Why Understanding Work Visa Cost Matters
Hiring foreign employees in involves multiple layers of approval and documentation.
Many companies underestimate the total cost not just the visa fee, but also government levies, legal permits, and compliance administration.
provides transparent pricing for corporate clients, helping them budget visa-related expenses accurately and avoid unexpected costs.
Overview of Indonesia’s Work Visa System
A work visa (KITAS) is required for any foreign national employed by an Indonesian company.
The process typically includes:
- RPTKA (Expatriate Placement Plan)
- Work Permit (Notifikasi)
- Telex Visa (VITAS)
- KITAS (Limited Stay Permit)
- NPWP and BPJS registration
Each stage has its own government fee and processing timeline.
(Internal Link: Foreign Worker Visa)
Government Fees and Official Costs
Component | Description | Estimated Fee (IDR) | Frequency |
| RPTKA Approval | Manpower Ministry authorization | Free | One-time |
| Work Permit (Notifikasi) | Authorization to employ a foreigner | Rp 100,000 | One-time |
| DKP-TKA (Skill Development Fund) | Mandatory payment per expat | USD 100/month | Monthly |
| Visa (VITAS) | Entry visa issued by immigration | Rp 2,000,000 – Rp 3,000,000 | Per visa |
| KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) | Residence and work permit | Rp 1,500,000 – Rp 2,500,000 | Per year |
| Re-entry Permit | Multiple entry for business travel | Rp 1,000,000 | Optional |
| Biometric & Reporting Fee | Immigration data processing | Rp 250,000 | One-time |
Total government-related costs (average 1-year work visa):
≈ USD 1,300 – 1,600 per employee
(External Link: Directorate General of Immigration Indonesia)
Company Obligations and Additional Expenses
In addition to official government fees, companies usually cover:
- Document translation and notarization (Rp 500,000 – Rp 1,000,000)
- Health insurance or BPJS premium (Rp 200,000 – Rp 500,000/month)
- Tax registration (NPWP) and reporting setup
- Processing fee from visa agency or consultant
Swift Visa Indo combines all of these into an all-inclusive package for efficiency and transparency.
(Related: Reliable Tax and Accounting Services)
Real Cost Scenarios for Different Visa Types
Visa Type | Duration | Estimated Total Cost (USD) | Description |
| Single Work Visa (1 Year) | 12 months | 1,500 – 1,800 | Standard KITAS for corporate staff |
| Short-Term Work Visa (6 Months) | 6 months | 900 – 1,100 | Temporary projects or technical roles |
| Investor Visa KITAS | 1 year | 1,000 – 1,400 | For PT PMA shareholders/directors |
| Multiple Expat Staff (10+) | 12 months | 12,000 – 15,000 | Includes DKP-TKA + group discount |
| Renewal Package | Annual | 1,200 – 1,500 | Includes KITAS renewal and tax compliance |
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Some companies face additional charges because of:
- Expired or mismatched company licenses (NIB, SIUP, etc.)
- Incorrect job titles in RPTKA
- Delays from incomplete employee documents
- Overstay fines (USD 70 per day)
Swift Visa Indo helps clients audit all compliance areas before application, ensuring zero rejection and no hidden fees.
(External Link: Ministry of Manpower Indonesia)
How Swift Visa Indo Reduces Visa Expenses
- Bulk Processing Discounts – corporate visa bundles reduce per-person cost.
- Direct-to-Government Access – no intermediary agent markup.
- Integrated Tax + Visa Services – fewer third-party fees.
- Digital Tracking System – prevents renewal penalties.
Final Cost Summary Table
Category | Range (USD) | Frequency |
| Government Fees | 800 – 1,000 | Annual |
| DKP-TKA | 1,200 | Annual |
| Service & Legal Fees | 400 – 600 | Annual |
| Miscellaneous & Insurance | 200 – 300 | Annual |
| Total Estimated Cost / Employee / Year | 1,800 – 2,200 | Annual |
Key Takeaways
- The Indonesia work visa cost in 2025 averages USD 1,800–2,200 per employee.
- The largest component is DKP-TKA (USD 100/month).
- Swift Visa Indo helps reduce costs by integrating visa, tax, and compliance under one package.
Need accurate visa cost planning for your company?
Contact Swift Visa Indo for a personalized visa cost estimate.
