For many foreigners, retiring in Indonesia is more than just a dream of sunny beaches and affordable living—it’s also a legal process that requires the right residency documents. The most common pathway is the Pension KITAS, also known as the Retirement KITAS, which allows foreign nationals to reside in Indonesia for their retirement years without working.
As of 2025, Indonesia offers two retirement-related residency options: the E33F Retirement KITAS (Visa Lanjut Usia) and the E33E Silver Hair Visa. Both are designed for older expatriates who want to settle in Indonesia long term, but they come with different age thresholds, requirements, and lengths of stay.
This guide breaks down who qualifies, what documents you need, and what steps to follow in 2025.
Understanding the Pension KITAS
A KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is Indonesia’s Limited Stay Permit. For retirees, the special category known as the Pension KITAS (E33F) has been in place for years and remains the most widely used option. It provides a one-year stay permit, renewable annually up to five times. After a period of continuous stay—commonly five years—retirees may become eligible for a KITAP, or permanent stay permit.
The E33E Silver Hair Visa, by contrast, is newer and designed for those aged 60 years and above. It provides an initial five-year stay, making it attractive to those who want fewer renewals and longer-term security.
Who Qualifies for a Pension KITAS in 2025?
The requirements are fairly consistent, but there are differences depending on whether you are applying for the E33F Retirement KITAS or the E33E Silver Hair Visa.
E33F Retirement KITAS (Visa Lanjut Usia):
- Minimum age: 55 years old.
- Must not work in Indonesia.
- Requires a sponsor, typically a licensed Indonesian travel or retirement agency.
- Must show proof of stable income or pension funds, commonly benchmarked at around USD 1,500 per month (USD 18,000 per year).
- Requires valid health and life insurance policies that cover Indonesia.
- Passport should be valid for at least 18 months with blank pages.
E33E Silver Hair Visa:
- Minimum age: 55 years old.
- Provides a five-year limited stay permit (extendable).
- Aimed at long-horizon retirees who want stability without yearly renewals.
- Application processed through the official e-Visa portal.
Application Process in 2025
The Indonesian immigration system has become increasingly digitalized. Today, most applications are processed online through the official e-Visa portal. Since January 2024, retirement visa applications can also be filed offshore, which means retirees can complete most of the process before even setting foot in Indonesia.
The general flow looks like this:
- Prepare Documents: Collect all required documents—passport, proof of funds, insurance, housing lease, sponsor letter, CV, and photographs.
- Sponsor Submission: Your licensed travel or retirement agency sponsor submits the application to the Directorate General of Immigration via the e-Visa portal.
- Visa Approval: Once approved, the visa is issued electronically and can be finalized at an Indonesian embassy or consulate.
- Entry to Indonesia: With your e-Visa in hand, you can enter Indonesia and complete the conversion process from e-VITAS to ITAS (Limited Stay Permit).
- Biometrics & KITAS Card: At the local immigration office, you will complete biometrics, and your KITAS will be issued.
How Long Can You Stay?
- E33F Retirement KITAS: Valid for 1 year at a time and renewable annually up to five years.
- E33E Silver Hair Visa: Valid for 5 years initially, with potential extensions.
After long-term residency, typically five years, many retirees move toward applying for a Retirement KITAP, which provides permanent stay status.
What You Can and Cannot Do
A critical reminder: you cannot work on a Retirement KITAS. This includes formal employment and informal or freelance work within Indonesia. The Retirement KITAS is solely for residence, not economic activity.
However, you can freely live in Indonesia, re-enter during the validity of your KITAS, and enjoy most of the benefits of being a legal resident, including access to local services, the ability to open bank accounts, and the option to apply for permanent stay later on.
The Financial Requirement
Perhaps the most important qualification is financial. Immigration authorities generally expect retirees to demonstrate at least USD 1,500 per month in pension, savings, or investment income. This threshold is not always explicitly published on government portals but remains widely enforced by consulates and immigration offices.
It’s important to provide official bank statements or pension documents, as this is one of the areas where applications most often get delayed.
Insurance and Housing Requirements
Retirees must have health insurance (and often life insurance) valid in Indonesia. This ensures that they will not become a burden on local healthcare systems. Many applicants rely on international insurance providers that cover long-term stays abroad.
Additionally, you’ll need to provide a lease agreement for at least one year. This shows that you have stable accommodation and ties to Indonesia. The property can be an apartment, villa, or house, but it must be legally leased under Indonesian law.
From KITAS to KITAP
A major advantage of the Pension KITAS is that it can serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency. After maintaining continuous stay and renewals, retirees may qualify for a Retirement KITAP. While the exact timeframe and conditions can vary, the five-year renewal mark is a common milestone before applying for permanent status.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Arriving on the wrong visa: Don’t assume you can convert a tourist visa or Visa on Arrival into a Retirement KITAS—plan from the start with the correct entry visa.
- Underestimating financial checks: Always prepare recent and verifiable statements showing your pension or income.
- Thinking income thresholds are flexible: While interpretation may vary slightly, the USD 1,500/month guideline is consistently applied.
- Engaging in work or volunteering: Even informal work can violate the conditions of a Retirement KITAS.
Compliance in 2025: Digital Arrival Declaration
Starting October 1, 2025, all travelers to Indonesia, including retirees, must complete the All-Indonesia digital arrival declaration before flying. This requirement is part of Indonesia’s wider effort to modernize border management and streamline arrivals. Retirees should factor this into their pre-departure checklist.
Why Consider Indonesia for Retirement?
Indonesia continues to attract retirees with its low cost of living, warm climate, and diverse landscapes—from Bali’s beaches to Yogyakarta’s cultural centers. With the Pension KITAS and the new Silver Hair Visa, retirees now have multiple options to make Indonesia their long-term home.
Conclusion
Qualifying for a Pension KITAS in Indonesia in 2025 is straightforward if you meet the age, financial, and documentation requirements. The government has simplified the process with online applications and longer-stay options like the Silver Hair Visa. However, strict rules against working, clear financial proof, and proper sponsorship remain essential.
For retirees planning their next chapter, Indonesia offers a unique blend of affordability, lifestyle, and long-term residency opportunities—provided you navigate the paperwork correctly.
Ready to retire in Indonesia?
Let CPT Corporate guide you through the Pension KITAS application so you can focus on enjoying your new life. From paperwork to approvals, our experts ensure a smooth process. Contact us today to start your retirement journey in Indonesia.
