What are KITAS, IMTA, and Telex Visa in Indonesia

Getting working permit in Indonesia is more than just the IMTA, but also supporting documents that enable the expats to work and stay. From various documents required for foreign workers, IMTA, KITAS, and telex visa are the most important basic documents. All foreign workers need to understand what these documents do, and how to apply for them.

Definitions of KITAS, IMTA, and Telex Visa

IMTA, KITAS, and telex visa have specific functions for foreign workers in Indonesia. Here are the definitions of KITAS, IMTA, and Telex Visa:

·         IMTA

IMTA is short for Izin Menggunakan Tenaga Kerja Asing, which translates to working permit. This is the main document that all foreign workers in Indonesia must have. A foreign worker needs to have five years of experiences first before being eligible for IMTA. This working permit is necessary to get other documents.

·         Telex Visa

When a foreign worker applies for staying permit, he or she cannot expect the document to be finished shortly. Telex visa is a temporary document issued by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration, and it serves as temporary document until the foreigner can apply for KITAS.

·         KITAS

KITAS is short for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, which translates to limited staying permit card. KITAS may be issued for foreign spouses, retirees, and active workers or expats who stay for a relatively long-term in Indonesia.  After getting their telex visas, foreign workers must apply for KITAS within a month.

All these documents are acknowledged by Government Regulation Number 35 Year 2015. They are required for all expats and foreign workers, especially those with specific or important skills. 


Foreign workers must contact their employers to make the necessary documents, especially since the employers must send application letters to Indonesia's Ministry of Labor, which are the first required documents to get a permit for their foreign workers.

Extending the KITAS and IMTA

When the foreign workers finally earn their IMTAs and KITAS, they can start working in Indonesia. However, KITAS and IMTA still need regular extensions, especially if the workers or expats plan to stay quite long in the country. If a foreign worker has IMTA and KITAS with at least 12-month period, he or she can handle the extension process without leaving Indonesia.

The extension process for all these documents is generally similar to the new applications. However, IMTA and KITAS with shorter period present more complicated extension steps for the workers. For example, if the worker only has IMTA and KITAS with a six-month period, he or she needs to leave Indonesia during the extension period. This is because Indonesia has Exit Permit Only procedure requirement for foreign workers.

While working atmosphere in Indonesia is relatively stable, the regulations are subjected to changes, following the strategies of President Joko Widodo to improve foreign investments and invite foreign experts to support Indonesian businesses. A foreign worker or expat should prepare two months before the documents’ time limits, so it will be easier to adjust if there are changes.

IMTA, KITAS, and telex visa are all important, and a foreign worker needs to have all of these before actually working in Indonesia. Make sure to discuss with your employer about working permit in Indonesia before actually moving to the country.

How Can Elson Help You?
ELSON Indonesia is a company that focus on providing comprehensive legal solution for expatriates, foreigner, and mixed marriage couple in Indonesia. Contact us: info@elson.co.id  office (+62) 21 8067 4920 hotline (+62) 819 3274 1 333