Working Visa for Bali – Legal Work Permits and Immigration Support by The Bali Lawyer
Bali continues to grow as a hub for entrepreneurs, remote professionals, and international businesses. With this growth comes a high demand for foreign expertise across various industries such as tourism, wellness, real estate, digital services, education, and hospitality. If you are planning to work legally in Bali, the working visa, also known as the Work KITAS, is the official permit you must obtain to stay compliant with Indonesian law.
At The Bali Lawyer, we are a trusted legal service based in Bali, assisting individuals and companies in navigating the complexities of work permits and immigration regulations. This comprehensive page explains everything you need to know about getting a working visa for Bali, the types available, eligibility, legal procedures, and how we can help ensure your work stay is 100% legal and stress-free.
What is a Working Visa (Work KITAS) in Bali?
A working visa in Indonesia is formally called a Work KITAS, which stands for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas or Limited Stay Permit Card. This visa allows foreign nationals to legally live and work in Indonesia for an extended period, typically tied to employment with an Indonesian company.
The Work KITAS is issued by the Directorate General of Immigration under the coordination of the Ministry of Manpower. It is valid for 6 to 12 months and is renewable depending on your employment contract or position.
This visa must be sponsored by an Indonesian company registered with a valid business license and tax identification number. Individuals cannot apply for a Work KITAS independently.
Who Needs a Working Visa in Bali?
Any foreigner planning to be employed or conduct business activities in Bali that involve earning income, managing operations, or offering services must obtain a valid working visa. This includes:
Foreign employees working for local companies or organizations
Entrepreneurs managing a PT PMA (foreign-owned company)
Technical professionals and consultants
Hotel, restaurant, or resort staff
Teachers, instructors, and NGO professionals
Digital and creative professionals under formal contracts
Working without a valid visa or on the wrong type of visa (such as a tourist or business visa) is considered a violation of immigration law and may result in fines, deportation, and future bans from re-entry.
Types of Working KITAS in Indonesia
Depending on your job title, employment arrangement, and duration, there are a few types of Work KITAS available in Bali:
1. Standard Work KITAS
For foreigners who are officially employed by a company registered in Indonesia. This visa is usually valid for 6 or 12 months and requires:
A sponsor company
RPTKA (Foreign Worker Placement Plan) approval
IMTA (Work Permit) issued by the Ministry of Manpower
E-Visa approval from Immigration
KITAS issuance upon arrival
2. Director KITAS / Investor KITAS
For foreign investors or directors of a PT PMA (foreign-owned company). This KITAS does not require a work permit (IMTA) in some cases and allows you to manage your own business in Bali.
Investor KITAS is ideal for those who want to build a long-term presence in Bali while staying fully compliant with immigration law.
3. Short-Term Work Permit
If you’re only in Bali for a specific project or limited assignment (under 6 months), there are special short-term work permits available for short-duration contracts or consultations.
How The Bali Lawyer Helps You Get a Working Visa
Applying for a Work KITAS involves multiple legal steps, approvals from government ministries, and coordination with your employer or company sponsor. As a professional law service, we handle the entire process from start to finish:
Initial eligibility consultation
Company sponsor verification and setup
Preparation of required documentation
RPTKA and IMTA application with the Ministry of Manpower
E-Visa application with Immigration
Arrival reporting and KITAS issuance
Assistance with STM (Police Report), SKTT, and E-KTP (for long stays)
Ongoing support for renewals, conversions, and legal reporting
With The Bali Lawyer, you don’t need to navigate confusing government systems or risk errors that can delay your application. We ensure full legal compliance and transparency throughout the process.
Legal Requirements for a Working Visa in Bali
To qualify for a Work KITAS in Indonesia, the following basic requirements must be met:
A registered Indonesian company must act as your sponsor
You must have a valid job title and role aligned with RPTKA guidelines
The company must justify the hiring of a foreigner based on skill or expertise
You must submit complete personal documents including passport (valid for 18+ months), CV, diploma or degree (in some cases), and health insurance
You must undergo immigration reporting and health verification after arrival
Timeline for Work KITAS Processing
While the duration may vary depending on the type of company and completeness of documentation, a standard work visa process typically follows this timeline:
Week 1–2: RPTKA (work plan) approval
Week 2–3: IMTA (work permit) issuance
Week 3–4: E-Visa processing
Week 4+: KITAS stamping and reporting upon arrival
We monitor every stage and ensure your application is progressing without unnecessary delays.
Working in Bali Legally: Why It Matters
Foreign nationals working in Bali without proper documentation face serious legal consequences:
Overstay fines or deportation
Blacklist from re-entering Indonesia
Employer fines or penalties for illegal employment
Difficulty obtaining future visas
To protect your career and future in Indonesia, always ensure you’re working under a valid and approved KITAS. Using professional legal services ensures you remain fully protected under the law.
Employer Support: Sponsor Setup and Company Formation
If you don’t yet have a sponsoring company or plan to set up your own business in Bali, we offer:
PT PMA registration for foreign-owned companies
Sponsor company setup and licensing
Investor KITAS application for owners/directors
Legal compliance advisory to meet labor law and immigration standards
Starting your own company is one of the most secure paths to long-term residency and working status in Indonesia. We help you register, structure, and operate your business legally.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to apply for a working visa in Bali, follow these simple steps:
Contact us for a free consultation
We assess your visa needs and eligibility
We handle all document preparation and submission
We track and manage the approval process
We assist you upon arrival and help complete legal reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my tourist visa into a work visa?
No. You cannot directly convert a tourist visa to a work visa. You must leave Indonesia and re-enter with the proper visa. We can help plan this legally.
How long can I work with a KITAS?
A Work KITAS is usually valid for 6 or 12 months and is renewable annually.
Can I bring my spouse or children?
Yes. If you are on a valid Work KITAS, your dependents can apply for a Dependent KITAS to stay legally in Bali.
Can freelancers or digital nomads get a work visa?
If you’re working for a registered company in Indonesia, yes. Otherwise, you may need a different visa type. Contact us to discuss your situation.
What happens if I change jobs?
If you change your sponsoring employer, your existing KITAS must be canceled, and a new one applied for under the new sponsor.
Let The Bali Lawyer Handle Your Work Visa Needs
Whether you’re an employee, investor, or business owner, having the right legal foundation is critical to success in Bali. At The Bali Lawyer, we provide complete legal services to guide you through the process of obtaining and maintaining a valid working visa in Bali.
We work with individuals, companies, and institutions to ensure full compliance with immigration and employment laws. Our clients trust us for our professionalism, transparency, and fast turnaround times.
Start your journey to working legally in Bali today — with complete confidence and legal support.