Indonesia's Working Holiday Visa Guide

Imagine waking up to a cup of kopi and knowing you will manage your work and visit captivating waterfalls or the beautiful beaches of Bali. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, that’s the magic of an Indonesian Working Holiday Visa.

Whether you are a digital nomad, a backpacker looking for a means to fund your travels, or just interested in living in Indonesia, the visa ensures you get a taste of both worlds.

Ready to swap your grind for a more adventurous routine? Let’s check out the Indonesian adventure and opportunities with a working holiday visa.

Leveraging the Working Holiday Visa for Work

The primary purpose of the Working Holiday Visa is to build stronger tourism ties by enabling visitors to work temporarily. Indonesians refer to it as "Visa Bekerja dan Berlibur."

With it, young adults can obtain working holiday visas that allow them to travel to work in Indonesia for twelve months, which the government grants up to 1,000 slots per year.

During their stay in Indonesia, visa holders may work temporarily to support their time there if they do not exceed four months of training or education.

Eligibility Requirements

Here are some basic requirements for an Indonesian Working Holiday Visa:
Applicants have to be aged between 18 and 30 years (inclusive).
Coloured passport valid for at least Year 12 months (biodata page and amendment page + visa page and stamp page on the passport + any previous passports).
A letter of Government Support (SDUWHV).
Evidence of valid English test score (at least 4.5 in IELTS or 30 in PTE).
Not previously participated in the work and holiday program.
Don’t have dependent children to join.
Have sufficient funds on hand for their upkeep during the time of the initial stay in Indonesia (Min. $2,000).
Have good health and character.
Perform medical and chest X-ray examinations.
Proof of health insurance.
The highest degree of education of the employee, stamped and signed by the employer.
A stamped and signed copy of the applicant’s CV.
A work certificate that proves the applicant has had at least 5 years of work experience.

You will not be eligible for the Indonesia Working Holiday Visa if:

You are from a visa-exempt country
You are above or below the age restrictions mentioned in the agreement (between 18–30 or 18–35)
You can't prove that you possess enough money to fund your stay
You lack both valid health insurance and travel insurance exists
Work in industries deemed illegal in Indonesia (like permanent positions or hazardous job opportunities)
Have a criminal record or failure to meet character requirements
Fail to present required documents such as passports, visas, or return tickets

Top Tip: Use a digital folder to organise all required documents to ensure quick access and backup if anything gets lost during your travels.

Indonesia Work Holiday Visa Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Follow every registration requirement, including age exclusions, nationality, financial evidence, and health insurance.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Step 3: Submit Application

You can submit your application online through the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration website or at the nearest Indonesian embassy. You should also pay the visa application fee.

Step 4: Attend Interview (if required)

Certain embassies demand face-to-face interview participation from applicants.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Applications need several months to process, so they should be applied before deadlines to prevent delays.

Step 6: Once the visa arrives, collect it and begin your travel preparations

After visa approval, check that all the paperwork is ready for immigration processing at the point of entry.

Top Tip: Verify all visa application requirements on your embassy website before submitting your application since there may be updates.

Required Documents & Preparations

Before applying, gather the following documents:

Valid Passport: You should have two blank passport pages with an allowance for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Indonesia
Filled application form: Fill and complete an online application form
Proof of Funds: Financial proof that you would like to stay in Indonesia and fund it with at least USD 2,000, such as a personal bank statement for the last 3 months, the latest salary slip, and time deposits.
Travel Insurance Policy: Get insured for proof of comprehensive coverage.
Travel Itinerary: Proof of onward or return travel.
Passport-Sized Photos: Colored passport photos with a plain white background. They shouldn’t be photoshopped; they should be 35 x 45 mm, with the picture facing the camera directly.

Top Tip: Ensure all documents are translated into Indonesian if required

What Should You Do Upon Arrival?

When you arrive in Indonesia, here are the steps to take:

Complete Immigration Procedures

When you arrive, hold up your passport and working holiday visa and return the flight ticket to the immigration officer. Ensure your visa is written in properly with the day you enter and the duration of your stay.

Register Your Stay

Within 24 hours of your arrival, report your presence to the local immigration office or through your accommodation provider (in case you are staying at a hotel or an otherwise registered lodging).

Obtain a Local SIM Card

Get a local SIM card for communication and internet access. Telkomsel, XL Axiata and Indosat are popular providers. With the SIM card, you will have to use your passport.

Open a Bank Account

Open a local bank account if you work and make payments in Indonesia. You can get the services of major banks, such as BTCA, Mandiri, and BNI. With this, you will need to submit your passport, visa, and proof of address.

Understand Local Laws and Customs

Learning Indonesian laws, cultural norms, and etiquette is essential to prevent misinterpretation. Dress modestly in religious areas and use the right hand for greetings or giving/receiving items, remaining respectful to local traditions.

Popular Jobs Under the Working Holiday Visa

Here are some common jobs you could try out:

English Teacher

Teaching English is the best way to experience the full thrill of Indonesian culture. English teachers are needed a lot nowadays in Indonesia. In particular, if you are a native English speaker with teaching qualifications, finding employment won’t be a problem.

Information Technology (IT)

Indonesia's digital economy market is expected to grow rapidly in 2025. In fact, reports suggest that it should exceed $130 billion. That means tech jobs will be blazing, and if Indonesia sticks in the world of innovation they have been tapping recently, things will be much hotter.

Top Tip: Network with local professionals and expats to uncover hidden job opportunities not advertised online.

Hot Spots to Visit and Work in Indonesia

Once there, you will realise Indonesia is a treasure trove of experiences.

Here are some of the must-visit destinations:

Bali

Bali is an island in Indonesia situated in the Lesser Sunda Islands and west of Java. It has beautiful rice terrains, delightful foods, a beautiful beachfront, and cultural and traditional values.

Blessed with fine temples, an unlimited beach line, and a few of the finest coral reefs, waterfalls, and retreats, Bali is just the right place to enhance leisure and adventure in equal measure.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, or Jogjakarta, located in Central Java, is one of the crucial centers of Indonesian culture, education, and literature, and it can be considered the soul of Indonesian traditions.

Just a few hour's flight from Jakarta, Jogja, or Yogya, as it is commonly known, can be easily reached from other potential tourist attractions within the region, including Bali and Singapore.

Top Tip: Tap into coworking spaces in tourist hotspots like Bali or Yogyakarta to combine productivity with stunning surroundings and local culture.

Adventures Not To Miss in Indonesia

Indonesia is rich in diverse geophysical features and holds a rich culture in its bosom.

Here are unforgettable experiences you can look forward to:

Waterbom Bali

Convenient water slides carve through well-planned landscaped tropical parks measuring 3.8 hectares, guaranteeing fun and entertainment for juniors and seniors alike. Every slide you wish to experience is constructed and regularly checked using chlorination techniques to meet international safety regulations.

This advanced salt chlorination technique is a skin and environmentally friendly kind of chlorination technique. ‘Getting away’ to vacation or adventure - Whatever satisfies the soul most! A world-class waterpark that guarantees customers a day full of fun.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Get up close with the long-tailed macaques in the natural setting of Bali’s serine forests. More than 1,200 monkeys are in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

You can also look at all the elaborate temples as you enjoy the neighborhoods and walk along with them. Bear in mind that guides are always observant.

The sanctuary is open all year round, and an entrance fee is charged. You may even overclock other attractions in Ubud, including the rice paddle terrain and other age-old landmarks.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Tegalalang Rice Terrace has sequential rice paddies with steep ravines. Situated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the place attracts most visitors in the morning and evening.

There is also much time to spend on terraces, go to the neighboring Bali Pulina plantation, and try the swings near the cliff. The fields are most lush in March, August, or September if you want to see them at their best.

There are also avalanches in the green in December and February, but they are slippery because of the rainy season. The rice terrace can be accessed on a one-day tour of Ubud, which also takes visitors to other attractions.

How to Best Get Around Indonesia

Navigating Indonesia's vast archipelago requires a mix of transportation methods:

Domestic Flights: Ideal for swiftly covering large distances between islands. Large commercial airlines link important cities of the country.
Ferries and Boats: If you want to have a classic island-hopping feel, there are vessels, including the government-owned Pelni, that can travel through various coastal cities – expect longer traveling time, though.
Trains: Mainly in Java, trains are convenient and provide breathtaking reach across the island through the beautiful views of the mountains and rice fields.
Buses: Well-developed bus and coach lines connect different parts of the country. Its standards may differ significantly, but it is generally safe, reliable and inexpensive.
Scooter Rentals: Common in areas that attract tourists, hiring a scooter can be incredibly convenient if you want to get around a place on your own. However, ensure you have the proper license and that your safety is well-catered for.

Being a working holiday maker, you can enjoy a cultural experience and get a chance to interact with many people.

Using Digital Connections

Become more social and expand your network with apps like Superlite, where you connect with travellers just like you. Coordinating events, exchanging ideas, and meeting people are made easy.

Embracing Local Culture

Indonesians are friendly people, and there is always an opportunity to make acquaintances anywhere in the country. Become an active community member by attending and observing their social activities, such as traditional dance, religious practices, or any normal bazaar. For Yogyakarta and Ubud, amongst other cities, locals have vibrant cultural performances that include batik making, gamelan playing and traditional cooking.

Engaging in Festivals and Celebrations

Indonesia hosts festivals yearly, such as Nyepi (Day of Silence) in Bali, the Toraja Funeral Rites in Sulawesi, and the vibrant Pasola Festival in Sumba. Participating in these events is a great opportunity to develop friendly relations with the locals and get a closer look at their culture.

Building Expat Communities

Jakarta and Bali are fabulous places with an active group of expatriates with whom to share some good moments. They are supported for friendship forming, language exchanging meetups, numerous social dinners and more.

Tax Obligations

Being a working holiday visa holder in Indonesia, it is necessary to know your taxes so that you do not violate the laws.

Here's a concise overview:

Tax Residency Status

Resident Taxpayer: If you are living or planning to live in Indonesia for 183 days or more within a year, you are recognized as an Indonesian tax resident. Resident taxpayers are required to pay income tax based on their Indonesian and foreign income.

Non-Resident Taxpayer: In case the period of stay is below 183 days, you will be known as a non-resident for taxation purposes, and you are allowed to be taxed only on income derived in Indonesia. The withholding tax rate for non-residents is a flat rate of 20% of the income originating from Indonesia.

Tax Identification Number (NPWP)

As a foreigner or immigrant, one must obtain a Tax Identification Number (Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak or NPWP), which will be required whether you are a foreigner or an immigrant.

The NPWP is necessary for:

Annual tax return Filing
Formal employment engagement
Bank account opening

To obtain an identification number and register, you, as an applicant, should visit the local Tax Office (Kantor Pelayanan Pajak) and have your passport and visa to get there.

Filing and Payment

Salary Deductions: Income tax, known as PPh 21, is usually paid through a deduction by the employer from the employee’s salary and remitted to the tax authority. However, you should see to it that the correct amount is withheld and keep records of all deductions.

Annual Tax Return: As a resident taxpayer, you are supposed to submit an annual tax return declaration (SPT Tahunan), which includes your total income, deductions, and tax credits.

Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs)

Indonesia has DTAs with different countries to avoid cases of double taxation. Depending on your home country’s taxation treaty with Indonesia, you can take advantage of tax deductions or tax credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my Working Holiday Visa?

Yes, you can now renew your Indonesian visa online using. You don’t need to scan the entry stamp (stamp) obtained from the Immigration Checkpoint. General documents needed are a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, a completed application form, and a departure flight itinerary.

Can I travel to other countries during my stay?

Yes, if the visa used in visiting Indonesia is a multiple visa and the entry conditions are met for other countries of destination. Check if your visa permits you to re-enter Indonesia and have all documents stated when travelling.

Is it easy to find work in Indonesia?

Getting a job in Indonesia can be challenging for foreigners, but it is not impossible. If you are qualified for the job and have a good network, you should be able to find a job. Jobs in hospitality, teaching, and freelancing are popular for working holiday travellers.

How hard is it to get a work visa in Indonesia?

Getting a work visa and work permit (known as KITAS) might take several weeks. You would have to look for an Indonesian employer to get a legal working visa in Indonesia, which is a complicated process and usually requires lots of documents and approvals.

Final Thoughts

Through the working holiday visa program, Indonesia provides exceptional prospects for adventurous young people and employment opportunities in a dynamic market that enables travel across its culturally rich regions and stunning landscapes.

The tips in this guide will help you with everything you need to deeply experience traditional values, make essential professional relationships, and gain new abilities with the Indonesia Working Holiday Visa.

If you want to learn about the working holiday visa’s for other countries, we have extensive guides for countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Taiwan, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong and more coming.