Whether you’re a seasoned business traveler or embarking on your first professional venture in Indonesia, understanding the intricacies of the business visa process is crucial for a smooth and successful journey.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through step-by-step procedures, document requirements, and valuable tips to secure your Indonesian business visa quickly.
What Is a Business Visa?
A business visa is a visit visa. It is intended for foreign nationals who wish to stay longer in the country to study the market, meet with potential distributors or suppliers, set up a representative office, attend a meeting or a seminar, and do other business-related activities.
It is not a work permit; thus, it doesn’t allow the holder to undertake any activity that includes wages and other forms of compensation. It also means the foreign national cannot use it to seek and accept job offers.
But compared to getting a work permit, obtaining an Indonesian business visa is easier and faster.
Who Can Obtain the Business Visa, and Why Is It Still Necessary?
- Passport holders of the 169 countries can obtain a visit visa that’s good for 30 days, but it cannot be extended.
- Those who can enter the country with a paid visa on arrival can stay for 30 days and extend it for another 30 days but can only do so once.
- Some countries, such as North Korea, Pakistan, and Cameroon, can enter the country but would need to get an Indonesian visa before they enter the country.
The main benefit of getting a business visa is the fact that you have the option to apply for a multiple-entry visa. It saves you the hassle of applying for a new visa and extending your current visit visa.
Moreover, as investors are more likely to travel in the country multiple times a year, this option saves time and money. Holders can stay in the country for 60 days per visit.
Indonesia has two kinds of business visas: single entry and multiple entry. You can refer to the table below to learn more about them.
| SINGLE ENTRY | MULTIPLE ENTRY | |
| Validity | 60 days | 12 months |
| Length of Stay |
|
60 days for every entry |
| Requirements |
|
|
| Fee | USD 350 + USD 100 (Sponsorship) | USD 700 + USD 100 (Sponsorship) |
As you can see from the list of requirements, you need a guarantee letter before applying for a business visa in Indonesia. In other words, you have to look for a sponsor. Let’s explore the potential candidates who can act as sponsors and provide the necessary support for your business visa application.
- All local and foreign-owned companies
- Representative offices
- Institutions
How to Get an Indonesian Business Visa
You must follow these general steps to obtain an Indonesian Business Visa.
Sponsor Requirements and Documentation
Suppose your sponsor is an Indonesian citizen or resident. In that case, they may need to give a certificate of employment, photocopy of their passport, KITAS (limited stay permit card), or KITAP (permanent stay permit card). They should also present their national ID. If the sponsor is a company, it must give a company profile and business permit, among others.
Sending Application to Directorate General of Immigration
The guarantor or sponsor then sends the foreigner’s application and an invitation to the Directorate General of Immigration. Note: If you come from any restricted country, the sponsor may have to undergo an interview with the immigration.
Waiting for Visa Approval
The guarantor or sponsor waits for the approval of the visa. It may take at least 3 to 5 days to receive it. For the restricted countries, it may take much longer. Sometimes there’s yet to be an exact timeframe.
Visa Approval and Telex Process
If the visa is approved, the sponsor will receive copies of the visa approval. One must be sent to the embassy or consulate nearest the foreign national via telex. If the foreigner is already within Indonesia, most likely, they will get it from Malaysia or Singapore.
Receiving Visa Approval and Processing Business Visa
The foreigner proceeds to the embassy or consulate to receive the visa approval and process the business visa issuance. It is also the time to pay for the fees as mentioned above. Only then can the foreigner travel to Indonesia for business purposes.
Only then can the foreigner travel to Indonesia for business purposes.
How Can Cekindo Help in Processing Business Visa in Indonesia
Cekindo aims to simplify your business visa application process by offering the following services:
- Assign business consultants who can guide you through the process from start to finish. In the process, you avoid committing mistakes that can further delay or even cause the rejection of your application.
- Act as your sponsor for the Indonesian business visa.
- Help your sponsor or guarantor in submitting the requirements.
- Ensure your sponsor application is processed as soon as possible; this is because the immigration office limits its number of visa approval in a day.
- Help you secure a multiple-entry Indonesian business visa fast.
Contact us through the form below for further assistance.
