Globalization has made it easier for people to stay connected with family members across different parts of the world. For foreign nationals (WNA) with relatives in Indonesia, there is a special policy that allows them to stay longer with their families. This is made possible through the Family Reunion Visa, a visa that enables its holders to live in the beautiful country for periods ranging from six months to two years. However, not everyone with family in Indonesia is eligible to apply for this type of visa. So, what exactly are the requirements?

In a world that’s becoming increasingly interconnected, cross-border family relationships are now quite common. Indonesia, known for its cultural beauty, provides a chance for families from various parts of the world to reunite with their loved ones living here through the Family Reunion Visa. But who exactly is eligible for this visa? Let’s first take a closer look at what this visa is all about.

What is the Family Reunion Visa in Indonesia?

The Family Reunion Visa, or Visa Penyatuan Keluarga, is a limited stay visa (VITAS) that allows foreign nationals to join their family members in Indonesia. This visa, indexed as C317, has varying validity, from six months to two years.

The Family Reunion Visa allows foreigners to reside in Indonesia to reunite with family members who have already settled here. This is part of Indonesia’s immigration policy, which values family as an important social unit and offers a way for international families to live together.

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This type of visa is often applied for by the family members of foreigners working in Indonesia. Compared to work or other types of visas, the Family Reunion Visa has simpler requirements because its purpose is to reunite families, not for work or business. However, the application process is still clear and stringent.

Not all foreigners with family members in Indonesia can apply for this visa. According to Achmad Nur Saleh, Sub-coordinator of Public Relations at Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration, “Not everyone who claims to be family with a WNI (Indonesian citizen) or foreigner in Indonesia can apply for the Family Reunion Visa.”

Unfortunately, some Family Reunion Visa applications are rejected because the applicant is not considered a valid subject for this type of visa. So, who exactly is eligible?

Six Eligible Categories for the Family Reunion Visa in Indonesia

There are several categories of foreign nationals who are entitled to apply for the Family Reunion Visa. Each category must meet specific criteria and provide supporting documentation that proves a legitimate family relationship.

Here are the categories of foreign nationals eligible to apply for a Family Reunion Visa, as per the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights Decree No. M.HH-3 GR.01.01 of 2022:

Couple:

1. Foreign nationals married to Indonesian citizens (WNI) can apply for the Family Reunion Visa by submitting their marriage certificate or marriage book (translated by a certified translator, except for English) and proof of marriage registration from the Indonesian embassy (if the marriage took place abroad).
2. Foreign nationals married to a holder of a limited stay permit (ITAS) or permanent stay permit (ITAP).

Children:

1. Children from a legal marriage between a foreigner and an Indonesian citizen.
2. Children of foreign nationals legally married to an Indonesian citizen. These children must be under 18 years old and unmarried.
3. Children joining parents who hold ITAS or ITAP.
4. Children with a legal family relationship with either or both Indonesian parent(s).

Foreign nationals who have an Indonesian mother or father, or both, can also apply for the Family Reunion Visa.

How to Apply for the Family Reunion Visa in Indonesia?

In general, the application for the Family Reunion Visa requires several documents, including a request letter, guarantee letter, the applicant’s passport, and proof of financial capacity (a bank statement with a minimum balance of USD 2000).

For couples, additional documents such as the marriage certificate (translated into Indonesian, except for English) and the marriage registration proof from the Indonesian embassy (if the marriage was abroad) are required.

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For children, documents like the birth certificate (translated into Indonesian by a certified translator, unless already in English) must be provided. For foreign nationals joining a parent holding ITAS or ITAP, the parent’s stay permit must also be submitted.

Achmad added that foreign nationals entering Indonesia on this type of visa must apply for their stay permit at the immigration office within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in the visa being deemed invalid, and the applicant must leave Indonesia.

As per Government Regulation No. 28 of 2019 regarding fees in the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the fee for issuing this visa is USD 150 per application, with an additional visa approval fee of IDR 200,000 per application.

Why is the Family Reunion Visa Important?

The Family Reunion Visa plays a crucial role in supporting families living apart, whether due to work, study, or other reasons. It also helps maintain social and emotional stability for individuals separated from their close family members.

With this visa, foreign nationals married to Indonesian citizens or those with family members in Indonesia can more easily live together. This policy fosters stronger contributions from international families to Indonesia’s economy, society, and culture. It creates a more inclusive environment for families with international backgrounds living in Indonesia.

The Family Reunion Visa offers a significant opportunity for foreign nationals who wish to be with their families in Indonesia. It is a form of support from the Indonesian government to help keep families united, even when separated by distance. For those who wish to apply for this visa, understanding the requirements and procedures is essential for a smooth application process.

Additionally, for those who need assistance with visa or residence permit processing, Bizindo is the perfect partner. We offer comprehensive visa processing, residence permit services, sworn translator services, and business permits, helping you manage all your immigration needs in Indonesia quickly and easily.

With Bizindo’s assistance, you can ensure that your visa or residence permit process goes smoothly without any hurdles. Don’t hesitate to contact us for the best solutions to meet your immigration needs in Indonesia. Reach out now!