How to Move to Indonesia
Indonesia's standard route for foreign workers is the Working KITAS (limited stay permit), sponsored by a company registered in Indonesia, taking 8–12 weeks end-to-end. However, nationals of several African countries — confirmed: Nigeria, Liberia, Somalia — require an additional "Calling Visa": your Indonesian sponsor must get approval directly from the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta before you can even apply for an entry visa, a process that can take up to 3 months and is not guaranteed to succeed. Cameroonian nationals face higher visa extension fees. This is a real, verified restriction — confirm your specific nationality's status before committing time or money to an Indonesia move.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Indonesia embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Indonesia has embassies in Nigeria and South Africa. It also has an embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, though we could not verify a specific street address — check the locator directly for Kenya.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
Don’t see your country? Indonesia has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
8–12 weeks standard. Nationals requiring a Calling Visa (confirmed: Nigeria, Liberia, Somalia) should budget UP TO 3 EXTRA MONTHS for that step alone, with no guarantee of approval.
Work visa + KITAS ~IDR 3,000,000–8,000,000 (~$200–550) + employer's DPKK skills-development fee ($100–1,200/month per foreign worker, paid by employer).
6–12 months depending on role/seniority, renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a company registered in Indonesia (PMA, representative office, or local company).
- Salary meeting the foreign-worker minimum (~IDR 25–30 million/month for most roles).
- IMPORTANT: If you hold a Nigerian, Liberian or Somali passport, your sponsor must additionally obtain Calling Visa clearance from Jakarta before you can apply — confirm your nationality's status directly with your sponsor and the embassy.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Get a job offer
Secure an offer from an Indonesian-registered employer meeting the salary threshold.
-
2
Check if you need a Calling Visa
If you hold a Nigerian, Liberian or Somali passport (or another restricted nationality), your sponsor must first get approval from the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta — this can take up to 3 months and is not guaranteed.
-
3
Employer files the RPTKA
Your employer submits the foreign worker utilisation plan (RPTKA) for approval (2–4 weeks).
-
4
Visa & KITAS processing
Once approved, your employer processes your work visa and Working KITAS via evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
-
5
Travel & complete registration
Enter Indonesia and complete your KITAS registration (2–4 weeks after arrival).
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- If your nationality requires a Calling Visa, factor the extra 3-month uncertainty into any job start date you agree to.
- A genuine employer covers the RPTKA and KITAS processing costs — you should not personally be charged for these steps.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
The old "Molina" system has been fully replaced — evisa.imigrasi.go.id is now the only official portal for visas, work permits (KITAS) and extensions. Your employer or family sponsor typically manages the KITAS application on this portal on your behalf.
View official portalSeveral weeks; longer if your nationality requires a Calling Visa.
Roughly IDR 1,970,000 (~$135) total for the visa process + biometrics fee IDR 1,000,000–2,000,000.
1 year, extendable up to 4 times.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Acceptance letter from an accredited Indonesian institution.
- Proof of funds (minimum ~IDR 12,000,000/month).
- Same Calling Visa restriction applies if you hold a Nigerian, Liberian or Somali passport.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Get admitted
Apply to an accredited Indonesian institution and receive your acceptance letter.
-
2
Check Calling Visa status
Confirm whether your nationality requires the additional Calling Visa clearance.
-
3
Apply for your student KITAS
Your institution sponsors your application through evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
-
4
Travel & register
Enter Indonesia and complete your KITAS registration.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Apply well in advance if your nationality faces the Calling Visa requirement — this can significantly delay your intended start date.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Indonesia eVisa account first
The old "Molina" system has been fully replaced — evisa.imigrasi.go.id is now the only official portal for visas, work permits (KITAS) and extensions. Your employer or family sponsor typically manages the KITAS application on this portal on your behalf.
Create accountStart your Student KITAS application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral weeks, usually processed after the main applicant is settled.
Similar range to the standard KITAS fees (~$200–550).
Tied to the main KITAS holder's permit.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Sponsor (spouse/parent) holds a valid KITAS.
- Proof of the family relationship.
- Same Calling Visa restriction applies for restricted nationalities.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Confirm sponsor eligibility
The main applicant must already hold a valid KITAS.
-
2
Gather relationship documents
Prepare marriage/birth certificates.
-
3
Apply at a local immigration office
Submit the dependent visa application, which converts to a KITAS locally.
-
4
Complete registration
Finalise your dependent KITAS registration.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- It's usually simpler to bring family after the main applicant is already settled with a confirmed KITAS.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Indonesia eVisa account first
The old "Molina" system has been fully replaced — evisa.imigrasi.go.id is now the only official portal for visas, work permits (KITAS) and extensions. Your employer or family sponsor typically manages the KITAS application on this portal on your behalf.
Create accountStart your Dependent KITAS application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Indonesia work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Indonesia — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Indonesia visas
How much does the Indonesia Working KITAS cost?
The Indonesia Working KITAS costs: Work visa + KITAS ~IDR 3,000,000–8,000,000 (~$200–550) + employer's DPKK skills-development fee ($100–1,200/month per foreign worker, paid by employer). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Indonesia Working KITAS take?
Processing for the Indonesia Working KITAS takes 8–12 weeks standard. Nationals requiring a Calling Visa (confirmed: Nigeria, Liberia, Somalia) should budget UP TO 3 EXTRA MONTHS for that step alone, with no guarantee of approval. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Indonesia Working KITAS valid for?
The Indonesia Working KITAS is valid for 6–12 months depending on role/seniority, renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Indonesia Student KITAS cost?
The Indonesia Student KITAS costs: Roughly IDR 1,970,000 (~$135) total for the visa process + biometrics fee IDR 1,000,000–2,000,000. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Indonesia Student KITAS take?
Processing for the Indonesia Student KITAS takes several weeks; longer if your nationality requires a Calling Visa. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Indonesia Student KITAS valid for?
The Indonesia Student KITAS is valid for 1 year, extendable up to 4 times. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Indonesia Dependent KITAS cost?
The Indonesia Dependent KITAS costs: Similar range to the standard KITAS fees (~$200–550). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Indonesia Dependent KITAS take?
Processing for the Indonesia Dependent KITAS takes several weeks, usually processed after the main applicant is settled. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Indonesia Dependent KITAS valid for?
The Indonesia Dependent KITAS is valid for tied to the main KITAS holder's permit. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.