New Immigration Regulation Requires Foreign Nationals to Visit Immigration Office for Residence Permit Extensions in Indonesia
The Directorate General (Ditjen) of Immigration under the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has officially enacted a new regulation concerning the management of residence permits for foreign nationals (Warga Negara Asing or WNA) residing in Indonesia. Starting May 29, 2025, all WNA applying for a residence permit extension are now required to visit an immigration office in person.
This new policy is stipulated in Circular Letter Number IMI-417.GR.01.01 of 2025. Under the regulation, foreign nationals must appear at the immigration office to undergo biometric data collection, including having their photographs taken and participating in a formal interview process as part of the residence permit extension procedure.
According to the Directorate General of Immigration, the regulation aims to enhance the accuracy of data collection, strengthen national security measures, and ensure compliance with Indonesia’s immigration laws.
“This procedure is implemented to verify the identity and intentions of foreign nationals residing in Indonesia, and to ensure that their stay aligns with the legal framework and national interests,” an official statement from the Immigration Directorate General explained.
Previously, some residence permit extension processes could be completed with minimal in-person requirements. However, with this change, personal attendance has become mandatory, signaling a shift toward tighter monitoring and more comprehensive verification procedures.
Foreign nationals currently living in Indonesia or planning to stay for extended periods are urged to prepare accordingly and allocate sufficient time to comply with the new in-office procedures. The Immigration Directorate has also advised WNA to schedule appointments in advance to avoid long wait times, especially in high-demand locations such as Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya.
The Directorate General encourages all foreign residents to stay informed and comply with immigration regulations to ensure smooth processing of their permits and avoid potential legal complications.
For further information, WNA and sponsors can contact the nearest immigration office or visit the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration.
Please remember, you are responsible to ensure you do not overstay, visa agencies do not know how long you plan to stay, if you are unsure when your visa expires, ask our friendly team.
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