Indonesia’s immigration policy aims to protect the local workforce by allowing the employment of foreign experts only where their skills are not readily available among Indonesian nationals. These professionals are also expected to transfer their knowledge to local counterparts during their stay.
To improve efficiency and adapt to evolving global mobility needs, Indonesia has introduced key reforms, including the digitalisation of application processes and the launch of new visa categories. These measures are designed to simplify procedures and expand options for foreign nationals. Through these updated policies, the government aims to attract a broader range of foreign talent and investors, thereby encouraging greater investment in the country.
To date, there has been no official announcement of any upcoming changes to Indonesia’s immigration policies or regulations. However, several material operational and regulatory developments were observed in 2025–2026, including the following.
Improvement of Immigration Process
The Directorate General of Immigration has implemented improvements to the immigration process, particularly in strengthening border control and visa monitoring systems.
As part of this enhancement, foreign nationals are now advised to refrain from entering Indonesia using a different type of visa while another visa application is still in process. Previously, overlapping visa usage was more commonly permitted; however, the system has now been enhanced to prevent such occurrences.
Entering Indonesia under a different visa type while an application is ongoing may result in delays or even rejection of the new visa application. Additionally, immigration authorities have implemented more thorough checks on foreign nationals entering Indonesia.
All Indonesia Arrival Card
Effective from 1 September 2025, the Indonesian government officially introduced the All Indonesia Arrival Card, a mandatory procedure for all international travellers (foreign nationals and Indonesian citizens) to follow prior to entry into Indonesia. This declaration streamlines information relating to health, quarantine and customs, and forms an integral component of the immigration clearance process.
Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI)
Indonesia implemented the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) in January 2026, a new long-term immigration programme from the Directorate General of Immigration. The GCI offers eligible foreign nationals indefinite permanent residence with unlimited re-entry, allowing holders to live in Indonesia without renewing permits and to travel freely. However, the GCI does not confer Indonesian nationality. It serves as a form of permanent residency, which means GCI holders do not have voting rights, political rights or other privileges reserved for Indonesian citizens.
The programme aims to support the Indonesian diaspora by providing a secure way to maintain residency and cultural ties while respecting national laws.
Foreign nationals aiming to work and reside in Indonesia have the option of choosing between two categories of work and stay permits, contingent upon the duration of their assignment and role. These categories are delineated as follows:
For more information, go to the following link.
Permanent residence (“KITAP”) may be granted to foreign nationals holding a Limited Stay Permit under the following conditions:
In addition to the standard pathways to KITAP, a new scheme known as Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) offers a tailored long-term and permanent residence permit for former Indonesian citizens (ex-“WNIs”) without recognising dual citizenship.
The GCI however does not grant Indonesian nationality, as it is not a naturalisation process and does not convert into Indonesian citizenship. The holder retains their foreign citizenship and continues to use their foreign passport.
The programme is particularly relevant for former Indonesian citizens who wish to re-establish long-term ties with Indonesia but prefer to retain their current citizenship. It may also extend to other categories of individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria under the GCI framework, although these categories are subject to government regulations and policies.
The GCI scheme covers access to a Limited Stay Visa, conversion to a Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP) or unlimited Permanent Stay Permit, and Re-Entry Permit facilities without the need for periodic renewals typically required under a regular KITAP.
While the GCI offers a more permanent stay arrangement, it remains subject to applicable terms and conditions, including compliance with prevailing immigration regulations, administrative reporting obligations, and any other requirements imposed by the relevant authorities.
Under the GCI scheme, several visa categories have been introduced to accommodate different profiles of applicants, particularly those with familial or historical ties to Indonesia. Each visa type is designed to support a pathway towards long-term and permanent residence.
To legally work and/or engage in work-related activities in Indonesia for Indonesian companies, foreign nationals are required to secure a work permit and/or stay permit sponsored by an Indonesian company. The Indonesian Immigration Law does not include provisions for unsponsored work arrangements.
Investment Permits
Meanwhile, for the investment permit the available options are as follows.
Individual investors who intend to establish a company in Indonesia
Individual investors who do not intend to establish a company (Type E28C)
Corporate investors that will establish branches or subsidiaries in Indonesia (Type E28D)
Corporate investors (board of directors or board of commissioners) that will establish branches or subsidiaries in the Capital City of Nusantara (Ibu Kota Nusantara) (Type E28F)
Representative of overseas company (Type E28G valid for five to ten years)
This is applicable to foreign nationals who carry out a visit or assignment to a branch or sub-branch in Indonesia. The requirement is a statement letter from the parent company affirming that the applicant is assigned to its branch or sub-branch in Indonesia.
Second home (Type E33) – five years’ validity
Foreign visitors’ activities may be subject to limitations based on the type of business visa they possess. Typically, foreign business visitors in Indonesia are prohibited from engaging in any work-related activities or receiving compensation. They are not permitted to:
As part of the pre-travel authorisation process, foreign nationals are required to complete the Arrival Card at All Indonesia), which includes health, quarantine and customs declarations.
A Remote Working Visa (Visa Index E33G) allows foreign nationals to reside in Indonesia for an initial period of up to one year, with the possibility of extension, and is granted on a self-sponsored basis. The applicable government fees for this visa are officially published on the Indonesian immigration portal.
This visa enables individuals to work remotely from Indonesia, provided there is no affiliation between their employer and any Indonesian company, branch or client. In addition, visa holders are strictly prohibited from engaging in work for, or receiving income from, any individual or entity within Indonesia.
While remote working in Indonesia previously existed within a legal grey area, the introduction of the Remote Working Visa has provided greater regulatory clarity. However, from an enforcement perspective, there have been instances of immigration action taken against visa holders who engaged in activities outside the permitted scope. This underscores the importance of strict compliance with the visa conditions.
Several key points should be considered before applying for this visa.
According to Indonesian regulations, companies are obliged to provide Indonesian language education and training for foreign workers holding long-term work permits. However, certain individuals, such as members of the board of directors or commissioners, heads of representative offices, and those with short-term work permits, are exempt from this requirement. The Ministry of Manpower has specified that foreign workers must obtain a language training certificate from an authorised institution. Currently, the Ministry has not enforced the Indonesian language requirement, and it remains uncertain whether or when this will occur in the future. Historically, the international business community in Indonesia has strongly opposed the language requirement. The Indonesian government aims for equitable treatment regarding the use of the Indonesian language, encouraging all stakeholders and companies to understand and utilise Indonesian for official communication, including interactions with government authorities. In cases where language barriers arise, translators can be utilised.
During the pandemic, presenting a medical certificate or proof of COVID-19 vaccination was mandatory for obtaining a visa or immigration clearance in Indonesia. However, this requirement has been rescinded, and it is no longer obligatory, unless specifically requested by the company for internal purposes.
In order to submit an application for a Work and Stay Permit, it is necessary to furnish evidence of professional skills recognition, typically through certificates or documents. These credentials should be pertinent to the proposed job position. The requisite skills qualifications include:
In addition to the above, certain aspects commonly encountered in practice should be noted. While these are not expressly stipulated under prevailing regulations, they reflect typical Ministry of Manpower practice and policy expectations observed during application assessments.
As this amount is also commonly applied as the minimum financial requirement for visa applications, it is therefore reasonable in practice for foreign workers to have a salary aligned with or above USD2,000 per month, considering that the same threshold is expected to be met for entry and stay purposes.
Work permits and stays permits must be sponsored and applied for by an Indonesian company, which must be either a limited liability company or a representative office. Typically, other forms of business entities are also authorised to hire foreign workers subject to the specific terms and conditions set by the relevant authorities.
During the pandemic, foreign national candidates had to provide a criminal background check or police clearance certificate issued by the authorities of their country of origin, or a statement letter from the guarantor/company affirming that the individual had no criminal record. However, as the regulation has been revoked, such document is no longer mandatory, unless specifically requested by the company.
As part of the visa application process, applicants are required to provide a bank statement to prove sufficient funds for living expenses during their stay in Indonesia. The minimum balance should be at least USD2,000 for the last three months. However, if the visa is sponsored by a local employer or company, the applicant may substitute the personal bank statement with a company bank statement.
The work permit and visa applications are submitted online through official government portals. The work permit is processed via the Ministry of Manpower’s portal (TKA Online), while the visa application is submitted through the Directorate General of Immigration’s portal.
The ability to submit a work permit application from a specific country depends on regional security restrictions, particularly whether access to the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower’s portal (TKA Online) is permitted. Currently, the portal can only be accessed from within Indonesia, which may limit submission options from certain countries. However, for visa applications, the immigration portal is accessible globally. Therefore, applicants may also submit their visa applications by themselves from any country.
Prior to the entry of a foreign worker into Indonesia, the sponsoring entity must apply for the following documents:
After submitting a visa application, it is recommended that foreign nationals refrain from entering Indonesia using any other type of visa while their application is being processed. This precautionary measure is crucial to prevent any complications or interruptions in the visa application procedure. Adhering to this guideline ensures compliance and helps avoid potential delays or issues.
There is no fast-track or expedited option for a visa application in Indonesia.
Foreign nationals are allowed to travel to Indonesia within 90 days from the date of issuance of the eVisa. Upon arrival in Indonesia, they will undergo biometric verification at the immigration checkpoint at the airport.
Immigration authorities have recently equipped airport checkpoints with the Autogate System, enabling foreign nationals to bypass long queues during the immigration process. However, this service is only available to foreign nationals holding an electronic passport and an electronic visa, such as an eVOA or eVisa. Subsequently, those who do not meet the requirements may continue to the manual checkpoint at the immigration counter as they will be provided with stickers affixed to their passports, indicating a stay permit (“ITAS”) and re-entry permit (“MERP”).
A few days after arrival, foreign nationals will receive an electronic limited stay permit (E-ITAS) sent to their registered email address by the immigration authorities and/or made available for download from the company account in the official portal of immigration. It is advisable to plan a buffer period and remain in Indonesia for at least one week after arrival to ensure that the E-ITAS has been successfully issued. This will help avoid any potential issues when departing from and/or re-entering Indonesia for future travel. Upon completion of immigration formalities, local registration must be submitted to the relevant government authorities, as outlined below:
The government fees for new Work and Stay Permit applications are as follows.
For work visa applications, payment is generally processed through the SIMPONI system (state-owned banks in Indonesia), in line with the applicable procedures set by the Indonesian immigration authorities. For non-working visa applications, the official eVisa platform provides more flexibility in payment methods. In addition to SIMPONI, payments may also be completed using supported credit or debit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, or JCB.
Applicants are advised to follow the payment instructions generated within the eVisa system to ensure that the transaction is completed correctly and the application can proceed without delay.
The authorities will take enforcement measures against individuals and/or sponsors under the following circumstances:
As an employer of foreign workers in Indonesia, there are specific obligations that must be adhered to, failure to comply with which may lead to sanctions and penalties as outlined in the regulations.
To verify a foreigner’s eligibility to work in Indonesia, both the corporate documents of the sponsoring company and the personal documents of the foreign individual must be comprehensive and meet the minimum standards established by the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration.
Corporate Documents
Limited liability company
Representative office
Personal Documents From Foreign Nationals
Main applicant
Family members
All documents must be in Bahasa Indonesia, English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
The requirements for obtaining a dependant visa are as follows.
These criteria specify who qualifies for a dependant visa based on their familial relationships and legal status. It is important to note that Indonesia only acknowledges family relations with legally married opposite-gender partners.
Individuals with a dependant visa in Indonesia are prohibited from engaging in any form of employment, including receiving payment or compensation from individuals or companies within Indonesia. Therefore, dependants must secure separate work authorisation sponsored by an Indonesian company if they wish to work in the country.
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The Development of Regulations on the Use of Foreign Workers in Indonesia: Balancing Flexibility for Foreign Businesses and Protection of Local Workers
Recent developments in Indonesia’s foreign investment regulations and the use of foreign workers
Indonesia’s regulatory framework on foreign direct investment (FDI) and the use of foreign workers (Tenaga Kerja Asing or TKA) has continued to evolve in line with broader efforts to strengthen economic competitiveness while safeguarding national workforce interests. Recent reforms reflect the government’s consistent objective of positioning Indonesia as an attractive investment destination, while ensuring that foreign participation also contributes to domestic human capital development and labour market resilience. Law Number 6 of 2023 on the Stipulation of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 2 of 2022 on Job Creation (the “Job Creation Law”) forms a key pillar of this policy direction.
As reflected in its academic drafting, investment is recognised as a central driver of economic growth and a key indicator of national economic performance. In this context, Indonesia continues to prioritise FDI as one of the main engines of growth, supported by ongoing efforts to improve regulatory efficiency, particularly in business licensing. A key focus of the reform agenda is simplification of administrative processes, reduction of regulatory burdens, and enhancement of legal certainty. One of the areas directly impacted by these reforms is the utilisation of TKA, which is closely linked to FDI inflows.
FDI is generally accompanied by the introduction of advanced technologies, capital equipment, and specialised expertise, which in certain cases necessitates the engagement of TKA to support operational and technical requirements. In addition, there remains a practical tendency for certain foreign investors to deploy personnel from their home countries in Indonesia. As a result, the increase in FDI has been accompanied by a corresponding rise in the utilisation of TKA.
At the same time, Indonesia maintains a structured regulatory framework designed to protect domestic employment opportunities. Law No 13 of 2003 on Manpower, as last amended by the Job Creation Law (the “Manpower Law”), requires employers to obtain approval prior to employing TKA and mandates prioritisation of Indonesian workers for available positions, except where required expertise is not yet available domestically. This framework through Government Regulation No 34 of 2021 on the Utilisation of Foreign Workers (“GR 34/2021”) further regulates the employment of TKA by requiring employers to obtain Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing or RPTKA) Approval and by limiting TKA employment to certain positions and for a specified period of time, while maintaining obligations relating to Indonesian counterpart workers and knowledge transfer.
In parallel, the broader legal framework governing foreign nationals is also supported by Law No 6 of 2011 on Immigration, as most recently amended by Law No 63 of 2024 (the “Immigration Law”), which regulates visas and stay permits for TKA in Indonesia, including the requirements, duration of stay, and other matters that must be considered when a foreign national intends to reside in Indonesia as a TKA. Collectively, these regulations reflect an ongoing policy balance between maintaining an open investment climate and ensuring the protection of domestic employment opportunities.
Current trends in foreign investment and the use of foreign workers in Indonesia
Indonesia’s commitment to attracting foreign investment continues to strengthen, as reflected in President Prabowo Subianto’s participation in the Business Summit Roundtable at the US Chamber of Commerce in February 2026, which resulted in investment commitments amounting to USD38.4 billion through various strategic agreements. While this demonstrates Indonesia’s continued efforts to attract foreign capital, it also underscores the importance of ensuring that future investment realisation remains aligned with domestic labour protection and workforce development objectives.
At the same time, Indonesia’s regulatory approach to foreign investment and TKA reflects a dual-track policy dynamic. On the one hand, the government continues to enhance Indonesia’s attractiveness as an investment destination, which indirectly supports the inflow of TKA. On the other hand, there remains a clear policy objective to strengthen domestic workforce development. Rather than being viewed as conflicting priorities, these elements represent an ongoing process of regulatory calibration aimed at achieving a balanced and sustainable approach.
Investment-friendly regulatory environment
From an investment perspective, Indonesia has continued to refine and simplify its regulatory framework to ease foreign business and investment. A notable development is Regulation of the Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry/Investment Coordinating Board Number 5 of 2025 on Guidelines and Procedures for the Implementation of Risk-Based Business Licensing and Investment Facilities through the Electronically Integrated Business Licensing System (Online Single Submission) (“BKPM 5/2025”), which adjusts investment requirements, including a reduction in the paid-up capital threshold for foreign investment companies (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing or PT PMA). Under BKPM 5/2025, the government has introduced adjustments to the capital requirements for foreign investment companies, including a reduction of the paid-up capital threshold for PT PMA to IDR2.5 billion, subject to certain conditions, including restrictions on withdrawal within a specified period. In addition, ongoing digitalisation of the business licensing system reflects Indonesia’s broader efforts to enhance administrative efficiency and transparency, with the intention of simplifying processes for investors, reducing procedural barriers, and strengthening Indonesia’s position as a modern and efficient investment destination.
Regulatory framework for TKA
In line with investment facilitation, Indonesia continues to maintain a structured regulatory framework governing the use of TKA to ensure that their employment is genuinely required by companies in Indonesia. This is implemented through mechanisms such as an interview between the employing company and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to verify the company’s eligibility as an employer and to clarify the necessity for hiring TKA. This is then followed by the preparation of an RPTKA and the issuance of RPTKA Approval, which serves as the main legal basis for the employment of TKA by the relevant employer.
Throughout the entire process leading to the issuance of a work permit, several obligations must also be fulfilled, including the appointment of Indonesian counterpart workers, accompanied by annual reporting requirements on the implementation of knowledge transfer and technology transfer. This regulatory framework ensures that the utilisation of TKA is integrated with domestic workforce development objectives. In principle, the framework is designed to support knowledge transfer and capacity building in the workplace, enabling Indonesian workers to work alongside foreign experts and gradually develop the skills necessary to assume more advanced positions.
Immigration compliance as part of TKA utilisation
In the context of employing TKA in Indonesia, compliance with immigration requirements constitutes an inseparable component of the overall regulatory framework governing foreign employment. Following the issuance of the work permit, the process continues with visa application procedures and the issuance of a stay permit, which serve as the legal basis for a foreign national’s presence in Indonesia. In practice, TKA are required to hold a visa and stay permit that correspond to the specific purpose and nature of their activities in Indonesia, particularly for employment purposes. For certain categories of positions, such as commissioners, specific visa classifications may apply, while directors and other operational or professional positions are subject to different visa categories in accordance with their job structure and work functions.
These classifications are further regulated under the Immigration Law and applicable implementing regulations issued by the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, including the Decision of the Minister of Immigration and Corrections (MOIC) Republic of Indonesia Number M.IP-08.GR.01.01 of 2025 on Visa Classifications for foreign nationals. The alignment between visa type, stay permit, and job position reflects a fundamental principle of Indonesian immigration law, under which foreign nationals are only permitted to engage in activities that correspond to the purpose for which their immigration status was granted. Accordingly, the immigration system functions as a regulatory control mechanism to ensure that the presence of TKA remains within the scope of activities approved by the competent authorities.
From an enforcement perspective, the use of a visa or stay permit that does not correspond to its designated purpose may be classified as a violation of immigration regulations. Such non-compliance may result in administrative immigration measures, including cancellation of stay permits, restrictions on activities, and, in more serious cases, deportation, in accordance with applicable immigration laws and regulations. Furthermore, in the context of foreign investment activities, non-compliance with immigration requirements may not only affect the individual TKA concerned but may also have implications for the sponsoring company. This can impact licensing compliance, corporate compliance reputation, and the continuity of business operations involving TKA in Indonesia.
Dynamics of foreign investment implementation and the use of TKA
One of the ongoing dynamics within Indonesia’s foreign investment and TKA framework is the continuous process of alignment between the normative objectives of the regulatory framework and its implementation in practice. From a regulatory perspective, Indonesia has established a relatively comprehensive framework to ensure that the involvement of TKA also contributes to the development of domestic human capital. In practice, the implementation of these policies continues to evolve positively in line with growing awareness among business actors regarding the importance of domestic workforce development as part of sustainable investment.
One of the prevailing trends in Indonesia’s foreign investment landscape is the involvement of TKA in strategic functions and decision-making roles across various sectors. Although, from a regulatory standpoint, TKA may only be employed for certain positions and for a specified period of time, in practice, the involvement of foreign nationals in strategic roles, particularly in capital-intensive sectors such as mineral downstreaming, often forms part of the operational requirements of large-scale investment projects. This is typically driven by the need for specialised technical expertise, international experience, and familiarity with global operational standards, which in turn also contributes to accelerating industrial development and strengthening sectoral competitiveness.
In addition, the requirement for companies to appoint Indonesian workers as counterparts to TKA as part of the knowledge transfer mechanism is increasingly viewed as an important instrument in strengthening national human capital. This provision is fundamentally designed to facilitate structured and gradual skills transfer, enabling Indonesian workers to gain direct exposure to international best practices. Over time, the implementation of this mechanism is increasingly being directed towards a more substantive approach, beyond mere administrative compliance, through the strengthening of training and mentoring programmes at the company level.
With more structured incentives and mentoring frameworks, knowledge transfer is expected to become more effective and measurable, and to generate long-term benefits for the improvement of Indonesian workforce competencies. In this broader context, the International Labour Organization (ILO), during its national dialogue in Jakarta on 29 April 2026, emphasised the importance of strengthening the integration between trade and investment policies and the decent work agenda, so that investment can contribute more effectively to labour protection, skills development, and sustainable workforce capacity-building.
Policy direction and outlook
Looking ahead, Indonesia’s regulatory framework on foreign investment and the use of TKA is expected to continue evolving in line with broader economic transformation and ongoing global investment dynamics. As the government remains focused on strengthening Indonesia’s position as a competitive investment destination, this objective is increasingly expected to be accompanied by efforts to ensure that foreign participation also contributes meaningfully to the development of national human resources. In this regard, it is anticipated that Indonesian workers will no longer lag behind TKA and will increasingly occupy strategic positions in the national economy, while also being viewed more favourably by foreign investors.
As of April 2026, public statements from the MOM indicate that the government is reviewing aspects of Indonesia’s TKA regulatory framework, with the aim of maintaining support for foreign investment while safeguarding national employment interests. This policy review reflects a broader effort to achieve a balance between economic openness and domestic workforce development priorities. One emerging area of development is the continued digitalisation of investment and employment permits systems.
Building on reforms introduced under the Job Creation Law, further integration between investment licensing systems and TKA permit mechanisms has the potential to improve regulatory efficiency, strengthen transparency, and support more effective supervision of TKA utilisation. In practice, this enables the government to better align investment inflows with national workforce development objectives. At the same time, policy direction is expected to place greater emphasis on improving the quality of implementation, rather than merely ensuring the completeness of the formal regulatory framework. While existing instruments such as the mandatory local counterpart requirement already provide a foundation for knowledge transfer, their effectiveness remains highly dependent on supervision and implementation at the company level.
Accordingly, strengthening this aspect is essential to ensure that foreign expertise is transferred to Indonesian workers in a more structured, measurable, and sustainable manner. This can be seen in OJK Regulation No 1 of 2026 on the Employment of Foreign Workers and Knowledge Transfer Programs by Commercial Banks (“POJK 1/2026”), which places greater emphasis on ensuring that knowledge and expertise are genuinely transferred within the banking sector. In many ways, this regulation represents an important first step towards establishing a more robust “protective shield” for domestic professionals. Although the POJK 1/2026 applies specifically to commercial banks, it may serve as a useful reference for future policy development in other sectors, particularly in strengthening oversight of knowledge transfer obligations and reinforcing the role of Indonesian workers.
In addition, co-ordination between investment and labour policies will remain a key factor. A more integrated inter-agency approach can help ensure that investment incentives are also linked to workforce development outcomes, including training, upskilling, and career development opportunities for Indonesian workers. Overall, the outlook indicates that Indonesia’s regulatory approach will continue to move towards a more balanced and outcome-oriented framework. The regulatory focus is therefore expected to move beyond the mere attraction of foreign investment, towards ensuring that such investment contributes to sustainable economic development through greater participation, upskilling, and capacity-building of the domestic workforce.
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