The legal status of citizenship represents an essential element but also serves as a symbol of state commitment and brings forth both privileges and duties. PNB Immigration Law Firm can assist clients with the following matters:
- Assisting foreign clients with obtaining the Indonesian nationality through the Indonesian naturalization process;
- Renouncing the Indonesian nationality of Indonesian clients; and
- Applying for limited dual citizenship for eligible children.
Our immigration lawyers and consultants assist individuals to update their citizenship status
Indonesian Citizenship Application for Foreign Nationals
The naturalization process enables foreign nationals to apply for the Indonesian nationality. Foreign individuals can become Indonesian citizen after fulfilling all necessary legal requirements along with administrative needs and residency conditions.
Applicants must submit their application to the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law of Indonesia . The assessment and coordination between up to 14 relevant government institutions takes place after submission of the application. After receiving approval through the Decree of Approval the applicant become Indonesian national. After receiving the Indonesian decree, the applicant must perform an oath-taking ceremony at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law of Indonesia.
Renunciation of Indonesian Citizenship
Renunciation of the Indonesian nationality refers to the formal process by which an Indonesian national relinquishes their citizenship status. According to Indonesian law, Indonesian citizens cannot become citizen of any other country. Therefore, Indonesian citizens who acquire or hold a foreign nationality must renounce their Indonesian nationality to comply with national laws.
Applicants must submit the citizenship renunciation request, including supporting documents, to the Ministry of Law of Indonesia. Upon approval, the ministry will issue a decree of revocation, to confirm the loss of the Indonesian nationality. Following the issuance of the decree, applicants must proceed with the revocation of their Indonesian Identity Card (KTP) and Family Card (Kartu Keluarga) at the relevant Civil Registry Office.
Limited Dual Citizenship
Indonesia recognized children with limited dual citizenship until the children reaching 18 years of age. For being recognized as children with limited dual citizenship, generally, there are 2 documentations that serves identification:
- Registration Certificate for Children with Limited Dual Citizenship, and
- Affidavit, issued by relevant Indonesia authority.
Children who hold a limited dual citizenship and have reached the age of 18 are required to choose one nationality—either Indonesian or the foreign nationality. In case they decide to choose their foreign nationality, they must submit an application to the Ministry of Law of Indonesia. Meanwhile, if they choose to remain Indonesian citizen, they must return their affidavit document to the relevant local immigration office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I have another Nationality besides my Indonesian citizenship?
Indonesian citizens are not allowed to hold a double nationality. In case an Indonesian citizen holds a passport of a foreign country, the Indonesian passport is automatically revoked. Please note that different rules apply to children who have one Indonesian parent and one non-Indonesian parent.
Q: Is obtaining foreign citizenship legal?
Yes, this is legal, as long as the applicant revokes the Indonesian nationality as soon as the application obtains the foreign passport. It is illegal to keep both passports.
Q: Who are the subjects of limited dual citizenship?
The current provisions establish multiple categories of children who qualify for restricted dual citizenship. Children born to parents who have different nationalities qualify for this category regardless of whether the Indonesian parent is the mother or the father.
Q: What are the mandatory requirements to apply Indonesia citizenship?
The requirements for citizenship application include holding a valid ITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) and showing five consecutive years or ten non-consecutive years of Indonesian residence through Surat Keterangan Keimigrasian (SKIM) documents from the relevant immigration office. The application process requires additional documentation beyond these mandatory requirements.