Loading Zantara...
Zantara AI
AI Immigration Advisor
Topics
Zantara AI
AI Immigration Advisor
Bali Zero handles visas, company setup, tax and property compliance in Indonesia. Ask us directly on WhatsApp.
Chat with Bali Zero on WhatsAppThe E31 Student KITAS (Visa Tinggal Terbatas Pelajar/Mahasiswa) is Indonesia's educational stay permit for foreign nationals enrolled in recognized Indonesian educational institutions. This includes international schools, national-plus schools, and universities.
Unlike most KITAS types where a company or individual acts as sponsor, the E31 Student KITAS is sponsored by the educational institution itself. The school or university acts as the guarantor and handles the immigration application on behalf of the student.
This visa type serves a growing population of foreign families relocating to Indonesia, particularly to Bali, Jakarta, and other major cities with established international school communities. With over 200 international schools across Indonesia, the E31 pathway is well-established and regularly processed.
Not every foreign child in Indonesia needs an E31 Student KITAS. Here is when it applies:
| Feature | E31 Student KITAS | E33E Dependent KITAS |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | School/University | Parent's employer |
| Linked to | School enrollment | Parent's KITAS |
| If parent leaves Indonesia | Student can stay | KITAS cancelled |
| School change | May need new KITAS | No impact on KITAS |
| Cost | School handles fees | Part of parent's package |
| Best for | Independent students | Family relocation |
Most families choose E33E if one parent holds a work KITAS, as it simplifies administration. E31 is primarily for students whose parents do not hold KITAS or who attend boarding school.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for 18+ months from application date |
| Birth certificate | Legalized/apostilled, translated to Indonesian |
| Previous school records | Transcripts, report cards from prior school |
| Acceptance letter | From the Indonesian school confirming enrollment |
| Passport photos | 4x6 cm, red or blue background |
| Health certificate | Medical fitness declaration |
| Parental consent | Signed letter from both parents authorizing the visa |
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School license | Valid operational license from Ministry of Education |
| Immigration sponsor status | School must be registered as a visa sponsor with immigration |
| Guarantee letter | School guarantees the student's stay and activities |
| Enrollment confirmation | Official letter confirming the student's enrollment period |
| School profile | Company/foundation documents (Akta, NIB) |
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport copies | Both parents' passports |
| Financial guarantee | Proof that parents can support the student financially |
| Emergency contact | Local guardian if parents are not in Indonesia |
| Guardian appointment | Notarized letter if a local guardian will be responsible |
Before any immigration process begins, the student must be accepted by an Indonesian educational institution.
The school's administrative team (or their immigration agent) handles the KITAS application:
The VITAS (Visa Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is issued, allowing the student to enter Indonesia with the intent of obtaining KITAS. If the student is already in Indonesia on another visa type, onshore conversion may be possible.
VITAS processing time: 5-10 working days
Upon arrival in Indonesia (or after VITAS approval for onshore applications):
KITAS processing time: 1-2 weeks after arrival/approval
After receiving the KITAS card:
International schools in Indonesia cater to foreign and Indonesian students following international curricula (IB, Cambridge, American, etc.). E31 KITAS is commonly used for:
| Level | Typical Ages | Curriculum Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K / Kindergarten | 4-6 | Play-based, early years |
| Primary School | 6-12 | IB PYP, Cambridge Primary |
| Secondary School | 12-16 | IB MYP, IGCSE |
| High School | 16-18 | IB DP, A-Levels, AP |
Popular international schools in Bali:
Foreign students enrolling in Indonesian universities can also receive E31 KITAS. This includes:
Requirements for university E31:
This is a common question, and the answer is no. Indonesian immigration does not provide dependent visas for parents based on a child's E31 Student KITAS. The dependency relationship only works in one direction: parents can sponsor children as dependents, but children cannot sponsor parents.
| Parent Situation | Recommended Visa | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parent works in Indonesia | E25B/E23 work KITAS | Child can then convert to E33E |
| Parent is retired (55+) | E311A retirement KITAS | Independent from child's visa |
| Parent has savings | Second Home Visa | IDR 2B deposit required |
| Parent visits regularly | B211 social/cultural visa | Up to 180 days per visit |
| Parent is digital worker | E33G remote worker visa | For remote employees |
If you are moving to Indonesia primarily for your child's education:
If a student transfers from one international school to another within Indonesia:
Best practice: Coordinate the school transfer with an immigration agent to ensure there is no lapse in KITAS validity.
If the student drops out or finishes early:
| Cost Item | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| VITAS application fee | USD 110-335 (depending on duration) |
| ITAS issuance fee | IDR 2,000,000 |
| Biometric processing | IDR 200,000 |
| STM/MERP (re-entry permit) | IDR 1,000,000 |
| School admin/processing fee | Varies by school |
| Agent service fee (if used) | IDR 3-8 million |
| Total estimated | IDR 5-15 million |
Note: Some international schools include immigration assistance in their enrollment fees, while others charge it separately.
Whether you are enrolling your child in an international school or coordinating family visa arrangements around education plans, Bali Zero provides comprehensive immigration support for families relocating to Indonesia.
Contact Bali Zero:
Education is the best investment. Let us handle the paperwork.