An Overview of the Bali Spousal Visa (KITAS Sponsored by Indonesian Spouse)
The Indonesia Spousal Visa, officially known as the KITAS sponsored by an Indonesian spouse, allows foreigners married to Indonesian citizens to live in Bali and other parts of Indonesia. Issued by the Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Indonesia, this visa offers long-term residency and an opportunity for couples to stay together without the need for frequent visa renewals.
The Spousal KITAS (Index 317) is initially valid for one year and can be renewed annually. After two consecutive renewals (total of three years), foreign spouses can apply for a KITAP (permanent stay permit), which grants residency for five years and is renewable. This visa permits foreigners to reside in Indonesia but restricts them from engaging in work unless they obtain a work permit (IMTA) through a separate process.
This visa provides an excellent pathway for foreigners who are married to Indonesian citizens and wish to settle in Indonesia, with Bali being one of the most popular locations due to its appealing lifestyle and environment.
A Background of Indonesia’s Spousal Visa
The Spousal Visa, or KITAS sponsored by an Indonesian spouse, was created to give foreign spouses the ability to legally reside in Indonesia with their partners. Indonesia’s Immigration Department (Imigrasi) manages the application and issuance of this visa. It offers foreign spouses the flexibility to stay long-term without having to repeatedly apply for short-term visas.
The visa also represents the government’s recognition of foreign-Indonesian marriages, providing a legal avenue for the foreign spouse to integrate into Indonesian society. Bali is a common choice for expatriates and their Indonesian spouses due to its affordable cost of living, tropical setting, and growing international community.
What are the requirements for the Spousal Visa in Bali?
To apply for the Spousal Visa (KITAS) in Indonesia, specific requirements must be met. Here’s an overview of what’s needed:
Requirements:
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Marriage Certificate: You must provide a legal marriage certificate that is recognized by the Indonesian government.
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Indonesian Spouse's KTP: Your Indonesian spouse must submit a valid KTP (Indonesian identity card).
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Foreign Passport: The foreign spouse must have a passport valid for at least 18 months for a 1-year KITAS.
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Proof of Financial Stability: While there is no specific financial requirement, proof of the Indonesian spouse's ability to support the foreign spouse is generally required.
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Family Card (Kartu Keluarga): The Indonesian spouse's family card showing the foreign spouse's inclusion may be needed.
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Sponsor Letter: A sponsorship letter from the Indonesian spouse stating responsibility for the foreign spouse during their stay in Indonesia.
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Recent Photos: Passport-sized photographs of both the foreign spouse and the Indonesian spouse must be submitted.
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What is the process to apply for the Spousal Visa?
Applying for the Indonesia Spousal Visa involves several steps and requires coordination with both the immigration office and a local agent if necessary. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Document Preparation
You’ll need to gather the following documents:
• A passport-sized photograph of both spouses.
• A legal marriage certificate.
• A copy of the Indonesian spouse's KTP (identity card).
• The foreign spouse's valid passport.
• Proof of residence in Indonesia (lease agreement or property ownership).
• A letter of sponsorship from the Indonesian spouse.
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Application Submission
• You can submit the application through Indonesia’s Immigration Portal or with the assistance of a registered visa agent. All documents must be correctly translated into Bahasa Indonesia if not already in English or Indonesian.
• The Indonesian spouse must act as the sponsor, and their documents will be included with the foreign spouse’s application. Double-check all forms and paperwork to avoid delays.
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Pay the Visa Fee
After submitting your application, you will be required to pay the KITAS processing fee, which typically ranges from $120 to $150 USD.
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Processing Time
• The processing time for a Spousal KITAS generally takes between two to four weeks. During this period, the Immigration Department will review the documents, verify the marriage, and issue the visa if all requirements are met.
• Once approved, the foreign spouse can stay in Indonesia under the KITAS visa.
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Apply for KITAP After Three Years
After three consecutive years of renewing the KITAS, foreign spouses become eligible to apply for the KITAP (Indonesian permanent stay permit). This upgrade provides a longer residency permit of five years, with fewer renewal requirements.
Who is eligible to apply for the Spousal Visa?
Citizens from most countries can apply for the Indonesian Spousal Visa, provided they are legally married to an Indonesian citizen. The marriage must be recognized under Indonesian law, and all documents must be properly registered with Indonesian authorities.
Can I work or open a business on the Spousal Visa in Bali?
While the Spousal Visa allows foreigners to reside in Indonesia, it does not grant permission to work or open a business. Engaging in any employment or running a business requires a separate work permit (IMTA) and a business visa if applicable.
However, foreign spouses who want to work can apply for a work permit through an employer, as long as the work is legally recognized. Running a business would involve acquiring the appropriate business licenses and permits, which must comply with Indonesian law. For those wishing to engage in local employment or business, a KITAS with a work permit would be needed in addition to the Spousal KITAS.
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The Spousal Visa provides a convenient way for foreign spouses to live with their Indonesian partners in Bali, offering long-term residency and a pathway to permanent stay, while complying with Indonesian regulations on employment.
