If you are a foreign investor planning to live and do business in Indonesia, the E28A Investor KITAS is the most important residence permit you need to know about. This guide breaks down everything — from eligibility and required documents to the full application process and costs — so you can prepare with confidence.
What Is the E28A Investor KITAS?
The E28A Investor KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a limited stay permit issued to foreign nationals who hold shares in an Indonesian foreign-owned company, known as a PT PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing). It is specifically designed for foreigners who invest in Indonesia and want the legal right to live in the country, manage their business, and access key services as a resident.
Unlike a regular tourist visa or a work permit, the E28A ties your residency directly to your investment status. This means your company acts as your sponsor, and your continued stay in Indonesia depends on maintaining your investment and shareholding.
To understand the broader landscape of residency permits, it helps to first understand what KITAS is and how it works for foreigners in Indonesia.
Who Is Eligible for the E28A Investor KITAS?
Not every foreign investor qualifies for this permit. There are specific conditions you must meet before applying.
To be eligible, you must:
- Own shares in an Indonesian PT PMA company worth at least IDR 10,000,000,000 (IDR 10 billion) or the equivalent in foreign currency
- Hold a position as a Director or Commissioner in the company sponsoring your KITAS
- Have a company that has been registered under the Online Single Submission (OSS) system and holds a valid NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha) and business licenses
- Have a company sponsor (guarantor) that has been established in Indonesia for at least 6 months prior to the application, in accordance with Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 36 of 2021
If your company is brand new, it can still sponsor your KITAS once it receives its NIB and operating licenses. It’s important to ensure your PT PMA is properly established before beginning this process. You can learn more about the challenges when starting a PT PMA in Indonesia to avoid common mistakes early on.
Why Foreign Investors Choose the E28A KITAS
The E28A Investor KITAS offers a range of practical benefits that make it an attractive long-term solution for foreign business owners.
Key benefits include:
- Long-term residency — valid for up to 2 years, renewable
- Multiple-entry access — you can travel in and out of Indonesia freely
- Work rights — you are permitted to perform activities related to your investment and business management as Director or Commissioner
- Family sponsorship — you may bring family members to Indonesia under your KITAS
- Banking and property access — legal residency makes it easier to open corporate bank accounts and engage in property transactions
- No separate work permit needed — unlike a Working KITAS, the Investor KITAS already covers your right to manage your company
For a deeper look at why this permit matters so much for business owners, read why foreign business owners need an Investor KITAS in Indonesia.
Required Documents for the E28A Investor KITAS
Before starting the application, you need to gather documents from two categories: personal documents and company documents.
Personal Documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity (some agents require 12 months and at least 2 blank pages)
- Recent color photograph (a selfie against any background is acceptable at some agencies)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal bank statement from the last 3 months showing a minimum balance of USD 2,000, including your name, date, and account balance
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation в Индонезии
- Police Clearance Certificate from your country of origin
- Travel Itinerary (for offshore applications)
Company Documents
- PT PMA company deed of establishment and any amendments
- SK KUMHAM — Ministerial Decree from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights confirming company legalization
- NIB (Nomor Induk Berusaha) — Business Registration Number
- NPWP — Company Tax Identification Number
- OSS business license (Standard Certificate or equivalent)
- Company current account statement for the last 2 months
- Evidence of share ownership of at least IDR 10 billion in the sponsoring PT PMA, as registered with the Ministry of Investment / BKPM
- Profil Perseroan (Company Profile — obtainable from your notary)
- ITK/Permit Number — required if applying from within Indonesia
Having all documents ready before submission significantly speeds up the process.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the E28A Investor KITAS
The application process differs depending on whether you are applying from outside Indonesia (offshore) or from within Indonesia (onshore).
Offshore Application (Applying from Outside Indonesia)
This is the most common route for investors who have not yet entered Indonesia.
Step 1 — Set Up Your PT PMA
Before anything else, your Indonesian company must be legally established, registered under OSS, and hold a valid NIB and business licenses. Your company will act as the official guarantor for your KITAS application.
To understand the full company setup process, see how to register your company in Indonesia in just 14 days.
Step 2 — Create an Account on the eVisa Portal
You (or your appointed agent) must create an account on the official Indonesian Immigration eVisa portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. Your guarantor company submits the VITAS (Visa with Limited Stay) application on your behalf.
Step 3 — Submit Your VITAS Application
Your company or immigration agent submits all required personal and company documents via the online portal. The VITAS is typically issued within 7–15 working days after submission.
Step 4 — Enter Indonesia Within 90 Days
After receiving your eVisa/VITAS, you must enter Indonesia within 90 days from the date it was issued.
Step 5 — Convert VITAS to KITAS
Upon arrival in Indonesia, your KITAS conversion process begins. This step involves visiting the local immigration office, submitting biometric data (photo and fingerprints), and completing administrative requirements. The conversion typically takes around 14 working days (approximately 2 weeks).
Onshore Application (Applying from Within Indonesia)
If you are already in Indonesia on a tourist visa (VOA or C1), you may need to do a visa run — briefly leaving the country and re-entering — before applying, as you generally cannot convert a tourist visa directly into a KITAS from within the country.
However, if you are already holding a valid stay permit (such as a business visa), an onshore application is possible. The onshore process takes approximately 1–2 months.
Renewing Your E28A Investor KITAS
Your E28A Investor KITAS can be renewed as long as your PT PMA remains active, your shareholding stays at or above the required IDR 10 billion threshold, and you maintain your position as Director or Commissioner.
The renewal process typically takes 2–3 weeks, depending on your local immigration office. After document submission, you will be required to attend a biometric session at the immigration office.
Important: If you change your home address in Indonesia during the validity period of your KITAS, you must report the new address to immigration and obtain a new Domicile Letter from your local Banjar office. This also applies during renewal.
For details on the KITAS system and how it differs from other types of permits, check out what is an Investor KITAS and what makes it unique.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants face delays or rejections due to avoidable errors. Here are the most common mistakes to watch out for:
- Submitting a passport with less than 6–12 months of validity — always renew your passport before starting the process
- Providing incomplete bank statements — the statement must show your name, the date, account balance, and cover at least 3 months of history
- Not having the company properly registered on OSS — missing licenses like the Standard Certificate will stall the process
- Applying from within Indonesia on a tourist visa without doing a visa run — this is a common mistake for first-time applicants on VOA
- Underestimating processing time — plan for at least 3–5 weeks from document preparation to final KITAS issuance
Understanding Foreign Investment Structures in Indonesia
The E28A KITAS is closely tied to how your investment is structured in Indonesia. To qualify, your investment must go through a PT PMA — a legal entity that allows foreign ownership under Indonesian law.
The type of business activity, the ownership percentage, and the sector your company operates in all matter for compliance. Indonesia’s Positive Investment List determines which sectors are open to 100% foreign ownership and which require local partnership.
To understand the full picture of foreign investment structures in Indonesia and which structure suits your business best, it’s recommended to work with a registered legal or immigration consultant.
E28A vs. Other KITAS Types
It’s helpful to understand how the E28A compares to other residency permits in Indonesia.
| Feature | E28A Investor KITAS | Рабочие КИТАС | Retirement KITAS |
| Target | Foreign shareholders/investors | Foreign employees | Retirees (55+) |
| Sponsor | PT PMA company | Indonesian employer | Licensed sponsor |
| Work rights | Yes (as Director/Commissioner) | Yes (for employer only) | No |
| Min. investment required | IDR 10 billion in shares | None | None |
| Validity | Up to 2 years | Up to 2 years | Up to 1 year |
| Family inclusion | Yes | Limited | Limited |
To learn more about the working permit option, read what is a Working KITAS and how it legalizes your working permit in Indonesia.
Trusted Services for Investor and Working KITAS Applications
Do you want to stay in Indonesia to build your business or work without
worrying about managing numerous documents and requirements?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum investment required for the E28A Investor KITAS?
You must own shares worth at least IDR 10,000,000,000 (IDR 10 billion) in a PT PMA company registered with the Ministry of Investment / BKPM. This is the primary eligibility threshold set by Indonesian immigration regulations.
2. Can I apply for the E28A KITAS without setting up a PT PMA?
No. The E28A Investor KITAS requires you to be a shareholder, Director, or Commissioner of a PT PMA. You cannot apply based on investment in a local Indonesian company (PT) or through a different business structure.
3. How long does it take to get the E28A Investor KITAS?
For an offshore application, the VITAS (entry visa) is issued within 7–15 working days. After you enter Indonesia, the KITAS conversion takes approximately 14 more working days (2 weeks). The total process from document preparation to final KITAS can take 3–5 weeks.
4. Can my family members join me on my Investor KITAS?
Yes. The E28A Investor KITAS allows you to sponsor dependent family members, including a spouse and children. They would apply for a Dependent KITAS tied to your primary permit.
5. What happens if my company is no longer active or I sell my shares?
If your PT PMA loses its active status or you sell your shares below the IDR 10 billion threshold, your Investor KITAS may be revoked or become non-renewable. You must maintain your qualifying shareholding and active directorship/commissionership for the KITAS to remain valid.
Ready to Apply for Your E28A Investor KITAS?
Navigating the Indonesian immigration system can be complex — especially when you’re trying to run a business at the same time. EZPZ Indonesia specializes in helping foreign investors apply for the E28A Investor KITAS quickly, accurately, and without unnecessary stress.
From setting up your PT PMA to submitting your KITAS application and handling every document along the way, we make the process straightforward.
