Ways to stay legally

Remote Worker KITAS (E33G), Indonesia

Checked 13 November 2026

Who it is for

Employees, and in some cases freelancers, who live in Indonesia while working for an employer or clients outside Indonesia. It suits people earning at least about USD 60,000 a year from foreign sources. It does not suit anyone who wants Indonesian clients, a local job or a local business. Those cases need a different permit, such as an investor or work KITAS.

Requirements

The checklist can change, so confirm it on the official immigration eVisa portal (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) before you apply. Typical requirements reported by law firms and agents:

Foreign employer or clients. An employment contract with a company established outside Indonesia. Some agents say freelance contracts with foreign clients are also accepted.
Income of at least USD 60,000 a year, proven by contract and bank statements.
Personal bank statements for the last 3 months showing a balance of at least USD 2,000.
Passport. Sources disagree on validity: most say 6 months, while Fragomen and others say 18 months with 3 blank pages. Plan for 18 months to be safe.
Recent photo and CV.
Proof of where you will stay in Indonesia, for example a hotel or rented apartment booking.
Health insurance. Sources disagree on whether it is mandatory, so check the portal checklist.
No Indonesian sponsor is needed. Immigration lists E33G as a category without a sponsor.
Almost all nationalities can apply. A few are excluded, so check your passport on the portal.

Duration

The permit is issued for up to 1 year with multiple entries.
The e-visa must be used: enter Indonesia within 90 days of issue, or it lapses.
Extension is meant to be done online via the eVisa portal. Fragomen describes renewal for one more year. Community sources say that in practice some holders had to leave and refile, so check the current position with immigration before your permit expires.
Some agent sites claim it can be renewed up to 5 years in total. Treat this as unconfirmed.

Cost

Official fee: Immigration's published fee for the one-year E33G is IDR 7,000,000 (about USD 430 or EUR 337). Fragomen's 2024 launch note quoted a lower figure of IDR 2,700,000, so the fees have changed. Confirm the amount in the official billing notice.
Agent fees: these add a few hundred USD. Agent packages that include extras are advertised at IDR 11–12 million or more.
Realistic total: about USD 430 to 900+, depending on whether you use an agent.
Processing: the e-visa takes roughly 8–15 working days, depending on the source. After arrival, biometrics and the KITAS card take up to about 30 days more.

Allowed

Living in Indonesia for the permit period, with multiple entries and exits.
Working remotely for an employer or clients established outside Indonesia.
Being paid from abroad, in a foreign currency.
Bringing eligible family members. Details of family permits should be confirmed with immigration, because Fragomen reported this was not yet clarified at launch.

Not allowed

Working for or being paid by an Indonesian company or individual.
Selling goods or services in Indonesia, or running a local business on this permit.
Seeking or holding employment with an Indonesian company.
Staying beyond the permit date, or failing to enter within 90 days of issue.

Risks

**Tax residency.** Sources disagree on how the E33G is treated. Most say you become an Indonesian tax resident after 183 days in any 12-month period. One source says holding a KITAS can itself signal intent to reside. Residents are generally taxed on worldwide income, at progressive rates of 5–35%, with relief under tax treaties. Claims that the E33G is tax-free are not backed by official sources. Check with the Indonesian tax office (DGT) or a tax adviser.
**Overstay or unauthorised work.** Working for local clients can lead to fines, deportation and bans. Keep your income and clients strictly foreign.
**Agent marketing.** Fees and rules vary between agents, and some claims, such as tax exemptions or renewal up to 5 years, are unverified. Pay government fees only through the official payment gateway, and keep receipts.
**Income proof falling short.** Income below USD 60,000, or income not clearly from a foreign entity, is the main reason for refusal.
**Missing the 90-day entry window**, or an expiring passport, which can force a new application.
**Renewal uncertainty.** Start renewal well before expiry, and check current practice with the immigration office that issued your permit.

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This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources or a professional before you act.

Sources