Working legally in Bali requires obtaining a KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) and a work permit (IMTA), typically sponsored by an Indonesian company. The process involves securing a job offer, submitting documentation, and paying fees. It is illegal to work on a tourist visa, Visa on Arrival (VOA), or any other Visa that is not a Worker Visa.
Requirements for Legal Work in Bali
1. Sponsorship by an Indonesian Company
You must be sponsored by a legally registered Indonesian company that:
- Has the legal capacity to hire foreign workers
- Applies for required manpower approvals on your behalf
- Handles official submissions to Directorate General of Immigration and the Ministry of Manpower
Not all businesses are allowed to sponsor foreign workers; eligibility depends on the company’s structure, business licenses, and capital requirements.
Read more: What is A Letter of Sponsorship
2. Work Permits and Stay Permits
In Indonesia, foreign employment compliance involves several documents:
- RPTKA (Foreign Manpower Utilization Plan)
This is the government’s approval for a company to hire a foreign worker. It justifies the need to hire a foreigner rather than a local and must be secured before a work visa can be issued.
- Work Permit (IMTA / Notification)
Traditionally known as IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing), this is the official permission for a foreign national to work for an Indonesian company. Although systems are digitizing, the principle remains that employers must obtain work permission prior to issuing your work visa.
- KITAS / ITAS
After the work permit is approved, you can apply for a KITAS. This is your actual residence permit that legally allows both stay and employment for the term specified (usually 6 or 12 months). The work authorization comes from the work permit process (RPTKA + IMTA/Notification) combined with your employment-linked KITAS
Required Documentation
While specific documents vary by case, the basics you must prepare include:
From the Individual:
- Valid passport (normally valid for at least 18 months if you work in Indonesia for 1 month, more than that, a passport valid for more than 18 months may be required)
- Updated CV and academic certificates (often notarized or signed by your sponsor and legalized)
- Passport-style photos
- Health insurance or local health coverage
- Police clearance or clean criminal record (sometimes required)
From the Employer:
- RPTKA approval from the Ministry of Manpower
- Work permit approval / IMTA submission acknowledgments
- Company legality documents (business licenses, NPWP/tax number, etc.)
Once all requirements are complete, the company or an authorized agent handles the submission. Processing can take several weeks to a few months depending on how quickly documents are prepared and government systems process them.
Step by Step: How to Work Legally in Bali as a Foreigner
- Secure Employment
You must first have a confirmed job offer and employment contract with an Indonesian company willing to sponsor your work permit and visa.
- Employer Applies for RPTKA
The employer applies to the Ministry of Manpower to justify hiring a foreigner, preparing extensive documentation including your credentials and contract.
- Work Permit/Notification Issued
After RPTKA approval, the employer submits the work permit application and pays required fees (often a foreign worker development fund fee calculated per month).
- Entry and Conversion
Once you arrive in Indonesia, you must visit the immigration office to convert your work permit into a KITAS and undergo biometric registration.
- Display and Compliance
Maintain your KITAS and employer records. Employment and residence are only legal for the duties and company specified in the documents.
Visas Commonly Used for Work in Indonesia
Here are the key visa categories relevant to foreigners:
Investor KITAS and Alternatives
If you invest in an Indonesian company (for example, become a shareholder or director of a PT PMA), you may obtain an Investor KITAS. This permits residency tied to investment activities but generally does not function as a standard employment permit unless specific requirements are fulfilled.
Why Following the Rules Matters
Indonesia enforces these visa and work permit laws strictly:
- Working without proper permits can lead to fines, detention, deportation, and entry bans.
- Employers can face penalties for hiring undocumented workers.
- You must pay taxes and, in many cases, enroll in social security when working locally under an employment contract.
Working with the Wrong Visa/Permit
Working on a tourist visa, Visa on Arrival (VOA), or business visit visa without the correct work permits (RPTKA + Work Permit + KITAS) is illegal in Indonesia. Doing so exposes both the foreign national and the sponsor company to legal sanctions and deportation.
Summary
To work legally in Bali as a foreigner, you must:
- Secure a job and Indonesian sponsor
- Have the employer obtain manpower approvals (RPTKA & work permit)
- Apply for a work visa
- Enter Indonesia with that visa
- Convert it into KITAS/ITAS with immigration
- Comply with local tax and labor regulations
How BaliEasy Can Help You Work Legally in Bali
At Visa BaliEasy, we make working legally in Bali easy and stress-free. We’re here to help you get the right visa and work permits, making sure everything goes smoothly and follows the rules. Here’s how we can assist:
- Work Visa (KITAS) and IMTA Assistance: BaliEasy can guide you through the necessary steps to secure a KITAS and work permit (IMTA) with your Indonesian sponsor.
- 24/7 Human Support: Our team is available around the clock to provide expert advice and answer any questions.
- No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing for all services, what you see is what you pay.
- Complete Visa Solutions: From obtaining your work permits to ensuring compliance with Indonesian immigration laws, we handle everything for you.
With Visa BaliEasy, you can focus on your work, while we handle all the legal stuff for you.
