Single Entry Visit Visa C18 for Prospective Foreign Worker Trial

If you’re a foreign national interested in working in Indonesia, or an employer considering hiring foreign talent, the C18 Single Entry Visit Visa for Prospective Foreign Worker Trial is a gateway worth understanding. This visa is specifically designed to allow foreign nationals to enter Indonesia for the purpose of undergoing a trial period before formally being employed. It’s a practical solution that helps both parties — the prospective worker and the employer — assess compatibility before making long-term commitments.

What Is the C18 Visa?

The C18 visa is a type of visit visa issued by the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration. It is a single-entry visa that permits a foreign national to stay in Indonesia temporarily for the purpose of participating in a prospective employment trial. It does not authorize full employment, but it does allow limited activities that help evaluate the foreign worker’s potential to be officially hired.

The visa is valid for a maximum stay of 60 days and cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa while inside Indonesia. If the employer decides to move forward with hiring after the trial, the foreign national must leave the country and apply for the appropriate work visa, such as a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit), from their country of origin or another location abroad.

Who Is It For?

The C18 visa is ideal for:

• Foreign nationals being considered for employment in Indonesia who need to undergo assessments, training, or an evaluation phase

• Employers or organizations who want to conduct a trial run with a candidate before going through the full process of hiring and sponsoring a work permit

• Candidates in sectors where practical skills, adaptability, and cultural fit are crucial and can only be assessed in-person

It’s also useful for startups or companies testing out new business operations that require temporary skilled foreign expertise without long-term obligations.

Requirements and Process

To apply for the C18 visa, a local sponsor (the Indonesian company) must initiate the application through the Directorate General of Immigration’s online visa system. Key requirements include:

• A sponsorship letter from the Indonesian company

• A statement confirming the trial nature of the visit

• A copy of the prospective worker’s passport

• Financial proof from the company ensuring responsibility for the visitor during their stay

• Completed visa application form and processing fee

The visa is typically issued within 7 to 10 working days, depending on the completeness of the documents and the current workload of immigration authorities.

Limitations and Conditions

This visa does not allow the holder to earn income from an Indonesian source or engage in activities outside of the trial period agreed upon with the sponsor. It is a one-time entry visa, and once the holder exits Indonesia, it becomes void. Overstaying can lead to fines and complications with future visa applications.

Conclusion

The C18 Single Entry Visit Visa for Prospective Foreign Worker Trial provides a smart, low-risk way for employers and foreign nationals to explore employment potential. It simplifies initial engagement and helps ensure a good fit before making long-term legal and financial commitments. For companies navigating talent acquisition or foreign professionals testing opportunities in Indonesia, the C18 visa offers a clear and structured path to begin.