Indonesian immigration authorities are actively monitoring influencers who want to collaborate in Bali and Lombok without a work permit. The law has not changed, but officials are enforcing it more strictly.
As a reminder, a foreigner cannot receive direct or indirect benefits from producing content or providing services in Indonesia, whether paid or unpaid, without the appropriate authorization.
The logic behind this is that even if the activity is unpaid, the influencer or individual may still obtain indirect benefits by using Indonesia as a venue or place of work while receiving financial benefits in their own country or being paid outside Indonesia.
This article explains what Indonesian immigration considers illegal work, which visas influencers and content creators may use, and the risks of working in Indonesia without a proper immigration status.
What Is Considered Illegal Work?
Indonesian immigration law defines illegal work as not limited to formal employment or receiving a salary from an Indonesian company. Authorities may also deem it illegal for a foreigner to receive direct or indirect benefits from working or engaging in commercial activity in Indonesia.
Activities commonly considered illegal work include:
- Creating sponsored content
- Promoting brands
- Volunteering
- Providing services
- Teaching classes such as yoga, pilates, or retreats
To be clear, immigration is not targeting people who come to Indonesia once a year for vacation and volunteer with NGOs.
The focus is on individuals living in Indonesia with tourist or business visas who are paid several times a year in their home country, pay no tax, and declare no income in Indonesia.
Canggu and Ubud have seen many foreigners abuse the system. This has prompted the government to reinforce existing rules and remind people of them.
The Directorate General of Immigration has recently increased enforcement by creating the Dharma Dewata Immigration Patrol Task Force. This unit monitors foreign activity and enforces immigration laws in Bali. Officials say the task force aims to spot problems early, prevent violations, and take action, especially in areas with large numbers of foreigners.
This is why it is now more important to know which visa you need for activities such as content creation, performances, collaborations, or remote work. The right visa depends on what you do, how long you stay, and where your income comes from.
Short-Term Visas for Content and Performance in Indonesia
Indonesia offers several short-term visa options for influencers, performers, and content creators based on their activities and income sources.
C7C Practical Skill Demonstration Visa
The Index C7C Practical Skill Demonstration Visa is designated as a Single Entry permit for foreign professionals, including but not limited to culinary experts, yoga instructors, mixologists, and camera operators, who are formally invited to Indonesia by an official sponsor to demonstrate specialized expertise.
This status authorizes the holder to participate in specific short-term engagements such as workshops, exhibitions, or live showcases.
The C7C visa typically grants a maximum stay of 30 days and is non-extendable. While Indonesian law strictly prohibits general employment or the sale of goods and services, the permit legally allows the holder to receive rewards or compensation directly related to the contracted demonstration activity.
C7A Single Entry Visa: Music Performer Status
The C7A Single Entry Visa is for foreign nationals, including musicians, bands, and associated music professionals, who have received an official invitation to perform professionally or participate in concerts in Indonesia.
This immigration status grants artists the legal authorization necessary to perform in compliance with Indonesian law.
This rule applies only to people taking part in short-term professional work. It also makes clear that any work, paid or unpaid, must have the right legal permit.
C6 Single Entry Social, Humanitarian, and Volunteer Visa
The Index C6 Visa is an official Indonesian permit for foreign nationals who want to participate in non-commercial activities, such as social programs, humanitarian work, or volunteering.
This visa allows the holder to stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days. It can be extended twice, each time for another 60 days, for a total stay of up to 180 days.
Under Indonesian Immigration Law, this visa category strictly prohibits all forms of employment, the sale of goods or services, and the receipt of rewards, wages, or any form of compensation from individuals or companies in Indonesia.
If you have a single-entry permit, leaving Indonesia will immediately invalidate your visa.
C5A Single Entry Visa: Content Creator Status
The C5A Single Entry Visa is for foreign nationals who want to create and earn money from social media content, including activity on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, while living in Indonesia.
This permit is a single-entry authorization that typically grants an initial stay of 60 days, extendable twice for additional 60-day periods, for a maximum continuous stay of 180 days.
Applicants must obtain sponsorship from an eligible Indonesian company or individual before applying. The C5A visa is not an employment or work permit. Holders cannot receive wages or be added to the payroll of any Indonesian company.
People usually use this visa for brand deals, travel vlogs, or sponsored posts. As long as all payments come from outside Indonesia.
Long-Term Visa for Content and Performance in Indonesia
A long-term visa is for people who wish to establish themselves in Indonesia for an extended period and to work for, or be paid by, an Indonesian company.
This stay permit, called a KITAS, is a multiple-entry permit.
E33G Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS): Remote Worker Status
The E33G Remote Worker KITAS is designed for foreign nationals who generate income exclusively from foreign employers, clients, or their own overseas-registered businesses.
This permit allows the holder to legally reside in Indonesia and conduct remote professional activities for an initial period of one year, with renewal options available.
Eligibility requires proof of financial self-sufficiency, including a minimum annual income of approximately USD 60,000.
This status does not allow the holder to work for or receive payment from companies or organizations in Indonesia. This means the E33G visa is not suitable for individuals seeking to collaborate with Indonesian companies. It also does not apply to those receiving income or benefits from them.
Work Visa E23
The Index E23 visa, classified as a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS), is granted exclusively to foreign nationals who have secured formal employment with an Indonesian-registered company and obtained the required Work Permits (IMTA and RPTKA).
This permit legally authorizes the holder to reside and conduct professional activities. The scope is strictly limited to their employment contract, job position, and the province specified in the permit.
The underlying employment agreement must be a fixed-term contract, as permanent positions are not permitted under this status.
Holders of the E23 KITAS benefit from full residency rights. These include the ability to purchase property or vehicles in their own names, open local bank accounts, and obtain insurance. They are also legally authorized to sponsor immediate family members (spouse and children) for dependent KITAS.
A mandatory obligation with this status is obtaining an SKTT and NIK number and ensuring timely reporting of any address changes to immigration authorities.
The permit does not allow holders to do freelance work, take a job with another company, or work outside the job or province approved by the Ministry of Manpower. Those looking to work in Indonesia long-term usually need to set up their own company. The right work permit is then obtained through that company to invoice Indonesian businesses.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| E23 KITAS (Work KITAS) | A work-based stay permit issued to foreigners formally employed by Indonesian companies. |
| RPTKA (Foreign Worker Utilization Plan) | Government approval authorizing an Indonesian company to employ foreign workers. |
| IMTA (Work Permit Authorization) | A work authorization document required for foreign nationals employed in Indonesia. |
| SKTT and NIK | Administrative registration documents required for foreign residents include residency registration and the assignment of an identity number. |
Risks and Sanctions for Non-Compliance
Foreigners who fail to comply with visa regulations may face severe penalties, including:
- Financial penalties, visa revocation, or detention
- Deportation
- Re-entry bans of up to ten years
For serious violations, individuals may be permanently blacklisted from Indonesia.
With the Dharma Dewata task force actively maintaining enforcement, authorities have made it clear that strict immigration control will remain a priority.
Indonesia offers legal pathways for influencers, content creators, performers, and remote workers. However, choosing the wrong visa or engaging in activities outside permitted activities can lead to serious immigration consequences.
ILA Global Consulting assists clients with content creator visas, KITAS applications, work permits, immigration compliance, and business structuring, helping foreigners operate legally while living and working in Bali, Lombok, and across Indonesia.
Contact us to identify the correct visa and compliance structure for your activities in Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Illegal work is defined as any activity, paid or unpaid, through which a foreigner gains a direct or indirect benefit. This applies when Indonesia is used as the venue or place of work. This encompasses creating sponsored content, promoting brands, and providing services such as teaching yoga or retreats. Volunteering also falls under this definition, unless performed under a legally authorized work permit.
No. The C5A visa strictly prohibits the holder from receiving wages or being placed on the payroll of any Indonesian entity. All compensation must be sourced exclusively from non-Indonesian entities. The E33G KITAS similarly prohibits working for or receiving compensation from any Indonesian entity. Income must be generated exclusively from foreign employers, clients, or overseas-registered businesses.
The C5A visa is a single-entry authorization that grants an initial stay of 60 days. It is extendable twice for subsequent 60-day periods, allowing a maximum continuous stay of 180 days.
This matter is dependent on becoming an Indonesian tax resident (generally after staying more than 183 days within a 12-month period), at which point your worldwide income may be subject to taxation. For clarity on tax residency, legal paths often involve being hired by an Indonesian company. With a work permit or declaring offshore revenue as a 10%-taxed dividend, which aligns with the $60,000 minimum required for the E33G visa.
Yes, prospective applicants for the C5A Content Creator Visa must secure sponsorship from an eligible Indonesian company or individual prior to application.
