Acquiring Indonesian Citizenship by Descent
Eligibility Criteria (2025)
- ✅ A child born to at least one parent who is an Indonesian citizen at the time of birth is eligible for citizenship by descent (Article 4, Law No. 12/2006).
- ✅ Children born abroad to an Indonesian parent must be registered with Indonesian authorities before the age of 18 to retain citizenship.
- ✅ After 2006, Indonesia allows limited dual citizenship for children until age 18, after which they must choose one nationality (Article 6).
Required Documentation (2025)
- ✅ Applicant’s birth certificate (legalized/apostilled and translated into Indonesian if necessary).
- ✅ Indonesian parent’s birth certificate or citizenship certificate (e.g., issued by the Civil Registry).
- ✅ Valid identification of the Indonesian parent (e.g., Indonesian passport or KTP - Kartu Tanda Penduduk).
- ✅ Applicant’s valid passport or identification document.
Application Process (2025)
- 📍 For children born abroad, register the birth at the nearest Indonesian embassy/consulate within 1 year or before the child turns 18.
- 📍 Gather all required documents, ensuring they are legalized and translated into Indonesian as needed.
- 📍 Submit documents to the Indonesian embassy/consulate (if abroad) or the local Civil Registry Office (if in Indonesia).
- 📍 Await processing by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
- 📍 Upon approval, receive an Indonesian passport or KTP (if applicable).
Additional Considerations (2025)
- 📌 Indonesia allows **limited dual citizenship** for children of mixed marriages until age 18, after which they must choose one nationality by age 21 (Article 6, Law No. 12/2006).
- 📌 Adults (over 18) cannot hold dual citizenship and must renounce foreign citizenship to claim Indonesian nationality.
- 📌 More details can be found on the official government website: Directorate General of Immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indonesian Citizenship by Descent
Is dual citizenship allowed for Indonesian citizens by descent?
Yes, children born to an Indonesian parent can hold dual citizenship until age 18 under Law No. 12/2006. They must choose either Indonesian or foreign nationality by age 21, as Indonesia prohibits dual citizenship for adults.
What happens if I miss the deadline to register my child for Indonesian citizenship?
If you don’t register your child’s birth with Indonesian authorities before they turn 18, they may lose eligibility for citizenship by descent. Naturalization, with tougher requirements like residency, would then be the only option.
How long does it take to process Indonesian citizenship by descent in 2025?
Processing typically takes 1-3 months, depending on document completeness and the workload at the Indonesian embassy, consulate, or Civil Registry Office.
Do I need to reside in Indonesia to claim citizenship by descent?
No, residency isn’t required. You can apply for Indonesian citizenship by descent through an embassy or consulate abroad, making it accessible for the diaspora.