Confused with ITAS

[xenstar]

Hello everyone,

I recently arrived in Indonesia on a Multiple Business e-Visa. Upon arrival, I was directed to an immigration room where some questions were asked. Subsequently, a sticker was placed in my passport by the immigration officers.

My e-visa documentation indicates that individuals whose visa ends with "LN" must register at the nearest immigration office within 30 days to obtain (ITAS). Given the sticker on my passport, I am uncertain whether this equates to the completion of the required registration or if I still need to visit the nearest immigration office for ITAS registration.

Additionally, I am curious about the privileges that come with the ITAS, specifically regarding the opening of a bank account in Indonesia. Is it possible to open bank account with ITAS?

I would appreciate any insights or experiences that can clarify these points. Your assistance is invaluable.

Thank you in advance.

 

[ilovered]

Yes you can open a bank account with ITAS. My husband had done both with ITAS and ITAP. You will need to bring your passport though and depending on which bank you registered, sometimes they asked for your Indonesian tax registration.
There were cases though that you don't need ITAS to open a bank account, but instead, they can link it to your overseas bank account. I did it with HSBC Jakarta and Singapore, although it was done 15 years ago. I am not sure what the policy is nowadays. Check with your bank if they can assist this.

 

[centurion]

questions were asked. Subsequently, a sticker was placed in my passport by the immigration officers.

Hello everyone,

I recently arrived in Indonesia on a Multiple Business e-Visa. Upon arrival, I was directed to an immigration room where some questions were asked. Subsequently, a sticker was placed in my passport by the immigration officers.

My e-visa documentation indicates that individuals whose visa ends with "LN" must register at the nearest immigration office within 30 days to obtain (ITAS). Given the sticker on my passport, I am uncertain whether this equates to the completion of the required registration or if I still need to visit the nearest immigration office for ITAS registration.

Additionally, I am curious about the privileges that come with the ITAS, specifically regarding the opening of a bank account in Indonesia. Is it possible to open bank account with ITAS?

I would appreciate any insights or experiences that can clarify these points. Your assistance is invaluable.

Thank you in advance.



View attachment 3804

For multiple entry business visa you do not need to go to Immigration office and you cannot get a KITAS. You can open bank account without KITAS in some banks.

 

[xenstar]

Yes you can open a bank account with ITAS. My husband had done both with ITAS and ITAP. You will need to bring your passport though and depending on which bank you registered, sometimes they asked for your Indonesian tax registration.
There were cases though that you don't need ITAS to open a bank account, but instead, they can link it to your overseas bank account. I did it with HSBC Jakarta and Singapore, although it was done 15 years ago. I am not sure what the policy is nowadays. Check with your bank if they can assist this.

Seems policy has changed a lot. I went to BCA and Mandiri few branches, they said need Kitas for opening bank account.

 

[xenstar]

For multiple entry business visa you do not need to go to Immigration office and you cannot get a KITAS. You can open bank account without KITAS in some banks.

Can you recommend me any bank name and their branch name, so I can go and get the specific information. Both BCA and Mandiri said need kitas. Went to two branches so far.

 

[centurion]

Can you recommend me any bank name and their branch name, so I can go and get the specific information. Both BCA and Mandiri said need kitas. Went to two branches so far.

Permata bank was opening bank accounts for nonresidents-I suppose they still do, with recommendation from existing client-account holder.

 

[xenstar]

Permata bank was opening bank accounts for nonresidents-I suppose they still do, with recommendation from existing client-account holder.

Okay I will check it. Terima Kasih.

 

[manish]

Just curious, why would you need a bank account here when you are not staying here?

 

[pantaiema]

Okay I will check it. Terima Kasih.

Bank Permata is one of the Bank in Indonesia that frequently quoted to allow foregners without KITAS to open a bank account in Indonesia. You could also try OCBC or Bank Danamon.

Beside the passport, the banks will typically ask you for a reference from a person who have been banking with them, a known customers to them. Also the location might also be a significant factor. You will for instance have a more chance to be successful in Bali rather than in other cities where there are not a lot of frequent visitors.

For the confirmation of this practice:
For Bank Permata the confirmation is provided in this site:

PermataTabungan Mitra | Permata Bank

Tabungan untuk menunjang kebutuhan usaha Anda

www.permatabank.com

"WNI memiliki KTP. WNA memiliki Paspor dan KIMS, KITAS, KITAP, KTP ATAU surat referensi"

For OCBC: This information comes directly from OCBC representative


The legality of this practice remains a grey area. The Indonesian Financial Conduct Authority (OJK) allows a foreigner to open a bank account in Indonesia with a balance of USD 2k - USD 50k with a passport only; no KITAS is required. However, my understanding is that the OJK is referring to an Indonesian bank account in foreign currency, e.g., USD, and not in IDR.

Up to date information is helpful. So if you do proceed with applying a bank account please share your personal experience it will be usefull for other people in similar situation in the future.

 

[pantaiema]

Just curious, why would you need a bank account here when you are not staying here?

I cannot speak on behalf of Xenstar, but IMO, even if individuals do not reside in that country, having a local bank account with a local debit card can be handy and convenient for frequent visitors.

A few examples of benefits: Typically the local bank cards are well connected to the country banking and payment system, so much easy and more speedy transaction with fewer security check. Having a local bank account in the local currency will allow you to exchange the currency at any time when you believe the currency exchange works in your favour to be fed into this account..

In the Indonesian case, if there is a fee to maintain the account, the fee is minuscule, especially when you account for the benefits you get.

I believe modern alternatives like international multi-currency accounts offered by services such as WISE, Revolut, and Fineco Banks are gaining popularity. Hopefully, the fees for these services continue to decrease with an improve exchange rate. Not to mention the other alternative such as foreign banks with debit cards with zero fee for transaction in foreign currency.