Indonesia is a popular place for senior citizens to retire to, who are attracted by the diverse culture, warm climate, and affordable cost of living. In order to be able to live in Indonesia as a retiree, you will need to apply for and obtain an Indonesian Retirement Visa.
This type of visa has a lot of benefits, which other residential visas do not allow, such as:
- You can open an Indonesian bank account
- You can get a local driver’s licence
- You can receive a Multiple Exit Re-Permit (MERP), which allows you to leave and re-enter the country as many times as you need
- You can buy and register a car on your name
- You will be privy to local prices and discounts
This article will detail the Indonesia Retirement Visa, including the application process and document requirements.
Who Can Apply for a Retirement Visa in Indonesia?
You can apply for a Retirement Visa for Indonesia if you fulfil the requirements below:
- You are at least 55 years of age
- You do not intend to work in Indonesia
- You have a pension or other means of sustaining yourself financially in Indonesia without having to work (at least US$ 18,000 per year)
- You obtain health insurance in Indonesia
- You sign a rental agreement for a period of at least 1 year
- You will hire a maid/domestic helper or a driver in Indonesia
- You are from one of the following countries:
| Argentina | Australia | Austria |
| Bahrain | Belgium | Brazil |
| Brunei | Darussalam | Bulgaria |
| Canada | Cyprus | Denmark |
| Egypt | Estonia | Finland |
| France | Germany | Greece |
| Hungary | India | Iran |
| Ireland | Iceland | Italy |
| Japan | Kuwait | Liechtenstein |
| Luxemburg | Malaysia | Maldives |
| Malta | Monaco | The Netherlands |
| New Zealand | Norway | Oman |
| Philippine | Poland | Portugal |
| Qatar | Russia | Saudi Arabia |
| Singapore | South Africa | South Korea |
| Spain | Suriname | Sweden |
| Switzerland | Taiwan | Thailand |
| United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom | United States of America |
Documents Required for an Indonesia Retirement Visa
When you apply for an Indonesian Retirement Visa, you must submit several documents which will support your application. These include:
- Copies of all the pages of your passport. The passport has to be valid for at least another 18 months, and have at least six empty visa pages left.
- Sponsorship Letter from the retirement agency handling your visa application
- A letter from you, stating that you do not have any intention of working in Indonesia, you will hire a domestic worker/maid, and that you have found a place to live in Indonesia.
- A copy of your health and life insurance policy
- If you are renting your accommodation: The rental agreement, with the landowner/landlord’s name, house/apartment address, the rent amount, as well as a copy of the landowner/landlord’s identity card (KTP)
- Proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself, such as your bank account statements or proof of pension. You must have at least US$ 1,500 per month (a total of US$ 18,000 per year)
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Passport-size pictures
How to Apply for an Indonesia Retirement Visa?
To apply for a retirement visa in Indonesia, you must hire an Indonesian retirement/travel agency to act as your sponsor. The agencies which can act as sponsors are appointed by the Tourism Department and the Directorate General of Immigration of Indonesia.
They have to submit the application on your behalf at the Indonesian immigration authorities since you are not allowed to apply yourself. These companies will be informed about what kind of documents you have to submit and how to get them, how to lease an apartment, where to get health insurance, etc.
Make sure to research the company you intend to hire thoroughly so you know they are a reputable company.
After the Retirement Visa Is Approved
After the Immigration Department of Indonesia approves your Retirement Visa application, they will issue a written confirmation. You have to send this confirmation to the Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia which has jurisdiction over the area you live in. This could be in your own country or in a neighbouring country. You can find the Diplomatic Missions of Indonesia here.
- You have to contact the Embassy/Consulate or visit their website so that you learn their application requirements. You may have to make an appointment.
- Collect the required documents for the Indonesia retirement visa application. The Embassy/Consulate will inform you what documents you have to submit.
- Pay the Indonesia visa fee. The method of payment changes depending on the specific Embassy or Consulate. In some cases, you may have to pay through a bank, while others accept cash.
- Submit the documents at the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate, by mail or in-person.
- Once they have a decision, you should go back to pick up your passport and documents. If you applied by mail, the Embassy/Consulate will mail them to you.
Once you receive your Retirement Visa at the Embassy/Consulate, you can travel to Indonesia where you have to apply for a residence permit.
Once You Arrive in Indonesia With a Retirement Visa
Once you arrive in Indonesia using your entry visa, you have to go to the Immigration Office so that you can turn your visa into a Temporary Residence Permit (KITAS). The KITAS is the residence card that shows your temporary immigration status in Indonesia and it replaces the visa you received at the Embassy/Consulate.
Your agency should be able to help you during the process of obtaining your KITAS as well, but you still have to appear to the Immigration Department Office in person to get your picture and fingerprints taken.
Can You Work in Indonesia With a Retirement Visa?
No, you are not allowed to work in any case with an Indonesian Retirement Visa. The only international residents in Indonesia who are allowed to work are those who have a work permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower, i.e. an Indonesian Work Visa.
What Is the Duration of a Retirement Visa for Indonesia?
A Retirement Visa for Indonesia (Retirement KITAS) is issued for a period of one year, and it can be renewed annually for up to five years. After five years of temporary residence (KITAS), you become eligible for a permanent residence permit, known as KITAP.
Indonesia Retirement Visa to Permanent Residence (Retirement KITAP)
Once you have extended your Retirement Visa KITAS for five consecutive years, you become eligible for permanent residency. The KITAP is a permanent residence permit which is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely every five years.
To apply for a Retirement KITAP, you again need the sponsorship of a tourist/travel agency, who will submit the application to the Immigration Department. To apply for the Indonesia Retirement Visa KITAP, you need the following documents:
Letter of Guarantee/Sponsorship from the tourist travel office.
- Your most recent KITAS
- Your original valid passport as well as a copy
- The license and tax number of the travel office.
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Passport-size pictures.
- Proof of sufficient funds (US$ 1,500 per month or US$ 18,000 per year)
- Proof of accommodation in Indonesia
- Proof of having employed an Indonesian maid/domestic helper during your previous stay
Indonesia Retirement Visa for Couples or Families
A married couple will often want to retire together. In this case, they can both apply for a Retirement Visa but the applications will be processed separately, so it may not always be possible that both of them meet the conditions to receive the visa.
If one of the partners is not yet 55 or fails to meet another requirement, he or she can apply for a dependent/family visa KITAS instead. Additionally, if you have a dependent child under the age of 18 that you want to bring with you, you can apply for a dependent family visa KITAS for your child as well.
In the case of a Retirement Visa with dependents, the main visa holder must have higher financial income per month/year, but a dependent visa KITAS is generally easier to acquire.