Citizenship via adoptive parent (Citizenship by adoption)Citizenship via adoptive parent (Citizenship by adoption)
Eligibility quiz
Were you adopted by someone who is now an Indonesian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Indonesian passport
Indonesian citizens can get a passport for travel that proves their citizenship abroad.
Passports last up to 10 years for people aged 17 or older or married, and five years for others, with special limits for children with limited dual nationality.
Live in Indonesia for life
Indonesian citizens can enter and live in Indonesia without a time limit.
Citizenship does not need renewal, though it can be lost in some circumstances.
Get an education
Indonesian citizens have a right to education, though admission, fees and particular benefits can depend on the programme.
Work in Indonesia
Indonesian citizens have a right to work and can choose an occupation, with the usual rules for that work.
They can also hold government jobs if they meet the job rules, and are equal before the law and in government.
Get help abroad
Indonesian embassies and consulates provide citizen services and emergency help abroad.
Vote and run for office
Indonesian citizens can vote and stand for election if they meet the election rules.
Voters are generally at least 17 or married or previously married, and can vote from abroad.
Serving military and police members cannot vote, and a final court judgment can take away a person's vote.
Get social support
Indonesian citizens have a right to needed social security, and the state cares for people who are poor or abandoned.
Special help is available for groups including older and disabled people, pregnant women and children.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the Ministry of Law regional office responsible for the area where you live. You will apply there for your child.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Indonesian Ministry of Law regional office covers your city for citizenship by adoption?”
Get the adoption order
Apply to an Indonesian District Court to adopt your child and obtain the court’s adoption order before applying for your child’s citizenship.
Find adoption court guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does an Indonesian citizen obtain a District Court adoption order for citizenship by adoption in Indonesia?”
Write your application
Write and sign an application for your child in Indonesian on paper with the required stamp duty. Include your full name, birthplace and date, address, occupation and marital status, and your child’s full name, birthplace and date, sex and original nationality.
See application requirementsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I write an application for Indonesian citizenship by adoption for my child?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your local office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Submit your signed application and your child’s documents to the regional office responsible for where you live. Ask the office how to submit them and whether a fee applies.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit an application for Indonesian citizenship by adoption at the Ministry of Law regional office serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait while the office checks your application and sends a complete application to the minister for a decision. Provide any missing documents if the office returns your application for completion.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I apply for Indonesian citizenship by adoption for my child at a Ministry of Law regional office?”
Receive the citizenship decision
Receive the decision granting your child Indonesian citizenship from the regional office; you can then apply for an Indonesian passport for your child. If your child has two nationalities, they must choose one in writing within three years after turning 18 or marrying.
Find passport guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for an Indonesian passport for a child granted citizenship by adoption?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Provide a copy of your birth certificate or birth certificate extract and a copy of the birth certificate extract for each adoptive parent named in the application. Have the copies certified by the official handling the application.
Adoption order
Provide the Indonesian District Court order confirming your adoption. Your adoptive parent or parents must obtain the order before applying for your citizenship.
Parent's passport or ID
Provide a copy of the passport or Indonesian identity card of each adoptive parent named in the application. Have the copies certified by the official handling the application.
Parents' marriage certificate *
Provide a copy of your adoptive parents' marriage certificate extract or marriage book. Have the copy certified by the official handling the application.
* Only if your adoptive parents are married.
Parent's divorce record *
Provide a copy of your adoptive parent's divorce certificate or divorce statement. Have the copy certified by the official handling the application.
* Only if your adoptive parent is divorced.
Parent's death certificate *
Provide a copy of your adoptive parent's death certificate. Have the copy certified by the official handling the application.
* Only if an adoptive parent has died.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Citizenship can be lost
Citizenship can be lost through voluntary foreign citizenship, not rejecting it, a foreign passport or allegiance, or unrequired foreign constitutional voting.
Foreign state or military service can also cause loss, with exceptions for military service with presidential permission or required for education.
Five years abroad without good reason or required declarations can cause loss, as can a request by someone abroad who is 18 or married and would not be left stateless.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Sanur Community
English Facebook group for people interested in Indonesian local life and visas
Join on FacebookForeigners in Indonesia
English Facebook group for people living in Indonesia interested in Indonesian local life
Join on FacebookBali expats
English Facebook group for people living in Indonesia interested in Indonesian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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