No, unless they convert it into a Work KITAS with proper sponsorship.
If you’re a foreign national living in Indonesia for work, business, or marriage, bringing your spouse and family along is a natural desire. The Indonesian government facilitates this through a Dependent KITAS, which legally allows your spouse and children to stay in the country. But what’s the legal route? What documents are required? How long does it take? Let us walk you through the process of obtaining a KITAS for Spouse and Family: Legal Process for Dependent Stay Permits in Indonesia—in clear, and actionable terms.
A Dependent KITAS is a type of Limited Stay Permit issued to the family members (spouse and children) of a foreign national who holds a primary KITAS (e.g., work, investor, or spouse KITAS). It is essential for families wishing to legally reside together in Indonesia, providing legal protection and access to essential services.
This permit does not authorize the holder to work or conduct business, but it allows long-term stay, school registration for children, access to health services, and legal residency.
You can apply for a Dependent KITAS in Indonesia if:
The issuance and regulation of KITAS are governed by several Indonesian laws and regulations, including:
These legal provisions emphasize the importance of family unity and define the criteria for dependent visas and permits.
To obtain a Dependent KITAS, the main applicant (the sponsor) must already have one of the following KITAS types:
Holders of a Work KITAS, typically employed in Indonesian companies, can sponsor their legally married spouse and children. The employer usually provides a letter of sponsorship.
Foreign investors with a KITAS under a PT PMA can sponsor their family, provided their investment is compliant with BKPM requirements.
A foreign spouse married to an Indonesian citizen may apply for a Spouse KITAS (C317), which automatically allows sponsorship of dependent children.
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The sponsor (KITAS holder) must submit proof of legal residency, valid KITAS, employment or investment status, and sufficient financial capability to support the family members.
The application begins with the submission through Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi (Directorate General of Immigration). A Limited Stay Visa (VITAS) application will be lodged, followed by submission of required documents.
Once approved, a VITAS e-Visa is issued. The dependent(s) can now enter Indonesia. After arrival, they must convert the VITAS to KITAS within 30 days.
At this stage, biometric data will be recorded, and the immigration office will issue the KITAS, complete with a residence card and stay permit.
Typical documents include:
Dependent KITAS is valid for 6 to 12 months, depending on the sponsor’s KITAS duration. You can renew it before it expires, usually by submitting the same supporting documents.
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While a Dependent KITAS allows legal stay, access to schooling, and certain civil rights, it has clear restrictions:
A mixed-marriage spouse (WNA married to WNI) can apply for a Spouse KITAS (C317) independently and may sponsor dependent children. A foreign sponsor ties a regular Dependent KITAS to the applicant, making it distinct from this type.
We frequently assist clients with the KITAS for spouse and family, and we’ve found that the most common issues involve incomplete or mismatched documents, unclear understanding of visa types, and delays due to untranslated or unlegalized certificates. Our team ensures all documents are correctly prepared, translated, and legalized, avoiding costly mistakes. We also help structure sponsorships, especially for foreign investors and business owners, to meet immigration requirements. By working with us, clients experience a smoother, faster, and legally sound process from start to finish.
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Applying for a KITAS for your spouse and family is not just a bureaucratic task—it’s about preserving family unity in a foreign land. With the right legal support, you can avoid unnecessary stress and delays. Whether you’re an expatriate professional, investor, or in a mixed marriage, KITAS for Spouse and Family is the bridge that connects your legal presence in Indonesia with the comfort of having your loved ones by your side.
Need help securing your spouse or children’s KITAS in Indonesia? Let us handle it for you.
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“DISCLAIMER: This content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal advice. For professional advice, please consult with us.”
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