In this post, we look at comparison of the Indonesia’s work visa and business visit visa for projects in the country and will focus on differences between Single Entry Business Visa (SEBV) and Multiple Entry Business Visa (MEBV).
Foreign professionals intending to undertake projects in Indonesia must be aware of the key differences between a business visa and a work visa, as it is essential to facilitate smooth entry and to ensure full compliance with local regulations.
Respectively, Business Visa falls under the category of a Visit Visa, whereas Work Visa is classified as a Limited Stay Visa. Each visa type carries distinct requirements and procedures, reflecting their respective purposes.
Business Visa
A Visit Visa comprises 3 different types, namely (i) Single Entry Business Visa; (ii) Multiple Entry Business Visa; and (iii) Visa on Arrival.
- Single Entry Business Visa (SEBV):
- For a one-time visit.
- Valid for up to 60 days, extendable four times for 30 days each.
- Expires when the foreigner leaves the country (Indonesia).
- Multiple Entry Business Visa (MEBV):
- Allows multiple visits over 5 years.
- Each visit can last up to 60 days.
- Visa on Arrival:
- Available only to foreigners from certain countries, with limitations
- Short stays (up to 30 days) for tourism, business, government visits, or transit purposes
A Business Visa (SEBV and MEBV) does not allow visitors to work as an employee in a company in Indonesia or perform any type of hands-on work at projects. Business purposes include business talks, business meetings, comparative study, training purposes, seminars, exhibitions, audit, and quality control or inspections. Should the foreigner intend to be employed by a company in Indonesia, he/she must obtain a Work Visa, which must be sponsored by the employing company in Indonesia.
Work Visa
A Work Visa falls under the category of Limited Stay Visa, comprises of 2 different types, namely (i) Limited Stay Visa for Working Purpose; and (ii) Limited Stay Visa for Non-Working Purposes (Work Visa).
A Work Visa is required for foreigners who intend to perform any hands-on work projects in Indonesia. This applies even when the project duration is short. The granted activities are working as an expert, conducting professional activities to gain wages, conducting inspection or audit on branch offices in Indonesia, and conducting professional sport activities.
The work permit system involves obtaining approval from immigration authorities, followed by the Limited Stay Permit (ITAS). The government must approve foreigners for these activities before they can start working on project in Indonesia. It allows foreigners to stay in Indonesia for a significantly longer period than a Visit Visa.
- Valid for up to 2 years
- Extendable to a maximum of 6 years in total
Foreigners who work in Indonesia without a valid work permit risk deportation, re-entry bans, and legal penalties, even if they are paid outside the country. The main risks for foreigners working on a short-term projects in Indonesia include:
- Committing errors by working without a proper work permit as Indonesian regulations define “work” by the activity and not the time spent.
- Companies can be fined and lose the right to hire foreign workers.
- Invalidated insurance policies due to improper documentation.
- Frequent inspections and unscheduled investigations in industries like construction, energy, and telecommunications, increasing the risk for those trying to bypass regulations.
For more information on the process or any assistance you require on global immigration matters please do not hesitate to contact Rachel.ang@magrath.sg or Nur.erniwaty@magrath.sg.
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