01 Sep 2026 · TAMA Insight
From KITAP to Indonesian Citizenship: Can Permanent Stay Permit Holders Apply for Naturalisation?
Foreign Nationals holding a Permanent Stay Permit (Izin Tinggal Tetap or ITAP/KITAP) may, under certain circumstances, apply to become Indonesian citizens through the naturalisation process (pewarganegaraan). However, KITAP…
Foreign Nationals holding a Permanent Stay Permit (Izin Tinggal Tetap or ITAP/KITAP) may, under certain circumstances, apply to become Indonesian citizens through the naturalisation process (pewarganegaraan).
However, KITAP is not converted into Indonesian citizenship.
KITAP and Indonesian citizenship are two different legal statuses governed by different legal frameworks. KITAP provides a Foreign National with permanent stay status in Indonesia, while naturalisation changes a person’s legal status from a Foreign National into an Indonesian citizen.
For Foreign Nationals who have resided in Indonesia for an extended period, KITAP may form part of their immigration history and support the documentation required to demonstrate the required period of residence for a naturalisation application.
KITAP Does Not Automatically Lead to Indonesian Citizenship
Under Indonesian law, obtaining KITAP does not automatically make a Foreign National an Indonesian citizen.
KITAP remains an immigration status that allows its holder to reside permanently in Indonesia while retaining their foreign nationality.
Meanwhile, naturalisation is a separate legal process through which a Foreign National may apply to obtain Indonesian citizenship.
Accordingly, holding KITAP for a certain period does not itself automatically entitle a Foreign National to obtain Indonesian citizenship.
The Foreign National must still fulfil the naturalisation requirements under Law No. 12 of 2006 on Indonesian Citizenship and its implementing regulations.
Residence Requirement for Ordinary Naturalisation
One of the requirements for ordinary naturalisation is the Foreign National’s period of residence in Indonesia.
Under Law No. 12 of 2006, an applicant must have resided in Indonesia for at least 5 consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years.
The required period of residence must be demonstrated through relevant immigration records and documents.
Under Government Regulation No. 2 of 2007, as amended by Government Regulation No. 21 of 2022, a naturalisation application requires supporting documentation concerning the applicant’s immigration history, including an immigration certificate issued by the relevant Immigration Office.
Accordingly, the residence requirement is not assessed solely based on the date on which the applicant obtained KITAP.
The applicant’s entire period of lawful residence in Indonesia must be properly established and adequately demonstrated.
Where Does KITAP Fit Into the Naturalisation Process?
KITAP should be understood as part of the applicant’s immigration status and not as a direct pathway that automatically results in citizenship.
For many Foreign Nationals who have resided in Indonesia for an extended period, their immigration history may include holding ITAS/KITAS followed by obtaining ITAP/KITAP.
For eligible ITAS holders, including certain foreign workers, religious workers, investors, and Second Home Stay Permit holders, Indonesian immigration regulations provide a mechanism for converting ITAS into ITAP, subject to the applicable requirements.
Once a Foreign National obtains KITAP, that status provides a more stable form of permanent stay in Indonesia.
However, obtaining KITAP does not start a separate five-year naturalisation period.
What is relevant for naturalisation is whether the applicant has fulfilled the requirements prescribed by law concerning the overall period of residence in Indonesia.
Five Years of Residence Does Not Mean Automatic Naturalisation
A Foreign National who has resided in Indonesia for at least five consecutive years or 10 non-consecutive years does not automatically become an Indonesian citizen.
The residence requirement is only one of the requirements for naturalisation.
The applicant must still fulfil other requirements prescribed under Indonesian citizenship law and complete the applicable naturalisation procedure.
Accordingly, fulfilment of the required residence period should be regarded as fulfilment of one of the requirements to submit an application, rather than automatic acquisition of citizenship.
How Is the Naturalisation Process Conducted?
Naturalisation is legally different from the conversion of ITAS into ITAP.
An ITAS to ITAP application is processed through the Indonesian immigration authorities under the immigration framework.
In contrast, a naturalisation application is submitted through the procedure for obtaining Indonesian citizenship, which ultimately involves the President of the Republic of Indonesia through the Minister of Law in accordance with the applicable citizenship regulations.
The applicant must submit the required documents, including evidence supporting fulfilment of the residence requirement and other applicable citizenship requirements.
Therefore, the naturalisation process should be assessed separately from the applicant’s immigration status.
How TAMA Global Mobility Can Support
TAMA Global Mobility supports Foreign Nationals, families, employers, multinational companies, and foreign investors with various immigration and Global Mobility matters in Indonesia, including:
- assessment of immigration status and residence history;
- review of ITAS and ITAP history;
- assessment of the residence period relevant to naturalisation;
- review of immigration documents and supporting evidence;
- immigration compliance assessment for Foreign Nationals who have resided in Indonesia for an extended period;
- coordination of immigration documents required for citizenship-related processes; and
- strategic advisory on Indonesian immigration and complex Global Mobility matters.
TAMA Global Mobility helps clients navigate Indonesian immigration requirements through an approach focused on structured immigration, global mobility, and regulatory compliance.
Disclaimer: Here
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TAMA Global Mobility
WhatsApp: +62 821-1015-402
Email: info@tamaglobalmobility.com
For additional insights on Indonesian immigration compliance and global mobility matters, explore our related publications:
Can Foreign Nationals Convert KITAS to KITAP in Indonesia?
Can Foreign Nationals Extend Their Stay Permit in Indonesia Online?
When Immigration Conducts an Inspection: What Can Immigration Officers Ask in Indonesia?
Change of Address in Indonesia: Immigration Reporting Obligations for Foreign Workers (TKA)
Foreign Artists Performing in Indonesia: When Is a Work Permit Required?
