The short-term work permit and stay permit (ITAS) is valid for a period of up to 6 months. Companies can apply for a shorter period, depending on their needs. The permits are not extendable and upon expiry, the permits need to be cancelled by the company. The cancellation can either be performed while the foreigner is still residing in Indonesia, or when the foreigner has already left Indonesia. The processing time for this type of permit is similar to that of the long-term work and stay permit.
The short term work permit and stay permit (ITAS) is a perfect solution for companies that require foreign experts to work on projects in Indonesia for a short duration up to half a year.
Who should apply for the short-term work permit and stay permit
This type of work and stay permit is often used for the following type of assignments:
- Short duration projects, where foreigners will work in Indonesia for a maximum period of 6 months. It is important to note that the company is not required to apply for a work permit with a duration of 6 months. In case the duration of the placement of the foreigner is only 3 months, the company can apply for a 3-month work permit.
- Small number of Indonesian workers. In case the company which sponsors the foreigner only employs a small number of Indonesian workers, the company may choose to hire foreign workers using a short-term work permit and stay permit. Since the ratio foreign workers to Indonesian workers is not application for short term permits, the companies are able to hire a relatively high number of foreigners without being required to hire additional Indonesian workers.
- The Foreigner does not meet the requirements for a long-term work permit. In case the foreigner does not meet the minimum requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower with regards to job title, education and work experience, the foreigner may only be able to apply for a short-term permit.
What are the advantages of a short term work permit and stay permit
The short-term work permit and stay permit (ITAS) has the following advantages:
- No Indonesian counterpart requirement. When companies hire foreigners on a short-term basis, they are not required to appoint an Indonesian counterpart worker. A counterpart worker is required for long term permits.
- No ratio foreign worker to Indonesian worker. Long term permits require a minimum ratio of approximately 1 foreign worker to 10 Indonesian workers. This ratio does not apply to short term work permits and stay permits. This type of permit is the preferred option for projects which require a large number of foreign workers.
- Less stringent requirements for foreign works. Foreigners who are assigned in lower positions or have not yet obtained the required years of expertise cannot apply for a long-term permit. Since the short-term work permit and stay permit set less stringent requirements, this group of foreigners can apply for a short term permit.
Application procedure
The application procedure for the short term work permit and stay permit (ITAS) consists out of three main steps as set out below. A detailed description of the permits and reports in each stage we have discussed in our general overview of work permit and stay permit.
Step 1. Work Permit from the Ministry of Manpower
The steps following permits need to be obtained at the Ministry of Manpower:
- Hasil Penilaian Kelayakan RPTKA (Feasibility Assessment Result): The period for one to six months has similar processing time as the long term.
Pengesahan RPTKA (Attestation of RPTKA): Once the Hasil Penilaian Kelayakan RPTKA is issued, the company can apply Pengesahan RPTKA. Please note that ASTAKA (Indonesian health insurance for foreign workers engage in Short-term working period) must be secured before proceeding to the Pengesahan RPTKA stage. Our firm can also assist you in obtaining this additional required document on behalf of the company.
Step 2. Stay Permit from Immigration
The stay permit (ITAS) application is processed by the Directorate General of Immigration (DGI), the immigration checkpoint at the airport upon entry into Indonesia and the local immigration office. The following visas and permits need to be obtained:
- eVisa (Electronic Visa) which is issued by the DGI and which a foreigner requires to enter Indonesia and obtain the ITAS (Stay Permit) and MERP (Re-entry Permit).
- Entering Indonesia: Upon arrival, foreigner will take biometrics at the Immigration Checkpoint at the airport of Indonesia. The foreigner may pass through the Auto-Gate system or proceed to a manual check at the Immigration counter. Note that only electronic passport and electronic visa holders are eligible to use the auto-gate.
- e-ITAS (electronic stay permit): The e-ITAS is issued by the local immigration office which is closed to the place of residence of the foreigner in Indonesia
Upon entry into Indonesia, the foreigner can immediately start working without waiting for the issuance of the eITAS.
Step 3: Permits issued by local authorities
After the eITAS is issued, the following documents will need to be arranged:
- Police Report (SKK) from the local police office (applicable to certain region/city where foreigner stay and thus further checking is required).
- Certificate of Temporary Residence (SKTTS) from the civil registration office.
- Existence Report (L/K) from the local manpower office