Entering 2026: The Landscape of Indonesia Residence Permits: Who, Why Important?
Indonesia has rapidly transformed from merely a tourism destination, especially with the global popularity of Bali, to a long-term living and business establishment center for digital nomads, investors, retirees, and global talents.
However, the country’s visa and residence system appears quite complex to outsiders due to both its diversity and frequently updated regulations. New programs coming into effect during 2025-2026, the e-Visa system, and concepts like “bridging visa” are making the landscape even more dynamic.
In this guide, we will address all the essential pathways in Indonesia, from:
- Short-term tourist stays,
- Work and investment-based KITAS/KITAP processes,
- Investor programs similar to golden visas,
- Global talent, second home, silver hair (retiree) visas,
- Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) status specifically for the diaspora
in a clear and practical language.
As Corpenza, our focus area is corporatization, investment, payroll/EOR, posted worker, and global mobility. Therefore, we will also highlight critical points specifically for investors, corporate assignments, and professionals planning long-term living.
1. Legal Framework: Which Institution, Which Law? (2026 Perspective)
To understand the visa and residence system in Indonesia, it is essential to clarify the basic legislation and institutions.
1.1. Basic Laws and Regulations
- Immigration Law No. 6/2011: The main immigration law that forms the basis for all visas and residence permits.
- Government Regulation No. 34/2021: This regulation details types of visas, durations of stay, and procedures.
- Job Creation Law (with amendments to the Manpower Law): It is decisive regarding work permits for foreign workers, employer obligations, and the simplification of processes.
1.2. Authorized Institutions
- Directorate General of Immigration: The main authority responsible for all visas, e-Visas, and short and long-term residence permits.
- Ministry of Manpower: Authorized in matters related to work permits, employer obligations, and the employment of foreign personnel.
There are also avenues for administrative appeal and, if necessary, litigation against visa or residence decisions in domestic law. This provides an important layer of legal security, especially for companies planning high-volume investments and long-term business.
1.3. 2025-2026 Trends: Digitalizing and Tightening Migration Management
As we approach 2026, the key trends are:
- Simplification of categories and the majority of applications being conducted through the e-Visa system.
- Standardization of biometrics and interviews in almost all applications.
- The new mechanism called Bridging Visa allows individuals to change their visa/residence status without leaving the country.
This scenario makes the process more predictable for both individual applications and multi-country personnel movements, while also indicating less tolerance for errors on the documentation and compliance side.
2. Short-Term Entry: The Easiest Ways to Enter Bali and Indonesia as a Tourist in 2026
2.1. Visa Exemption (Visa-Free)
Currently, visa exemption is only valid for certain ASEAN countries. In this context, entry into the country is generally allowed without a visa for up to 30 days, and this period cannot be extended.
2.2. e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA)
The most practical tourist route for many nationalities is the e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) system:
- Initial stay duration: 30 days.
- Extension: Can be extended once, for a total stay of up to 60 days.
- Fee: Approximately IDR 500,000.
- Application: Online application through the official Indonesian e-Visa platform.
- Convenience: e-VOA holders can use automatic passport gates (autogate), especially at Bali Airport.
This structure offers a low-cost and flexible option for those wishing to make a short exploratory visit, market research, or a “trial stay” before potential settlement.
2.3. Tourist Service Facilitation for 2026 (Bali Example)
The immigration authority is particularly focused on improving the tourist experience in Bali:
- The Immigration Lounge concept for tourist visa extensions; tested as a pop-up in shopping malls in 2025, with plans for permanent lounges in 2026.
- New immigration offices like Tabanan & Klungkung are planned for closer and faster service to areas like Canggu, Bedugul, East Bali.
This initial contact process is significant for those considering moving from a short stay to long-term residency; errors such as visa violations and overstays can complicate future KITAS/KITAP applications.
3. The Backbone of Long-Term Residency: ITAS (KITAS) and ITAP (KITAP)
The Indonesian residence system revolves around two main bodies:
3.1. ITAS / KITAS – Limited Stay Permit
ITAS (Limited Stay Permit) or commonly known as KITAS, is the first step in most long-term stay scenarios:
- Duration: Generally issued for between 6 months to 1 year; versions that can be extended up to 2 years for specific purposes are also available.
- Purposes: Subcategories such as work, investment, family reunification, education, retirement, etc.
- Corporate mobility: Positioned as the main tool for assignments of 6 months and longer.
3.2. ITAP / KITAP – Permanent Stay Permit
ITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) or KITAP, represents a more permanent residency status:
- Duration: Generally issued for up to 5 years and renewable.
- Roadmap: After staying for a certain period with KITAS, it is possible to apply for KITAP through marriage, investment, or special programs.
3.3. General Conditions (Common Framework for KITAS/KITAP)
- At least 18 months valid passport.
- Financial sufficiency to cover expenses during the stay (bank statements, income documents, etc.).
- Supporting documents for the purpose of stay (employment contract, investment licenses, marriage certificate, school acceptance, etc.).
- Compliance obligations such as health insurance and BPJS social security registration in the case of work.
- Application processing times can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of file.
4. 2025-2026 Special Programs: Investor, Competency, and Long-Term Living Visas
4.1. Investor Visas and the “Golden Visa” Logic
As of 2023, Indonesia has begun to offer programs that provide long-term residence in exchange for investment, similar to the golden visa concept. According to reports in the media, for individual investors:
- Thresholds such as 5 years of residence in exchange for at least 2.5 million USD company investment are being discussed.
- Corporate migration reports mention 2, 5, and 10-year investor visa options.
- Through these visas, it becomes possible to transition first to ITAS (investor KITAS) and then to ITAP.
The important distinction here is that the “golden visa” label typically describes investor categories that offer higher amounts, prestige, and sometimes broader rights, while Investor KITAS functions as an operational tool used for classic company establishment/capital investment scenarios.
The amount of investment, the sector (e.g., green energy, technology, tourism), and the capacity to create employment can be decisive in the design of residence duration and tax advantages.
4.2. Global Talent, Second Home, and Silver Hair Visas
Indonesia highlights three premium programs that focus not only on capital but also on qualified human capital and high spending power:
Global Talent Visa
- Aims at globally recognized, highly skilled experts and top professionals.
- Offers more flexible working rules and longer residence durations compared to classic work permits.
Second Home Visa
- A visa aimed at wealthy foreigners wishing to live in Indonesia for the medium to long term.
- Offers long-term residency to those who want to make the country their “second home” rather than work rights.
Silver Hair Visa (Enhanced Retirement Program)
- Targets foreign retirees over 55 years old or those exceeding a certain age threshold.
- Positioned as an updated, more modern, and long-term version of the classic retirement KITAS.
This trio should be considered premium residence programs targeting high-income groups, expertise, and retirees in the 2026 strategy. Tax planning, health insurance, and local obligations related to the duration of stay are particularly important issues in this segment.
4.3. Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI): Diaspora-Focused Permanent Status
Announced in 2025, Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) is a special status that differentiates itself from classic residence pathways:
- Aims at Indonesian-origin individuals who have lost Indonesian citizenship or are part of the diaspora.
- Offers a multi-entry permanent residency concept; allows entering and living in the country without the need to repeatedly apply for a visa.
- Reportedly provides broader rights in areas such as work and property acquisition compared to standard KITAS/KITAP.
This program focuses on promoting diaspora return rather than general foreign investors; it serves as an important strategic signal in Indonesia’s 2026 migration policy.
4.4. Bridging Visa: Opportunity to Change Status Without Leaving the Country
The newly developed Bridging Visa brings critical convenience, especially in corporate mobility and complex individual applications:
- Aims to allow candidates to switch from one visa or residence status to another without leaving the country.
- For example, it reduces the risk of a “stateless period” that may arise when transitioning from a short-term work or tourist status to Work KITAS.
This tool, when used correctly, makes the visa chain smoother; however, poor planning can lead to serious issues both in terms of migration regime violations and future extension/permanent residency applications.
5. Work-Based Residency: Work KITAS, Corporate Migration, and Compliance Obligations
5.1. What is Work KITAS?
Work KITAS is the main residence tool for foreign nationals legally working in Indonesia. Key elements include:
- Sponsor employer: Sponsorship by a company legally operating in Indonesia is mandatory.
- Work permit: Along with immigration (KITAS), a work permit obtained from the Manpower authority (simplified process after the Job Creation Law) is required.
5.2. Highlights in Corporate Migration (2026 Outlook)
- Long-term assignments: For assignments of 6 months and longer, the ITAS/KITAS and subsequently ITAP/KITAP process is planned step by step.
- BPJS social security registration: Registration in the BPJS system covering health, retirement, and occupational accident insurance is one of the mandatory responsibilities for employers.
- Expanded “business visitor” scope: Certain short-term business activities can be conducted without requiring a work permit under strict definitions; however, exceeding these limits poses legal risks.
The area where companies most often struggle is correctly interpreting at which point job descriptions transition from “business visit” to “work” and which activities require a work permit with KITAS.
5.3. Issues Encountered in Practice and Corpenza’s Approach
Typical risks in multinational organizations and project-based assignments include:
- Entry with the wrong visa type (e.g., working under a tourist visa).
- Creation of a “gap” in the timing of work permits/KITAS.
- Improper management of BPJS, payroll, and tax obligations.
Corpenza offers strategic support to companies in ensuring legal compliance, optimizing financial burdens, and structuring the correct visa combination when sending personnel to Indonesia, leveraging its expertise in payroll, EOR (employer of record), posted worker, and tax optimization. This is critical not only for obtaining visa approvals but also for preventing audit, penalty, and reputational risks in the long term.
6. Family, Education, and Other Long-Term Stay Scenarios
6.1. Family Reunification and Marriage-Based Residency
Having an Indonesian spouse or family members residing in Indonesia opens the way for family-sponsored KITAS. Key elements in this pathway include:
- Official marriage certificate or documents showing kinship.
- Financial sufficiency of the sponsoring spouse or family.
- Possibility of transitioning to KITAP for a more permanent status in the long term.
6.2. Educational Residency (Student KITAS)
There is a Student KITAS category for foreign students accepted into universities or educational programs in Indonesia:
- A letter of acceptance from the university or educational institution is required.
- Financial sufficiency to cover annual living and educational expenses must be demonstrated.
This type of residency generally does not grant the right to work full-time; limited internships and on-campus activities are subject to special permits.
7. Application Process: Step by Step from e-Visa System to Biometrics
7.1. General Application Steps
While there are differences from program to program, most ITAS/KITAP processes have a similar framework:
- Preparation: Passport (at least 18 months validity), photos, bank statements, health insurance, and purpose-specific supporting documents (employment contract, investment documents, marriage certificate, etc.).
- Sponsor process: Sponsored application through employer, family, educational institution, or accredited agency.
- Online application: Filling out forms, uploading documents, and paying fees through the official e-Visa platform.
- Biometrics and interview: Fingerprints, photos, and interviews if necessary at the consulate or immigration office in Indonesia.
- Approval and entry: After visa approval, entry into the country; visiting the local immigration office within the specified time for KITAS card and address registration processes.
- Extension and reporting: Regular extensions based on the duration of stay, notifications of address/assignment changes, and exit permits if necessary.
7.2. Timelines and Planning
- Simple tourist e-VOA processes can generally be completed within a few days.
- More complex KITAS applications for work, investment, family reunification, etc., can take from a few weeks to several months.
- Bridging visa or status changes require more precise timing; delays in extensions or entry in the wrong category can lead to overstay penalties and negative impacts on subsequent applications.
8. Planning Residency in Indonesia from the Perspective of Costs, Taxes, and Compliance
8.1. Direct Costs
Depending on the type of program, the main items to consider include:
- Visa and residence fees (ranging from tourist e-VOA to multi-year investor visas).
- Mandatory or expected health insurance costs.
- Company establishment, licensing, and consulting expenses for employers or investors.
8.2. Tax Dimension and Global Structuring
With long-term residence permits, tax liability may arise in Indonesia. In personal and corporate taxation:
- Standard income and corporate tax provisions apply to income earned within Indonesia.
- Double taxation prevention agreements and global corporate structures can significantly alter your effective tax burden.
- Some scenarios can establish more flexible and optimized structures with the posted worker model or EOR/payroll solutions.
Corpenza offers support in restructuring global income flows and corporate structures for investors and professionals living in Indonesia with residence permits, leveraging its experience in international accounting, payroll, and tax optimization.
9. Establishing a Sustainable Settlement Strategy in Indonesia with Corpenza
The decision to build a life in Indonesia is often not just about the question of “which visa should I get?” For investors, companies, and highly qualified professionals, it often requires solving all of the following topics simultaneously:
- Initial entry and short-term stay strategy (tourist, business visit, exploratory trip).
- Selection of an appropriate medium-term residence program (Work KITAS, investor KITAS, second home, silver hair, etc.).
- Roadmap to long-term statuses like KITAP or GCI.
- Corporatization, payroll, social security, and tax compliance.
- Side dimensions such as family, children’s education, and asset planning.
Corpenza addresses this multidimensional process within a single framework; it helps you redesign your Indonesia plan in an integrated manner with your structures in Europe and other countries. Thus, your visa, tax, corporate, and personal life decisions become mutually supportive.
10. Conclusion: What to Focus on When Obtaining an Indonesia Residence Permit in 2026?
As we enter 2026, Indonesia is opening new visa pathways and premium programs while tightening migration control and digitizing processes. Three key messages stand out in this environment:
- Do not choose a visa without strategy: Selecting a program without clarifying your short, medium, and long-term goals (life, business, investment, family) may lead to costly status changes in the future.
- Act with a compliance focus: Obligations such as work permits, BPJS, taxes, address notifications, and reporting are as important as the visa itself.
- Seek professional support: Especially for investors, employers, and highly qualified professionals, the cost of a wrong step can far exceed consulting fees.
With the right program selection, disciplined document management, and a well-designed global structure, Indonesia can be an extremely strong alternative for both living and doing business in 2026 and beyond.
Important Note (Disclaimer)
This article has been prepared for informational purposes based on publicly available international sources and reports related to the 2025-2026 period. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Indonesia’s migration and investment legislation is frequently updated; always check current official sources and, if necessary, consult a qualified lawyer or migration expert in the relevant country before applying. Corpenza is not responsible for the consequences of individual decisions made based on the information in this text.
