Contents
1. Quick Visa Selector
Not sure which visa you need? Use this decision guide to find your category quickly. Answer the first question that applies to your situation:
| Your Situation | Recommended Visa |
|---|---|
| Visiting as a tourist for up to 60 days | B1 Visa on Arrival |
| Tourist visit needing a pre-arranged 60-day visa | C1 Tourist Visit Visa |
| Attending business meetings (single trip, up to 60 days) | C2 Business Visit Visa |
| Frequent business travel (1- or 2-year multi-entry) | D2 Multiple-Entry Business |
| Pre-investment site visits, feasibility studies (180 days) | C12 Pre-Investment Visit |
| Remote worker (foreign employer, 1 year) | E33G Remote Worker KITAS |
| Working for an Indonesian employer | E23 Work KITAS series |
| Married to an Indonesian citizen | E31A Family KITAS |
| Retired, age 55+, with $3,000/mo income | E33F Retirement KITAS (1yr) |
| Retired, age 60+, willing to deposit $50,000 | E33E Retirement KITAS (5yr) |
| Investor with IDR 10 billion (~$640K) in a PT PMA | E28A Investor KITAS |
For a broader introduction to the Indonesian visa system, our complete Indonesia visa guide covers the fundamentals. If your situation doesn't fit neatly into any category above — for example, you're a freelancer working for both Indonesian and foreign clients, or you're operating a business but not in an employer-employee relationship — consulting an immigration lawyer is the right next step. Indonesia's immigration rules have nuances that affect edge cases significantly.
Note on old visa codes: You may still see references online to B211 (social/tourist), B213 (VoA), or the C313 work series. These were retired when Indonesia restructured its visa code system. Throughout this guide, we use the current codes that match what you'll find on official applications at evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
2. Tourist & Visit Visas
The tourist and visit visa category covers all short-to-medium term stays where you are not employed by an Indonesian entity. It is the most commonly used category and now runs from the free 30-day visa exemption all the way to a 2-year multiple-entry D1 visit visa for repeat visitors.
Visa Exemption (Free Entry)
Citizens of around 90 countries can enter Indonesia without a visa for up to 30 days. No application is required — simply present your passport at the port of entry. Critical limitation: no extension possible. After 30 days you must depart. There is no way to convert a visa-exemption entry to an extension — you must leave and re-enter.
B1 Visa on Arrival
Available to citizens of over 90 countries at major Indonesian entry points. The B1 VoA gives you 30 days with one possible 30-day extension (60 days total). Can be pre-purchased online to save time at the airport. Best for: tourists wanting flexibility without pre-arranging a visa.
C1 Tourist Visit Visa (60 days)
A pre-arranged single-entry tourist visa replacing the old B211 codes. Initial stay is 60 days and is extendable. Best for: travelers whose nationality lacks VoA access, or anyone who wants a longer base stay than the B1 VoA's 30 days. The C1 covers tourism, visiting friends or family, transit, and attendance at meetings/incentives/conventions/exhibitions as a participant (not as a speaker).
D1 Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (1 or 2 years)
The 60-day-per-entry multiple-entry visit visa for repeat visitors, available with either 1-year or 2-year validity. Each entry permits up to 60 days. Best for: people splitting time between Indonesia and elsewhere, families with relatives in Indonesia, or frequent leisure visitors. Like other visit visas, the D1 does not authorize employment with an Indonesian entity.
What replaced the B211 social visa?
The old B211A social/cultural visa is no longer the standard option for long-stay non-tourist activities. Depending on your purpose, the current replacements are: the C1 visit visa (60 days, extendable, for tourism / family visits), the D1 multiple-entry visit visa for repeat leisure visitors, or — for foreign-employed remote workers who want to live in Indonesia legally — the E33G Remote Worker KITAS described in section 4.
| Type | Duration | Extendable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | 30 days | No | Quick tourism |
| B1 Visa on Arrival | 30 + 30 days | Once | Tourism, flexibility |
| C1 Tourist Visit | 60 days | Yes | Pre-arranged longer leisure visits |
| D1 Multiple Entry | 60 days/entry | 1yr / 2yr validity | Frequent leisure / family travel |
3. Business Visas
Indonesia's business visa system spans the C- and D-series single- and multiple-entry visit visas, plus the B4 short-stay government business visa. These are visit visas — they authorize business activities during a visit to Indonesia but do not authorize ongoing employment, salary, or residency.
C-Series: Single-Entry Business Visit Visas
The C-series covers single-entry business visit visas. The most commonly used:
- C2 — General business meetings, shopping/factory inspections, contract negotiations and signing. Stay up to 60 days, extendable. The most commonly issued business visit visa.
- C12 — Pre-investment activities including field surveys and feasibility studies. Stay up to 180 days, extendable. Requires proof of USD 5,000 in living expenses. Important for investors scoping the market before committing.
Other C-series codes (C4–C20 and sub-variants) cover narrower scenarios such as journalism, research, government coordination, training, and audit. The full list is available on the official e-visa portal.
D-Series: Multiple-Entry Business Visit Visas
The D-series provides multiple-entry visit visas for frequent travelers, available in either 1-year or 2-year validity:
- D2 — General multiple-entry business visit visa, 60 days per entry. The practical default for executives visiting Indonesia several times a year.
- D12 — Multiple-entry for pre-investment activity, 180 days per entry. Designed for investors running longer site visits across multiple trips.
B4 Government Business (short stay)
For short-stay government business at the port of entry, the B4 visa covers 30 days extendable for another 30. Best for officials and contractors invited for specific government meetings.
C2 vs D2: Which One Fits
For regular business travelers, the choice between C2 (single entry) and D2 (multiple entry) depends on travel frequency and planning horizon rather than activity type — the permitted activities are essentially the same:
- 1–2 trips per year: A C2 single-entry visa per trip is the simpler administrative path.
- 3+ trips per year: A 1-year D2 removes the need to reapply each time and gives consistent eligibility across multiple entries.
- Two-year horizon: The 2-year D2 is the lowest-overhead option for anyone visiting Indonesia frequently across a multi-year window.
Important distinction: Business visit visas (B4, C-, and D-series) are for activities in Indonesia — meetings, negotiations, inspections, feasibility studies. They explicitly prohibit selling goods or services, supervising production continuously, and receiving any wages or compensation from individuals or companies in Indonesia. Paid work for an Indonesian entity requires an E23 work KITAS.
4. Work Visas (E23 KITAS Series)
Work visas in Indonesia are fundamentally different from tourist or business visit visas. They are limited stay permits (KITAS) rather than entry visas, and they require employer sponsorship and government approvals before the individual can enter Indonesia to work. The old C313 series has been retired; current work KITAS codes all sit under the E23 family.
The Active E23 Work Visas
As of 2026, the active E23 work KITAS variants are:
- E23 — General work KITAS. For foreign workers employed by Indonesian companies across most industries.
- E23U — Domestic staff of diplomats. For housemaids and household staff working with diplomatic missions.
- E23V — Chamber of Commerce work KITAS. For foreigners carrying out chamber-of-commerce-sponsored activities.
- E23Y — Digital Expert work KITAS. For roles in cybersecurity, software development, digital marketing, social media, data analytics, content marketing, and UX/UI design.
All four active E23 variants are issued for stays of 180 days, 1 year, or 2 years, each extendable. Several older sub-codes (E23A/X, the E25 commissioner/director series, E26 maritime crew, E27 religious workers, and E29 researchers) are currently inactive.
What Employers Must Do
An Indonesian employer sponsoring a foreign worker must first obtain RPTKA approval (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing — Foreign Worker Utilization Plan) from the Ministry of Manpower. This involves demonstrating that the role meets the criteria for foreign employment and committing to knowledge transfer to Indonesian staff. The RPTKA process typically takes weeks before the individual E23 KITAS application can proceed.
Common E23 Requirements
Across the active E23 variants, applicants need:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of living expenses (typically USD $2,000 or equivalent)
- Recent color photograph, CV, and travel itinerary
- Sponsoring statement from the relevant Indonesian ministry/government body (Manpower for E23, Diplomatic mission for E23U, trade authority for E23V, labor ministry for E23Y)
KITAS to KITAP: The Long-Term Path
After several consecutive years on an E23 work KITAS, foreign nationals may apply for a KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap — Permanent Stay Permit). The KITAP removes annual renewal and offers significantly more stable status. Eligibility specifics depend on category and sponsorship type — confirm with an immigration consultant for your situation.
The Work Permit Rule
Indonesia's rule is clear and strictly enforced: if you receive payment from an Indonesian entity for work performed in Indonesia, you need an E23 work KITAS. This includes salaries, consulting fees, director payments, and similar arrangements. Remote workers employed exclusively by foreign companies (no Indonesian clients, no Indonesian-entity income) should obtain the E33G Remote Worker KITAS instead — a legally clear long-term option that replaces the ambiguous social-visa arrangements of the past.
Need Help Choosing Your Visa?
Use our visa comparison tool to see detailed requirements and processing times for each category.
Explore Tourist & Social Visas →5. Family Visas (E31)
The E31 series provides family-based residence permits for foreign nationals with qualifying relationships to Indonesian citizens or to KITAS/KITAP holders. These are among the most stable long-term visa options available because they are tied to an ongoing family relationship rather than an employment contract.
The E31 Series at a Glance
- E31A — Spouse of Indonesian citizen. The most common family KITAS. Permits employment or study in Indonesia provided each activity is reported to Immigration under the multiple-activity reporting process.
- E31B — Spouse of a Limited Stay Visa / KITAS / KITAP holder (including Employee, Investor, Student, Diaspora, Retirement, Remote Worker, Second Home, and Golden Visa categories). Important for expat family accompaniment.
- E31C — Child born of a lawful marriage where one parent is an Indonesian citizen.
- E31H — Parent joining a KITAS/KITAP-holding child in Indonesia.
All four are issued for either 1-year or 2-year validity. A re-entry permit and e-ITAS are issued automatically on arrival at the immigration checkpoint once the visa is granted.
Key E31 Limitations
- E31A and E31C permit employment-related activities only when reported to Immigration under the multiple-activity reporting process; E31B and E31H do not grant work rights at all.
- All foreign documents (marriage/birth certificates) must be legalized and translated by a sworn translator unless already written in English — a process that can take months if done from abroad.
- E31B and E31H validity is tied to the sponsor's KITAS/KITAP status — if the sponsor's permit lapses, the dependent's permit is affected.
The KITAP Path for Spouses
Spouses of Indonesian citizens on an E31A have a direct path to permanent residency. After several consecutive years of continuous residence on E31A, they can apply for KITAP. The KITAP removes annual renewal requirements and provides significantly more stable immigration status in Indonesia.
6. Retirement Visas (E33)
Indonesia's retirement visa system is designed for foreign nationals who want to live in Indonesia without working. Two main variants exist — a 1-year option (E33F) and a 5-year option (E33E) with a stricter age threshold and a bank deposit requirement. Both are among the most attractive retirement programs in Southeast Asia.
E33F — Standard 1-Year Retirement KITAS
- Age requirement: 55 years minimum, strictly enforced
- Income requirement: Bank account proving income or allowance of at least USD $3,000 per month
- Validity: 1 year, renewable
- Best for: Retirees who want flexibility or are not yet ready to commit long-term to Indonesia
E33E — Premium 5-Year Retirement KITAS
- Age requirement: 60 years minimum (note: stricter than E33F)
- Income requirement: Minimum USD $3,000 per month
- Bank deposit: Statement of commitment to deposit at least USD $50,000 in an Indonesian state-owned bank account in your own name, to be reported within 90 days of entry
- Validity: 5 years, extendable
- Best for: Long-term retirees who want to minimize annual bureaucracy and don't mind the higher deposit and age threshold
What Retirement KITAS Holders Can and Cannot Do
Retirement KITAS holders cannot earn wages or other compensation from individuals or companies in Indonesia and cannot sell goods or services. They may travel freely in and out of Indonesia, bring eligible family members under the E31 series, and engage in tourism, meetings, and shopping/inspection activities. Passive investment (property, listed shares) does not count as "work" for immigration purposes, and they can employ Indonesian domestic staff.
7. Investment Visas (E28)
The E28 investor KITAS series is for foreign nationals making substantial capital investments in Indonesian businesses. Unlike standard work visas, an investment KITAS holder can manage their own investment without needing a separate work permit — the investment itself justifies the permit.
The Main E28 Variants
- E28A — Standard investor KITAS for a shareholder of an existing PT PMA. Requires share ownership of at least IDR 10,000,000,000 (~$640,000 USD) in the guarantor company. Validity: 1 year or 2 years.
- E28B — For a foreigner committing to establish a new company in Indonesia. Investment commitment: at least USD $2.5M for a 5-year permit or USD $5M for a 10-year permit. Requires parent-company turnover proof of $25M–$50M audited by an international firm.
- E28C — Portfolio investor purchasing Indonesian government bonds or listed company stocks/mutual funds. Commitment: USD $350,000 (5 years) or USD $700,000 (10 years; or a $1M apartment purchase).
- E28D — Board director/commissioner of an Indonesian subsidiary of a foreign parent. Commitment: USD $25M (5 years) or USD $50M (10 years).
- E28F — Board director/commissioner of a company being established in Nusantara Capital City (IKN), East Kalimantan. Commitment: USD $5M (5 years) or USD $10M (10 years).
The PT PMA Requirement
Most investment KITAS applications presuppose a PT PMA (Perusahaan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing — Foreign Capital Investment Limited Company). This is Indonesia's legal structure for foreign-owned businesses. Establishing a PT PMA involves engaging Indonesian legal counsel, selecting the correct business classification (KBLI code), meeting minimum capital requirements, and obtaining BKPM (investment board) approval. The process typically takes 2–4 months.
Investment vs Work KITAS
The investment KITAS is appropriate for business owners and investors who are actively managing their own investment. It is not a substitute for an E23 work KITAS if you are employed by an Indonesian company in a role that is not your own investment management. The distinction matters — immigration authorities can question the substance of claimed investments, and many E28 categories now require commitment compliance to be reported within 90 days of arrival.
8. Master Comparison Table
The following table summarizes all major Indonesian visa types with the key parameters that matter most for decision-making.
| Visa Type | Code | Max Stay | Work Rights | Renewable? | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | — | 30 days | No | Re-entry only | Very Easy |
| Visa on Arrival | B1 | 30 + 30 days | No | 1 extension | Very Easy |
| Tourist Visit (single) | C1 | 60 days | No | Extendable | Easy |
| Tourist Visit (multi) | D1 | 60 days / entry | No | 1yr or 2yr validity | Easy |
| Business Visit (single) | C2 | 60 days | Business visits only | Extendable | Easy |
| Business Visit (multi) | D2 | 60 days / entry | Business visits only | 1yr or 2yr validity | Easy |
| Pre-Investment Visit | C12 | 180 days | Surveys / feasibility only | Extendable | Moderate |
| Remote Worker KITAS | E33G | 1 year | Foreign employer only | Annual | Moderate |
| Work KITAS (general) | E23 | 180d / 1yr / 2yr | Yes (sponsoring employer) | Renewable | Complex |
| Digital Expert Work | E23Y | 180d / 1yr / 2yr | Yes (digital roles) | Renewable | Complex |
| Spouse of Indonesian | E31A | 1yr or 2yr | With reporting (multiple-activity) | Renewable → KITAP | Moderate |
| Spouse/Parent of KITAS | E31B / E31H | 1yr or 2yr | No | Renewable | Moderate |
| Retirement (1 year) | E33F | 1 year (age 55+) | No | Renewable | Moderate |
| Retirement (5 year) | E33E | 5 years (age 60+) | No | Renewable | Moderate |
| Investor (shareholder) | E28A | 1yr or 2yr | Own investment only | Renewable | Very Complex |
| Investor (founder) | E28B | 5yr or 10yr | Own business activity | Renewable | Very Complex |
| Portfolio Investor | E28C | 5yr or 10yr | Investment management | Renewable | Very Complex |
| IKN Investor (BOD/BOC) | E28F | 5yr or 10yr | BOD/BOC of IKN company | Renewable | Very Complex |
| Permanent Stay | KITAP | 5 years | Per underlying basis | 5-year renewal | Complex |
The Complexity Scale Explained
- Very Easy: Apply at airport or online, minimal paperwork, immediate decision
- Easy: Apply online or at embassy, standard documents, 1–5 day processing
- Moderate: Requires supporting documents, in-person steps, 1–4 week processing, possible agent assistance recommended
- Complex: Multiple government agencies, extensive documentation, 1–3 month process, legal assistance strongly recommended
- Very Complex: Corporate structure establishment, multiple approval stages, 3–6 month process, legal representation essentially required
Which Visa for Remote Workers?
This deserves special mention as it's one of the most asked questions. For remote workers employed by foreign companies who want to live in Indonesia:
- Up to 60 days: B1 Visa on Arrival — simplest option, no employer documentation needed
- Up to 2 years of frequent shorter visits: D1 multi-entry tourist visa, 60 days per entry
- 1 year (foreign employment): E33G Remote Worker KITAS — the official, legally clear path. Requires a foreign employment contract, proof of salary of at least USD $60,000/year, and a USD $2,000 personal bank statement covering the last 3 months. The permit must be used within 90 days of issue.
- Freelancers or self-employed: The E33G is contract-based, so true freelancers without a single foreign employer don't fit cleanly. Consult an immigration specialist for the appropriate approach.
The E33G is the official replacement for the old practice of stringing together B211 social visas. It provides a clear 1-year residence permit with a straightforward annual renewal path, an e-ITAS issued automatically on arrival, and an optional physical KITAS card at the immigration office.
About this guide
Written by the Indonesia Immigration Guide editorial team. IndoVisaGuide.com publishes practical, research-based immigration guides for expats, remote workers, and business travelers. Content is reviewed against official Directorate General of Immigration sources.
Related Guides
Complete Guide to Indonesian Visas
Every visa category explained for 2026
GuideIndonesia Visa on Arrival 2026
Eligible countries and the airport process
GuideBali Visa Requirements 2026
Every visa option for Bali explained
GuideIndonesia Visa Extension Guide
How to extend your VoA or visit visa