Foreign nationals can become Indonesian Citizens through citizenship or naturalization if they meet the legal requirements. For the general route, these requirements include age, period of residence in Indonesia, health, Indonesian language ability, employment or income, and not resulting in dual citizenship. For former Indonesian citizens, the route to regaining citizenship depends on the cause of the loss of their status.
Determining the right route from the start helps applicants prepare the relevant documents, account for costs, and understand the legal consequences for their original citizenship. Holding a stay permit or having previously held an Indonesian passport does not by itself ensure that a person meets the requirements to become a WNI.
Key Takeaways:
- General naturalization requires a minimum residence period of 5 consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years.
- Applicants must meet language, health, and employment/income requirements, and must not result in dual citizenship.
- The PNBP for general naturalization is currently Rp75,000,000 per application.
- Former WNI do not always use the general naturalization route; the route depends on the cause of the loss of citizenship.
- Permenkum 15/2026 has been promulgated but is not yet in effect as of the article date.
Things to know: the residence requirement for general naturalization is at least 5 consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years. The PNBP for general naturalization based on a foreign national’s application is Rp75,000,000 per application under PP 30/2026. Permenkum 15/2026 has been promulgated, but as of the date of this article it has not yet come into effect.
In this article
- Definition and routes of naturalization
- Requirements for foreign nationals to become WNI
- Application documents
- Process and completion time
- Naturalization costs
- Provisions for former WNI
- Changes to citizenship service regulations
- Frequently asked questions
What is meant by WNI naturalization?
Naturalization is the process of acquiring Indonesian citizenship through an application. In Indonesian regulations, the term used is Pewarganegaraan. The main framework is set out in Law Number 12 of 2006 on Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia and PP 2/2007 as amended by PP 21/2022.
The general route for foreign nationals needs to be distinguished from the acquisition of citizenship through marriage to a WNI, provisions for children, the granting of citizenship for services or in the interest of the state, and the reacquisition of citizenship for former WNI. Each route has its own requirements and procedures.
Indonesia, in principle, applies single citizenship. The law provides limited dual citizenship for certain groups of children; this exception is not a general right for adults to retain two citizenships.
What are the requirements for a foreign national to become a WNI?
- Be 18 years of age or married.
- At the time of application, have resided in Indonesia for at least 5 consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years.
- Meet physical and mental health requirements.
- Be able to use the Indonesian language and acknowledge Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.
- Not have a criminal conviction for a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment of 1 year or more.
- Not become a dual citizen as a result of acquiring Indonesian citizenship.
- Have employment and/or a fixed income.
- Pay the naturalization fee to the state treasury.
What documents need to be prepared?
For general naturalization, administrative documents need to conform to Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights (Permenkumham) 21/2020 as amended by Permenkumham 10/2024 for as long as that regulation remains in effect. The main document groups include:
- Identity and family status: an application form in Indonesian that is signed and bears a duty stamp (meterai), a biodata form, proof of birth, KTP, and marriage or family status change documents if required.
- Residence history: a valid KITAP and an immigration certificate proving a residence period that meets the requirement.
- Health and police records: a physical and mental health certificate from a government hospital, a drug-free certificate, and an SKCK in accordance with the requirements.
- Employment and income: a certificate from the camat (sub-district head) and proof of income from the workplace as required.
- Original citizenship and applicant statements: a statement from the home country’s representative office that no dual citizenship will arise, as well as statements regarding identity, reasons for becoming a WNI, the Indonesian language, Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, the accuracy of documents, and the renunciation of original citizenship.
- Additional administration: proof of PNBP payment, passport photos, and original documents and copies in accordance with the provisions.
This list is a summary, not a substitute for a document-by-document completeness review. Foreign-language documents need to be translated by a sworn translator if required. The legalization of copies and the form of documents must also follow the provisions applicable to the application.
Practical preparation: match the spelling of names, dates of birth, marital status, and addresses across all documents. Data discrepancies should be resolved before submission so they do not raise questions during the administrative review or interview.
What is the naturalization process and how long does it take to complete?
For the general route, the application is addressed to the President through the Minister and submitted through the authorized official according to the applicant’s domicile. Broadly, the process includes:
- Preparation and submission of the file. The applicant confirms the eligibility of the route and the completeness of the documents.
- Review at the Regional Office. The file is reviewed administratively and substantively, including document review and an interview.
- Forwarding and review at the ministry level. Applications that meet the requirements are forwarded to the Minister through the Directorate General of AHU.
- Presidential Decree. For approved applications, the process continues with the taking of the oath or pledge of allegiance.
- Post-approval administrative completion. The applicant fulfills obligations related to immigration documents and citizenship administration.
The decision granting naturalization takes effect from the time the oath or pledge of allegiance is taken. Accordingly, receiving the approval decision is not the end of the entire process.
There is no single duration figure for all applications. The time limit for each stage must be read together with the trigger that starts the calculation, the completeness of the file, and the applicable rules. The time to prepare documents, follow up on deficiencies, schedule examinations, and complete administration after approval should be calculated separately.
What is the naturalization process and how long does it take to complete?
For the general route, the application is addressed to the President through the Minister and submitted through the authorized official according to the applicant’s domicile. Broadly, the process includes:
- Preparation and submission of the file. The applicant confirms the eligibility of the route and the completeness of the documents.
- Review at the Regional Office. The file is reviewed administratively and substantively, including document review and an interview.
- Forwarding and review at the ministry level. Applications that meet the requirements are forwarded to the Minister through the Directorate General of AHU.
- Presidential Decree. For approved applications, the process continues with the taking of the oath or pledge of allegiance.
- Post-approval administrative completion. The applicant fulfills obligations related to immigration documents and citizenship administration.
The decision granting naturalization takes effect from the time the oath or pledge of allegiance is taken. Accordingly, receiving the approval decision is not the end of the entire process.
There is no single duration figure for all applications. The time limit for each stage must be read together with the trigger that starts the calculation, the completeness of the file, and the applicable rules. The time to prepare documents, follow up on deficiencies, schedule examinations, and complete administration after approval should be calculated separately.
How much does naturalization as an Indonesian citizen (WNI) cost?
The attachment to PP 30/2026 sets the PNBP rates for several citizenship services as follows. This regulation takes effect on 1 August 2026.
| Service | Rate per application |
|---|---|
| General naturalization based on a foreign national (WNA) application | Rp75.000.000 |
| Citizenship based on marriage | Rp25.000.000 |
| Application to regain Indonesian citizenship | Rp1.000.000 |
The rate for regaining citizenship does not automatically apply to every former WNI. If the route that must be taken is general naturalization, the application category and rate need to follow that route.
PNBP is a state fee, not the entire cost of the process. Translation, document authentication, health examinations, supporting documents, and legal services need to be budgeted separately according to the applicant’s needs.
How does a former WNI regain Indonesian citizenship?
The cause of the loss of citizenship determines the application route. Article 31 of Law 12/2006 opens the possibility of regaining citizenship through the citizenship procedure. Article 32 provides certain routes without the general naturalization procedure for loss of citizenship specifically referred to in that article, including conditions related to marriage and residing abroad.
A history of having been a WNI does not by itself give access to a simpler route. The initial assessment should cover how and when foreign citizenship was obtained, the age at that time, family history, and any decisions or citizenship documents previously held.
Does still holding an Indonesian passport mean one is still a WNI?
Cannot be concluded merely from holding that document. Article 23 of Law 12/2006 regulates the circumstances that cause loss of citizenship, including voluntarily acquiring foreign citizenship and holding a foreign passport that is still valid in the holder’s name. Its application must take into account the relevant facts and exceptions, including the provisions for children.
A person who holds both Indonesian and foreign documents should first check their legal status. Renouncing foreign citizenship alone does not automatically restore Indonesian citizenship; the process of regaining it must still be determined under the relevant rules.
What changes under Permenkum 15/2026?
Permenkum 15/2026 on Citizenship Services was promulgated on 21 September 2026. Article 129 provides that the regulation takes effect 3 months after promulgation; JDIH BPK lists the effective date as 20 December 2026. As of 10 October 2026, the new provisions are not yet the procedure currently in force.
For naturalization at one’s own request, the new rules detail electronic submission, expanded supporting documents, biometric collection, a written assessment, an interview, and factual verification. Additional documents include a certificate of Indonesian language proficiency with an outstanding rating and several statements from the relevant authorities.
When the new regulation takes effect, applicants need to check the date of submission, the type of service, the transitional provisions, and the implementation of the electronic system. Applicants who have already submitted an application should not assume that their entire file will automatically follow the same procedure as a new application.
Frequently asked questions regarding WNI naturalization
Does marrying a WNI automatically make a foreign national (WNA) a WNI?
No. Marriage provides a route to acquiring citizenship with its own requirements. Article 19 of Law 12/2006 requires, among other things, residence of 5 consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years, and that it does not result in dual citizenship.
Is a 5-year residence period the same as a 5-year marriage?
Tidak. Masa tinggal dan lamanya perkawinan adalah dua hal berbeda. Permenkum 15/2026 menambahkan ketentuan lamanya perkawinan sekurang-kurangnya 5 tahun untuk jalur perkawinan ketika peraturan tersebut mulai berlaku. Syarat itu tidak boleh diperlakukan sebagai ketentuan yang sudah berlaku pada tanggal artikel ini.
Can a foreign national (WNA) become a WNI while retaining their original citizenship?
For general naturalization, acquiring Indonesian citizenship must not result in dual citizenship. The rules on renouncing or losing the original citizenship also need to be checked under the law of the applicant’s country of origin.
Is KITAP the same as Indonesian citizenship?
No. KITAP is a permanent stay permit for foreigners. Indonesian citizenship is acquired through a different basis and legal process.
Does the Rp75 million fee include legal services?
No. Rp75 million is the PNBP rate for the general naturalization category based on a WNA’s application under PP 30/2026. Legal services and supporting costs are calculated separately.
Must all former WNI go through general naturalization?
No. Some circumstances can use a special route for regaining citizenship. However, using that route must be based on the cause of the loss of citizenship and the applicable provisions, not merely on a history of having held an Indonesian passport.
Citizenship Consultation with MNP
Murzal & Partners Law Firm can help assess citizenship status, determine the application route, review documents, and provide legal assistance as needed.
If you plan to become a WNI or regain Indonesian citizenship, contact the MNP team to discuss your citizenship history and the steps that suit your circumstances.
This article is general legal information as of 10 October 2026. The application of the rules to a given application must be adjusted to the facts, documents, and regulations in force at the time of filing.
