Getting an Investor KITAS allows you to stay in Indonesia as an investor, but there is more to it than simply having a stay permit. An Investor KITAS is connected to your investment and your role in the Indonesian company. Because of that, there are certain responsibilities you need to understand once your KITAS has been issued.
Keep Your Investment in Order
An Investor KITAS is issued based on your investment in an Indonesian company. This means your investment should remain in accordance with the requirements that apply to your visa and company structure.
Are Holders of Investor KITAS Entitled to Work in Your Company?
This is one of the areas that can cause confusion for foreign investors. Having an Investor KITAS does not automatically mean that you can freely work in any position within your company. Your activities in Indonesia should match your immigration status and the applicable regulations.
Managing or overseeing your investment can be different from taking an employee position within the company. If you plan to become actively involved in the company’s day-to-day operations, you should check whether your specific position and activities require additional work authorization.
For example, being involved in business discussions or monitoring your investment is different from working as a chef, marketing staff member, engineer, or another operational employee.
The important question is not simply whether you own or invest in the company. You should also consider what you actually do within the business.
Work Activities Permitted for Investor KITAS Holders.
An Investor KITAS is intended for eligible foreign investors who meet the applicable investment and company requirements in Indonesia. Your activities should remain consistent with the purpose of your immigration status and your role within the company.
However, this does not mean an Investor KITAS automatically gives you permission to take on any job within the company.
If you’re planning to be actively involved in the day-to-day operation of your company, it’s worth checking your position and work authorization before you start.
As an investor, you may be involved in activities connected with your investment, such as:
- Attending company meetings
- Overseeing your investment
- Meeting business partners and potential clients
- Discussing and reviewing business strategies
- Monitoring the company’s operations
- Representing your interests as a shareholder
- Taking part in management activities, if your position and work authorization allow it
What Can’t You Automatically Do With an Investor KITAS?
An Investor KITAS should not automatically be treated as general permission to work in any position within your company. For example, working as a chef, marketing staff member, engineer, or another employee position can be different from managing or overseeing your investment.
The distinction becomes particularly important when you become involved in the company’s day-to-day operations. If your activities are similar to those normally performed by an employee, you should check whether your current immigration status and work authorization cover those activities.
If you are unsure about your position, it is better to check before starting the work rather than assuming that your Investor KITAS covers everything you plan to do.
What Happens If Your Company or Investment Changes?
Your Investor KITAS is connected to your investment and company, so changes to your circumstances may need to be reviewed. Changes such as a change in shareholding, investment structure, company details, or your position within the company can potentially affect your immigration situation. This does not necessarily mean that every company change will affect your KITAS.
However, you should check the relevant requirements before making significant changes to your investment or role. If there are changes to your shareholding, company structure, or investment, it is important to check whether those changes affect your KITAS.
Keep Your Company and Visa Details Updated
Your Investor KITAS is connected to your company, so changes such as a change of company details, position, or investment structure may need to be reported or reviewed. It is better to check these things before making changes rather than finding out later that your visa no longer matches your situation.
Final Thoughts
An Investor KITAS gives you the right to stay in Indonesia as an investor, but it also comes with responsibilities. The most important thing to remember is that an Investor KITAS does not automatically give you permission to perform any job within your company. Activities connected with overseeing your investment can be different from taking an employee position and performing day-to-day operational work.
