E - VISA INFO

Differences Visa and Residence Permit You Should Know

Visas and residence permits are two essential things that are important for the public to know, especially foreign nationals (WNA) guarantors or companies that want to bring in foreign workers (TKA). Basically, these two documents can serve as a permit for foreigners to stay in Indonesia for a certain time. However, there are some important differences that the public does not yet understand.

Foreigners who are visiting Indonesia for the first time can only apply for a visa. A visa is a document that is proof that someone is allowed to enter a country. Foreigners are also allowed to carry out activities in the country according to the type of visa. The type of visa you have also determines how long a foreigner can stay in the country.

“Meanwhile, a residence permit can only be applied for if the foreigner already has a visa, and the position is already in Indonesia,” said Head of the Public Relations Sub-Division of the Directorate General of Immigration, Achmad Nur Saleh. “If you enter using a visit visa, you will get a visit stay permit. While the limited stay visa, will get a limited stay permit. Permanent residence permits can only be obtained through status transfer from a limited stay permit,” he continued.

This is the most noticeable difference for foreigners holding visas and residence permits. Visa holders in general can only use their visa for one time entry and stay within a certain time limit in the territory of Indonesia. If a foreigner leaves Indonesia when his visa has not expired, then the visa will be forfeited and cannot be used again. “ITAS holders can enter and leave Indonesia at any time, as long as the ITAS is still within the validity period. It’s different from a new visa that must be applied after leaving the Republic of Indonesia. Except for a visit visa for several trips, the provisions are different,” he said. 

Activities and Access Facilities for Foreigners While in Indonesia 

Although visas and residence permits have similarities in terms of activities or activities, they both have different scope of access to facilities. Foreigners holding limited stay permits and permanent residence permits have more opportunities. ITAS holders can apply for a residence certificate (SKTT), while ITAP holders can apply for an ID card. The SKTT can be used as a supporting document if the Foreigner wants to buy a private vehicle in his name and renew the STNK. Meanwhile, foreigners who already have an ID card will get access to public services that are almost equivalent to Indonesian citizens. “For the record, having an ITAP is not a benchmark for being able to become an Indonesian citizen. There are still other requirements that must be met according to the legislation. This is what the community also needs to understand,” concluded Achmad.