stay entry visa issued by an Indonesian embassy before arrival.
- ITAS is the temporary stay permit issued after entering Indonesia.
What is the difference between VITAS and ITAS?
- VITAS is the limited-stay entry visa issued by an Indonesian embassy before arrival.
- ITAS is the temporary stay permit issued after entering Indonesia.
