There are some common misconceptions about visa and KITAS. So, understanding the difference between the two can save you from a lot of potential delays, and even rejection during the application process. The first step is understanding the difference between visa and stay permit, Bali – more specifically, the Bali visa vs KITAS. While the former is a short-term permission to enter, the latter is the official path to becoming a temporary resident in the country for an extended period of time.
Bali Visa: The Gateway to A Short-Term Stay
A Bali visa is a temporary stay permit allowing foreign nationals to enter and stay in Bali for a limited time that generally ranges from a period of 30 days to a maximum of 180 days. This visa is ideal for short-term visitors who are traveling to Bali for the purpose of tourism, for businessor attending conferences, visiting family in the country, or for social engagements such as weddings and such. However, this visa doesn’t grant travelers any sort of work rights or residency status. Here’s a quick overview on the different kinds of Bali visas for short-term visits to the archipelago. For more details, read our Visa categories and terminology article.
| Kind of Visa | Validity | Purpose |
| Visa on Arrival(VOA) or e-VOA (a.k.a. B1 Tourist Visa) | 30 days; extendable for another 30 days only. | Travel, tourism, social functions (weddings), and short-term conferences or business meetings. |
| Single Entry Visit Visa (a.k.a. B211A or C1 Visa) | 60 days; can be extended up to 180 days. | Visiting family, business engagements that don’t relate being employed by an Indonesian company, any sort of cultural exchanges. |
| Multiple Entry Visas(D1/D2) | 1/2/5 years; extendable twice for 60 days each; multiple entries. | Tourism, visiting family or traveling onward to another country; attending seminars; regularbusiness travelers. |
| Multiple Entry Visa (D3/D14/D17) | 1/2 years with 60 days per stay; extendable up to 180 days, multiple entries. | Tourists seeking medical treatment, (producing foreign films, or engaging in activities related to inspections at company branches |
| Pre-Investment Visa (D12) | 6–12 months; eligible for one 180-day extension; multiple entries. | Investors interested in business opportunities in Bali (Indonesia). |
Staying in Bali: The Long-Term Residency Goal
If you’re starting to work with an Indonesian company, retiring or investing in Bali, or are planning to stay in Bali for more than six months, then you need more than just a visa; you need a stay permit. This is called the KITAS/ITAS in Indonesia, which, when upgraded to the even longer-term permanent residency permit KITAP is ideal for foreigners who will be staying in Bali, or Indonesia, for a much longer time. In this article, we’re going to focus on KITAS, which is the Temporary Stay Permit.
What is a Bali KITAS: Indonesia Limited Stay Permit Explained
A KITAS/ITAS is a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS being the new digital version) that allows foreign nationals to reside in Bali for an extended period of time. Foreigners can stay in Bali legally for a specific time period, which is generally anywhere between two and five years. Moreover, different kinds of KITAS have both single and multiple entry options, depending on the category.
Indonesia has different kinds of KITAS/ITAS to match different needs. What’s more, every KITAS comes with its own specific validity periods, requirements, and subcategories, so selecting the right one is very essential for not only smooth entry but also a smooth stay. Here’s an overview of the most popular KITAS options:
| Kind of KITAS | Validity | Purpose | Requirements |
| Family/DependentKITAS | Has the same validity period as that of the primary KITAS; can be extended, multiple entries. | Spouses and children of KITAS holders. | Proof of sponsorshipand relationship by and to primary KITAS holder |
| Work KITAS | Usually tied to the duration of the employment contract; extendable, multiple entries. | Foreign nationals employed by an Indonesian company in Bali/Indonesia. | Company sponsorship,A discrete work permit (IMTA) from employer |
| Investor KITAS | Usually valid for 1–2 years;can be extended, multiple entries. | Foreign investors, business owners, and shareholders who want to oversee their investment. | Company ownership, proof of investment, and certain investment requirements |
| Retirement KITAS | 1 year; extendable. | Foreigners over 55 years old | Proof of financial resources, rental agreement, health insurance |
| Remote Worker KITAS | 1 year; can be extended. | Digital nomads employed by overseas clients (not an Indonesian company) | Proof of income and terms of remote employment. |
| Golden Visa Program | 5 – 10 years; extendable;multiple entries. | Retirees, talented individuals, entrepreneurs, and HNIs (high net worth individuals). | Minimum investment is different across applicants and validity periods. |
| Second Home Visa (E33 KITAS) | 5- 10 years; extendable;multiple entries. | For financially stable applicants looking for long-term Bali residencyoptions. | Proof of assets to the tune of IDR 2 billion or luxury property ownership. |
KITAS is usually issued after travelers obtain the corresponding e-visa, such as the retirement, investor, work, or spousal visa that serves as their initial entry permit into the country. Once they enter Bali, or Indonesia, the e-visa automatically converts to a KITAS/ITAS, which they will receive via e-mail within two to three days. Important: Please note that most KITAS/ITAS visas usually have multiple entry privileges and possibilities for extensions.
Visa and KITAS in Bali: The Differences
Selecting from a KITAS and a Bali visa ultimately comes down to the nature of one’s stay in Bali. The Indonesia visa, compared to KITAS, is sufficient for a short-term visit. However, they come with a set of limitations that aren’t practical for those travelers who are planning to stay in Bali for an extended period of time or indulging in specific activities such as retirement, investment, or work. On the other hand, when you look at the Bali limited stay permit details for KITAS, it’s a more structured solution of granting temporary residency to foreigners who want stability in the country for personal, professional, or financial personal reasons. Bali KITAS benefits are many, such as:
- The ability to stay in Bali, or Indonesia, without any visa extensions for up to one or even more years (depends on the kind of KITAS one holds).
- The right to work legally (with the right kind of KITAS and work permit).
- The choice to invest in or buy property in Bali (under eligible ownership structures).
- The freedom to legally open a local, Indonesian bank account and transact.
Here’s a breakdown of the chief differences between a Bali visa and KITAS:
| Feature | Bali Visa | KITAS |
| Best For | Short-term visits (social, business, tourism) | Long-term residency (retirement, investment, work) |
| Valid For | From 30 days up to 1-2 years (depending on different kinds of visas) | From 6 months up to 1, 2, 5 or 10 years (depends on the kind of KITAS; extendable). |
| Residency Rights | Not a resident | Temporary resident |
| Permission to Work | Not permitted to work | Permitted to work with an IMTA work permit or a Work KITAS/ITAS |
| Extensions | Limited, but depends on the type of visa | Extendable for continued stay |
| Sponsorship | Required for some specific visa categories | Mandatory |
Transitioning from Bali visa to KITAS
Can you transition from a Bali visa to a KITAS? Yes, you can, thanks to the Bridging Visa, a.k.a. the Transitional Residence Permit. This game-changing document is perfect for foreigners who are navigating residence status changes in Bali, or Indonesia. It offers a smooth transition for existing stay permit holders to apply for a KITAS/ITAS without having to endure the hassles of leaving the country.
Bridging Visa: Why It Is Useful
A Bridging Visa offers existing stay permit holders an additional 60 days to stay legally in Indonesia. It allows them to:
- remain in the country legally after their current visa or KITAS/ITAS expires;
- prepare the documents for their new KITAS/ITAS;
- close their current KITAS/ITAS and stay longer;
- avoid the 7-day exit rule required with an Exit Permit Only (EPO)
How the Bridging-to-KITAS process works
1. Apply for the Bridging Visa: Foreign nationals in Indonesia need to submit their visa applications via the official website of the Indonesian Immigration Office at https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/. They will then receive 60 days more to stay legally in Indonesia. Basically, it’s a 60-day extension on their current visa, especially if they decide not to apply for KITAS/ITAS. However, if their goal is to obtain a new KITAS/ITAS, the next step is detailed below.
2. Apply for the new KITAS/ITAS: Foreign nationals with the bridging visa need to submit their new KITAS/ITAS application within the first 29 days of their bridging visa. Basically, they need to have at least 31 days remaining on their bridging visas to apply for a new KITAS/ITAS. After their application is accepted, they will then receive their new, different type of KITAS/ITAS.
So, while both the Bali visa and KITAS/ITAS allow you to stay in Indonesia, they are fundamentally different in nature, benefits, and legal statuses. Hence, it’s very important to choose the right one to avoid logistical headaches and legal hassles. Still have unanswered questions? Contact us today and we’ll gladly answer!
