Key Takeaways 

  • You must have been employed by a company in Indonesia before you can apply for a work visa. 
  •  Indonesia requires you to get a work permit and a work visa (VITAS) before you can start working formally.
  • A Bali work visa is typically valid for 6-12 months but you can renew for another 2 years after it expires.
  • Once you receive your work visa, you are not allowed to change jobs unless you wish to begin the process for another work visa afresh.  

If Bali is on your list of top tourist destinations to visit in 2025, you must also know that it is becoming an ideal location for foreign talents who wish to migrate for work.

Bali offers numerous opportunities to foreign talents looking to relocate for work and the average salary in Bali provides a better purchasing power.

Whether you’re being relocated by your company or newly seeking employment in Indonesia, there’s a need to understand the work authorization process that allows you to work legally on this Island. The detailed guide we have provided in this article will answer all your questions!

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Bali's Work Visa System Explained

Bali is a province in Indonesia and it adopts the same immigration policies set by the Indonesian government. The work authorization system might feel overwhelming at first but you’ll do just fine once you have a clear understanding of how it works. 

Some countries allow visitors to arrive first before securing employment but Indonesia doesn’t work that way. You must have been employed before applying for a work visa.

Here’s how the Bali work visa system works:

  • You secure employment with an Indonesian company that can sponsor you and obtain work permit approval.
  • You apply for a work visa called VITAS at the Indonesian embassy. 
  • When you arrive in Indonesia, you proceed to convert the VITAS to a limited stay permit called KITAS.

Please note that the work permits and visas are totally different but a necessary requirement for employment.

Bali Work Permit

The Indonesia work permit is a document that grants an Indonesian company the permission to hire a foreign worker for a job position. Also known as Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing or RPTKA, this work permit can only be applied for by the Indonesian employer that wishes to hire you.

The process is initiated at the Ministry of Manpower and for it to be approved, they’ll have to prove that the position could not be filled locally and you have a skill level that meets the job requirements.

After it has been approved, your employer then proceeds to begin another application for a Foreign Worker Employment Permit (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing or IMTA). They will be asked to pay a compensation fund to the government to support the training of Indonesian workers.

You can expect a processing time of 1-3 months depending on the efficiency of your employer and how quickly the Ministry of Manpower attends to the application.

Bali Work Visa

Once your employer secures a work permit, you can now begin application for your work visa, also known as a Limited Stay Visa (Visa Tinggal Terbatas or VITAS). This visa is what gives you the legal right to work in Indonesia as a foreigner.

Application for the VITAS will be done at an Indonesian consulate in your home country because you cannot apply for this visa while already in Indonesia as a visitor. Once it has been granted and you arrive in Indonesia, you are expected to convert to a KITAS immediately or within the next 30 days.

With the KITAS, you can legally live and work in Indonesia for as long as your employment contract exists. It has an initial validity of 6-12 months but you can renew for another 2 years after it expires.

Types of Bali Work Visas and Permits

If you wish to work in Bali, here are the different types of work visas offered by the Indonesian Immigration department. You would have to choose the one that best describes your employment situation before applying:

KITAS for Regular Employment (312)

This is the standard work visa made for foreigners who have been employed by an Indonesian company for a full-time contract. It is valid for 6-12 months but can be renewed for up to 2 years.

KITAS for Directors and Commissioners (313)

This visa category is only reserved for foreign nationals who have been employed as directors, commissioners, or other leadership positions into an Indonesian company. 

KITAS for Investors (313)

If you are a foreign investor that is financially stable enough to invest at least $1 million USD in an Indonesian business, you are eligible to apply.

Dependent KITAS (317)

If you are a KITAS holder with spouses or children below  18, you can consider applying for a dependent KITAS. It gives them the legal right to live in Indonesia for as long as your visa remains valid but note that they are not permitted to work.

Working Holiday Visa

Young citizens of countries that are eligible for the Indonesia working holiday visa agreements are permitted to stay in Indonesia for a 12 months duration of casual work to support their holiday. Please note that full-time employment is not allowed and applicants must be within the age range of 18-30 years.

Requirements for a Bali Work Permit

If you want to qualify for an Indonesian work visa, you must be 25-55 years old with at least a bachelor’s degree in the field you are applying to. Other requirements are:

  • A minimum of 5 years work experience . 
  • A salary that meets the minimum wage requirements.
  • A medical examination that shows you are physically and mentally healthy.
  • No prior criminal record or immigration crime history.

Required Documents

When applying for a Bali work visa, you’ll need to prepare and submit several documents depending on your nationality and the Indonesian embassy where you’re applying. Also make sure to translate all documents in Indonesian. Here are important documents to have:

  • Company documentation for work permit application 
  • Application form
  • A valid passport 
  • A recent passport-sized photograph
  • Your employment contract 
  • Your CV/Resume, degree certificate or relevant qualifications
  • Approved RPTKA from your employer
  • Evidence of health insurance coverage in Indonesia
  • Arrival card
  • Evidence of Indonesia home address

Checklist For a Bali Work Permit Application

The Indonesian government has provided a detailed and clear application process for anyone who intends to work in Bali using the following steps:

  • Secure a job offer from an Indonesian company willing to sponsor your work visa. 
  • Ask your Indonesian employer to apply for a work permit on your behalf.
  • Once approved, begin application for VITAS at the Indonesian embassy.
  • Accurately fill in your application form and attach required documents.
  • Submit and be prepared to attend a visa interview if required.
  • Await feedback on your VITAS application status.
  • If approved, go along with it and convert to a KITAS as soon as you arrive in Indonesia.

Work Permit Processing Time in Bali

The Directorate General of Immigration tells applicants to expect an average of 3-5 days for the VITAS processing time. However, you can expect an average of 6-12 weeks for the entire process.

Bali Work Permit Costs and Fees

Cost ItemAmount (USD)
DKP-TKA (to be paid by the employer)$80 per month of employment
VITAS$50–100
KITAS$80–200
MERP (Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit)$65–115
Police Report$7–14
Police Clearance$20–35
Documents Translation$20–70
Medical Examination$35–70
Agent Fees (Optional)$300–700
TOTAL COSTBetween $650 and $1350

What Are The Paths to Becoming a Permanent Resident of Bali?

Working in Bali for a period of 3-5 years qualifies you for a permanent residency permit called KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap).

Foreigners who have been married to an Indonesian citizen for a minimum of two years are also eligible to apply. 

Before you begin application, you must have a basic understanding of the Indonesian language and be able to support yourself financially.

Secure Your Bali Work Visa and Start Your Dream Job Today!

To obtain a work visa from Bali, you need adequate planning and attention to detail. Thousands of foreigners end up with a successful application so you have nothing to worry about if you carefully follow the guide provided in this article.

Remember that immigration policies are subject to change so it is important to always check with the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration as often as possible during the process.

Also, if you’re looking for employment in Bali but don’t have a job offer yet, working with a recruitment agency in Bali can improve your chances of finding a company willing to sponsor your work visa.

Feel free to seek expert advice for a  stress-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you can not! You are not permitted to switch from tourist visa to work visa while in Bali. 

Yes! You can apply for a dependent visa if you have a spouse or children below 18 years. 

If this happens, you will either have to secure a new job or leave Indonesia within 30 days because KITAS is tied to an employment contract.