What are the procedures for changing citizenship? If you wish to change your citizenship from a Foreign National (WNA) to an Indonesian Citizen (WNI), you must follow several procedures and meet certain requirements.
These procedures involve various stages that applicants must go through to become Indonesian citizens, from administrative steps, residency duration in Indonesia, Indonesian language proficiency, to knowledge of Indonesian culture and values.
Procedure for Changing Citizenship
Naturalization is the process for foreign nationals to obtain Indonesian citizenship through several procedures and official applications to the authorities. As stated in Law No. 12 of 2006, the naturalization process is divided into several types: ordinary naturalization, naturalization by marriage, special naturalization, and naturalization for dual citizenship children.
The procedures for changing citizenship or naturalization to become an Indonesian citizen include the following:
1. Ordinary Naturalization (Article 8 of Law No. 12 of 2006)
Foreign applicants must submit a written application in Indonesian addressed to the President through the Minister of Law and Human Rights (Menkumham). The application letter is submitted to the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights according to the applicant’s place of residence.
2. Naturalization by Marriage
Based on Article 19 of Law No. 12 of 2006, foreign nationals can apply online through the official website at https://pewarganegaraan.ahu.go.id/site/registrasi.
3. Special Naturalization
Foreign nationals who have made contributions or are in the interest of the Indonesian state may have their citizenship application proposed directly by the head of a state institution, government body, or social organization. The application is officially addressed to the President through Menkumham.
The verification and consideration process to the President takes about 45 days from the date the application is received. Likewise, the President’s decision to approve or reject the application takes no later than 45 days.
If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a copy of the Presidential Decree and must take an oath of allegiance before an official with two witnesses.
Required Documents
In addition to the application letter on stamp duty, the procedure for changing citizenship from foreign national to Indonesian citizen must include the following documents:
- Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
- Copy of marriage certificate
- Immigration certificate from the local immigration office stating that the applicant has resided in Indonesia for at least 5–10 consecutive years
- Copy of permanent stay permit endorsed by an official
- Medical certificate (physical and mental health) from a hospital
- Police clearance certificate from the local police
- Applicant’s declaration recognizing Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia
- Certificate from the applicant’s country’s representative stating that the applicant does not hold dual citizenship
- Certificate from the local subdistrict head confirming the applicant has a steady job and income
- Proof of payment for the naturalization fee and application processing fee to the state treasury
- Six recent color passport photos (4×6 cm)
Procedure for Renouncing Citizenship
A similar procedure applies for those wishing to renounce Indonesian citizenship, as follows:
- Submit a written application including complete personal data and necessary documents to the President through Menkumham
- Verification of document completeness by the ministry, taking no more than 14 days
- The application letter is forwarded to the Minister within no more than 7 days
- After a thorough review, the Ministry submits its recommendation to the President, taking about 45 days after the application is received
The procedures for changing citizenship involve several stages that must be followed step by step. Additionally, various requirements and important documents are needed to ensure your application is approved.
If you have a busy schedule and don’t have time to handle the documents, you can use the Citizenship Service from Elmar Konsultan Bisnis Indonesia. Find more detailed information about requirements, necessary documents, and comprehensive consultation about citizenship change at Elmar Konsultan.