Indonesian Citizenship: Benefits and Process

Indonesia is not only a popular tourist destination, but also an attractive place for emigration. The country in the heart of Asia has unique opportunities for those who want to move and settle on one of its many islands. However, it is not so easy to get the opportunity to live and enjoy rights on an equal basis with citizens of this country. Therefore, let's figure out how to get citizenship in this exotic country, what pitfalls and methods of legalization exist.

Pros of Living in Indonesia

It is not without reason that many people are interested in Indonesian citizenship. This country has certain advantages. Among them:

• Annual economic growth of about 5% and investment opportunities. This makes the country attractive to foreign investors. A particularly profitable destination is Bali, where the return on investment can reach 12-15%. Many experts note that the island has become even more attractive to investors than such popular destinations as Dubai and Singapore. Therefore, how to obtain citizenship of Bali is a frequent question among investors.
• Visa-free travel. Obtaining a passport of this Asian country opens up the opportunity to visit more than 100 countries around the world without the need to obtain a visa. This makes travel especially comfortable, especially if you like to relax in different parts of the world or frequent travel is related to work.
• Natural beauty and climate. Exotic islands, jungles, volcanoes, luxurious beaches are another reason why investors are interested in how to obtain Indonesian citizenship . In addition, the country's climate allows you to enjoy warmth all year round, which is especially important for residents of regions with harsher weather conditions.
• Cultural diversity. Indonesia is a place where different religions, traditions and customs coexist peacefully. Living here provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique culture, learn more about the history and traditions of the region.

How to get citizenship in Bali : requirements for a foreigner

According to the requirements, you must:

• live in the country for at least 5 years continuously or 10 years with departures. In this way, according to the Indonesian authorities, you prove your attachment to the country and your willingness to integrate into the local community;
• have a command of the state language at a level of at least A2. In addition, you must recognize the basics of Indonesian philosophical doctrine, including the unity of the country, belief in one God, democracy and other principles;
• confirm the availability of a stable source of income. To do this, you must work, do business or invest. It is also mandatory to pay taxes and state duties in good faith;
• be mentally and physically healthy. In particular, it is important to be free of mental illnesses and dangerous infectious diseases, such as active tuberculosis;
• be over 18 years of age;

In addition, it is important to have no criminal record with imprisonment for more than a year. This confirms the law-abiding and conscientious behavior of the candidate for citizenship of Bali.

3 Easy Ways to Get Citizenship in Indonesia

The country's legislation provides for several ways for foreigners to obtain citizenship. Let's look at the three most popular ones.

Naturalization

One of the most popular methods of becoming a citizen of the country. To do this, you need to live in its territory for 5 years continuously or 10 years with short breaks. Also remember to meet the above requirements.

Marriage

In the country, you can obtain citizenship by entering into a legal marriage with an Indonesian. After the ceremony, the foreigner receives a residence permit, called KITAS. It is issued for a year with the right to extend. During this time, you cannot work, so all expenses are borne by the Indonesian spouse. Only after 5 years can the applicant apply for Indonesian citizenship. To do this, you must pass an exam in the state language, history and culture.

Investment

The country has a program that allows you to count on Indonesian citizenship by investment . Although it does not provide for automatic receipt of a passport of the country, it is considered the first, important step on the way to it. There are several programs that allow foreigners to obtain KITAS and then become full citizens of this exotic, hospitable country:

• Second Home: A residence permit that a foreigner receives after purchasing real estate worth at least USD 313,000 or opening a bank account worth at least USD 130,000.
• KITAS for investors: Residence permit issued for investments of at least USD 63,000 in the development of a local company with a RT RMA license and a total capital of USD 630,000.
• Golden Visa: Residence permit for investments in the purchase of government bonds in the amount of USD 350,000 or more or opening a company with a total capital of USD 2.5 million.

What documents are needed and the procedure for submitting them for citizenship?

If you want to obtain citizenship of a country, you should collect a certain package of documents. The process of obtaining it consists of several stages. Required documents:

• an application from a foreigner who is applying for citizenship;
• a certificate confirming knowledge of the state language at a sufficient level – not lower than A2;
• copy of foreign passport;
• photographs of the established sample;
• a copy of KITAS or other document permitting residence in the country;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• confirmation of renunciation of citizenship of the previous country.

Moving to Bali: How to get citizenship ?

After you have collected the necessary documents, you should apply for a visa. This can be done online on the official website of the immigration service. Then comply with the relevant investment requirements. If you decide to use one of the programs above, buy real estate, invest in bonds or develop a local business. After fulfilling all the requirements of the investment program, the applicant must visit the migration service office to get a stamp in the passport. After 3 years of residence in the country, the investor can apply for permanent residence, and after 5-10 years, initiate the procedure for obtaining citizenship.

Reasons why Indonesia may deny or revoke citizenship

There are several grounds on which a person may be denied citizenship. Below are the main ones:

• service in a foreign army without the approval of the head of state;
• the presence of a second citizenship, if the person has not renounced it or has received it again. This is the reason for the cancellation of the Indonesian passport;
• taking an oath of allegiance to another state. In such a case, the person is automatically deprived of Indonesian citizenship;
• residence abroad for over 5 years. In order to retain citizenship, a person must notify the consulate at the place of residence. Otherwise, the passport will be cancelled. This does not apply to diplomatic and consular personnel.

However, there is a possibility of restoring citizenship. To do this, submit an application and the relevant package of documents to the Indonesian consulate in the country of residence. The application review takes about 3 months, but restoration of citizenship is possible if certain requirements are met.

Validity period of the country's passport and rules for its replacement

If you have received citizenship in Bali, it is important to know that the validity of your document is 10 years. To replace it, citizens can apply to one of the country's immigration service offices or use the M-Passport mobile application. To apply for a new document, attach your outdated passport and pay a government fee: about 23 USD for a paper version. An electronic version will cost about 42 USD. In case of loss of the document, to obtain a new one, you should have a letter that you will be given at the police station. You will also have to pay a fine. Its amount is about 65 USD. Obtaining Indonesian citizenship is a complex and multi-stage process. It requires compliance with a number of conditions and collection of a package of necessary documents. However, for those who are ready to go through all the stages, the country will offer many advantages. Among them, the opportunity to live in a warm climate, affordable prices for food, services, reasonable cost of housing, favorable conditions for doing business, etc.