Religious Visa C315 for Bali and Indonesia – Your Guide from The Bali Lawyer
If you are a religious worker, missionary, or member of a recognized religious organization planning to serve or conduct religious activities in Indonesia, obtaining the correct legal documentation is crucial. One of the most important visas available for this purpose is the Religious Visa C315. This visa category is specifically designed for individuals engaged in religious duties and non-profit spiritual missions throughout Indonesia, including in Bali.
At The Bali Lawyer, we offer comprehensive legal support and consultation to ensure a seamless visa application process. Whether you are applying for yourself or on behalf of a religious organization, we help navigate the legal and bureaucratic requirements with confidence and clarity.
What Is the Religious Visa C315?
The Religious Visa C315 is a limited stay visa (Visa Tinggal Terbatas) issued by the Indonesian government. It is intended for foreign nationals entering Indonesia for long-term religious activities under the auspices of a legally registered religious organization in Indonesia.
This visa is typically valid for 12 months and can be extended annually, up to a maximum of 5 years. It grants the holder legal permission to reside and carry out religious and non-commercial spiritual activities in the country.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for a Religious Visa C315:
Be affiliated with a recognized and legally registered religious institution in Indonesia.
Provide a formal invitation or sponsorship letter from the Indonesian religious organization.
Engage only in religious or spiritual activities that are non-profit and non-commercial in nature.
Have no criminal record or immigration violations in Indonesia or elsewhere.
Eligible applicants include:
Foreign missionaries
Religious instructors or clergy
Religious volunteers or aid workers under spiritual missions
Members of religious organizations coming for cultural exchanges or spiritual outreach
Key Benefits of the C315 Religious Visa
Long-Term Stay: The C315 visa allows you to stay in Indonesia for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
Legal Religious Activity: You will be authorized to conduct religious practices, outreach, services, and community-based spiritual events.
Family Support: Spouses and children may be eligible to join the visa holder under a dependent visa scheme.
Pathway to KITAS: The visa serves as the foundation to obtain a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) for religious purposes.
Required Documents for Religious Visa C315 Application
To apply for a Religious Visa C315, the following documents are typically required:
Valid Passport – Minimum 18 months validity from the date of entry.
Photograph – Recent color passport-size photo (with white background).
Sponsorship Letter – From the religious organization registered in Indonesia.
Statement Letter – Outlining the nature and scope of the religious work.
Religious Institution’s Registration – Proof of legal registration of the sponsoring religious body in Indonesia.
Domicile Letter – A local address letter where the applicant will reside.
Curriculum Vitae – Detailed biography outlining religious background and experience.
Certificate of Good Conduct – Police clearance from country of origin.
Statement of Responsibility – From the sponsoring organization to guarantee the applicant’s conduct in Indonesia.
Health Insurance Proof – Coverage valid in Indonesia.
Visa Application Form – Completed and signed.
Fee Payment Receipt – Proof of payment for the visa processing fees.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain the Religious Visa C315
The application process involves several stages. Here’s a simplified overview:
1. Initial Consultation
Consult with The Bali Lawyer to assess your eligibility and receive personalized advice based on your situation.
2. Document Collection & Preparation
Gather all required documents. Our legal team can assist in reviewing, translating, and preparing the necessary paperwork to meet government standards.
3. Sponsorship Submission
We coordinate with the sponsoring religious institution to submit the sponsorship and statement letters to the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta.
4. Visa Approval (Telex)
Once the application is reviewed, the Immigration Office will issue a Visa Approval Letter (Telex), which is sent to the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your home country or a selected third country.
5. Visa Issuance
Present the telex at the Indonesian Embassy to receive the Religious Visa C315 in your passport.
6. Arrival in Indonesia
Upon arrival, you are required to report to the local immigration office within 7 days for biometric recording and KITAS processing.
7. KITAS Registration
Your Religious KITAS will be issued and valid for one year, with annual renewals available.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?
Navigating visa requirements in Indonesia can be overwhelming without proper legal guidance. At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in visa consulting and permit acquisition, helping clients from around the world achieve full legal compliance. Our dedicated team has years of experience working with religious institutions, missionaries, and spiritual communities.
We offer:
Personalized consultation and document review
End-to-end legal support
Fast and efficient processing
Coordination with religious sponsors and government offices
Assistance with KITAS registration and extensions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for a Religious Visa C315 without professional help can lead to delays, rejections, or legal complications. Here are some common pitfalls we help clients avoid:
Submitting incomplete or outdated documents
Working with unregistered or unqualified religious sponsors
Engaging in unauthorized commercial activities
Failing to register with local immigration after arrival
Overstaying the visa without proper extension
With The Bali Lawyer, these risks are minimized, and your legal compliance is fully assured.
Additional Legal Support
Besides Religious Visa services, we also assist with:
KITAS and KITAP conversion
Family reunification visas
Permanent residency options
Local compliance with religious institution licensing
Property, corporate, and immigration legal services in Indonesia
Our full-service legal consultancy ensures that you have one point of contact for all matters concerning your stay in Indonesia.
Final Notes
If you’re planning to carry out religious activities in Bali or any part of Indonesia, it’s essential to do so with the appropriate visa and legal structure. The Religious Visa C315 is the ideal solution for long-term spiritual missions, community service, and non-profit religious engagement.
We at The Bali Lawyer are here to ensure that the entire process is smooth, compliant, and successful. Let us help you focus on your mission while we handle the legal work.