Can You Work in Indonesia With a KITAS?

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One of the most frequent points of confusion among foreign professionals and corporate investors is the relationship between holding a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas / Temporary Stay Permit Card) and the legal right to work in Indonesia.

The short answer is: Holding a KITAS alone does not automatically grant you the right to work in Indonesia. Whether you can legally work depends strictly on the type of KITAS you hold.

1. Work KITAS (E23) – Permitted to Work

A Work KITAS is the only stay permit designed for foreign employees seeking active employment and remuneration in Indonesia. However, securing the Work KITAS card is only half the battle. To work legally, your sponsoring employer must also secure a government-approved foreign manpower utilization plan—known as RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing)—and pay the mandatory government DKP-TKA development fund fees.

2. Investor KITAS (E28A / E28B) – Restrictive Working Rules

An Investor KITAS is issued to foreign individuals who hold substantial equity shares in an Indonesian foreign-owned company (PT PMA).

Director-Investors: Foreign nationals holding the title of Director and owning shares can engage in high-level executive management and strategic operations of their own company.
Non-Executive Investors: Investors holding Commissioner or silent shareholder roles are not permitted to perform operational daily tasks or engage in general workforce duties unless a separate Work KITAS and RPTKA are issued.

3. Family / Spouse KITAS – Not Permitted to Work Directly

Foreigners holding a Family KITAS (sponsored by an Indonesian spouse or a foreign primary KITAS holder) are strictly prohibited from working for an employer. If a spouse wishes to work, an Indonesian company must sponsor them separately for a Work KITAS and RPTKA.

Consequences of Illegal Work in Indonesia

Engaging in unauthorized employment or violating the conditions of your specific KITAS category is taken seriously by Directorate General of Immigration (Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi). Penalties for illegal work include:

Severe administrative fines for both the foreign individual and the employer.
Immediate deportation and inclusion on the official immigration blacklisting database (cekal).