How to Obtain Indonesian Citizenship Through Marriage
According to Law number 12 of 2006 on the Citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia, an individual can apply for citizenship under several criteria. First, a foreigner who is legally married to a citizen of Indonesia. Second, a foreigner who has rendered services to the state of Indonesia. Third, a child who has dual citizenship. And fourth, an Indonesian citizen who has lost their citizenship and wishes to return to being an Indonesian citizen.
How to Obtain Indonesian Citizenship Through Marriage
Marrying a foreign citizen legally is common in this era of globalization. There are times when, after marriage, a partner may be interested in changing citizenship due to their interest in Indonesia. The way to obtain Indonesian citizenship through marriage is done as follows.
Requirements to Obtain Indonesian Citizenship Through Marriage
Before becoming an Indonesian citizen, the citizenship applicant must meet the requirements as stipulated in Article 9 of the Citizenship Law.
The first requirement is that the applicant must be at least 18 years old or already married. Second, at the time of application, they must have resided in Indonesia for five consecutive years or at least ten non-consecutive years.
Third, they must have a sound physical and mental health. Fourth, they must be able to speak Indonesian well, acknowledge the state ideology of Pancasila, and recognize the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.
Fifth, they must not have been sentenced to a punishment of at least one year in prison or more. Sixth, if granted Indonesian citizenship, the applicant must not hold dual citizenship.
Seventh, they must have a stable income or permanent job. And lastly, they must pay a certain amount of citizenship fee to the state treasury.
Required Documents
After fulfilling all the above requirements, a citizenship applicant must prepare the documents needed for the citizenship application process.
Documents from the Country of Origin
The first document to be arranged when changing citizenship is to prepare documents from the country of origin. These documents are the birth certificate and identity card or proof of residence. Both documents must be translated into Indonesian by an official and sworn translator and legalized by the authorized official.
Documents of the Applicant's Spouse
In addition to the applicant's documents, the spouse of the citizenship applicant will also be asked for personal data. The personal data required from the applicant's spouse includes a photocopy of the birth certificate that has been legalized by the Civil Registry Office. Also, a photocopy of the ID card that has been legalized by the district or city Civil Registry Office official.
Marriage Document
Since the way to obtain Indonesian citizenship is through marriage, a marriage document will be required as valid proof that the applicant has married an Indonesian citizen. This document can be in the form of a photocopy of the marriage certificate or marriage book for Muslims. The marriage certificate or marriage book must have been translated into Indonesian by an official and sworn translator. Additionally, this document must have been legalized by the authorized official where the marriage took place.
Certificates from Several Institutions
If some of the above documents are in photocopy form, then the certificates from the following institutions must be in original form, not photocopies. The applicant will need certificates from the following four institutions.
First, a certificate stating that the applicant has resided in Indonesia for at least five consecutive years or at least ten non-consecutive years. This certificate is obtained from the immigration office where the applicant is from.
Second, a certificate from the Indonesian National Police Headquarters containing police record information.
Third, a certificate from the diplomatic representative stating that the applicant will lose citizenship from their country of origin if they accept Indonesian citizenship.
Fourth, a health certificate issued by a government hospital.
Passport Photos
Six recent passport photos sized 6x4 with a red background, dressed neatly and modestly are required.
Proof of Payment
As mentioned earlier, one of the requirements to become an Indonesian citizen is to pay a certain amount of citizenship fee to the state treasury. The amount is Rp 2,500,000 per person. The proof of payment must be included and in original condition, not a photocopy.
Author: Iskael
