Indonesia: Global Citizenship of Indonesia Program Announced

The situation

The government has announced the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program as part of broader efforts to strengthen ties with the Indonesian diaspora and individuals of Indonesian descent.  

The GCI visa option has been available in the Indonesian Visa Online System since January 26, 2026. However, it is still unclear how applications will be processed, as the authorities have not yet issued a confirmed standard operating procedure.  

Once fully implemented, the GCI will provide qualifying foreign nationals with permanent residence status with no expiry date and the ability to enter and exit Indonesia without limitation.

A closer look

• Scope. GCI grants indefinite permanent residence in Indonesia, allowing holders to reside in the country without time limits and with unlimited re-entry rights.  
  • Note that the stay permit (ITAP) may be invalidated if the holder remains outside Indonesian territory for more than one year.
• Eligibility. The program is expected to be open to:
  • Former Indonesian citizens;
  • Children of Indonesian citizens;
  • Members of mixed-nationality families, with a spouse of Indonesian background; and
  • Second-degree descendants of Indonesian nationals. 
• Key features. The GCI program offers several key features, including:  
  • Indefinite permanent residence with no expiry;
  • Unlimited re-entry to Indonesia;
  • No requirement to maintain employment, investment or marital status; and
  • Online application submission via the eVisa system. 
• Limitations. GCI has the following limitations:  
  • It does not confer work rights and holders must still obtain the appropriate work permit to work in Indonesia.
  • It does not confer Indonesian citizenship. Holders are not eligible for dual nationality, voting rights or political participation. In addition, GCI status does not permit land ownership and existing foreign property ownership rules will still apply.

Impact

The GCI offers a new pathway to long-term residence in Indonesia without the constraints typically associated with temporary visas or residence permits, such as the requirement to renew these statuses.

For businesses and families, the program may facilitate greater mobility and long-term planning for globally mobile talent and diaspora members with ties to Indonesia. However, holders must still obtain the appropriate work permit to work in Indonesia.

Background

The GCI initiative aligns with Indonesia’s wider immigration modernization agenda, including the expansion of digital application processes through the eVisa system and signals a move toward more flexible residence options for foreign nationals with close connections to the country.

Looking ahead

Although the GCI program has been announced, detailed implementing regulations, eligibility criteria, and processing timelines have not yet been issued. Indonesian immigration authorities are expected to release further guidance in due course.

Fragomen recommends that clients monitor official government announcements and Fragomen alerts for updates and wait for additional clarity before submitting applications. Fragomen will continue to track developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.