If your plans to visit Bali extend beyond the mere few short visits, or if you intend to engage in specific activities such as work, investment, or retirement, then getting a KITAS/ITAS becomes a legal necessity, rather than a convenience. Let us delve deeper into what, how, and when to apply for Bali KITAS.
Long Term Stay Bali With KITAS
KITAS, which is an acronym for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, translates to “Temporary Stay Permit Card.” This visa, or rather, its digital, updated version ITAS, is the long-term temporary stay permit visa for Bali, or Indonesia. It allows foreigners to stay in Indonesia legally for a specific amount of time that generally ranges anywhere between two and five years. Broadly speaking, the KITAS/ITAS is ideal for foreigners who want to join their families in Indonesia (who already hold a KITAS), work and invest in the country, or even engage in remote work.
Bali KITAS Eligibility and Types
There are many types of KITAS, from one specific for establishing and operating business activities to one designed for foreign nationals who are of a particular age and have adequate financial resources. What’s more, one might even be granted KITAS for particular purposes such as studying and conducting research. Since every kind of KITAS has its own conditions and requirements to look out for, here’s a detailed look for each kind of KITAS.
Work KITAS
Foreigners who would like to obtain income in Indonesia need to get Work KITAS that will allow them to work officially in Indonesia.
When to apply for Work KITAS? Since Work KITAS are issued for specific positions in specific companies, individuals apply for this KITAS after obtaining employment with Indonesian companies that will officially hire them and become their visa sponsors.
Investor KITAS
Investor KITAS is issued to individuals who invest in a PT PMA (foreign investment company) in Indonesia as a shareholder of some kind.
When to apply for Investor KITAS? Individuals must ensure their ability to meet the following main requirements:
- The paid up capital of the company should be a minimum of 10 billion IDR
- The company should have declared a minimum investment plan to the tune of 10 billion IDR.
- The investing individual should have an amount invested in shares to the tune of a minimum of 10 billion IDR.
Family/Spouse/Dependent KITAS
Foreigners who are officially married to Indonesian citizens or are dependents, either children or spouses of already existing KITAS holders can apply for Family KITAS.
When to apply for Family KITAS? Individuals may apply anytime, as long as they can prove their said relations to Indonesian citizens. Existing KITAS/ITAS holders can apply for KITAP (permanent residency) after being married to Indonesian citizens for a period of two years minimum.
Remote Worker KITAS
One of the most popular KITAS/ITAS visas to Bali, and Indonesia in general in the last few years, has been the remote worker KITAS or the E33G.
When to apply for Remote Worker KITAS? This KITAS is ideal for those planning to work remotely for or carry out assignments from a company located overseas (not in Indonesia) while visiting Indonesia.
Retirement KITAS
Retirement KITAS is designed for individuals aged 60 years and over, offering them the opportunity to enjoy staying in Indonesia for as long as 5 years so they can experience its vibrant lifestyle and rich culture.
When to apply for Golden VISA? Individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 60 years of age.
- Possess a bank account proving allowance or income with a balance of USD 3,000 every month.
- Have a statement of commitment that they’ll continue to deposit funds in an account in their names worth USD 50,000 at the minimum in an Indonesian state-owned bank.
Student KITAS
Issued for a period of a year, Student KITAS visas need to be extended annually during the study period.
When to apply for Student KITAS? Before they apply for a Student KITAS, individuals who are planning to study in Indonesia need to have been officially accepted into educational institutions or programs or enrolled in them. Additionally, applicants should also have a letter statement of study from the educational institutions where they’ll be studying.
Second Home KITAS
The Second Home KITAS is for former Indonesian citizens and specific foreigners who wish to stay and make a positive contribution to the country’s economy.
When to apply for Second Home KITAS? When individuals wish to legally stay in Indonesia for 5-10 years and indulge in a variety of activities that aren’t related to work.
Additionally, “Second Home” KITAS holders can also sponsor family members for the same time period as their visa validity.
Repatriation KITAS
Repatriation KITAS is for former Indonesian citizens who want to stay in Indonesia despite having acquired another country’s citizenship.
When to apply for Repatriation KITAS? Former citizens who wish to visit and stay for a long period in Indonesia need a valid passport and any official government-issued document confirming that they were previously Indonesian citizens.
Bali KITAS Benefits
- Enjoy expat status and the local price for tourist attractions
- Discount for medical assistance and government insurance (only for certain KITAS)
- Possibility of getting drivers’ license and even buying automobiles
- The ability to lease land
- The ability to open and transact from a bank account
- Multiple entry permit during KITAS/ITAS validity
- The eventual ability to apply for permanent residence KITAP (for certain KITAS only)
Reasons To Get Bali KITAS:
- When you plan to stay long-term: If you want to stay in Bali for a year or more, then it doesn’t make sense to repeatedly renew visitor visas as it’s time-consuming, costly, and can draw scrutiny from immigration. KITAS are stabler, longer-term permits.
- When you’re married to an Indonesian citizen: The Family/Spouse/Dependent KITASallows individuals to live with their Indonesian family, offering a stable path toward staying there permanently after being married for two years.
- When you want to work legally: For individuals who have been hired by Indonesian companies, getting a Work KITAS is non-negotiable. Even remote workers require the E33G Remote Worker KITAS (or Digital Nomad KITAS) to be able to stay in Bali or Indonesia and work online legally for overseas clients.
- When you’re business owner or investor: The Investor KITAS streamlines the process for foreigners who are directors or shareholders in Indonesian company (PMA) or foreign investment companies. It often waives the requirement of getting a separate work permit (IMTA), saving money and time.
- When you need local banking and services: Only KITAS/ITAS holders can easily register vehicles in their own names, get drivers licenses, and open bank accounts in local Indonesian banks.
- When you’re over 55 and retiring: Finally, Retirement KITAS are specifically for those who are of age 55 years and above and can showcase a stable income coming from outside the country. Basically, you can stay comfortably for a long time without working.
So, to answer the question of when to apply for Bali KITAS: if you are ready to put down roots and want to enjoy the practical and legal advantages of official residency in Indonesia, then that’s when you need to do it!
Are you ready to pull the trigger? Contact us!
