A Complete Guide for International Tourists Who Wants to Work in Semarang

A Complete Guide for International Tourists Who Wants to Work in Semarang, Central Java

Semarang, the central city of Central Java, is a city full of color, rich in culture, and many job opportunities. A lot of international tourists are interested in working in this city for various reasons, whether for short-term experiences or longer-term opportunities. However, before starting your work adventure in Semarang, it is important to understand the legal framework, available opportunities, and the steps required to ensure that your experience is both legal and enjoyable.

According to the country’s laws, international tourists are not allowed to work in Semarang (or anywhere in Indonesia) on a tourist visa. Indonesian immigration law strictly prohibits any form of paid employment or business activities without the proper work permit and visa. Violation of this rule can result in fines, deportation, or even blacklisting. To work legally, you must obtain a work visa (KITAS/ITAS), which is only possible if you have sponsorship from a registered Indonesian company.

Although tourist visas do not permit employment, some companies in Semarang do hire foreign workers if they have the correct legal documentation. Typically, these positions require:

• Relevant qualifications and experience
• Employer sponsorship for your work permit
• Compliance with Indonesian labor laws

Popular Sectors and Positions:

• Tourism and Hospitality: Hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators often seek foreign workers for roles such as tour guides, marketing specialists, or guest relations officers.
• Education: English teachers and language instructors are in high demand and needed in international schools and language centers.
• Manufacturing and Corporate: Multinational companies in manufacturing, finance, and logistics may open opportunities for managerial, specialists, or administrative roles.
• Digital Nomads: Remote workers employed by foreign companies can stay in Semarang on a tourist visa, as long as they do not work for a local company.

List of Companies in Semarang That Hire Foreign Workers

Here are some companies and organizations in Semarang known to accept foreign workers with the proper and legal permits:

Company/Organizations	Sector	Typical Positions for Foreign Workers	Address & Contact Information	Notes
PT Santos Jaya Abadi (Kapal Api)	Manufacturing (Coffee)	Plant secretary Document controller Supervisor	Jl. Kw. Industri Candi Tahap V, Ngaliyan, Semarang Website: santosjayaabadi.co.id	Multinational formal recruitment
Maybank	Banking & Finance	Relationship officer SME	Jl. Pemuda No. 150, Semarang Phone: +62 211 500 611 Website: maybank.co.id	International bank, foreign staff
Astra Motor	Automotive	Supervisor Management	Jl. Gajahmada No. 88, Bangunharjo, Semarang (center) Phone: +62 812 9960 0088 Website: motorkux.id	Requires degree & local sponsor
Unilever Semarang	FMCG	Various corporate & specialist roles	Jl. Merapi No. 22, Gajahmungkur, Semarang Website: careers.unilever.com	Often hires expatriates
Khatulistiwa Tour Travel	Tourism	Tour guide Event management Marketing	Jl. Kanguru IV No. 5a, Gayamsari, Semarang Phone: +62 821 3555 5435 Website: khatulistiwatour.com	Work permit required
Travel Indonesia Global	Tourism & Rental	Customer service Business development	Jl. Kelud Raya No. 46b, Petompon, Gajahmungkur, Semarang Instagram: @travelid13	Work permit required
Nusantaratour Tembalang	Tourism	Travel consultant International sales	Jl. Tirto Agung No. 11, Tembalang, Banyumanik, Semarang Semarang Instagram: @nusantara_tour	Work permit required
PT Giantra Wisata	Tourism	Event management Travel planning	Jl. MT. Haryono No. 517-B, Karangkidul, Semarang Phone: +62 24 844 3333 Website: giantra.com	Work permit required
Bina Bangsa School	Education	Teacher Admin staff	Jl. Jangli Boulevard, Ngesrep, Banyumanik, Semarang Phone: +62 812 2513 2523 Website: binabangsaschool.com	Cambridge IGCSE & A-Levels
Bersukaria Tour	Tourism	Tourism promotion Guest relations	Jl. Singosari Raya No. 29, Pleburan, Semarang Phone: +62 812 1570 7707 Website: bersukariatour.com	Work permit required
AIESEC Semarang	International Org.	Internship Volunteer	Jl. Mulawarman Utara No. 6D7, Kramas, Tembalang, Semarang Instagram: @aiesecsemarang	Helps with legalities & integration
Accenture Semarang	Global Consulting	Project specialist International professional	Suara Merdeka Tower, 9th floor, Pekunden, Semarang Website: accenture.com	Experienced in work permit processing
Semarang Multinational School	Education	Reception Lower primary lead teacher	Jl. Jangli Raya 37, Candisari, Semarang Phone: +62 24 8311 1424 Website: semarangis.or.id	International curriculum, July 2025 start
Semarang International School	Education	Teacher Language instructor	Jl. Bukit Candi Golf No 20, Graha Candi Golf Residence, Semarang Phone: +62 24 8509 108 Website: sisschools.org	Singapore curriculum, bilingual education
Permata Bangsa School Global Education	Education	Teacher Curriculum developer	Jl. Setia Budi No. 209a, Srondol Wetan, Banyumanik, Semarang Phone: +62 247 464 482 Website: permatabangsa.com	Balanced national & international curriculum
Semesta Bilingual Boarding School	Education	Teacher Boarding staff	Jl. Raya Manyaran-Gunungpati KM 15, Nongkosawit, Gunung Pati, Semarang Phone: +62 247 691 6060 Website: semesta.sch.id	Cambridge curriculum, bilingual focus

How to Work Legally in Semarang

1. Find an Indonesian company willing to sponsor your work permit.
2. The company applies for government approval to hire a foreign worker.
3. Once approved, apply for a work visa at an Indonesian embassy or consulate.
4. After arriving in Indonesia, convert your visa to a Limited Stay Permit (KITAS/ITAS).
5. You may only begin working once all documentation and permits are complete.

Tips for International Tourists Interested in Working

• Never work on a tourist visa. This is illegal and risky.
• Learn basic Bahasa Indonesia to help with communication and adaptation.
• Build local networks by joining expat or professional communities.
• Always check the latest regulations at the immigration office or consult a legal advisor.
• Respect local culture and laws while working and living in Semarang.

Important Contacts

• Dinas Tenaga Kerja Semarang

Jl. Ki Mangunsarkoro No. 21, Karangkidul, Semarang

Phone: +62 2484 40335

• Semarang Immigration Office

Jl. Siliwangi No. 514, Kembangarum, Semarang

Phone: +62 24 351 6789

Website: kanimsemarang.kemenkumham.go.id

• Tourist Information Center

Jl. Pemuda No. 147, Semarang

Phone: +62 24 351 5451

Summary Table: Work Options for International Tourists in Semarang

Work Type	Legal?	Permit Required	Common Sectors	Notes
Formal Employment	Yes	KITAS/ITAS	Manufacturing Tourism	Must have local company sponsorship
Part-Time/Casual	Yes	KITAS/ITAS	Tourism Hospitality	Same process as formal employment
Digital Nomad	Yes	No	Remote/Online	As long as not working for local firms
Volunteer/Internship	Yes	Special Visa	NGOs Education	Through official organizations
Work on Tourist Visa	No	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Illegal