Family KITAS 2026: for spouses and children
The family KITAS is a residence permit for foreign spouses of Indonesian citizens and for the spouses and children of KITAS or KITAP holders. It comes in two stages: a VITAS entry visa first, then conversion to a KITAS with biometrics after arrival. It renews annually without leaving the country. It carries no right to work, but children may attend school.
Updated: 25 August 2026 · Verified by the Malina Visa team
Who the family KITAS is for
This is a residence permit for people whose family is tied to Indonesia. The whole household lives here lawfully under one clear status, rather than on a chain of tourist visas.
- ✓Foreign spouses of Indonesian citizens and their minor children
- ✓Spouses and children of foreigners who already hold a KITAS or KITAP — for the term of the sponsor's document
- ✓Children are registered on a KITAS up to and including age 17
What the status changes day to day
The difference from a visit visa is not only the term — the set of things you can actually do changes.
- ✓An Indonesian bank account
- ✓A driving licence
- ✓School for the children — studying on a family KITAS is allowed
- ✓Annual renewal without having to leave the country
- !A family KITAS carries no right to employment in Indonesia
- !Paid employment requires a separate work KITAS
- !Running your own business goes through the investor KITAS
How the process works
It runs in two stages, and you must enter on the correct visa — arriving and sorting it out later does not work here.
Issued on the basis of the sponsor's documents and proof of marriage or parentage.
You enter Indonesia on that visa, not on a tourist one.
After arrival the VITAS becomes a KITAS: a photo and fingerprints at the immigration office covering your address.
From then on the status is renewed each year, with no need to leave the country.
Which office is yours depends on your address: Bali has five, explained in our piece on immigration offices.
Documents
- ✓A passport with plenty of validity left
- ✓A marriage certificate with an English translation
- ✓Children's birth certificates with English translations
- ✓Sponsor's documents: passport or KTP, their KITAS or KITAP, and proof of funds
The route to permanent residence
The family KITAS is not a dead end. After two years of official marriage to an Indonesian citizen you may apply for KITAP, permanent residence.
- ✓KITAP removes the annual renewals and gives a more settled status
- ✓Conditions, timelines and process are covered in our article on KITAP
- ✓For families of KITAS holders, the route to KITAP depends on the sponsor's own status
Frequently asked questions
Who can sponsor a family KITAS?
An Indonesian spouse, or a family member holding a valid KITAS or KITAP. This status cannot be issued without a sponsor.
Can I work on a family KITAS?
No, it carries no right to employment. Paid work needs a work KITAS and your own business an investor KITAS. Children, however, may attend school.
Up to what age can children be included?
Children are registered on a KITAS up to and including age 17. Older children are considered separately.
Do I have to leave the country to renew?
No. The family KITAS renews annually without leaving Indonesia. The only travel involved is at the first stage, since entry is made on a VITAS.
When can I apply for KITAP?
After two years of official marriage to an Indonesian citizen you become eligible to apply for KITAP, permanent residence.
We will gather the documents and run both stages
We check who can sponsor you, advise on translations, and take you from the VITAS through to the KITAS and the first renewal.
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