Moving to Indonesia
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

Indonesia, renowned for its stunning islands, breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and delicious cuisine, captivates the hearts of many travelers. It's no wonder that numerous expats are drawn to the idea of making Indonesia their permanent home. If you're considering this tropical paradise as your new residence, here's what you need to know.

To establish a long-term presence in Indonesia, you'll need to follow these visa procedures:

1. Entry Visa (VITAS) and Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS): Start by applying for an entry visa VITAS and a temporary stay permit ITAS. These permits pave the way for your journey towards permanent residency in Indonesia.
2. Temporary Residence Card (KITAS): After obtaining VITAS and ITAS, the next step is securing a KITAS, which serves as your temporary residence card. KITAS allows you to reside in Indonesia for up to one year, with the option to extend your stay.

Types of KITAS for Moving to Indonesia

Choose the appropriate KITAS type based on your relocation purpose. The most common options include:

• Work Visa KITAS: If your goal is to work in Indonesia, secure a work visa KITAS. Remember, you must have a job offer from an Indonesian employer before applying.
• Family Visa KITAS: For family reunification purposes, you can sponsor your spouse and children's KITAS applications to join you in Indonesia.
• Retirement Visa KITAS: Individuals aged 55 and above looking to retire in Indonesia can apply for a retirement visa. After five years of using this visa, you may apply for permanent residence.
• Student Visa KITAS: Enrolled in an Indonesian educational institution? Obtain a student visa KITAS, valid for 6 to 12 months.

If your objective is employment in Indonesia, secure a work visa KITAS. However, remember to secure a job offer from an Indonesian employer beforehand. After three years with a KITAS, you can apply for a KITAP, a permanent stay permit.

To pursue education in Indonesia, you must enroll in a local educational institution. You'll then be eligible to apply for a study permit, which grants you an entrance visa and residence permit. However, during your stay on a student visa, you cannot engage in any work activities.

For those aged 55 and older planning to retire in Indonesia, a retirement visa is the route to take. Upon arrival, you'll transition to a residence permit KITAS, valid for one year and renewable for five years. After five years, apply for permanent residence with a KITAP.

As a KITAS holder, you can reunite your family in Indonesia. Sponsor your spouse and children for a KITAS family visa. After three years with a KITAS, you're eligible to apply for permanent residency. Navigating these visa processes will lead you toward your dream of relocating to Indonesia, a land of natural wonders and cultural richness.

Indonesia offers numerous advantages and some challenges:

If you plan to bring your pets to Indonesia, there are specific requirements to follow:

• Import Permit: You must obtain an import permit before your pets' arrival in Indonesia.
• Rabies Vaccination: Ensure that your pets have been vaccinated against rabies, with a certificate indicating a minimum of 0.5 units. The certificate should be issued more than 30 days before arrival but not older than one year.
• Health Certificate: Provide an original health certificate for your pets.
• Vaccination Book: Carry the vaccination book for your pets.
• Quarantine: Upon arrival in Indonesia, your pets will undergo a mandatory quarantine period of two weeks (14 days) at a government quarantine facility.

Additionally, you may be subject to duty charges for importing pets, which typically range from $100 to $350 per pet. To process the import permit for your pets, you'll need to provide various details, including breed, sex, age, color, and the pet's name, along with your address in Indonesia, intended arrival date, your name as the owner, and copies of relevant documents such as your passport, vaccination book, health certificate, quarantine documents from the country of origin, and your KITAS (Residence permit).

For expatriates considering a move to Indonesia, several areas are particularly appealing due to their unique characteristics and lifestyle offerings:

Jakarta:

As the capital city, Jakarta is a prominent destination for expats in Indonesia. It serves as the country's economic, cultural, and political hub, presenting a wealth of business opportunities. Jakarta also offers a potentially higher standard of living compared to other regions, with a vibrant nightlife and excellent shopping options. Housing is reasonably priced, and the city boasts affordable living costs. While public transportation is good, Jakarta's major drawbacks include heavy traffic congestion and high pollution levels.

Canggu:

Located in the south of Bali, Canggu is an ideal destination for those who appreciate coastal living, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. This area is particularly popular among digital nomads, offering numerous co-working spaces and working cafes. However, it can get crowded during peak tourist seasons. Canggu is known for its surfing spots and features a variety of restaurants specializing in vegan and vegetarian cuisine.

Ubud:

Ubud is another attractive expat area in Indonesia, situated in the heart of Bali, surrounded by picturesque rice paddies and steep ravines. It's a cultural hotspot that provides a deep immersion into Balinese traditions. While Ubud lacks beaches, it compensates with lush tropical landscapes, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The town is relatively safe and affordable, offering a range of housing options at reasonable prices.

Sanur:

Sanur, with its serene turquoise waters and long sandy beaches, offers a tranquil lifestyle away from the bustling city. It's an excellent choice for expats seeking a peaceful retreat. Sanur boasts a sizable expatriate community, providing opportunities to connect with people from diverse cultures. The area is known for its variety of eateries, serving a mix of western and local cuisine, as well as cozy drinking establishments.

Yogyakarta:

Yogyakarta, celebrated for its traditional art and cultural heritage, attracts expats interested in immersing themselves in Indonesian traditions. It's home to magnificent archaeological sites and is a popular tourist destination. Yogyakarta is particularly popular among students due to its proximity to educational institutions, low living costs, and a range of renowned universities. It's not typically a hub for digital nomads but is favored by expat families seeking a quiet and laid-back lifestyle.

Foreigners relocating to Indonesia have the option to bring their personal belongings with them, either by air or sea. However, adhering to certain regulations is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here are some key guidelines:

• Residency Requirement: You must be physically present in Indonesia while your belongings are being imported. Additionally, your household goods should have been in your possession and used for at least one full year.
• Timeliness: Typically, personal belongings imported by air or sea shipment should arrive within three months after your arrival in Indonesia. Should your air shipment exceed this timeframe, it will be rejected and subject to re-export. For sea shipments arriving later than three months from your arrival, import duty charges may apply.
• KITAS Holders: Those with a KITAS (temporary stay permit) are permitted to import one container of personal belongings into Indonesia.

However, it's important to note that certain items are either prohibited or subject to restrictions upon entry into Indonesia. These include vehicles (cars, motorcycles, etc.), explosives, firearms, drugs, unlicensed medicines, antiques, new items not listed on the inventory, and more. Indonesian Custom Law prohibits the resale of imported personal items.

The process of obtaining permanent residency in Indonesia entails several essential steps:

1. Legally Reside in Indonesia: To qualify for permanent residency, you must establish a record of residing in Indonesia legally. This typically involves living in the country for five consecutive years with a valid KITAS/ITAS (temporary stay permit). This period of lawful residence is a fundamental requirement.
2. Application for KITAP: After successfully completing the required five-year period, you can initiate the application process for a KITAP, which is the Indonesian permanent stay permit card. Your application must substantiate your ongoing eligibility for residency.
3. Automatic Extension: Once granted, the KITAP initially has a validity period of five years. Importantly, if you continue to fulfill the stipulated requirements, this permit is renewed automatically upon its expiration.

It's crucial to be aware that Indonesia strictly prohibits dual citizenship. Indonesian law explicitly states that an Indonesian citizen cannot concurrently hold citizenship from another country. If you intend to acquire Indonesian citizenship, you will be obligated to renounce your existing citizenship.

Different regulations may apply to individuals with one Indonesian parent and one non-Indonesian parent. However, it is imperative to seek legal guidance to navigate this intricate aspect of citizenship.

Achieving permanent residency in Indonesia demands strict adherence to specified criteria and a comprehensive understanding of the nation's citizenship policies.