If you’re a foreigner in Bali and married to an Indonesian, your child may be able to hold a limited dual citizenship. This is quite common for Indonesian families living abroad.
Your child was born outside of Indonesia and may be a citizen of that particular country, but they can also qualify for Indonesian citizenship thanks to their Indonesian parent.
But this exception doesn’t last forever. Once the child turns 18, or marries before turning 18, their period of limited dual citizenship comes to an end.
They then have to formally choose which nationality they want to retain.
So you’re probably wondering what are the benefits of holding dual citizenships for your child? Let’s take a look.
Benefits Of Having Dual Citizenships In Indonesia
One of the biggest benefits is that your child can maintain their connection to both Indonesia and their other country of citizenship while they are still a minor.
For families who live between two countries, this can make things much easier.
- Easier Travel To Indonesia
If your child has an Indonesian passport, they can enter Indonesia as an Indonesian citizen.
But what if they normally travel on their foreign passport?
A child registered as an Indonesian dual citizen can apply for an Affidavit, which gives them certain immigration facilities when entering Indonesia with their foreign passport.
This includes:
- No need to apply for an Indonesian visa
- No Indonesian stay permit requirement
- No re-entry permit requirement
- Entry and exit treatment similar to an Indonesian citizen
This can be particularly useful for families living overseas who regularly travel to Indonesia to visit relatives or spend time here.
- Your Child Can Hold An Indonesian Passport
A child with limited dual citizenship can also have an Indonesian passport, alongside their foreign passport, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
This can make travelling between Indonesia and their other country of citizenship considerably more straightforward.
It also means that your child has formal documentation of their Indonesian citizenship rather than simply relying on having an Indonesian parent.
- They Don’t Have To Choose Just Yet
Perhaps the biggest benefit for parents is that their child does not have to decide which nationality they want to keep while they are still young.
They can grow up with both nationalities and make that decision later.
Once they turn 18, or marry before turning 18, they will need to choose which citizenship to retain. They then have three years to make the required declaration.
For a child who has grown up with ties to two countries, having that extra time can be important. At 10 or 12 years old, they may have no idea where they will want to live as an adult.
A Useful Option For Mix-Marriage Families
For mixed families, limited dual citizenship means children will enjoy more flexibility while they are growing up. They can maintain their Indonesian citizenship while also holding the citizenship of their foreign parent, and have specific immigration facilities when travelling to Indonesia.
But remember that this is not permanent, and there are registration requirements and deadlines that parents need to keep track of. So if you have a child with dual citizenship in Indonesia, remember to check their status when they are approaching 18.
What Happens When Your Child Turns 18?
Dual citizenship is not valid forever. Once your child turns 18, they have to decide which nationality they want to keep, and the good news is that they will have up to three years to make this decision.
If they choose Indonesian citizenship, they continue as an Indonesian citizen. If they choose their foreign citizenship, they will no longer hold Indonesian citizenship, although there are immigration options available if they later want to live in Indonesia.
Need Help With Your Child’s Dual Citizenship?
If your child has an Indonesian parent and another nationality, it is important to make sure their citizenship status and documents are properly taken care of.
From registering your child as an Anak Berkewarganegaraan Ganda (ABG) and applying for an Affidavit, to understanding the requirements when they eventually have to choose a nationality, there are several steps and deadlines to keep track of.
If you’re unsure what your child needs, contact MPG Bali Visa for advice on the relevant paperwork and immigration procedures.
Sort Out Your Child’s Dual Citizenship With MPG Bali Visa Today
Need guidance with your child’s citizenship status? Contact MPG Bali Visa now. Our team of friendly, professional Bali visa experts are on hand to assist you with your application.
Efficient and reliable, we have had more than two decades of experience in assisting foreigners in Bali with their Bali visa and stay permits.
Whether you’re applying for a visa for your child, or a Spouse KITAS, Retirement KITAS, KITAP, Visa Extension, VOA, or setting up a PT PMA company in Indonesia, MPG Bali Visa is here to help make the process smooth and stress-free.
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