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KITAS - VISA & WORK PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR MODELS IN BALI, INDONESIA

If you’re a model planning to work in Bali, understanding the correct visa and work permit process is essential. Indonesia has very specific legal requirements for foreign nationals working in the modeling industry, and this guide will help you navigate them clearly and safely.

At Castaway Model Management (C/MM), we’re committed to helping our models meet these legal obligations by organizing the proper documentation on their behalf before they arrive — so they can focus on doing what they do best.

Whether you sign with C/MM, another Agency or work independently, ensuring you have the right Visa to work legally is your responsibility.

Key Terms You Need to Know

VISA

Is the permission granted by Immigration for you to stay in Indonesia for a fixed period.

IMTA (WORK PERMIT)

 A mandatory legal document that allows you to work in a specific field (such as modeling) within Indonesia. You may only work in the approved field listed on your IMTA.

KITAS

A limited stay permit, often referring to a visa with or without a work permit attached. Not all KITAS include the right to work.

Single Field Restriction

Indonesia enforces a strict single-field policy for all foreign work permits (IMTA). This means you are only allowed to work in the specific professional field that is listed on your permit — and nothing outside of that field is permitted.

If your KITAS and IMTA are approved for Modeling, you may only legally work as a model. You cannot take on work as a photographer, yoga instructor, dancer, or any other field — even if you have professional qualifications or experience in those areas.

Penalties

Modeling in Indonesia without a Model KITAS or working in another field with your Model KITAS is considered illegal work and can result in

  • Fines
  • Imprisonment
  • Deportation
  • Blacklisted from entering Indonesia

Which can affect Visa applications to other Countries you may want to travel to.

Brands that hire illegal Models can also face fines.

The KITAS you need to Model in Bali - Indonesia

ADS MODEL KITAS or FASHION MODEL KITAS – These are the only KITAS that legally allow foreign models to work in advertising and commercial modeling in Indonesia.

Key Details:

  • Category: Entertainment
  • Validity: 1 to 6 months (not extendable, but renewable with a new application)
  • Passport Validity: Must have at least 13 months remaining
  • Allows you to work with multiple brands/clients (unlike other KITAS types tied to a single employer)
  • Your Visa Agent, not an employer, will be your official sponsor (requires special license: Empresario)

Other job roles that fall under the Entertainment KITAS Category include: DJ, Actor, Musician, Artist — each is bound to its specific scope of work.

Application Process

C/MM supports our models across all three stages of the Ads Model KITAS application, managing the process from initial document collection through to final approval.

  1. RPTKA
    Request to the Ministry of Manpower for permission to hire a foreigner.
  2. IMTA
    Issuance of the official Work Permit in your specific field (Modeling).
  3. E-VISA
    Visa that grants legal entry and stay in Indonesia for work.

Activation: Once your E-Visa is approved, you must enter Indonesia within 90 days to activate your KITAS. If not activated in time, the visa becomes invalid.

Processing Time: Between 4 weeks to 2 months, so we recommend applying before booking your flight.

What Visas DO NOT Allow You to Work in Indonesia?

These visas do not include a Work Permit (IMTA) and therefore do not allow you to work — even unpaid:

  • Investor KITAS
  • Business Visa
  • Social/Cultural Visa
  • Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Ensure you apply for the correct visa appropriate to your circumstances and intended activities.

Important Notice on Online Promotion in Indonesia

Promoting your modeling work or indicating your availability online for paid work in Indonesia without a valid Ads Model KITAS may place you at risk.

Sharing content publicly can be taken as an indication that you are undertaking work.

To protect yourself and remain compliant with Indonesian regulations – have the right KITAS.

Holding the correct KITAS allows you to share your work with confidence, knowing you are operating legally and responsibly.

How C/MM Helps You

At Castaway Model Management for all Models we sign:

  • We coordinate your KITAS application directly with a trusted Visa Agent.
  • We advance the cost of the Ads Model KITAS for the Models we sign.
  • We do not charge additional fees or commissions for this service.
  • We use a highly reliable Visa Agent with a proven track record of delivering KITAS on time.

Our priority is ensuring our models are working legally and safely in Bali. We believe a healthy modeling industry starts with ethical, compliant practices — and that starts with proper documentation.

Summary: Why the Ads Model KITAS Matters

Need Help Applying?

If you’ve been signed by C/MM, we’ll take care of the process with our partner Visa Agent and walk you through each step. Reliability and transparency are our promise to every model we represent.

Still have questions?
Feel free to Contact Us for more details.

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