In a significant regulatory shift, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has announced the reinstatement of biometric photo requirements for all foreign nationals applying for stay permit extensions. The policy, outlined in Circular Letter No. IMI-417.GR.01.01 of 2025, will come into effect starting Wednesday, 21 May 2025, with initial implementation in the South Jakarta Immigration Office and a phased rollout expected across the country.
This new stipulation marks a return to stricter procedural compliance, requiring applicants for ITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) and ITK (Visit Stay Permit) extensions to be physically present at the Immigration Office of their registered domicile for biometric data collection. This includes a biometric photograph, a previously suspended measure during the pandemic era in favour of online processing.
The reinstatement comes as part of the government’s broader initiative under the Smart Immigration Governance (SIG) programme, aimed at improving administrative oversight and strengthening national sovereignty amid rising foreign entry rates. Authorities cite concerns over potential immigration violations, including the misuse of stay permits, overstays, and unreported whereabouts of foreign nationals.
The policy applies to all categories of stay permits, including but not limited to:
- Work KITAS
- Retirement KITAS
- Investor KITAS
- Dependent KITAS (Spouse and Family Sponsored Visas)
- Golden Visa (including Silver Hair, Digital Nomad, and Global Talent categories)
- Second Home KITAS
According to the circular, the biometric requirement seeks to serve four key objectives:
- Minimise immigration violations through direct monitoring and verification.
- Enable precise mapping of foreign nationals’ distribution, activities, and demographics based on their registered regions.
- Provide certainty and accountability in the stay permit extension process.
- Strengthen administrative immigration oversight through integrated and efficient controls.
Termination of the Former Regulation
This regulation supersedes the previous policy outlined in Circular No. IMI-261.GR.01.01 of 2025, which had allowed for online and desk-assisted processing without mandatory biometric attendance. The shift reflects Indonesia’s renewed focus on combining service with supervision in its immigration policy framework.
LMI Consultancy advises all clients and foreign nationals residing in Indonesia to prepare accordingly. Applicants should confirm their registered domicile with the Immigration Office and ensure availability for in-person biometric appointments to avoid delays in processing.
For professional guidance and up-to-date advisory on your ITAS/ITK extension or visa-related matters, our legal and immigration experts at LMI Consultancy are ready to assist.
