1. Overview of the New Visa Framework
On June 2, 2025, the Indonesian government officially implemented Decree No. M.IP-08.GR.01.01/2025, issued by the Minister of Immigration and Corrections and introduced new Indonesian Visas updates. This new regulation overhauls Indonesia’s visa classifications and replaces earlier regulations under the Minister of Law and Human Rights.
The reform achieves three main objectives:
- The total visa indices have been reduced from 133 to 110.
- Several overlapping visa categories were consolidated into broader, easier-to-understand groups.
- For example, the many sector-specific work visas (E23B–E23W) are now streamlined into the E23 General Work Visa, while categories for tourism, business, and medical
visits have also been merged.
- Students (E30 Visa) and family visa holders (E31–E32) are now allowed to receive compensation, a right that was previously restricted.
- A new C7C Visa has been created for arts, culture, and skills activities, covering cultural performers, chefs, or influencers, which provides clarity for creative professionals.
- Social activities and humanitarian work have been merged into a simplified C6 Visa, making it easier for volunteers and aid workers
- The new framework is designed to support Indonesia’s long-term economic and social development goals, including the attraction of foreign investors, highly skilled professionals, and digital sector talent.
- Dedicated visas for the digital economy (E23Y) cover professionals in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and software development.
- New indices such as E28F and E28G specifically support investment and representation roles in Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), Indonesia’s new capital
2. Key Updates Across Visa Categories
Visit Stay Visas (A, B, C, D, F)
Temporary Stay Visas (E Visas)
Summary of Key Changes
Visit Stay Visas (A, B, C, D, F)
- A, B, F Visas (A1, B1, F1) – These visas are now unified to cover tourism, business meetings, goods procurement, factory or site visits, and medical treatment. Previously, these rights were split across multiple sub-categories.
- C5A Visa – A new single-entry visa specifically created for social media content creators, clearly separated from journalist or filmmaker categories.
- C6 Visa – Combines humanitarian and volunteer services into one simplified visa category.
- C15 Visa – Emergency work visa now permits compensation or wages from Indonesian sources, which was not allowed before.
- D2 Visa – Multiple-entry business visas now explicitly allow factory or site visits, giving clarity to professionals traveling for on-site business activities.
Temporary Stay Visas (E Visas)
- E23 – General Work Visa: Consolidates multiple work visa categories (management, industry, education, healthcare, sports) into one general visa, reducing complexity for businesses and employees.
- E23Y – Digital Work Visa: Introduced for professionals in digital fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and software development, aligning with Indonesia’s growing tech sector.
- E30 – Student Visa: All education levels (diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) are merged under a single category. A new sub-category, E30F, is available for student exchange programs. Importantly, students can now receive compensation or wages legally, opening opportunities for internships or part-time work.
- E31 & E32 – Family Visas: Expanded to include dependents, former Indonesian citizens, and up to second-degree descendants. Restrictions on receiving compensation or wages have been removed, allowing family members to legally take part in work or paid activities.
Summary of Key Changes
- Visit visas simplified and unified, with new creator and emergency work options.
- Work visas consolidated into E23, with a new E23Y for digital professionals.
- Student visas merged into E30, with more rights including paid work opportunities.
- Family visas expanded, with more inclusive eligibility and removal of wage restrictions
3. Business & Compliance Implications
The new visa classifications introduced in June 2025 have wide-ranging implications for businesses, sponsors, and foreign individuals operating in Indonesia. Understanding these changes is critical to avoid compliance risks and to maximize opportunities.
For Employers and Corporate Sponsors
- Review Existing Expatriate Staff Permits: Many positions that were previously under multiple sector-specific work visas are now consolidated under the E23 General Work Visa or the E23Y Digital Work Visa. Employers should review all expatriate employees’ current visas to ensure a smooth transition and avoid gaps in legal work authorization.
- Update HR Policies for Family Dependents and Students: Family members holding E31 or E32 Family Visas and students under the E30 Student Visa may now legally receive compensation for certain activities. HR departments should update internal policies to reflect these new rights and consider how dependents or interns might be integrated into corporate activities.
- Adapt Contracts and Payroll Structures: Since students, family dependents, and emergency workers (under the C15 Emergency Work Visa) may now legally receive income, payroll and contract templates must be revised to ensure compliance with Indonesian labor and tax regulations. This helps mitigate the risk of disputes with the Ministry of Manpower or the Directorate General of Taxes.
- Strengthen Compliance Monitoring: Employers sponsoring expatriates must ensure that job roles align with the visa type granted. Misalignment—such as employing digital professionals under a general visa instead of the new E23Y Digital Work Visa—could trigger sanctions. Regular compliance audits are strongly recommenced.
For Foreign Individuals
- Clear Pathways for Digital Professionals: The new E23Y Digital Work Visa creates certainty for professionals in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, cybersecurity, and software development, aligning with Indonesia’s digital economy push. This makes Indonesia an attractive base for tech entrepreneurs and digital talent.
- Greater Flexibility for Students: The E30 Student Visa now covers all education levels under a single framework and introduces a category for exchange students (E30F). More importantly, students are now permitted to receive compensation, enabling internships and part-time work opportunities legally for the first time.
- Expanded Rights for Families: Holders of E31 and E32 Family Visas, including former Indonesian citizens and their descendants, now enjoy broader residency rights. With the lifting of compensation restrictions, dependents can contribute economically, reducing financial strain on the main visa holder.
- Alignment for Long-Term Investors: Long-term investors can now structure their residency more efficiently, aligning visas with business goals. For example, an investor establishing a Foreign Investment Company (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing – PT PMA) can employ staff under the consolidated E23 visa category while securing family residency under E31/E32.
4. How MAM Corporate Solutions Can Help
MAM Corporate Solutions provides end-to-end immigration advisory to help you remain compliant and secure the right visa for your needs:
- Visa Advisory & Applications – Identify the best visa based on your business or personal plans.
- Corporate Sponsorship Support – Assist Foreign Investment Companies (PT PMA) and local entities with sponsor obligations.
- Due Diligence & Compliance – Ensure contracts, compensation, and tax reporting meet the latest legal requirements.
- Residency & Family Assistance – Smooth relocation support for expatriates and their dependents.
Contact MAM Corporate Solutions today or fill in the form below to ensure your business, employees, and family members are fully compliant under the new visa framework.
