All About Limited Stay Visa (C311 – C320) in Indonesia
Indonesia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking long-term opportunities. With a fast-growing economy, a vibrant property and F&B sector, and increasing openness to foreign participation, understanding Indonesia’s Limited Stay Visa (Visa Tinggal Terbatas / VITAS) framework is no longer optional it is essential.
Understanding the Limited Stay Visa (VITAS) in Indonesia
A Limited Stay Visa (VITAS) is the entry visa required before a foreign national can obtain a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS). VITAS is regulated under Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, along with its implementing regulations and updates from the Directorate General of Immigration.
In practical terms, VITAS is the legal gateway for foreigners who wish to stay in Indonesia for medium to long-term purposes, such as employment, investment, family reunification, retirement, or professional assignments. Each visa code C311 through C320 serves a specific legal purpose, and choosing the wrong category can result in visa rejection, overstays, fines, or even blacklisting.
Limited Stay Visa Categories Explained (C311 – C320)
Below is a structured explanation of each Limited Stay Visa category, including its purpose and validity period, which is one of the most important considerations for long-term planning.
C311 – Limited Stay Visa for Work (Employment-Based)
C311 is intended for foreign nationals who are legally employed by an Indonesian company, including PT PMA (foreign-owned companies). This visa is commonly used by directors, commissioners, marketing directors, operational managers, chefs, and technical experts.
Validity Period:
- Issued for up to 2 years, depending on the approved work permit (RPTKA).
- Extendable inside Indonesia.
This visa requires strong compliance with manpower regulations, including job position eligibility and skill justification.
C312 – Limited Stay Visa for Non-Work Professional Activities
This visa applies to foreigners engaged in professional but non-employment activities, such as consultants, auditors, trainers, or short-term specialists invited by Indonesian entities.
Validity Period:
- Generally issued for up to 1 year.
- Extendable subject to activity approval.
It is critical to distinguish C312 from employment visas to avoid illegal work classification.
C313 – Limited Stay Visa for Family Reunification
C313 is designed for foreigners who are legally married to Indonesian citizens or holders of ITAS/ITAP, including dependent children.
Validity Period:
- Issued for 1 year.
- Extendable annually.
While this visa does not automatically grant work rights, it offers a stable pathway toward permanent stay (ITAP).
C314 – Limited Stay Visa for Investment (Investor Visa)
C314 is one of the most popular visas among business owners, shareholders, and entrepreneurs. It is specifically for foreigners listed as shareholders or directors in a PT PMA.
Validity Period:
- 1 or 2 years, depending on shareholding structure.
- Extendable and convertible to ITAP.
One major advantage is that no work permit (IMTA) is required for qualified investors.
C315 – Limited Stay Visa for Education and Training
This visa applies to foreigners undertaking formal education, professional training, or structured internships in Indonesia.
Validity Period:
- Issued according to the education or training period.
- Typically 6 months to 1 year.
Educational institutions must be officially registered and approved.
C316 – Limited Stay Visa for Research
C316 is for academic researchers, analysts, or institutional researchers conducting approved research projects in Indonesia.
Validity Period:
- Up to 1 year, based on research approval.
- Extendable with institutional support.
This visa requires multi-agency clearance and careful documentation.
C317 – Limited Stay Visa for Religious Activities
This visa is issued to foreigners performing religious, missionary, or faith-based activities under recognized institutions.
Validity Period:
- Up to 1 year.
- Extendable.
Activities must strictly follow the approved religious scope.
C318 – Limited Stay Visa for Humanitarian or Social Activities
C318 is used for foreigners involved in NGOs, humanitarian missions, or social projects.
Validity Period:
- Up to 1 year.
- Extendable.
Proper sponsorship and project approval are mandatory.
C319 – Limited Stay Visa for Retirement
C319 is ideal for foreigners aged 55 years and above who wish to retire in Indonesia. It is especially popular among property-oriented retirees.
Validity Period:
- 1 year, renewable annually.
This visa prohibits employment but allows a comfortable long-term stay.
C320 – Limited Stay Visa for Former Indonesian Citizens or Ex-Subjects
This visa is issued to former Indonesian citizens or ex-residents with special legal ties to Indonesia.
Validity Period:
- Up to 1 year.
- Extendable.
It provides an easier legal pathway to re-establish residence.
Important Points Foreigners Must Know
- Visa misuse is a serious offense under Indonesian immigration law and may result in deportation.
- Limited Stay Visas must be converted into ITAS after entry.
- Valid sponsors and accurate documentation are critical for approval.
- Regulations and implementation practices change frequently, making professional guidance highly advisable.
For investors, real estate professionals, F&B entrepreneurs, and directors, choosing the correct visa category is not just a legal formality it is a strategic business decision.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Indonesia’s immigration system is highly structured, yet practically nuanced. Many visa rejections occur not because applicants are ineligible, but because they select the wrong visa code, submit incomplete documentation, or misunderstand regulatory intent.
Working with experienced legal consultants ensures compliance, efficiency, and long-term security for your business and personal plans in Indonesia.
Free Consultation with Indoned Consultancy
If you are planning to invest, work, manage a business, retire, or live in Indonesia, Indoned Consultancy is ready to assist you. Our team of legal, immigration, and corporate experts provides end-to-end guidance—from visa strategy to compliance execution.
Contact Indoned Consultancy today for a free initial consultation and discover the most secure and efficient visa pathway tailored to your goals in Indonesia.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is based on our long experience. The process or requirement may vary depending on the specific facts and conditions. Besides, the law and regulations in Indonesia subject to frequent changes. Please contact us as your consultant to get an up to date information and accurate advice. More Information click here and You can also follow our social media accounts to see the latest information posts. please click on the following links: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and Twitter.
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FAQ
In general, PMA stands for Foreign Direct Investment while PMDN stands for Domestic Direct Investment. From the perspective of the meaning, in short, PMA is an investment activity to conduct business in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia which carried out by foreign investors, both those who use foreign capital wholly or in joint ventures with domestic investors. Then, PMDN is an investment activity to conduct business in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia which carried out by domestic investors using domestic capital.
Basically, subjects in domestic investors are Indonesian citizens (WNI), Indonesian business entities, the Government of Indonesia, or regions that make investments in the territory of Indonesia. Meanwhile, foreign investors are foreign citizens, foreign business entities, and/or foreign governments making investments in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia.
With the new regulations and system changes, the process of establishing a company, both PT PMDN or PT PMA, does not take a long time. It takes at least 10-15 working days after the complete document requirements are fulfilled.
Yes. To be able to carry out the establishment process of PT PMA, the authorized capital that must be written in the deed of establishment is Rp. 10 billion excluding the value of land and buildings. In making the deed of establishment, the Notary appointed by us will provide a statement letter to the shareholders who sign that they will deposit the said amount of capital. However, the statement will usually not include the fulfillment period. After the company is established, the company will carry out investment reporting on a regular basis which will later become one of the proofs for the company's activities with its capital.
Generally, the set-up company process is divided into 2 stages. Where, the first stage is the establishment stage. Where at this stage, you will process your company's basic documents and permits, such as: deed of establishment, legalization document, Company NPWP (Taxpayer ID Card), Business Identification Number, Company Bank Account Opening and other documents according to your sector and business field. Furthermore, the second stage is the operational stage. At this stage, before and/or during your company's operations, you are required to fulfill the company's obligations. Such as, payment of related taxes, fulfilling operational permits, reporting LKPM (Investment Activity Report), BPJS Employment and Health Registration, and other obligations according to the sector and business field.
BPJS stands for Social Security Administering Board, which is a special institution tasked with administering health and employment insurance for the public, civil servants, and private employees. BPJS has 2 types, namely: BPJS Healthcare and BPJS Employment. Where every registered company that has employees is required to register its employees in the BPJS program, both BPJS Healthcare and BPJS Employment.
LKPM stands for Investment Activity Report. It is a report on the progress of investment realization and problems faced by business actors that must be prepared and submitted periodically.
Yes, you do. When you do the establishment of a company, a correspondence address is fundamental. It is needed because later all correspondence documents from the government or related agencies will be sent to your company's office/correspondence address. In addition, a company is required to have a domicile which is one of the requirements for making a deed of establishment.
Do you have a location in mind where you plan to establish your company in general? For example, are you planning to do it in Bali, such as in Kuta, Ubud, Sanur or Jimbaran area? We have several specific place references that may help you determine the location of your company office. Just please let us know.
At the stage of the company establishment process, you are not required to come to Indonesia. Although it is no required to come, you may visit Indonesia with the visa which the service we can assist you to have it.
Some process in the establishment company can be carried out by giving your power of attorney to one of our team whom handles the process of establishing your company. Our team is experienced enough in their field therefore the necessary matters will be prepared and informed to you.
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