Bali Work Visa in 2026: Essential Updates for the Working KITAS E23

By Wren Mertens, Senior Visa Specialist, baliworkvisa.com
June 8, 2026

For over a decade, baliworkvisa.com has been the trusted partner for professionals seeking to build a career in Indonesia. As of mid-2026, the landscape for obtaining a bali work visa remains dynamic, with a clear emphasis on genuine employment and adherence to regulations. The Working KITAS E23 continues to be the definitive permit for foreigners employed by Indonesian companies. Our team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring a compliant and efficient application process.

Who the Working KITAS E23 is for

A Bali work visa (Working KITAS E23) is specifically designed for:

Foreigners hired by an Indonesian legal entity, typically a PT PMA (Foreign Investment Company) or a qualifying local PT/organization, operating in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia.
Individuals appointed to specific job positions that are legally open to foreigners under Indonesian Manpower regulations. Your nominated position must align with your education and professional experience.
Those who will receive an Indonesian-sourced salary and will primarily work onsite in Indonesia. It’s crucial to distinguish this from remote work for foreign employers, which falls under the E33G “digital nomad” scheme.

It’s important to reiterate that using a tourist visa, Visa-on-Arrival (VoA), social visa, or a digital nomad visa to work for an Indonesian company or receive an Indonesian salary is strictly prohibited and carries significant legal risks.

Core Eligibility Requirements (Personal)

Based on Immigration’s “visa for employment” guidelines, the personal requirements for a Working KITAS E23 are stringent:

Valid passport with a minimum of 18 months validity remaining if you intend to apply for a 12-month KITAS. Our experience shows this is a widely enforced requirement by agents and Immigration for longer-term permits.
A clean immigration and criminal record. Applicants must not be on any deportation or blacklist. This is often implicitly checked through the sponsor’s due diligence processes.
Relevant education and experience for the proposed position:
- A copy of your university degree or highest education certificate, translated into English or Bahasa Indonesia if the original is in another language.
- Work certificates demonstrating at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the field related to your job in Indonesia.
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, which must be signed and stamped by your prospective employer on Indonesian materai stamp.
Proof of valid health insurance coverage in Indonesia.
Recent color photographs with a distinct red background (typically 3×4 and 4×6 cm, 4 pieces each).
Proof of funds: Immigration’s employment-visa FAQ mandates proof of at least USD 2,000 for living expenses.

Sponsor Company Requirements

The employing Indonesian company must meet specific criteria and provide extensive documentation to sponsor a Working KITAS E23. This is a critical component of the company sponsorship for Bali work KITAS.

Typical required sponsor documents include:

KTP (Indonesian ID card) of the director responsible for the company (ideally domiciled in Bali if the company is Bali-based).
KTP of a local Indonesian employee.
NPWP (company tax number).
Business licenses such as SIUP / NIB (for local PT) or BKPM/IUT/OSS documents for PT PMA entities.
Company registration documents (TDP/AHU output).
Company domicile letter (SKTU), and relevant location permits (SITU/HO, where applicable).
Deed of establishment and its legalization by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
Proof of Wajib Lapor/Manpower reporting.
Blank letterheads and the company stamp, essential for official applications.

It is important to note that while some Bali companies utilize a PT PMA “employer of record” or a third-party sponsor recommended by visa agencies, this arrangement does not absolve the legal obligation to strictly comply with Manpower and Immigration regulations. In 2026, enforcement against “paper employers” – companies that merely act as sponsors without genuine operational activity or legitimate employment needs – is significantly tightening. This means a greater scrutiny on the legitimacy of the employing entity and the foreign worker’s role.

Document Checklist (What an Agency Should Show On-Site)

To streamline your application, here is a consolidated checklist of documents we will require:

From the foreign worker:

Passport (all pages with stamps), with at least 18 months validity for a 1-year KITAS.
Latest color photograph (4×6 cm, red background).
Curriculum Vitae.
University degree / highest diploma, translated if necessary.
Work certificates covering the last 5 years in the same professional field.
Health insurance policy valid in Indonesia.
Proof of living expenses ≥ USD 2,000 (e.g., a recent bank statement).
Basic travel itinerary to Indonesia.

From the sponsor company:

All corporate documents previously listed (KTP director, NPWP, NIB/SIUP, deed, domicile letter, BKPM/OSS docs, etc.).
Manpower approvals (RPTKA/Notifikasi) and evidence of DKP‑TKA payment.

2026 Regulatory and Enforcement Developments for Bali Work Visas

As of mid-2026, the Indonesian government, particularly Immigration and Manpower, is intensifying its focus on ensuring compliance with employment regulations for foreigners. The primary update is a marked increase in scrutiny regarding the legitimacy of both the foreign worker’s role and the sponsoring company. The trend of tightening enforcement against “paper employers,” as mentioned, means that companies acting merely as sponsors without genuine operational activity are facing closer examination. This ensures that the Working KITAS E23 is issued for legitimate employment needs, safeguarding the integrity of the Indonesian labor market.

Working KITAS E23 Costs & Timeline

The bali work visa cost and processing time are key considerations. A Working KITAS E23 is typically valid for 6 to 12 months and is extendable. The total cost involves several components:

Government fees: These include fees for Manpower (RPTKA/Notifikasi) and Immigration (ITAS/e‑KITAS), plus the compulsory DKP-TKA fee.
DKP-TKA fee: This is a compensation fund for foreign workers, set at USD 100 per month of the KITAS validity.
Agency service fees: Our fees cover the expert handling of your application, document preparation, submission, and liaison with government bodies.

Processing times can vary based on the completeness of documents and government workload, but our team at baliworkvisa.com works diligently to expedite the process as much as possible, keeping you informed at every stage.

Bali Work Visa Process with baliworkvisa.com

With over 10 years of specialized experience, baliworkvisa.com simplifies the complex process of obtaining your bali work visa. Our dedicated approach, transparent communication, and deep understanding of Indonesian immigration law ensure a smooth journey for you and your employer. We pride ourselves on providing specific, trustworthy guidance tailored to your unique situation. Learn more about us and how our visa concierge service can benefit you. Should you have any questions, our team is ready to assist you. You can connect with us directly via our WhatsApp concierge service.

What is the difference between a Bali work visa (Working KITAS E23) and a digital nomad visa?

The Working KITAS E23 is a limited stay and work permit for foreigners formally employed by an Indonesian company, receiving an Indonesian-sourced salary, and working onsite. In contrast, a digital nomad-type visa (like the E33G) is for individuals who earn income from foreign sources and work remotely from Indonesia, without being employed by an Indonesian entity or receiving an Indonesian salary. These are distinct categories with different requirements and permissions.

How long does it take to get a Working KITAS E23 in Bali?

The processing time for a Working KITAS E23 can vary, typically taking several weeks to a few months, depending on the efficiency of Manpower and Immigration departments and the completeness of your documentation. Our team at baliworkvisa.com works to ensure all submissions are accurate and timely to prevent unnecessary delays.

Can I bring my family to Bali on my Work KITAS E23?

Yes, main Working KITAS E23 holders can sponsor dependent visas for their immediate family members (spouse and children). This usually involves applying for a separate Family KITAS (KITAS for spouse and children) for each dependent, which is linked to your primary work permit. Our agency can assist with the application for your family KITAS Bali for spouse and children.

What are the main risks of working in Bali without a proper visa?

Working in Bali without the appropriate Working KITAS E23 is a serious offense that can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines, detention, deportation, and being blacklisted from re-entering Indonesia for a significant period. Both the foreign worker and the employing company can face legal consequences.

Is an Indonesian company required to sponsor my Bali Work KITAS E23?

Yes, absolutely. A crucial requirement for the Working KITAS E23 is company sponsorship for Bali work KITAS. You must be formally employed by an Indonesian legal entity (such as a PT PMA or qualifying local PT/organization) that acts as your sponsor. Individual applications without a sponsoring company are not permitted for this type of visa.

What is the DKP‑TKA fee, and who pays it?

The DKP-TKA (Dana Kompensasi Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) is a compensation fund for foreign workers, essentially a levy paid for employing expatriates. It is set at USD 100 per month for the duration of the KITAS validity. This fee is typically paid by the sponsoring Indonesian company, not the individual foreign worker, as part of their compliance obligations.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for general guidance only and reflects the regulatory landscape as of mid-2026 based on the latest available data. Immigration laws and policies can change without prior notice. For personalized advice and the most current requirements, please contact our Senior Visa Specialists directly via our WhatsApp concierge service. We recommend consulting with our experts before making any travel or employment decisions based on this information.Chat a visa specialist on WhatsApp →

Disclaimer: We are a licensed visa facilitation service, not a government office, and this page is general information — not legal advice. Fees shown are agency service estimates, not official government fees. Requirements change; we confirm the latest rules for your case before you apply.

Sources consulted: https://www.viceroybali.com/en/blog/bali-visa-guide/; https://visa-indonesia.com/visas-and-regulations/work-in-bali/; https://bali.com/guide-to-moving-and-living-in-bali/kitas-work-permit-imta/; https://balivisaadvisor.com/services/working-visa/; https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/front/faq/5803e116-55ac-43a2-89e5-f7f2e6ab9e69; https://www.outsite.co/blog/bali-visas-for-digital-nomads-business-visas