Indonesia Multiple Exit Re‑Entry Permit (MERP)

A Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP) is an Indonesian immigration document, typically a passport stamp, that allows foreign residents with a or KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) to leave and re-enter Indonesia multiple times without cancelling their stay permit.

It is essential for international travel to avoid having to re-apply for a new visa.

 

What is MERP and Why Is It Important?

MERP (Multiple Exit Re‑Entry Permit), also known as IMK (Izin Masuk Kembali). It allows foreigners holding these permits to leave and re-enter Indonesia without invalidating their stay permit.

Without a valid MERP/IMK, leaving Indonesia can automatically cancel your permit, causing you to restart the immigration process from scratch and potentially lose your work or family sponsorship.

In the latest system update, KITAS holders no longer need to apply for a separate MERP, as it is now automatically included with their KITAS. However, KITAP holders still need to apply for MERP.

Historically, Indonesia had multiple categories for exit and re‑entry permits:

• EPO (Exit Permit Only) – Allowed departure without the possibility of re‑entry.
• SERP (Single Exit Re‑Entry Permit) – Allowed a single exit and return.
• MERP (Exit Re‑Entry Permit) – Allowed multiple entries and exits.

Today, Indonesia has streamlined the system to mainly use MERP/IMK for multiple re‑entries and EPO for permanent departure.

Single‑entry re‑entry permits are now largely obsolete. MERP/IMK is crucial for maintaining your residence status when you leave Indonesia temporarily.

In essence, MERP/IMK is necessary to ensure you can leave and return to Indonesia without jeopardizing your legal residency.

You must apply for it before leaving the country, and it typically remains valid for the same duration as your KITAP.

So, if you plan to travel outside Indonesia and return, ensure you have a valid MERP/IMK to avoid complications with your residence permit or sponsorship.

 

Who Needs MERP

MERP is generally required for foreigners holding:

• KITAP / ITAP (Permanent Stay Permit)
• KITAS / ITAS (Temporary Stay Permit), though KITAS holders no longer need to apply for a separate MERP, as it is now automatically included with their KITAS under the latest immigration system update.

 

What Happens If You Leave Indonesia Without MERP

Leaving Indonesia without a valid MERP (Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit) while holding a KITAP (permanent stay permit) can have serious consequences. Here’s what can happen:

• Automatic Cancellation of Stay Permit: Without a valid MERP, immigration may automatically void your KITAP as soon as you leave the country. This means you are no longer legally residing in Indonesia under the same permit.
• Termination of Residency Rights: Your residency rights may be terminated, and your stay permit may be considered invalid, forcing you to reapply for a new visa and permit if you wish to return.
• Need for a New Visa Sponsorship Process: Since your previous stay permit would be nullified, you might need to go through the entire visa sponsorship process again. This could involve re-submitting documents, getting a new sponsor, and possibly facing delays and complications.

This can have a ripple effect on several aspects of your life:

• Employment: If your KITAP is canceled, your work sponsorship will also be invalidated, potentially affecting your job or the legal right to work in Indonesia.
• NPWP/Tax Arrangements: Your NPWP (Tax Identification Number) or tax status could be affected, requiring you to update your tax records or even restart the process.
• Banking: As a resident, your banking relationships, including access to local accounts, loans, or credit, might be impacted by the invalidation of your residency permit.
• Domicile Registration: Your domicile registration with local authorities could be canceled, making it difficult to prove your long-term residence.
• Dependent Visas: If you hold dependent visas (for family members), their status might be jeopardized as well, meaning they could lose their right to stay in Indonesia.

This is why long-term residents of Indonesia almost always keep an active MERP. It ensures that they can travel freely without risking their residency status or facing unnecessary complications.

 

How Long Can You Stay Outside Indonesia?

This is an often misunderstood topic. Even if you hold a KITAP (permanent stay permit) and have a long MERP validity, there are still important residency continuity rules to consider.

One commonly referenced immigration principle is that if you remain outside Indonesia for more than 1 year, it can jeopardize your residency status.

This is because Indonesian immigration considers prolonged absences as an indicator that you may no longer be residing in the country, even if you hold a valid KITAP.

In practice, several factors play a role:

• Immigration Discretion: Immigration officers have discretion to decide whether to maintain your residency status based on how long you’ve been outside the country. While the 1-year guideline is generally followed, individual cases may be handled differently depending on circumstances.
• Sponsorship Type: The type of sponsorship you have can also influence this. For example, if you’re on a work-sponsored KITAP, your employer may need to justify your absence, or there could be special rules tied to your visa.
• Policy Interpretation Changes: Immigration policies can change periodically, meaning the guidelines regarding long absences may not be fixed. The interpretation of the 1-year rule can vary depending on current immigration policy or even specific cases.

What Should You Do?

For those planning extended absences, it’s highly recommended to consult an immigration officer beforehand.

In summary, while long MERP validity allows multiple exits and entries, staying outside Indonesia for more than 1 year can still pose a risk to your residency continuity, and careful planning is essential if you’re considering a long-term stay outside the country.

 

Required Documents

• Application Letter
• Sponsor’s KTP (ID Card)
• Sponsor’s ID Card (if the sponsor is a company)
• Passport (Biodata Page)
• KITAP / E-ITAP
• ITAP Stamp/Sticker in Passport (if available)
• Latest MERP Stamp/Sticker in Passport (if available)
• Supporting Documents (these supporting documents depend on the type of KITAP being used/applied for):
  • Foreign Worker (TKA): RPTKA, IMTA, DPKK, Company Deed & AHU Approval Decree
  • Investor: Risk-Based Business License/NIB, Company Bank Statement for the Last 2 (Two) Months,
  • Company Deed & AHU Approval Decree (minimum personal share ownership of IDR 15,000,000,000)
  • Family: Family Card (KK), Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate
  • Repatriation: Ex-Indonesian Citizen Documents
  • Elderly: Proof of Income/Allowance Equivalent to US$ 3,000 per Month or Equivalent & Sponsor Company Documents/Deed

NOTE:

Scan all required documents and combine them into 1 (one) PDF document.

 

How Much MERP Cost

Validity Duration	Official Fee (PNBP)
30 days	Rp 300,000
60 days	Rp 400,000
90 days	Rp 500,000
6 months	Rp 750,000
1 year	Rp 1,500,000
2 years	Rp 2,000,000
5 years	Rp 3,500,000
10 years	Rp 5,000,000
Unlimited (No expiry)	Rp 8,000,000

Notes on These Fees

• These are the official immigration tariffs that must be paid to the Indonesian government (PNBP Penerimaan Negara Bukan Pajak).
• Charges vary by duration of the MERP/IMK being requested.
• The longest standard options are 10 years or unlimited as listed in the PNBP schedule, though not all durations are used in practice (some offices only process up to 5 years/10 years).
• These fees are separate from any visa, KITAP issuance or extension fees; they apply only to the re‑entry authorization.
• These fees also do not include any visa agency service fees if you apply through an agency.

 

Summary for MERP

MERP (Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit), also known as IMK (Izin Masuk Kembali), is a re-entry authorization for foreign residents with a KITAP (permanent stay permit).

It allows you to leave and re-enter Indonesia without canceling your stay permit. It is not a visa and is only available for residents, not tourists.

Many mistakenly think having a visa is enough to travel freely, but a valid MERP is necessary. It does not renew automatically and must be renewed separately.

Keep your MERP valid to ensure continuous residency status when traveling.

Visa BaliEasy can assist with the direct follow-up support with Indonesian immigration offices to help ensure smoother and faster processing. Contact BaliEasy today for assistance!