Indonesia is home to many foreign nationals who seek long-term residency for various purposes. For those who have been residing in Indonesia under an ITAS (Temporary Stay Permit), converting this permit to an ITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) offers several advantages, including the ability to live indefinitely in the country without the need for constant renewals. The ITAP provides stability, greater ease in business, and the potential for more permanent ties to Indonesia. In this guide, we will outline the eligibility requirements, documents needed, and the step-by-step process for convert ITAS to ITAP in Indonesia.
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Eligibility Requirements
Converting an ITAS to an ITAP is not available to every foreign national residing in Indonesia. Specific eligibility criteria must be met, and the government has defined several categories of individuals who are qualified for this status change.
- Religious Workers: Foreign nationals working in Indonesia as religious figures, such as priests or spiritual leaders, may be eligible for an ITAP.
- Employees: Those who are employed in Indonesia with valid work contracts and who have held an ITAS for a significant period can apply for an ITAP.
- Investors: Foreign investors who have substantial investments in Indonesia can convert their ITAS to an ITAP to facilitate their business operations in the country.
- Elderly Foreign Tourists: Elderly individuals from abroad who choose to retire in Indonesia can also be eligible for an ITAP.
- Spouse or Children of an ITAP Holder: Foreign nationals married to ITAP holders or children under 18 who are unmarried and living with their ITAP-holding parent can apply to convert their ITAS.
- Former Indonesian Citizens: Individuals who once held Indonesian citizenship but later lost it are also eligible for conversion to an ITAP.
- Foreign Spouses of Indonesian Citizens: A foreign spouse married to an Indonesian citizen for at least two years is eligible for an ITAP. Additionally, children under 18 born from the marriage of an Indonesian citizen and a foreign national can apply.
- Foreign Nationals with Family Ties to Indonesians: Foreign nationals who have legal family relationships with Indonesian citizens, such as a child from a legally recognized marriage, may also qualify for ITAP conversion.
These categories define the pool of individuals eligible to convert their ITAS to an ITAP. It is important to verify which category you fall under before proceeding with the application.
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Documents Required
When converting from ITAS to ITAP, certain documentation is essential to support your application. The process requires both general and specific documents depending on your situation.
General Requirements:
- Completed Application Form: A formal application form must be filled out accurately, ensuring all required fields are completed.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid and not nearing expiration. A copy of your passport must be included in the application.
- Copy of Valid ITAS: You will need to provide a copy of your current and valid ITAS, which serves as proof of your temporary residency in Indonesia.
- Domicile Letter: A letter confirming your current place of residence in Indonesia must be obtained from local authorities.
- Integration Statement: The applicant must sign a statement indicating their commitment to integrate into Indonesian society.
- Recommendation Letter from Relevant Ministries: Depending on your profession or status, you may need a recommendation from relevant ministries or non-ministerial government bodies in Indonesia.
Specific Documents:
- For Children Joining Parents: If you are a child under 18 seeking to join an ITAP-holding parent, you must also submit:
- A Guarantee Letter from a sponsor.
- Birth Certificate and Parents’ Marriage Certificate.
- Copies of both parents’ passports and the ITAP.
- For Foreign Nationals Born in Indonesia: Foreign nationals born in Indonesia to ITAP holders must submit:
- A Guarantee Letter from a sponsor.
- Copies of the birth certificate, parents’ marriage certificate, and parents’ passports.
- For Former Indonesian Citizens: You must submit proof of your former Indonesian citizenship alongside a Guarantee Letter from a sponsor.
- For Dual Citizens: If a dual-national child has opted for foreign citizenship, the following documents are required:
- A letter of application from an Indonesian parent.
- A copy of the form declaring the choice of foreign citizenship.
- For Foreign Spouses: If you are a foreign spouse of an Indonesian citizen, additional documents include:
- Marriage certificates or a notarized marriage registration document for marriages conducted abroad.
- Copies of the Indonesian spouse’s ID card and family card.
Also read: Understanding the Rules for Permanent Residency in Indonesia
Conversion Process
Converting an ITAS to ITAP requires following a clear, step-by-step process, which ensures that all legal obligations are met.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
Begin by collecting all the required general and specific documents outlined above. Ensuring that all forms are filled out correctly and that all supporting documents are ready will save time during the application process.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once all documentation is complete, you must submit your application to the local immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi). Depending on your location, you may be required to make an appointment beforehand.
Step 3: Interview and Verification
After submitting the application, you may be called for an interview at the immigration office. During this stage, officials will verify the authenticity of your documents and ask about your intent to stay in Indonesia permanently.
Step 4: Pay the Applicable Fees
You will need to pay a processing fee when applying for ITAP. Fees can vary based on the type of ITAP and the applicant’s status. Be sure to check the current fee structure with the immigration office.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing times for converting ITAS to ITAP may vary, but applicants should be prepared for a waiting period while immigration officials assess the application.
Step 6: Collect Your ITAP
Once your application is approved, you will be notified by the immigration office to collect your ITAP. At this point, your status in Indonesia changes from a temporary resident to a permanent resident.
Conclusion
Converting from an ITAS to an ITAP offers foreign nationals residing in Indonesia greater security and long-term stability. Whether you’re a religious worker, investor, spouse of an Indonesian citizen, or a former Indonesian citizen, meeting the eligibility criteria is crucial. Collecting the necessary documents, understanding the process, and working with immigration offices can streamline the conversion process. By following these steps and ensuring that you meet all legal requirements, you can successfully transition to permanent residency in Indonesia, securing your place in this vibrant and growing country. Check Devisa Global Services for more info!