IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Asing) is Indonesia’s official work permit that allows a foreign national to work legally in the country.
Issued by the Ministry of Manpower, the IMTA states the exact job title and work location you are permitted to work in. It is mandatory for all foreigners employed by an Indonesian company, whether a PT, PT PMA, or representative office, and must be obtained before you can legally perform any work activities.
The IMTA is granted only after the employer’s RPTKA (Foreign Manpower Utilization Plan) is approved.
Once the RPTKA and IMTA are completed, the foreign worker can continue with the VITAS and Work KITAS process, which provides the legal stay permit. Together, these documents form the full legal framework that allows you to live and work in Indonesia.
Having an IMTA protects both the company and the foreign employee from legal penalties, ensures full compliance with Indonesian labor regulations, and is required for various administrative processes such as tax registration, banking, and employment reporting.
Without an IMTA, a foreigner cannot legally work in Indonesia, even if they already hold a KITAS.
Requirements for IMTA
From Applicant
- Valid passport (min. 18 months) + color scan.
- CV + educational certificate.
- Recent color photos.
- Domicile letter.
- Employment contract.
- Insurance (BPJS/Health).
- Personal Tax ID (NPWP) if staying > 6 months.
- Existing KITAS/KITAP (for renewal cases).
Additional Based on KITAS Type
- Spouse KITAS: Marriage certificate + Family Card.
- Work KITAS renewal: Previous IMTA + DPK-TKA payment proof.
- Investor KITAS: NIB + Company Deed + SK Establishment.
From Company
- RPTKA approval.
- Company deed + SK AHU.
- NIB, NPWP, business license.
- Company bank statements.
- Mandatory manpower report (WLKP).
- Director’s KTP or passport.
- Company letterhead + stamp.
- Employment contract.
How to Get IMTA (Easy Step-by-Step)
- Employer submits RPTKA.
- Pay DKP-TKA (USD 100 per month).
- Submit IMTA application via TKA Online.
- IMTA is issued — foreigner is legally allowed to work.
- Apply for VITAS (work visa).
- Enter Indonesia and convert VITAS to Work KITAS.
- Complete civil registration (SKTT/SKPPS).
Validity & Renewal
- Usually valid for 1 year.
- Renewable annually.
- Requires updated company documents + DPK-TKA payment.
Who Needs IMTA
You need an IMTA (or its current equivalent work authorization) if:
- You are employed by an Indonesian company (PT, PT PMA, or Representative Office).
- You perform operational work in Indonesia, even if you are a director or commissioner.
- You are a foreign specialist, consultant, or expert hired for a role listed in the company’s RPTKA.
- You are seconded/transferred from a foreign parent company.
You typically do not need IMTA if:
- You are a diplomat or working for an international organization.
- You visit only for short business meetings without employment.
- You hold an Investor or Spouse KITAS without taking operational employee duties.
Benefits of Having IMTA
- Legal protection: prevents fines, deportation, or sanctions for both the company and the employee.
- Clear job role: your approved position and work location are officially recorded.
- Required for Work KITAS: IMTA/RPTKA is the foundation for obtaining a legal work stay permit.
- DKP-TKA compliance: confirms your employer has paid the required foreign worker fund.
- Smoother admin: helps with NPWP registration, banking, payroll, and manpower reporting.
Common Issues to Avoid
- Working before approval: starting work without RPTKA/IMTA is considered illegal employment.
- Role mismatch: your actual job must match your approved job title and duties.
- Wrong company setup: only properly licensed PT/ PT PMA / representative offices can hire foreigners.
- DKP-TKA errors: paying for the wrong duration or amount delays approval.
- Late renewals: expiring RPTKA, DKP-TKA, or KITAS can cause compliance problems.
- Misuse of spouse or investor KITAS: these do not automatically grant work rights.
IMTA vs RPTKA vs KITAS
- RPTKA
The company’s approved plan to hire a foreign worker. Lists job title, duties, duration, and work location.
- IMTA (Work Authorization)
Previously a separate permit; now integrated into the RPTKA + Notifikasi system. Confirms the foreigner may work legally.
- KITAS (Stay Permit)
The foreigner’s legal stay permit. A Work KITAS + IMTA/RPTKA = permission to live and work in Indonesia.
Conclusion
IMTA approval is a core part of Indonesia’s legal framework for hiring foreign workers. With a valid RPTKA, paid DKP-TKA, proper work authorization, and a Work KITAS, both the employer and foreign employee stay fully compliant. Starting work before these approvals or working outside the permitted role can lead to legal issues, so ensuring everything matches and is submitted correctly is essential.
How BaliEasy Can Help With IMTA Applications
BaliEasy provides end-to-end support for companies and foreigners who need to obtain an IMTA. We help review all documents, coordinate with your company sponsor, and ensure your application matches current manpower requirements. Our team guides you through RPTKA approval, DKP-TKA payment, IMTA submission, VITAS, and Work KITAS processing, minimizing delays caused by incomplete or incorrect documentation. We also offer fast communication via WhatsApp and email so you always know the status of your application.
WhatsApp: +62 813 6562 6111
Email: visa@balieasy.com
