In Bali, many expatriates and Indonesian citizens with international ties consider dual citizenship for their children. Expatriates who settle on the island long-term and raise families here often see dual citizenship as a way to offer their children the benefits of both their home country and Indonesia.
Similarly, Indonesian citizens who marry foreign nationals may want their children to have dual citizenship to honour and bridge the cultural and national ties of both parents.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of dual citizenship, its benefits, and the requirements for securing it for your child in Bali.
What is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship, or multiple nationality, allows a child to hold two citizenships: one from the parents’ home country and one from Indonesia. This is a complex but common situation for children born to foreign parents who either have Indonesian nationality or are living in Bali under a legal arrangement.
Indonesia’s Stance on Dual Citizenship for Children
For children under 18: Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship for children once they reach the age of 18. After the age of 18, they are required to choose one nationality (either Indonesian or a foreign citizenship).
For children under 18: They can enjoy dual citizenship during childhood, but once they reach 18, they must renounce one of their citizenships.
Benefits of Dual Citizenship in Indonesia (for Children Under 18):
Increased Mobility: Dual citizens can travel freely between Indonesia and the foreign parent’s country, often without visas.
Access to Education: The child can attend schools in both countries, and in some cases, they may be eligible for better educational opportunities or lower tuition fees.
Healthcare Benefits: Dual citizens can access both Indonesian public healthcare and the healthcare system of their foreign parents’ country, which could provide additional options.
Property Ownership
In Indonesia, foreigners are restricted from owning property unless they are permanent residents. However, dual citizens (especially those with Indonesian citizenship) can own property, but this is applicable only while they maintain their Indonesian nationality before turning 18.
Cultural Connection: Dual citizenship allows children to maintain connections to both Indonesian and foreign cultures, which can enrich their upbringing.
Right To Inherit: Children can inherit property in both countries if they hold dual citizenship while under 18.
Essential Requirements for Dual Citizenship
- Birth Registration
- The first step in obtaining dual citizenship for a child in Bali is registering the birth. If the child is born in Indonesia, the parents must register the birth at the local Civil Registry Office (Dinas Kependudukan dan Catatan Sipil). The registration process should be completed as soon as possible after the birth.
- Affidavit of Dual Citizenship (Affidavit)
- An essential document required in the process is an affidavit, which affirms the child’s eligibility for dual citizenship. This document needs to be signed by both parents and may require certification from both Indonesian authorities and the consulate of the foreign parent’s country.
- The affidavit confirms the child’s right to Indonesian citizenship under Indonesian law while also acknowledging the foreign citizenship. This step is essential for maintaining the child’s legal rights in both countries.
- Parental Documentation
- For Indonesian citizens: Proof of Indonesian nationality such as an Indonesian passport, KTP (ID card), or Family Card is required.
- For foreign citizens: A valid passport, birth certificate, and other nationality documents of the foreign parent are necessary to verify the child’s right to foreign citizenship.
- Legal Documents
- The child’s birth certificate (from the hospital or registry office) is one of the most important documents in this process. If the parents are married, the marriage certificate is also required.
- If either parent is a foreigner, you may need to submit additional documentation proving your legal status in Indonesia, such as a residence permit or visa.
- Indonesian Nationality Law
- According to Indonesian law, a child born to an Indonesian citizen parent may be eligible for Indonesian citizenship. However, the child must renounce their foreign citizenship before the age of 18 if they wish to retain Indonesian citizenship. This law is vital to understand as it influences the rights and responsibilities of children with dual citizenship.
Checklist for Dual Citizenship Process
- Birth registration at the local Civil Registry Office
- Completed affidavit of dual citizenship
- Proof of Indonesian citizenship for the Indonesian parent (KTP, Family Card)
- Proof of foreign citizenship for the foreign parent (passport, birth certificate)
- Birth certificate of the child
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of legal residency status (for foreign parent)
- Understanding of Indonesian nationality law, including the 18-year age rule
Start Your Dual Citizenship Process With MPG Bali Visa
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