What is an ITAS?
ITAS stands for Izin Tinggal Terbatas — Limited Stay Permit. It is the visa category that allows foreign nationals to legally live and work in Indonesia in a specific capacity. The investor ITAS is granted to foreign nationals who are directors or shareholders of an active PT PMA.
The ITAS is not a visa in the traditional sense — it is a stay permit issued after entry. You typically enter Indonesia on a visa (such as a Business Visa or Social Visit Visa), then convert to an ITAS within Indonesia.
Who qualifies for an investor ITAS?
To apply for an investor ITAS, you must be:
- A foreign national (any nationality)
- A registered director or shareholder of an active PT PMA in Indonesia
- The PT PMA must have a valid NIB and be in good standing with OSS
- Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months at the time of application
The PT PMA must be established before the ITAS application can begin. There is no ITAS without an active PT PMA — they are linked.
ITAS validity and renewal
The investor ITAS is initially issued for 2 years. It can be renewed indefinitely — there is no limit on the number of renewals. Each renewal is for 2 years.
You can renew your ITAS before it expires without leaving Indonesia. If your ITAS lapses, you would need to exit and re-enter to begin a new application, which is why timely renewal is important.
MERP — Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit
ITAS holders need a MERP (Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit) to leave and return to Indonesia freely. Without it, leaving Indonesia invalidates your ITAS. The MERP is applied for at the same time as the ITAS and is valid for the same duration.
With an active MERP, you can travel internationally freely and return to Indonesia on your ITAS without any issues.
Bringing your family
Spouses and dependent children of ITAS holders can apply for a family ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas untuk Keluarga). This allows your immediate family to legally reside in Indonesia on the basis of your investor ITAS.
Family ITAS applications are processed simultaneously with your own application and are valid for the same period.
Documents required
- Valid passport (minimum 18 months remaining)
- Recent passport-sized photograph with white background
- PT PMA documents: Akta, SK Kemenkumham, NIB
- Proof of investment / investment plan
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Sponsor letter from the PT PMA
- IMTA (work permit) if applicable for your role
We compile and verify all documents before submission to ensure the application is complete.
Processing timeline
Standard ITAS processing takes 4–8 weeks from the date of complete document submission. The timeline can vary based on the Immigration Office handling your case and the completeness of your application.
We begin the ITAS process in parallel with the final stages of PT PMA formation to minimise the gap between company formation and legal residency.
The pathway to KITAP — permanent residency
After holding a valid ITAS for 5 consecutive years, you are eligible to apply for KITAP — Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap, Indonesia's permanent stay permit.
| Feature | ITAS | KITAP |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 2 years, renewable | 5 years, renewable (effectively permanent) |
| Eligibility | PT PMA director/shareholder | 5 consecutive years of ITAS |
| Exit permit required | Yes (MERP) | No |
| Family extension | Yes | Yes |
| Work rights | As PT PMA director | Broader |
KITAP is renewed every 5 years but with minimal requirements. For most long-term residents of Indonesia, KITAP is the ultimate goal — it provides the stability of permanent residency without needing an annual renewal cycle.
ITAS vs social/tourist visa
Many foreign business owners in Indonesia operate on tourist visas or social visit visas. This is technically not legal for conducting business activities. The ITAS investor visa is the only visa category that explicitly authorises you to manage and direct an Indonesian company.
Operating a business on a tourist visa creates legal and immigration risk. With an active PT PMA, the ITAS is the correct and only compliant route.