Obtaining Foreigner e-KTP in Indonesia

Foreigners living in Indonesia are entitled to have and obtain a Resident Identity Card (KTP). Its validity period is linked to the validity period of the Permanent Stay Permit (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap or KITAP).
 

According to the Population Administration Law, every resident is entitled to receive population administration and civil registry services.

A "resident" is defined as both Indonesian citizens and foreigners residing in Indonesia, as stated by the Indonesian law. 
 

Therefore, foreigners are bound to receive the same services in population registration and civil documentation, legal certainty regarding the ownership of population documents, and protection of personal data. Foreigners can access more services in Indonesia, such as obtaining a SIM card, banking services, insurance, and other services that require a single identity number. 
 

Once a foreigner has obtained an e-KTP, they are required to carry it everywhere.
 

What are the requirements?

Foreigners must adhere to the criteria stated by the Population Administration Law. To apply for a KTP, foreign nationals must submit a set of mandatory documents to the local Population and Civil Registration Office (Disdukcapil). 

The primary requirements include:
 

1. Must be at least 17 years old, married, or have been married.

2. Family Card (Kartu Keluarga).

3. Travel Document (Passport).

4. Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP) issued by the Immigration Office.

5. Residential address in Indonesia.

6. Completion of the application form provided by the Population and Civil Registration Office.

7. Copies of the passport, KITAP, and a translated birth certificate; if married, a translated marriage certificate must also be included.

The procedure explained

The issuance of a KTP for foreign nationals must be completed in person at the local Population and Civil Registration Office. The process consists of the following steps:

1.  Visit the designated Population and Civil Registration Office.
2. Present all original documents along with their copies for verification.
3. Undergo biometric data collection, including photo capture, fingerprinting, and electronic signature.
4. The verified information is then entered into the national population database.
5. If no issues arise, the electronic KTP will be issued within several working days.

Only once they have accomplished can they apply for an e-KTP in Indonesia. To obtain, they simply need to visit the nearest Population and Civil Registration Office to have their e-KTP recorded and provide the necessary documents as required.

Do note that, unlike Indonesian citizens whose KTP is valid for life, the validity period of a foreign national’s KTP is tied to the duration of their permanent residence permit issued by the Directorate General of Immigration, as stipulated in  Article 63(4) of Law No. 24 of 2013.

Foreign nationals are required to report any extension of their residence permit and update their electronic KTP no later than 30 days before the permit expires. Failure to do so will render the KTP invalid once the residence permit lapses.

What are the differences between the Indonesian and foreigners' e-KTPs?

Although the format of the KTP for foreigners is not much different from that of Indonesian citizens, there are still some distinctions:
 

1. A foreigner's e-KTP validity period corresponds to their Permanent Stay Permit. For example, the e-KTP would last for merely two years, given that the stay permit is valid for that exact period. Before expiring, the foreigner must renew both the Permanent Stay Permit and the e-KTP at least 30 days before the expiration date.

2. The e-KTP for foreigners contains information such as the name, gender, religion, marital status, occupation, and nationality - all written in English, unlike the Indonesian version using the native language. The nationality section is filled in according to the foreigner's citizenship.

3. The e-KTP for foreigners is in orange or pink colour, while it's blue for Indonesians.