Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Ubud

How family-sponsored residence works for foreign families in Ubud

In Ubud, a foreign spouse or child generally needs the appropriate Indonesian visa and stay permit to live with an eligible family sponsor. The correct route depends on whether the sponsor is Indonesian or holds an Indonesian stay permit, and on the applicant’s relationship to that sponsor.

Applications are handled under national immigration rules, not a separate Ubud visa system. Many applications use the Directorate General of Immigration’s online system, but applicants may need to deal with the immigration office responsible for their address in Gianyar Regency.

Applicants should prepare relationship documents, identity records, sponsor details, and any required translations or legalisation. A family-sponsored stay permit does not automatically authorise employment; confirm work eligibility separately before taking a job or providing services.

When a lawyer may be useful

• A marriage certificate or birth certificate was issued outside Indonesia, and you need to confirm its translation, legalisation, or acceptance for an application.
• Your spouse’s Indonesian immigration status has changed, or you are unsure which family-reunification route fits the sponsor’s status.
• You are already in Bali on another visa and need advice on whether you can apply for a family-sponsored permit without leaving Indonesia.
• An online application has been delayed, refused, or returned because of inconsistent names, missing documents, or sponsor information.
• Your family is moving to Ubud from another Indonesian city, and you need to address a change of residence or immigration-office jurisdiction.
• You plan to work while living in Ubud and need to understand whether your intended activity requires separate immigration or employment authorisation.

Indonesian laws and rules that govern family-sponsored residence

Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration establishes Indonesia’s immigration framework, including visas, stay permits, sponsors, and immigration enforcement. It was amended by Law No. 6 of 2023, which enacted the Job Creation regulation into law.

Government Regulation No. 31 of 2013 implements the Immigration Law. It was amended by Government Regulation No. 40 of 2023, promulgated on 4 August 2023.

Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 22 of 2023 on Visas and Stay Permits sets detailed visa and stay-permit rules. Visa classifications and application procedures can change, so check the current requirements with Immigration before filing.

Frequently asked questions

What does a family-sponsored visa allow?

It may allow an eligible foreign spouse or child to enter or remain in Indonesia under the relevant family category. The conditions and duration depend on the visa and stay permit issued. Check the permit’s terms before travel or any change of activity.

Who can qualify as a family member?

Eligibility depends on the sponsor’s status and the applicant’s relationship to that sponsor. Spouses and children are common categories, but the applicable route and evidence requirements differ. Immigration should confirm eligibility for the specific family relationship.

Can a foreign spouse of an Indonesian citizen apply?

There are immigration routes for qualifying foreign spouses of Indonesian citizens. The applicant must provide evidence of the relationship and meet current immigration requirements. A marriage certificate alone does not replace the visa and stay-permit process.

Can the spouse or child of a foreign resident in Ubud apply?

A foreign resident may be able to sponsor eligible family members if their own immigration status allows it. The sponsor’s permit, relationship evidence, and the applicant’s circumstances affect the correct application route. Confirm the current category before submitting documents.

Can I apply while already in Bali?

Whether you can apply from inside Indonesia depends on your current visa, immigration status, and the procedure for the family category. Do not overstay or assume that an application automatically extends your existing permission to stay. Ask Immigration or a qualified lawyer before your current permission expires.

What documents are usually required?

Applicants commonly need passports, sponsor identity and immigration records, and proof of the family relationship. Foreign-issued civil documents may require translation or legalisation, depending on the document and current rules. Follow the checklist for the specific visa category rather than relying on a general list.

How long does the process take?

Processing time varies with the application category, document completeness, and Immigration’s review. The online portal may display current processing information, but that is not a guarantee of approval by a particular date. Allow time for document corrections and travel planning.

What does it cost to apply?

Government charges depend on the visa and stay-permit services requested, and should be checked through the official immigration system. Lawyer or agent fees are separate and vary by service and case complexity. Request a written fee breakdown that distinguishes professional fees from government charges.

Does a family-sponsored permit allow me to work?

Do not assume that permission to reside also authorises employment or business activity. The rules depend on the intended activity and the person’s immigration status. Confirm the requirements with Immigration and, where relevant, the authorities responsible for employment rules before starting work.

Can my child attend school in Ubud?

Immigration status and school admission are separate matters. Ask the school about its enrolment requirements and confirm that the child’s visa and stay-permit conditions are suitable. Keep the child’s immigration records current during the school year.

What happens if my application is refused or delayed?

First check the official application account for a stated reason, missing document, or request for further information. A lawyer can review the record and advise whether correction, a fresh application, or another lawful option is appropriate. Avoid submitting inconsistent documents or allowing a current permit to expire while waiting.

Official resources in and for Ubud

• Directorate General of Immigration: Publishes national immigration information and operates the official online visa application system. Use its current guidance to verify visa categories, document lists, and government charges.
• Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I TPI Denpasar: The local immigration office for relevant services in Bali. Confirm which office handles an application or residence matter based on the applicant’s registered address in Gianyar Regency.
• Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Gianyar: The Gianyar Regency population and civil-registration office. It can advise on local population-administration requirements for foreign residents where applicable.

Steps to find and hire a lawyer

1. Gather your passport, current visa or stay permit, sponsor’s documents, and marriage or birth records. Allow one to three days to identify gaps.
2. Write down your sponsor’s immigration status, your current location and visa expiry date, and any intended work or study. This helps a lawyer assess the correct route during an initial consultation.
3. Shortlist Indonesian lawyers who handle immigration matters and can advise on applications involving Bali or Gianyar. Check their professional identity and ask who will handle the case.
4. Arrange an initial consultation, ideally within a few days if a current permit is nearing expiry. Ask the lawyer to explain the likely category, risks, document needs, and any deadlines in writing.
5. Request a written engagement letter and itemised fees. Confirm which services are included, which government charges are separate, and how additional work will be billed.
6. Have the lawyer review the application documents before filing. Agree who will submit the application, monitor official messages, and respond to any requests for corrections.