Indonesia’s New Global Citizenship Visa Offers Permanent Stay Without Renewals

Indonesia is quietly rolling out a new long-term residence option aimed at people with Indonesian roots. The new residency program, known as the Global Citizenship of Indonesia or GCI, is designed for former citizens, their families and descendants who want a permanent legal link to the country.

The idea is simple. If you have a genuine Indonesian connection, Indonesia wants to make it easier for you to live there long term without the usual visa stress.

What We Know So Far

The GCI option appeared in Indonesia’s online visa system on January 26, 2026. Applications can technically be submitted, but there is still some uncertainty.

Immigration authorities have not yet published clear operating rules. That means processing timelines, document checks, and approval steps are still not fully defined.

In short, the door is open, but the system behind it is still being built.

What the Global Citizenship of Indonesia Actually Offers

Once fully in place, the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) would grant permanent residence in Indonesia with no expiry date.

That is a big shift from Indonesia’s usual visa structure, which relies heavily on time-limited permits and renewals.

Here is what stands out.

1. Permanent Stay, No Expiry

GCI holders can live in Indonesia indefinitely. There is no renewal cycle and no requirement to keep extending your status every few years.

2. Unlimited Entry and Exit

You can leave and re-enter Indonesia as often as you like. There are no re-entry permits or stay caps tied to travel.

3. No Ongoing Conditions

There is no obligation to stay employed, keep an investment active, or remain married to an Indonesian citizen after approval.

4. Fully Online Application

Applicants submit their applications through Indonesia’s eVisa system, supporting the country’s move toward digital immigration services.

Who Is Expected to Be Eligible?

The government says the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) targets people with clear ties to Indonesia, including:

• Former Indonesian citizens
• Children of Indonesian citizens
• Spouses in mixed-nationality families where one partner is Indonesian
• Second-degree descendants of Indonesian nationals

The focus is on lineage and family connection, not wealth or investment.

Important Limits to Understand

The GCI is not citizenship, and it does not replace work permits.

If you want to work in Indonesia, you will still need the correct work authorisation. The GCI alone does not grant work rights.

It also does not provide political rights. Holders cannot vote, run for office, or hold an Indonesian passport. Dual nationality is not part of this program.

Property rules stay the same, too. GCI holders cannot own land, and standard foreign ownership restrictions continue to apply.

Why This Matters for Travellers and Families

For people with Indonesian roots, this is a major shift. It removes the constant pressure of visa renewals and short-term stay limits.

Families can plan more freely. Businesses can move talent more easily. Long stays become practical, not bureaucratic.

That said, anyone planning to work will still need to factor in Indonesia’s employment permit rules.

Final Thoughts

The GCI fits into Indonesia’s wider immigration overhaul. The country has been expanding digital visa services and experimenting with more flexible residence options.

This program signals a clear message. Indonesia wants closer ties with its diaspora and people who already have a cultural or family bond with the country.

The framework is not fully settled yet. But once the rules are clarified, the GCI could become one of Indonesia’s most meaningful immigration changes in years.

For now, it is a promising idea in motion.