Indonesia offers a wide range of visas in Indonesia to accommodate foreign nationals travelling for business, investment, and specialised professional activities. For short-term assignments that do not constitute regular employment, the Single Entry Business Visa provides a practical solution for a foreigner visiting Indonesia to perform specific industry-related activities.
It is equally important to understand that these Single Entry Visas differ from a KITAS, ITAS, KITAP, Golden Visa, or a work permit, each of which serves different immigration purposes.
What is a Single Entry Visa?
A Single Entry Visa (Visa Kunjungan Satu Kali Perjalanan) is an e-Visa that allows a foreign national to enter Indonesia once for an approved purpose, with a limited validity. After entering Indonesia, the visa holder may stay in Indonesia for the authorised period stated on the visa.
Unlike a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) or KITAS, which allows for a longer length of the visa, a Single Entry Visa does not permit multiple entries. Once the holder departs Indonesia, the visa expires automatically, and a new application must be submitted before returning.
Most applications are submitted electronically before travelling, allowing applicants to receive their e-Visa prior to departure. Once approved, travellers may enter Indonesia through designated immigration checkpoints and complete immigration formalities upon arrival.
Single Entry Visa vs Work Permit, KITAS and ITAS
Many foreign visitors mistakenly assume that every business visa allows them to work in Indonesia. This is not the case.
A Single Entry Business Visa allows temporary business or professional activities but does not replace a work permit or a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS).
Foreign nationals intending to become a foreign worker employed by an Indonesian company generally require a valid visa that allows them to live and work in Indonesia.
- RPTKA (Expatriate Placement Plan) approved by the Ministry of Manpower
- RPTKA approval
- A Work Permit where applicable under current regulations
- A Limited Stay Visa (izin tinggal terbatas) allows foreign nationals to live and work in Indonesia for a specified duration.
- ITAS (Limited Stay Permit), commonly referred to as a KITAS
Foreign professionals who intend to live in Indonesia permanently may later qualify for a KITAP, while high-net-worth investors may be eligible for Indonesia’s Golden Visa, depending on their investment profile and immigration status.
Types of Indonesia Special Work Visa for Industry Activities
Indonesia provides several specialised Single Entry Visa indexes for industry-related assignments.
C10 Visa – Speakers and Presenters
The C10 Visa allows foreign nationals to participate in meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) as:
- Speakers
- Presenters
- Lecturers
- Influencers
The visa also permits tourism and visits to family or friends.
C11 Visa – Exhibition Participants
The C11 Visa is designed for exhibitors promoting products or services during exhibitions, conventions, and trade events held in Indonesia.
Tourism and family visits are also permitted, but they must comply with the types of work allowed under their visa.
C12 Visa – Pre-Investment Activities
The C12 Visa is intended for investors conducting:
- Site surveys are often conducted by foreign entities in Indonesia to assess potential business locations.
- Market research
- Feasibility studies are essential for understanding the potential of establishing a business in Indonesia.
- Business preparation before investment
It is frequently used by prospective foreign investors before establishing a PT PMA.
C13 Visa – Join Vessel
The C13 Visa allows foreign nationals to join vessels located within Indonesian waters before commencing maritime assignments.
C14 Visa – Film and Media Production
This visa covers professional productions including:
- Films
- Television programmes
- Music videos
- Reality shows
- Documentaries
- Radio productions
C15 Visa – Emergency and Urgent Assignments
The C15 Visa allows specialists to perform emergency work that cannot reasonably be delegated to another individual, including responses to:
- Natural disasters
- Major machinery failures
- Industrial emergencies
- Civil disturbances
These assignments are intended to prevent serious operational or public losses.
C16 Visa – Industrial Technology Assistance
The C16 Visa permits foreign experts to provide:
- Technical guidance
- Industrial training
- Technology transfer
- Product quality improvement is crucial for businesses in Indonesia to remain competitive in the market.
- Product design development is a key aspect of enhancing the competitiveness of businesses in Indonesia.
- Overseas marketing cooperation
C17 Visa – Audit and Inspection
Foreign professionals may use the C17 Visa to conduct:
- Internal audits
- Quality assurance is essential for maintaining high standards in products developed by businesses in Indonesia.
- Production inspections
- Branch office inspections
C18 Visa – Competency Testing
This visa allows applicants to undertake work competency assessments or practical capability testing within Indonesian companies.
C19 Visa – After-Sales Services
Foreign technicians may enter Indonesia using the C19 Visa to provide after-sales technical services for machinery or equipment previously sold to Indonesian customers.
C2 Visa – Business Meetings
The C2 Visa remains one of Indonesia’s most widely used business visas.
Permitted activities include:
- Business meetings
- Commercial negotiations
- Signing agreements
- Purchasing goods
- Factory inspections
- Product quality checks
C20 Visa – Installation and Machine Repair
This visa permits foreign technicians to install or repair imported machinery supplied from overseas manufacturers.
C5 Visa – Journalism
Foreign journalists conducting reporting and media coverage in Indonesia should apply under the C5 Visa.
C7 Visa – Arts and Cultural Activities
The C7 Visa covers artistic and cultural performances including theatre productions, exhibitions, circus performances, and other cultural events.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the selected visa category.
Generally, applicants should prepare:
- A valid passport
- Completed visa application
- Supporting documents explaining the purpose of the visit
- Sponsor documentation where required
- Proof of financial capability
- Additional documents requested by the Directorate General of Immigration
Some applications may require review by the relevant immigration office in Indonesia, depending on the visa category.
Can You Use Another Visa Under the Same Index?
No. Each visa index has its own permitted activities. Even though several visas fall under the Single Entry Visit Visa category, they are not interchangeable and have different validity periods.
Applicants should always select the visa that matches the intended purpose of their visit. Using an incorrect visa may result in sanctions imposed by Indonesian immigration authorities.
Can I Work Commercially with This Visa?
No. These visas are designed for temporary business or industry-specific activities rather than regular employment.
If a foreigner will become an employee of an Indonesian company or receive remuneration in Indonesia, they will generally require:
- RPTKA approval
- An approved Expatriate Placement Plan (RPTKA)
- Approval from the Ministry of Manpower
- A Limited Stay Visa
- ITAS (KITAS)
These immigration documents are different from Single Entry Business Visas and should not be confused.
Should You Apply for a Longer-Stay Work Visa Instead?
A Single Entry Business Visa is intended for temporary professional visits and industry-specific activities. If your role involves ongoing employment, managing daily business operations, or relocating to Indonesia for an extended period, you should instead consider a limited-stay visa that leads to an ITAS or KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Sementara).
For an Indonesian company to employ a foreign employee, the employer must first apply for the RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) through the Ministry of Manpower. Once RPTKA approval has been obtained, the employer may continue with the immigration process, which may include the required manpower obligations such as DKP-TKA, the issuance of e-visas, and the applicant’s KITAS application. Depending on the position and current regulations, an IMTA or equivalent work authorisation may also be required.
Following entry into Indonesia, the foreign national will receive a residence permit that allows foreigners to stay legally for the approved employment period. Unlike a Single Entry Business Visa, a work-related limited-stay visa is generally Extendable, allowing the holder to remain in Indonesia without repeatedly needing to leave the country and submit a new visa application.
Several long-term immigration pathways are available depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Foreign investors and members of the Board of Directors of eligible PT PMA companies may qualify for an Investor KITAS, while spouses and children accompanying a foreign worker can usually apply for a dependent visa. Those intending to settle permanently may later become eligible for a KITAP after meeting the applicable immigration requirements.
As Indonesian immigration regulations continue to evolve, Indonesia must ensure that every foreign national holds the appropriate immigration status before commencing activities. In most cases, a work-related visa must be sponsored by an eligible Indonesian company or organisation, making it important to determine the correct visa pathway before travelling.
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How to Apply for a Single Entry Visa
The application process generally includes:
- Determining the correct visa index.
- Preparing supporting documents.
- Obtaining sponsorship if required.
- Submitting the e-Visa application online.
- Waiting for visa approval, which typically takes several working days, depending on the visa category and document completeness.
- Travelling to Indonesia and completing immigration clearance upon arrival.
Applicants should ensure all documents accurately reflect the intended purpose of their visit to avoid delays.
Do I Need a Sponsor?
Yes, many Single Entry Business Visa categories require an Indonesian sponsor.
Sponsors may include:
- Indonesian companies
- Government institutions play a vital role in regulating the types of work that foreign nationals can engage in while in Indonesia.
- Event organisers
- Other authorised Indonesian organisations
The sponsor confirms the purpose of the visit and supports the visa application submitted to Indonesian Immigration.
Apply for an Indonesia Special Work Visa with Lets Move Indonesia
Selecting the appropriate visa is essential for remaining compliant with Indonesian immigration regulations. Whether you require a Single Entry Business Visa, a KITAS, ITAS, KITAP, Golden Visa, or assistance with obtaining RPTKA approval, Lets Move Indonesia provides comprehensive immigration support for expatriates, investors, and international businesses.
Our consultants assist with visa assessments, sponsor arrangements, e-Visa applications, work permit procedures, RPTKA processing, immigration compliance, and Limited Stay Permit applications. With extensive experience working alongside the Ministry of Manpower and Indonesian immigration authorities, we help ensure your immigration process is efficient, compliant, and tailored to your professional activities in Indonesia.
