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Indonesian Business Visa

Updated: Mar 6, 2023

Businesses frequently host conferences or meetings for their overseas partners due to the needs of globalized commerce. These business people must apply for a visa in order to enter Indonesia legally and for commercial purposes.


There are many types of visas in Indonesia, but for this, they have to secure their Indonesian Business Visa.



A business visa: what is it?


The Indonesian business visa is intended for travelers who are going there for professional reasons without expecting to make any money there. Compared to the Indonesian work permit, this is different.


The main purpose of an Indonesian Business Visa is to enable the holder to carry out business activities in Indonesia such as attending conferences or seminars. This does not include being employed or receiving a salary in Indonesia. The whole procedure will take 6 to 10 working days to complete.


An Indonesian business visa's primary function is to allow its bearer to conduct business operations there, such as attending conferences or seminars. This excludes having a job or earning a wage in Indonesia. The entire process will be finished in 6 to 10 working days.


This is usually done by foreign businessmen who enter Indonesia. For example, entrepreneurs will go to Indonesia to direct business activities and research on the Indonesian market.


Business visas are also for foreigners who need to visit Indonesia to carry out business negotiations or to carry out work assignments and/or training.


Two categories of business visas exist:

• A multiple entry business visa that permits several entries (and exits) from Indonesia within a calendar year.

• A single entry business visa that only permits you to enter Indonesia once

You will require sponsorship from a company with its headquarters in Indonesia to get a business visa.


NOTE: As a Business Visa holder, working or being employed in Indonesia is prohibited. Doing so constitutes visa abuse and has serious implications by the authorities.


Indonesian business visa advantages


In comparison to other Visas available, the Indonesian Business Visa has a number of advantages that facilitate business travel, some of which are stated below:

• Fast and easy to get virtually

• Cheaper than a work permit

• Allowed to stay a maximum of 60 days in Indonesia per visit

• Extensions can be applied by leaving Indonesia within 60 days and returning (crossing the border) or by applying for and obtaining a visa from the Indonesian Immigration Authority

• Visa is valid for 1 year

• A business visa is suitable for regular visitors visiting Indonesia without the aim of earning income


Negative aspects of business visas

Despite the advantages, it's crucial to take into account the disadvantages of requesting an Indonesian business visa, especially if you're searching for a long-term fix. This comprises:

• Visa validity period is only for 1 year

• Limited to 60 days stay in Indonesia per visit

• Unlike a work permit, a person cannot be employed in Indonesia with this visa

• Requires sponsorship from an Indonesian company or an Indonesia-based company


Business of Sponsorship Visas

Regardless of whether they are sponsored by a foreign or domestically owned corporation or even a representative office, all business visas must be sponsored by an Indonesian entity that is lawfully incorporated or registered in Indonesia.


Following are the requirements for applying for an Indonesian Business Visa:

• Copy of recent passport – valid for at least 18 months with at least two blank visa pages

• Foreign bank account statements show at least US$1,500

• A return ticket showing when you entered Indonesia and that you left before the 60 days had passed

• Indonesian Embassy at the place of your choice where you plan to pick up the visa

• Proof of sufficient funds according to the length of stay you want

• Copy of the sponsor company's incorporation document and letterhead


Business Visa Application Process in Indonesia


Before, the company or group that sponsored you had to complete an online visa application form. All information must be entered accurately and appropriately. Any mistakes in the paperwork will cause the application to be delayed or rejected.


It takes approximately 6 to 10 working days for Indonesian Immigration to process the invitation, and issue the telex. The next step is to change the telex to a visa at the nearest Indonesian Embassy abroad. You can choose to convert telex at any Indonesian consulate abroad.


Remember that the embassy is where you will only receive your real visa.


Nationalities Unable to Apply for a Business Visa


It is also important to note that not all citizens are allowed to apply for an Indonesian Business Visa. Professionals from the following countries are not allowed to apply for visas under Indonesian Immigration policies:


• Afghanistan

• Guinean

• Israel

• Iraq

• North Korea

• Cameroon

• Liberia

• Nigerian

• Somalia


Differences between Business Visa and Work Visa in Indonesia

In addition, the Business Visa and Work Visa are not the same. For those who are still confused what are the differences, here is the review.

  • Business Visas

Foreigners can go to Indonesia on a business visa without needing to be employed in order to conduct business activity there.

These professional pursuits, including conferences, meetings, and training Holders of a business visa are prohibited from working for pay or receiving any other form of compensation.

You will then require a sponsorship letter in order for your application for a business visa in Indonesia to be approved.

  • Work visa

Meanwhile, a work visa is known as a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit Card) with a period of 6 months, 1 year to 2 years. Then, after 2 years, the foreigner can still extend this permit. Learn more about KITAS terms and procedures.

To get a work visa, you must get sponsorship from the official company that employs it. Types of companies that can provide sponsors include limited liability companies (PT), PT PMA, public or private institutions and representative offices.

However, the company that acts as the sponsor must first arrange the permit by submitting an application to the Ministry of Manpower. If it violates the applicable provisions, the sponsoring company may be fined by the TKA employed. So, for that, you should get to know the procedure for managing foreign workers (TKA).


That's a review of a Business Visa which includes a Visit Visa. Please take note that the process will not be facilitated by obtaining a resident or business permit from another nation.


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