Understanding KITAP

A KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) is a permanent residency permit in Indonesia. It can only be obtained by converting an existing KITAS (Limited Stay Permit). Not all KITAS holders are eligible for a KITAP. Only those holding a Working, Dependent, Investor, Spouse, or Retirement KITAS can apply.

Conditions for Obtaining a 5-Year KITAP

To obtain a KITAP, you must have held a KITAS for at least 3 years.

• Documentation: The documents required for a KITAP application are the same as those for extending a KITAS.
• Exception for Spouses: Spouses of Indonesian citizens can convert their KITAS to a KITAP after 2 years of marriage.
• Time Remaining: There must be at least 31 days remaining before your current KITAS expires to initiate the conversion process. If there are fewer than 31 days, you can first extend your KITAS. However, the total duration of your stay in KITAS status cannot exceed 6 years.
• Process Requirements: You must be physically present in Indonesia throughout the KITAP application process. Your passport will be held, and you cannot leave the country. Immigration officers will conduct an interview at your residence.

Obtaining an Unlimited KITAP

After holding a 5-year KITAP, you can apply for an Unlimited KITAP. If you haven’t left the country at all during your 5-year KITAS/KITAP stay in Indonesia, you may be eligible for Indonesian citizenship. However, if you prefer to retain your current citizenship, you can keep your Unlimited KITAP. If you have left Indonesia during your KITAS/KITAP stay, you can only apply for citizenship after 10 years. For mixed families with a child who is an Indonesian citizen and who have traveled during this time, the citizenship application period for the spouse can be reduced to 7 years after marriage.

Periodic Procedures

To maintain the validity of a KITAP, the following procedures must be followed:

• Extension of the 5-year KITAP: Start the extension process 90 days before its expiration.
• Report for the unlimited KITAP: Holders of the unlimited KITAP must submit a report every 5 years, also 90 days before the due date.
• Updating MREP (Multi-Re-Entry Permit): This is a special permit required for multiple entries and exits from Indonesia. All KITAP holders, regardless of type, are required to renew their MREP every 2 years to travel abroad. Important: The MREP can only be obtained while in Indonesia. Without a valid MREP, re-entry into the country will be denied. The renewal process takes about 5 working days, so it is recommended to plan ahead.

Implications of Divorce or Death of an Indonesian Spouse

If you divorce or your Indonesian spouse passes away, you’ll need to find an Indonesian sponsor (a friend can be a sponsor). Due to the change of sponsor, you’ll need to revert to a 5-year KITAP before you can apply for an Unlimited KITAP again. If the marriage lasted more than 20 years, you may not even need a sponsor. The fee for converting to a KITAP is almost the same as for a new KITAP.

Applying for Indonesian Citizenship

If you meet the above conditions, please contact us.