Indonesia allows eligible foreigners to apply for citizenship and reside in the country permanently. However, they have to meet the eligibility criteria as per the Law on the Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia.
In this article, we’ll talk about the key requirements and the step-by-step process to apply for citizenship in Indonesia.
Does Indonesia Allow Dual Citizenship?
For many people planning to make Indonesia their permanent home, one of the most common questions is whether they would be able to keep their current citizenship or not. As per Indonesian laws, you can not have dual citizenship. That means, if you want to obtain Indonesian citizenship, you will have to give up your current one.
The only exception to this rule are Children in specific circumstances such as:
- Children born to one Indonesian parent and one foreign parent
- Children under 18 adopted by foreign citizens
- Children born abroad to Indonesian parents where the birth country automatically grants citizenship
These children can have dual citizenship until they reach the legal age of 18 where they have to choose which nationality they prefer. If they choose another citizenship instead of Indonesian, they will henceforth be treated as a foreigner in Indonesia.
Types of Naturalization in Indonesia
As per Law No. 12 of 2006, Law on the Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia, there are four types of naturalization processes that allow eligible people to become citizens of Indonesia:
1. Ordinary Naturalization - For All Foreigners
Ordinary naturalization is the standard process all foreigners will go through to acquire Indonesian citizenship. It is for those who fulfill the standard requirements for application and wish to be an Indonesian citizen.
2. Naturalization For Children
As mentioned, children with one Indonesian parent are automatically considered Indonesian citizens. This also applies to children below the age of 5 who are adopted by Indonesian nationals.
Children cannot apply for citizenship as they can only acquire it by birth or through naturalization by reaching the legal age of maturity in Indonesia, which is 18 years old.
So if you have children migrating with you, you will have to apply for a family stay permit (ITAS) or apply for dual citizenship.
3. Exceptional Merit Naturalization
This is a special naturalization process for those who have served or provided meritorious services and contributions to the country.
The contributions include any significant help or enhancements to Indonesia’s culture, environment, humanity, technology, and more that provide great help to its nation. As such, it is a special award for rare cases.
4. Citizenship Through Marriage
Naturalization through marriage is for those who are legally married to Indonesian citizens. The same requirements as the ordinary naturalization process apply here. You will still have to renounce your citizenship to get Indonesian citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria for Indonesian Citizenship
To apply for Indonesian citizenship, you must fulfill the following requirements under the Indonesian citizenship Laws:
- Be at least 18 years old or married.
- Reside in Indonesia for a minimum of 5 consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years before applying.
- In good physical health and mental condition.
- Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and recognizes the principles of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.
- Have never been sentenced to one year in prison for any criminal offenses.
- Have a steady income or a stable job.
- Need to pay a naturalization fee.
The Process to Apply for Citizenship in Indonesia
Step 1: Prepare Documents For Naturalization Application
There is a set of documents you will have to prepare beforehand to ease the process of your application for citizenship in Indonesia. Be sure to get this done before you head over to the ministry to save time.
These include copies of your:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Residence certificates
- Police record to prove that you were never involved in crime or misconduct
- Reference documents from the immigration office
- Own picture in 4 x 6 color (6 copies are required for your ID and documentation)
Step 2: Write A Written Request For Indonesia Naturalization Application
All applicants need to write a written request in Bahasa Indonesia which includes all of their personal information. Specifically, your name, birthplace, nationality, and current address.
The request should be addressed to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights’ local district office where you currently reside.
Step 3: Application Submission to the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights
Make your way to the regional office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights where you are currently residing. This is where you submit all of the documents for review by the person in charge.
Step 4: Interview With An Official
Once all your documents are screened and looked through, you will be interviewed by an official in Bahasa Indonesia. This is done to ensure that you are fluent in the language and to verify your knowledge of the country’s history.
Step 5: Swear An Oath
If you pass the interview and the eligibility assessment, you must take an oath of allegiance to Indonesia before the president. Once done, you will receive an official citizenship certificate as proof of your new status.
How Long Does The Application For Citizenship in Indonesia Take?
According to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Indonesian citizenship can be acquired 6 months after the application is submitted and approved by the ministry.
When you get approval for your citizenship, you must return any documentation of your previous citizenship to its respective foreign embassy within 14 days. This refers to your former identification cards or passports.
Long-Term Visas - An Alternative to Citizenship in Indonesia
If you currently don't meet the requirements for citizenship or are not willing to give up your current citizenship, consider applying for long-term visas instead. There are three types of long-term residence visas you can apply for - the KITAS visa, the KITAP visa, Indonesia Second Home Visa, and the social visa.
Note that these visas require a Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP) or an Exit Permit Only (EPO) if you want to travel in and out of the country.
Emerhub’s relocation experts will help you determine your eligibility status and recommend the most suitable option as per your needs. Fill out the form below to book a free consultation.