How to Apply for the Investor KITAS E28A From Start to Approval

By Rosa Tanuwijaya, Investor KITAS & PT PMA Consultant

The Investor KITAS (E28A) is a limited stay permit for foreign nationals who invest a minimum of IDR 10 billion in shares of an Indonesian PT PMA company. It allows you to live in Indonesia for one or two years to manage that investment, with the option to renew. This guide details the exact requirements and process for 2026, based on current immigration regulations.

application requires precision. At investorkitas, we have spent over a decade guiding investors through this specific process, ensuring every document and corporate requirement is met correctly from the start. Let’s break down the journey from initial eligibility checks to receiving your approved KITAS.

Who is the Investor KITAS E28A Designed For?

The E28A visa is purpose-built for active foreign investors, not passive shareholders or remote workers. Indonesian immigration authorities designed this permit for individuals directly involved in the management and oversight of their capital in the country.

According to the official visa framework, the target applicant is a foreign national who meets two primary conditions:

Significant Capital Investment: You must personally own at least IDR 10,000,000,000 in company shares. This cannot be part of the general company investment plan; it must be recorded as your paid-up shares in the Ministry of Investment (BKPM) system.
Management Role: You must hold a formal position in the sponsoring PT PMA, typically as a Shareholder acting as a Director or a Shareholder acting as a Commissioner. This role legally empowers you to manage the company.

This visa allows you to conduct business, establish company operations, and live in Indonesia with multiple re-entry rights. It also serves as the foundation for sponsoring dependent KITAS for your eligible family members.

Step 1: Meeting the Core Eligibility Criteria

Before gathering a single document, you must confirm that both you and your sponsoring PT PMA meet the non-negotiable legal requirements. A failure at this stage will stop any application from proceeding.

For the Sponsoring PT PMA Company

Your Indonesian company must be legally sound and active. This means it must have:

A legal establishment history of at least 6 months, as mandated by Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 36/2021 for all E-class visa sponsors.
All its core legal documents in order, including its Deed of Establishment, Ministry of Law and Human Rights Decree (SK Kemenkumham), Tax Number (NPWP), and Business Identification Number (NIB).
Proof of your share ownership of IDR 10 billion officially registered with the Ministry of Investment.

For the Individual Applicant

You, the investor, must provide:

A valid passport. For a 1-year KITAS, your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months. For a 2-year KITAS, it must have at least 30 months of validity remaining.
Proof of sufficient living funds. Immigration requires a personal bank statement showing a balance of at least USD 2,000 (or equivalent) to demonstrate you can support yourself upon arrival.
A commitment to work only within the scope of your investment role. The E28A does not permit freelance work or employment for other companies. This is a point of increasing scrutiny, particularly in Bali.

Step 2: Preparing Your Document Checklist

Once eligibility is confirmed, the next phase is meticulous document preparation. Any inconsistency can lead to delays or rejection. Our visa concierge service provides a personalised checklist, but the standard requirements are as follows.

From the Applicant (Investor)

Clear, colour scan of your passport’s identity page.
A recent passport-style colour photograph with a white background.
Your personal bank statement from the last three months, clearly showing your name, the date, and the required minimum balance.

From the Sponsoring PT PMA

Company’s Articles of Association (and any amendments).
Company’s Decree of Legalization from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
Company’s Business Identification Number (NIB) and Business License.
Company’s Tax Identification Number (NPWP Badan).
ID (KTP or ITAS/KITAP) of the company director signing the sponsorship documents.
A recent company bank statement (often showing a balance around USD 10,000).
A signed Sponsor and Guarantee Letter printed on the company letterhead and affixed with the company stamp.

Step 3: The Application and Approval Process

The E28A application process typically begins while you are outside of Indonesia. Here is a simplified timeline of what to expect:

Document Submission & Review: We compile and verify all documents from you and your PT PMA, submitting the application through the online immigration portal.
E-Visa (VITAS) Approval: Once approved, Immigration will issue an electronic visa (E-Visa), which is the permit you use to enter Indonesia. This step generally takes 10–14 working days.
Travel to Indonesia: You have 90 days from the E-Visa issuance date to travel to Indonesia.
KITAS Biometrics Appointment: Upon your arrival, we will schedule an appointment for you at the local immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) to have your photo and fingerprints taken.
KITAS Issuance: After your biometrics are processed, your limited stay permit (ITAS/KITAS) will be issued. You are now officially a resident investor.

For those already in Indonesia on another valid visa (like a B211A), it is possible to convert it to an Investor KITAS onshore without leaving the country. The process is similar but requires additional steps related to the visa conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions about the E28A Investor KITAS

What is an Investor KITAS E28A and who is eligible in Indonesia?

The Investor KITAS E28A is a 1 or 2-year limited stay permit for foreign investors. To be eligible, you must be a shareholder with at least IDR 10 billion in paid-up shares in a PT PMA company and hold a position as a Director or Commissioner in that same company, allowing you to legally manage your investment while residing in Indonesia.

What is the difference between an Investor KITAS and a Working KITAS (C312)?

The main difference is the exemption from the Foreign Worker Utilization Plan (RPTKA) and the associated annual fee (typically USD 1,200). An Investor KITAS holder is considered to be overseeing their own capital, not as a foreign employee. A Working KITAS (C312) is for skilled foreign employees, requires an RPTKA, and involves a more complex application process for the sponsoring company.

Can I upgrade from an Investor KITAS to a KITAP?

Yes, the Investor KITAS is a valid pathway to a permanent stay permit (KITAP). After holding your Investor KITAS for a certain period (currently after your third renewal, subject to regulations), you may become eligible to apply for a 5-year KITAP, offering greater stability for long-term residents in Indonesia.

Your Partner for a Secure Investment Journey

Securing an Investor KITAS is a critical step in protecting your investment and establishing your life in Indonesia. The process is clear but leaves no room for error. With direct lines to immigration and a deep understanding of corporate compliance, our consultants ensure your application is built on a solid foundation.

If you are ready to begin your PT PMA setup or apply for your Investor KITAS, our team is here to provide the clarity and support you need.

Ready to start your application? Contact us directly on WhatsApp for a consultation.

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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.