New Rules for the C18 Work Trial Visa
Apply Here: CLICK LINK TO APPLY
On June 14th, Immigration Officers across Indonesia flipped the switch on a policy that’s set to reshape how foreign talent steps into the Indonesia.
The C18 Work Trial Visa, once a handy back door for trial employment and quick onboarding, now comes with sharper edges and clearer limits. For many companies and foreigners hoping to “test the waters” of working in Indonesia, the rules just changed.
So What’s Changed?
The Directorate General of Immigration officially confirmed it: as of June 14, 2025 at 00:01 WIB, all new C18 applications will be processed under the revised policy. And here’s the crux of it:
✅ Maximum Stay: 90 Days (No Extensions)
You get one chance—just 90 calendar days in Indonesia. There are no more extensions, and no more rolling the visa over every two months. It’s now or never.
✅ Only One C18 Per Sponsor
If you’ve already entered on a C18 under a specific company, that same company can’t sponsor you again for a second trial period. This applies even if the 90 days have passed.
The Deadline Was June 14
Any applications submitted before 00:01 on June 14 will follow the old rules. Everyone else is under the new system. These changes are part of what the government calls a strategic policy update aimed at balancing workforce flexibility with accountability. It’s a direct move to eliminate abuse and informal employment chains.
“This is to ensure the C18 is used for genuine work trials—not as a shadow employment visa,” said Acting Director General of Immigration, Yuldi Yusman.
Application Checklist
Despite the policy shift, the application process remains familiar. To apply for a C18 Visa, you still need:
✅ A passport valid for at least 6 months
✅ A passport photo
✅ A 3-month bank statement (from applicant or sponsor)
Who This Affects and Why It Matters
If you’re a foreigner considering a job opportunity in Indonesia, or a business looking to evaluate talent before offering a full contract, this visa once offered a quiet, efficient solution. But not anymore.
The Main Items to be Aware of
✅ You have only 90 days to evaluate or be evaluated.
✅ You cannot return under a C18 with the same company again.
✅ Companies must plan recruitment more strategically, especially when hiring foreigners in roles that require onboarding or vetting periods.
This update puts the pressure on businesses to commit faster or pivot to other visa pathways like a Working KITAS (Index C312) or Investor KITAS (Index E28A) if they want to keep talent longer.
Discover Lombok Property make it Stress Free
At Discover Lombok Property, we don’t just help you find your dream investment or villa, we’re also here to guide you through the visa process. Whether you’re coming to Lombok for a short-term work trial under the updated C18 Visa, or planning a longer stay with an Investor or Working KITAS, our experienced team will handle the paperwork, liaise with immigration, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
With trusted local partners and a deep understanding of Indonesian regulations, we make your transition legal, fast, and stress-free. Let us take care of the details, so you can focus on the opportunity.
