Family ITAS: Everything You Need to Know About Family Visas and Residence Permits in Bali

What is Family Visa ITAS?

Family Visa ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas/Limited Stay Permit) is a visa category in Indonesia designed to allow foreign nationals to reside in the country based on their family ties to an Indonesian citizen or a foreign national holding a valid ITAS or ITAP (Permanent Stay Permit).

What is the Difference Between ITAS and KITAS?

The terms ITAS and KITAS are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two.

ITAS stands for Izin Tinggal Terbatas, which translates to “Limited Stay Permit” in English. It is the actual permit that grants a foreigner the right to reside in Indonesia for a limited period of time, typically one to five years. While KITAS stands for Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, which translates to “Limited Stay Permit Card” in English. It is the physical card that serves as proof of the ITAS permit.

In the past, KITAS cards were issued to all ITAS holders. However, in recent years, the Indonesian government has transitioned to issuing ITAS permits electronically. This means that ITAS holders no longer receive a physical card. Instead, they receive an electronic notification of their ITAS approval.

Therefore, while both ITAS and KITAS refer to the same permit, the term “ITAS” is now more commonly used to refer to the electronic permit, while “KITAS” is used to refer to the physical card that was previously issued.

Types of Family ITAS

To cater to the diverse family structures of foreigners in Indonesia, the Indonesian government offers several types of Family ITAS, each with specific eligibility criteria and requirements:

Family ITAS for Spouse of WNI (Indonesian Citizen)

This type of visa is specifically designed for foreigners who are legally married to Indonesian citizens (WNI). It allows the foreign spouse to reside in Indonesia for the same duration as their Indonesian spouse’s ITAS/ITAP, with a maximum validity of 5 years. If the marriage was officially registered in Indonesia, the foreign spouse may even be eligible to apply for ITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) after two years of marriage.

Family ITAS for Stepchild of WNI (E31D)

The E31D visa is tailored for stepchildren of Indonesian citizens, provided that the biological parent of the stepchild is legally married to the Indonesian citizen. This visa enables the stepchild to reside in Indonesia for the same duration as their Indonesian step-parent’s ITAS/ITAP.

Family ITAS for Child Adopted by WNI

For children who have been legally adopted by Indonesian citizens, this specific type of Family ITAS allows them to reside in Indonesia under the same duration as their adoptive parent’s ITAS/ITAP.

Family ITAS for Spouse or Children under 18 y.o. of ITAS/ITAP Holder

This visa category is intended for spouses and children (under 18 years old) of foreign nationals who already possess a valid ITAS or ITAP. It permits the family members to reside in Indonesia for the same duration as the ITAS/ITAP holder’s permit.

Family ITAS for Parents of ITAS/ITAP Holder (E31H)

The E31H visa is designed for parents of foreign nationals who hold a valid ITAS or ITAP. It enables the parents to reside in Indonesia for the same duration as their child’s ITAS/ITAP. This type of visa is particularly beneficial for families seeking to reunite and live together in Indonesia.

General Eligibility Requirements

The general requirements for all Family ITAS categories include:

A passport valid for at least 6 months.
A personal bank statement with a minimum balance of USD 2,000 for the last three months.
A color photo for documents.
An address in Bali (or other relevant location in Indonesia).

Additionally, each category has specific requirements, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption decrees, and valid ITAS/ITAPs for sponsors. These documents might need translation into Indonesian by a sworn translator if not originally in English.

How To Apply For Family ITAS

Applying for a Family ITAS involves several steps that require careful preparation and submission of documents. Here’s a breakdown of the general process:

1. Prepare Required Documents

Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
Bank Statement: Obtain a personal bank statement showing a minimum balance of USD 2,000 for the last three months.
Color Photo: Prepare a color photograph that meets the specified requirements for documents.
Address in Bali: Provide proof of your address in Bali (or other relevant location in Indonesia).
Additional Documents: Depending on the specific Family ITAS category, you will need additional documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption decrees, or valid ITAS/ITAPs for sponsors. Ensure these documents are translated into Indonesian by a sworn translator if not originally in English.

2. Username Registration

Register an account on the Directorate General of Immigration website. This will be used for the online application process.

3. Apply for e-Visa

The sponsor (Indonesian citizen or ITAS/ITAP holder) or the applicant can initiate the e-Visa application process online through the immigration website. This typically involves filling out an application form, uploading the required documents, and paying the necessary fees.

4. Visa Registration upon Arrival

Once the e-Visa is approved, the applicant must enter Indonesia within the specified timeframe (usually 90 days). Upon arrival, they need to report to the immigration office with their original passport and e-Visa for further processing.

5. Immigration Processing

The immigration office will verify the documents and conduct an interview with the applicant. This may also involve taking biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs. The processing time usually takes 2-3 weeks.

6. ITAS Issuance

After successful verification and processing, the ITAS will be issued electronically. The applicant will receive a notification and can access their electronic ITAS online.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Family ITAS?

Holding a Family ITAS provides various benefits, including:

Ability to apply for ITAP after 2 years of marriage (for spouses of Indonesian citizens).
Multiple entry permits during ITAS validity.
Eligibility to open a bank account.
Ability to lease land.
Opportunity to obtain a driver’s license and purchase a vehicle.
Discounts for medical assistance and local prices for tourist attractions.

Important Considerations

The processing time for a Family ITAS typically takes 1.5 to 2 months, excluding public holidays and days off.
Seeking assistance from an immigration lawyer or consultant can simplify the process and ensure compliance with all requirements.

Navigating the complexities of visa applications can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Let BaliPas simplify the process for you. Our team of experienced visa consultants is ready to guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.