Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia and Oceania, is officially known as the Republic of Indonesia. It lies between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, making it a central location for trade and business in the region. If you’re a foreign national seeking employment in Indonesia, there are specific visa requirements to be met, especially for those seeking to work, relocate, or engage in business activities.
This article outlines essential information on obtaining work visas with sponsorship in Indonesia, including job opportunities, visa requirements, and the most lucrative sectors for foreign workers.
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Visa Sponsorship Overview:
A visa sponsorship is a formal process through which a company or organization in Indonesia helps a foreign national obtain a valid work visa. For foreigners who wish to reside and work legally in Indonesia, securing a visa sponsorship is essential, as this is the only pathway to obtaining a valid working visa. Various employment sectors in Indonesia offer jobs with visa sponsorship, and this article will cover the specific types of jobs and criteria involved.
Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Indonesia:
In recent years, the demand for foreign labor in Indonesia has grown significantly, particularly in fields that require specialized skills. Below is a list of jobs available in Indonesia that offer visa sponsorship for foreign nationals:
- Director, Consulting, and Productivity
- Associate, IFS, Secretary, and Admin
- ID Strategy and Director
- Public Relations Consultant
- Digital HR—Workforce Transformation Consulting—Associate
- Manager, Assurance, Digital Services
- Public Relations Associate
- Digital Banking Consultant (DI&P)—Senior Associate
- Manager/Senior Manager: Consulting; Productivity (Back Office Transformation)
These roles are typically available in industries such as consulting, digital services, public relations, and banking, which often require highly skilled professionals that may not be readily available in the local labor market.
What is Visa Sponsorship?
Visa sponsorship in Indonesia refers to the process in which an employer or Indonesian organization supports a foreign national’s visa application. This is typically required for work visas (e.g., ITAS or VITAS) and is an essential step for foreigners who wish to live and work in Indonesia. A company or organization based in Indonesia will serve as the sponsor, ensuring the foreign national complies with immigration laws and regulations.
For some foreigners, visa sponsorship may also be provided by an Indonesian spouse if they are relocating for family reasons.
Requirements:
To successfully obtain a work visa through sponsorship in Indonesia, both the employer and the employee must provide the necessary documentation. Below are the key requirements for both parties:
Employer Requirements:
- Business License: Employers must present a valid business registration.
- Tax Identification Number (NPWP): Required for tax purposes.
- Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA): Employers must submit this plan to the Ministry of Manpower to obtain permission to employ foreign workers.
- Company’s Domicile Certificate: Proof of the company’s registered address in Indonesia.
- Organization’s Letterhead: Employers must submit documents on official company stationery.
Employee Requirements:
- Valid Passport: The foreign national must possess a passport valid for at least 18 months.
- Health Insurance: Proof of adequate health coverage while in Indonesia.
- Academic and Professional Documents: Copies of relevant diplomas, certifications, and professional qualifications.
- Work Experience: Proof of prior work experience, typically requiring a minimum of five years of experience in the relevant field.
- Photographs: Passport-sized photographs for visa processing.
Benefits:
Working in Indonesia through a visa sponsorship offers several distinct advantages:
- Work Authorization:
With a sponsored work visa, foreign nationals are legally allowed to work in Indonesia and access job opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. - International Experience:
Living and working in Indonesia provides valuable international experience, which is beneficial for career development and personal growth. - Cultural Exposure:
Foreign workers gain firsthand experience with Indonesian culture, language, and customs, enriching their personal and professional lives. - Networking Opportunities:
Working in Indonesia allows foreign nationals to establish a professional network that may open doors for future career opportunities, both within Indonesia and internationally. - Permanent Residency:
After holding an ITAS for at least three years, workers may be eligible to apply for KITAP, which grants long-term or permanent residency in Indonesia.
Lucrative Jobs in Indonesia:
Certain positions in Indonesia offer attractive salaries, particularly in management, consulting, and technical roles. Below are some of the highest-paying jobs for foreign nationals:
- Vice President, Government Relations
- Vice President, Scientific Data
- Director of Organizational Strategy
- Risk Manager
- Regional Sales Manager
- Project Manager
- Operational Manager
These positions are typically found in industries like technology, finance, consulting, and sales. These roles often require significant expertise and experience, making them ideal for highly skilled foreign professionals.
Understanding Work Visa Types in Indonesia:
Foreign nationals seeking to work in Indonesia can apply for one of the following work visas:
- VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas): A Limited Stay Visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Indonesia for a specified period. It is required for all foreign workers before they can apply for ITAS.
- ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas): A Limited Stay Permit issued after the VITAS is approved. This visa permits a foreign national to live and work in Indonesia for an extended period.
- KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap): After holding an ITAS for a minimum of three years, foreign nationals can apply for a Permanent Stay Permit.
Application Process Of Jobs in Indonesia for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship 2025:
The process for obtaining a work visa sponsorship in Indonesia involves the following steps:
- Employer Submits RPTKA: The employer applies for the Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA) to the Ministry of Manpower.
- Employer Applies for VITAS: After obtaining RPTKA approval, the employer submits the visa application to the Indonesian Ministry of Immigration.
- Visa Issuance: The VITAS is issued, allowing the employee to enter Indonesia. Upon arrival, the employee applies for an ITAS (Limited Stay Permit).
- Permanent Residency: After holding an ITAS for three years, the employee can apply for KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit).
Salary and Employment Trends:
The average salary in Indonesia is IDR 13,436 per hour, or about IDR 1,120 per month. However, this varies significantly depending on the sector, experience level, and specific job role. For foreign nationals, salaries can range as follows:
- Entry-Level Positions: IDR 30,000,000 to IDR 70,000,000 annually.
- Mid-Level Positions: IDR 70,000,000 to IDR 120,000,000 annually.
Some of the highest-paying positions in Indonesia include roles in management, finance, consulting, and technology.
Top Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals in Indonesia:
Several multinational and local companies are keen to hire foreign nationals in specialized fields. Some of the top employers include:
- UPL NA Inc.
- Royal HaskoningDHV
- QSI Recruitment
- Valmet Inc.
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- Sampoerna Schools System
- Redpath Mining Contractors
- Infobip
- Alila Seminyak
These organizations offer opportunities across various industries, including consulting, education, technology, engineering, and mining.
Job Search Websites:
Foreign nationals seeking jobs in Indonesia with visa sponsorship can explore the following job search platforms:
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- JobStreet Indonesia
These platforms provide listings for various roles across industries in Indonesia that offer visa sponsorship.
Conclusion:
Indonesia offers diverse and lucrative opportunities for foreign nationals seeking work through visa sponsorship. With a growing demand for skilled professionals, particularly in sectors like consulting, finance, and technology, working in Indonesia can provide invaluable international experience and career growth. By understanding the visa sponsorship process and meeting the necessary requirements, foreign professionals can pursue a fulfilling career in Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are foreigners allowed to work in Indonesia?
Yes, foreigners can work in Indonesia, but they must have a valid KITAS/ITAS work visa sponsored by an Indonesian employer.
Is Indonesia a good place to live and work?
Yes, Indonesia is considered a great destination for digital nomads and expats due to its vibrant culture, relatively low cost of living, and diverse job opportunities, particularly in cities like Jakarta and Bali.
What is the salary of a foreign worker in Indonesia?
Between IDR 30,000,000 to IDR 70,000,000 annually, while mid-level positions range from IDR 70,000,000 to IDR 120,000,000.
