orlovlegal.com — A lot of expats and foreign investors in Indonesia end up wondering about the same thing: can a foreign passport eventually be swapped for an Indonesian one? The answer is yes, and there’s already a clear path for it.
This isn’t a loophole or a workaround — it’s actually written into law. Oleg Orlov, an advocate at PT Southeast Partnership Indonesia who regularly handles immigration cases for foreign clients, confirms as much.
“Can a foreigner become an Indonesian citizen? The answer is yes, absolutely — because there are regulations in place that set out exactly how citizenship can be obtained.” — Oleg Orlov
Here’s a quick rundown:
1. Route One: Through Investment
This path is typically taken by business owners or investors who’ve already put significant capital into Indonesia. They want their legal status to match where their business actually operates, rather than just holding a residence permit.
2. Route Two: Marrying an Indonesian Citizen
This is by far the more common route. A foreigner who is legally married to an Indonesian citizen is entitled to apply for naturalization through this path.
“There are two ways to become an Indonesian citizen. The first is through the citizenship process tied to investment in Indonesia. The second is by marrying an Indonesian citizen.” — Oleg Orlov
3. Heads Up: The Rules Just Changed
The government recently overhauled naturalization fees under Government Regulation No. 30 of 2026, signed by President Prabowo Subianto and in effect since August 2026. The general route (including investment) now costs Rp75 million per application, while the marriage route costs Rp25 million. Dual-citizen children who haven’t yet chosen a nationality are charged Rp5 million, and those looking to reclaim Indonesian citizenship pay just Rp1 million.
4. Not Ready to Give Up Your Old Passport? There’s Another Option
Back in late 2025, Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration and Corrections rolled out a policy called Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI). It’s not a path to citizenship — it’s an indefinite permanent residence permit, designed for former Indonesian citizens, their descendants up to two generations, or the legal spouses of Indonesian citizens who aren’t ready to give up their current nationality.
5. Keep in Mind: Indonesia Doesn’t Allow Dual Citizenship for Adults
Once someone officially becomes an Indonesian citizen, their previous citizenship has to go — no exceptions for adults going through standard naturalization.
“What matters most, under Indonesian law, is that a foreigner who obtains Indonesian citizenship cannot hold any other citizenship. Indonesia only allows a single nationality — dual citizenship isn’t permitted.” — Oleg Orlov
6. Prepare Your Documents, Then Go Through Verification
Applications are submitted online through the Directorate General of General Legal Administration, along with supporting evidence — proof of investment or a valid marriage certificate, depending on the route. From there, applicants go through an interview or a short review to test basic knowledge of Indonesia, before the file is forwarded to the central government for a final decision.
The part that most often trips people up isn’t the paperwork — it’s the fees and rules, which keep shifting, as just happened with PP 30/2026. That’s why many applicants choose to work with an advocate who stays on top of the latest regulations, especially in cases involving cross-border assets or children from mixed marriages.
Bottom line: yes, foreigners can become Indonesian citizens, and the path is well defined — investment or marriage. What’s worth watching closely is the cost, the process, and alternatives like GCI for those who aren’t ready to let go of their original passport. (*)
