The Indonesian government has finally streamlined the long-term stay process for digital nomads with the KITAS E33G: the official remote worker KITAS. This isn’t just a stamp. It’s a 1-year temporary residence permit that legally allows you to live in Indonesia (hello, Bali!) while working for a company outside the country.
This blueprint will guide you through the new requirements, financial benchmarks, and crucial application steps, all from the perspective of securing your long-term remote life.
- The Permit: Visa vs. Remote Worker KITAS (E33G)
Let’s clear up the terminology confusion right away:
- What is it? While globally dubbed the “Digital Nomad Visa,” in Indonesia, your long-term stay permit is called an ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas, or Limited Stay Permit). Note that the letter K refers to the ITAS card (Kartu, in Indonesian). The KITAS E33G is the specific type of ITAS issued to qualified remote workers.
- Launch Date: This pathway is relatively new, having been introduced in mid-2023, marking Indonesia’s official entry into the digital nomad residency market.
- Duration: The permit is valid for up to 1 year and includes multiple-entry privileges, meaning you can travel in and out of Indonesia freely during that period.
- Crucial Eligibility & Financial Benchmarks
The remote worker KITAS has clear-cut financial requirements designed to ensure you won’t seek local employment. These are mandatory for a successful application:
The Two Financial Hurdles
- Income Requirement (The $60K Rule): You must prove an annual salary/income of at least US$60,000. This is the non-negotiable threshold for remote worker status.
- Proof: You’ll need an employment contract or official letter from a non-Indonesian company.
- Savings Requirement (The $2K Buffer): You must submit a personal bank statement showing a minimum balance equivalent to US$2,000 for the last three months.
- Purpose: This demonstrates you have sufficient savings to support yourself without being a financial burden on Indonesia.
| Requirement | Amount | Evidence |
| Annual Income | Min. US$60,000 | Non-Indonesian Employment Contract/Letter |
| Savings Balance | Min. US$2,000 | 3-Month Personal Bank Statement |
Perspective: Don’t confuse the remote worker KITAS with the Second Home Visa/ITAS. The latter requires a minimum bank deposit of IDR 2,000,000,000 (approx. US$150,000) and is geared toward retirement or long-term investment, making the E33G the much more affordable option for those actively working.
- The Golden Rule of Work: What You Can and Cannot Do
The legal distinction for the KITAS E33G is critical. Get this wrong, and you risk deportation.
| ✅ Allowed (Remote Work) | ❌ Not Allowed (Local Work) |
| Work for any company or individual based overseas. | Receive income from any Indonesian entity or individual. |
| Earn your income/salary in a currency other than IDR (Rupiah). | Engage in activities involving the sale of goods or services in Indonesia. |
| Live in Indonesia while serving your foreign clients. | Seek or hold employment with an Indonesian company. |
In short: Your income must be generated 100% outside of Indonesian territory.
- Key Application & Stay Logistics
The Application Process
While it is possible to apply for the remote worker KITAS from outside Indonesia through the E-visa Portal, the process can be complex and requirements frequently change.
- Best Practice: It is highly recommended to partner with a reliable Indonesian business consulting service (like Bali Business Consulting) to manage your application and ensure all evolving requirements are met efficiently.
Post-Approval Requirements
- Entry Window: You must enter Indonesia using the newly issued remote worker KITAS within 90 days of its issuance date. Failure to do so invalidates your permit.
- Family Sponsorship: A significant benefit is the ability to sponsor immediate family members (spouse, children, and parents) to join you for the duration of your stay.
- Physical KITAS Card: Once you arrive and complete registration, it’s advisable to obtain the physical KITAS card. This card serves as your local ID and is recommended for daily carry instead of your passport.
Securing the remote worker KITAS is your one-year ticket to the Indonesian life you’ve been dreaming of, minus the visa headaches. Are you ready to take the leap?
If you want to know more details on this KITAS, contact us or read the following article: Indonesia Remote Worker Visa: Ticket to the Digital Nomad Dream.
