Changing Your Visa Status without leaving Indonesia
- Maha Hari
- May 6
- 3 min read
Everything you need to know about in-country (onshore) visa conversion in Bali
Gone are the days of the infamous "visa run" — the exhausting trip to Singapore, Malaysia just to re-enter Indonesia on a fresh visa. Today, Indonesia's immigration system allows many foreigners to change their visa status from inside the country, saving time, money, and stress.
What Is a Visa Conversion?
A visa conversion — officially called an In-Country (Onshore) Status Change — is the process of switching from one type of Indonesian visa or stay permit to another without leaving the country. Instead of flying out and applying from abroad, you apply directly through the Indonesian immigration office or the official online portal while remaining in Bali.
Who Can Convert Their Visa?
You may be eligible for an in-country conversion if you currently hold:
A Tourist Visa (VOA/C1/D1)
A Business Visa (C2/D2/D12)
A Visit Visa of any kind (ITK)
Common conversions apply for:
Converting From | Converting To |
Tourist VOA | Retirement KITAS (E33F) |
Tourist C1 | Investor KITAS (E28A) |
Tourist D1 | Parent KITAS |
⚠️ The Most Important Rule
Your current stay permit must have at least 30 days of validity remaining at the time you apply for conversion.
If your permit has less than 30 days left — do not apply for conversion. You must extend your current permit first, then apply to convert. Ignoring this rule can result in your application being rejected or, worse, being flagged for overstaying.
Why Convert Instead of Leaving?
Border Run | In-Country Conversion (onshore) |
Flight costs + hotel | Stay in Bali throughout |
1–2 weeks lost travelling | Processed by local immigration |
Apply from abroad | Apply locally |
The Conversion Process — Step by Step
Check your current permit validity — confirm you have 30+ days remaining
Gather your documents — requirements vary by visa type
Submit your application — online via evisa.imigrasi.go.id or through a licensed visa agent
Pay the government fee — costs vary by visa type and duration
Biometric appointment — attend your scheduled appointment at the local immigration office
Receive your new e-ITAS — delivered by email; physical card available at the immigration office
Processing typically takes 14 working days depending on the visa type and current immigration work.
Documents You Will Typically Need
While requirements vary by visa type, most conversions require:
Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
Current stay permit (ITAS or ITK)
Recent colour photograph
Address in Bali
Financial proof (bank statement or proof of income)
Supporting documents specific to your target visa type
How Much Does It Cost?
Government fees for conversion depend on your target visa:
Target Visa | Fee |
Retirement KITAS E33F (1 year) | IDR 12,500,000 |
Silver Hair Visa E33E (5 years) | IDR 30,000,000 |
Investor KITAS E28A (1 year) | IDR 13,000,000 |
Parent KITAS (1 year) | IDR 12,500,000 |
Agent service fees are separate and vary by provider.
Can You Do It Yourself?
Technically yes — but in practice, most foreigners work with a licensed visa agency. The Indonesian immigration system, while much improved, still requires precise document preparation, correct formatting, and knowledge of current processing procedures. A single missing document can delay your application by weeks.
A good agency handles the paperwork, attends the immigration office on your behalf, and keeps you updated throughout the process — so you can focus on enjoying Bali.
Final Checklist Before You Apply
✅ My current permit has 30+ days remaining
✅ My passport is valid for 6+ months
✅ I have all required documents ready
✅ I know which visa type I am converting to
✅ I have address in Bali
Not sure which visa is right for you or whether you qualify for an in-country conversion? Send us a message on WhatsApp — we'll review your situation and guide you through the process from start to finish.
My passport doesn't have 6+ months. Immigration solutions.
My current permit doesn't have 30+ days remaining. Can I apply changing visa?
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