A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Spouse Visa Indonesia

If you are a foreigner planning to join your spouse in Indonesia, one of the most important steps you will need to take is to obtain a spouse visa Indonesia. The spouse visa is a legal document that allows you to live in Indonesia with your spouse.

However, navigating the visa process can be confusing, time-consuming, and overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the Indonesian immigration system.

But don’t worry. In this guide, we will provide you with a detailed overview of the spouse visa Indonesia. We will walk you through the application process and the necessary documents you will need to prepare.

Learn About Spouse Visa Indonesia

In general, foreign nationals who are married to Indonesian citizens are eligible for an Indonesia spouse visa. There are two options for the spouse visas in Indonesia: KITAS/ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas) and KITAP/ITAP (Izin Tinggal Tetap), which is sponsored by the spouse.

KITAS/ITAS (Kartu Izin Terbatas), also known as a limited stay permit, is a spouse visa in Indonesia given to foreigners who are married to Indonesian citizens. This permit has validity for six to 12 months, and it can be granted for another reason than marriage, such as retirement or work purposes.

On the other hand, KITAP/ITAP (Izin Tetap), also known as a permanent stay permit, is a spouse visa in Indonesia that can be obtained by foreigners that are legally married to Indonesian citizens after two years. KITAP/TAP has a validity of five years. But It is important to note that you wIll not be eligible to apply for a KITAP/ITAP if you have not had a KITAS/ITAS previously.

Before you want to apply for one, first get yourself familiarized with the Indonesian spouse visa requirements and processes. Below are the details:

Indonesian Spouse Visa Requirements

Before you learn the steps of obtaining the Indonesia spouse visa, get to know with the required documents below:

Required Documents

Passport with a validity of a minimum of 18 months
Two pieces of printed photos wIth red background and size of 3 cm X 4cm
Marriage certificate (Akta Nikah)
Indonesian spouse’s ID card (Kartu Tanda Penduduk)
Indonesian spouse’s family card (Kartu Keluarga)
Indonesian spouse’s birth certificate (Akta Lahir)
Indonesian spouse’s bank statement with a minimum balance of IDR 20,000,000
A certificate of no impediment (CNI) for the couple who married outside Indonesia
Domicile letter from sub-district office

Steps of Obtaining A Spouse Visa Indonesia

Now that you already know what documents to prepare, you may as well learn the steps of obtaining a spouse visa in Indonesia.

1. Obtain VITAS Approval

VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas), also known as temporary stay visa pre-approval is the first permit you need to obtain. Here are the steps of getting one:

Prepare several documents: a valid passport, copy of passport, marriage certification, copy of ID, Indonesian spouse’s family card that has the married status and their copy of latest bank statement, and sponsor letter from your Indonesian spouse.
Apply for a VITAS and wait for it to be issued through your email as the electronic visa format.
Print the e-VITAS and bring it with you.

2. Transform Your VITAS into KITAS/ITAS

After arriving in Indonesia ,you will have seven days to transform your VITAS to a KITAS/ITAS. In order to transform it, you must visit the local immigration office for biometric data collection.

After that, your spouse visa wIll be issued wIth a multiple entry permit (MERP), which will mean you may now travel to and from Indonesia freely.

Yet, it is crucial to remember that KITAS/ITAS is a non-working visa, which means you cannot work or launch a business in Indonesia. If you decide you want to work, you must file a work permit application.

3. Civil Registration and Reporting

Within 14 days of receiving their KITAS/ITAS, foreigners with spouse-sponsored KITAS/ITAS must register with the civil department. The steps are below:

Prepare the necessary documents.
Present at the department of civil administration
You will obtain the SKSKPS (Certificate of Family Creation of Temporary Residents) and STM (Police Report Certificate)

4. Transform Your KITAS/ITAS into KITAP/ITAP

After two years of marriage, you should think about changing your KITAS or ITAS to a KITAP or ITAP for your spouse visa in Indonesia. KITAP/ITAP may be extended for a further five years or for a total of 25 years.

You may require the KITAP/ITAP in order to proceed while waiting to become a citizen in your own right.

However, if you are a foreign national attempting to join your non-citizen spouse in Indonesia, you have the option of applying for a stay permit in order to acquire a temporary stay visa for joining the family (Index C317). Foreign nationals who plan to live with their legally related family will be granted this visa.

We hope that this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and insights you need to navigate the process of obtaining a spouse visa Indonesia successfully.

Obtaining a spouse visa can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with the right information and preparation, it can be done smoothly and efficiently.

Nevertheless, if you are still having difficulties understanding the process, you can contact DoortoID for a quick, professional, and transparent visa consultation.