How to Apply for a Foreign Worker Permit (IMTA) in Indonesia

Why a Work Permit Is Mandatory

Indonesia has strict regulations for foreign employment. Any foreign professional who performs paid work or operational duties in Indonesia must hold a valid:

IMTA — Foreign Worker Permit
Work KITAS — Temporary Stay Permit for workers

Working without a permit is considered illegal and can lead to:

• Deportation
• Corporate sanctions
  
• Heavy fines
  
• Blacklisting

This guide explains:

• What IMTA is
  
• Who needs it
  
• Eligibility requirements
  
• Legal step-by-step process

What Is IMTA?

IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Asing) is an official work permit that legalizes a foreign national’s employment in Indonesia.

Issued by:
📌 Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker)

IMTA ensures:

• The job is allowed for foreign workers
  
• Indonesian labor rights are protected
  
• Employer has valid reason to hire foreign expertise
  

IMTA is tied to a specific company and specific job position. Changing employer or position requires a new permit.

Who Needs an IMTA?

Foreigners must apply for IMTA if they:

• Earn salary from Indonesia-based company
  
• Perform operational work in Indonesia
  
• Stay long-term to work for a company office
  
• Hold a managerial, specialist, or technical role

Some positions prohibited for foreigners:

• Certain HR roles
  
• Common labor work
  
• Retail front-line positions

Requirements for IMTA Application

Below are mandatory documents from the employee and employer:

From Employer (Company)

• NPWP (Tax Registration Number)
  
• Business License (NIB, OSS documents, or sectoral permits)
  
• RPTKA approval (Workforce Plan)
  
• Wages and contract details
  
• HR training plan for local employees
  

 From Foreign Worker

• Passport (minimum 18–24 months validity)
  
• Education and work experience certificates
  
• Labor health insurance
  
• Digital photo
  
• Curriculum Vitae signed by the worker
  

Step-by-Step IMTA & Work KITAS Process

Step 1 — RPTKA (Expat Hiring Plan) Approval

Employer submits justification to hire a foreign expert.

Step 2 — IMTA Application

After RPTKA approval, employer requests IMTA issuance via Kemnaker system.

Step 3 — Work KITAS Application

Processed through the Directorate General of Immigration.

Step 4 — Telex Approval

Foreign worker receives approval to collect KITAS upon arrival.

Step 5 — Arrival & Biometrics

Photo + fingerprints recorded at immigration office.

• Processing Time:
  Approximately 4–8 weeks (case-by-case basis)
• Validity:
  6–12 months, extendable depending on contract

Rights and Limitations under IMTA

Category	Details
Working Rights	Legally work in the assigned company & position
Visa Status	Must hold Work KITAS
Location	Work only in registered company locations
Mobility	Job position & employer locked to IMTA

Cost of IMTA

Government fees include:

• USD 100/month (DKP-TKA Foreign Worker Compensation Fund)
  
• Additional document processing fees
  

Corporate sponsors typically cover the costs.

Conversion & Extensions

Action	Possible?	Notes
Extend IMTA	✅	Submit before expiration
Change Employer	✅	Requires a new application
Convert to Permanent KITAP	✅	Only after long-term residency

Compliance and Penalties

Failing to maintain valid IMTA can result in:

• Deportation of foreign worker
  
• Up to billions IDR corporate fine
  
• Company blacklist from hiring expats

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting work before IMTA is approved
  
• Incorrect job title submission
  
• Insufficient document validity (passport, licenses)
  
• Employer missing required sector permits

How Korsia Group Helps

Korsia Consulting offers end-to-end IMTA services including:

• RPTKA preparation & submission
  
• Full IMTA application paperwork
  
• Work KITAS processing
  
• Compliance monitoring & renewals
  
• Faster processing through proper legal channels

We help your business stay compliant while your foreign workers focus on their expertise.

Conclusion

A legitimate IMTA is essential for legal employment in Indonesia.
With proper sponsorship and procedures, foreign professionals can successfully contribute to national industry development.

✔ Protects workers
✔ Secures company operations
✔ Avoids penalties
✔ Ensures full legal compliance

📌 Need help applying IMTA fast and correctly?
Korsia Group ensures your foreign employment process runs smoothly and securely.