Artist KITAS or C7 Visa: How Foreign Creatives Can Legally Work in Bali

Autumn marks the start of Bali’s peak season, when the island hosts numerous events, photo shoots, and parties.
Photo:  Envato Elements
As a result, demand for international artists, DJs, dancers, models, and performers grows rapidly. To ensure a smooth and compliant working trip to Indonesia, it’s important to choose the correct visa type that allows you to live and work legally without concerns about immigration checks.
For creative professionals, Bali offers two main legal pathways:
  • Artist KITAS (Limited Stay Permit for Art Performers) — suitable for long-term work and residence
  • C7 Visa (General Art Performer & Crew, Single Entry) — ideal for short-term projects, shoots, or performances

Artist KITAS

The Artist KITAS is a type of work permit designed for foreigners working in music, film, fashion, dance, and certain sports. Unlike a standard work KITAS, it does not require a permanent employer. The permit is issued for six or twelve months and allows you to legally work under contract with a single sponsoring company. It also includes multiple entries, making it convenient for touring artists.
The permission to work is limited to the Badung region (Bukit, Kuta, Canggu), where most festivals, shows, and international brand photo shoots take place.
Holders of the Artist KITAS can perform at cultural and entertainment events, take part in film or photo projects, model for commercial campaigns, and teach. All payments are made officially through the sponsoring company listed on the permit.
Costs:
  • 25,000,000 IDR + government tax (USD 600) for 6 months
  • 25,000,000 IDR + government tax (USD 1,200) for 12 months
Processing generally takes 1–2 months, including document checks and issuance of the work permit (IMTA). This visa helps foreign performers legalise their income and avoid risks associated with working without proper status.
You may work only with the organiser who acts as your official sponsor. Changing employers requires a new permit.

C7 Visa

For short trips related to festivals, filming, or any one-off project, the C7 Visa is the most efficient solution. It can be obtained fully online, with a quick document preparation process.
The C7 Visa allows you to:
  • perform or demonstrate artistic and cultural work
  • work as a chef
  • teach yoga
  • work as a bartender
  • work as a photographer
This visa is issued for 30 days, non-extendable. It becomes invalid once you leave Indonesia, though you can apply for a new one if needed.
Required documents:
  • passport copy
  • personal photo
  • guarantee letter from the event organiser
  • cooperation agreement between the performer and the host
Cost: 5,900,000 IDR (approximately USD 375)
Processing time: up to 10 working days
The price includes all taxes, administrative fees, full document handling, official sponsorship, and online support throughout the validity period.
The visa must be activated within 90 days of approval.
Applying in autumn ensures availability for winter events, the busiest season when many creatives earn a significant share of their annual income.
Ready to bring your talent to Bali? Legal Indonesia will handle the paperwork so you can focus on the creative part.
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