Indonesia introduces a new long-term immigration category called the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI). The program comes from the Directorate General of Immigration and offers an indefinite permanent residence permit to eligible foreign nationals. Because Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship for adults, the GCI program gives a way for people with Indonesian ties to maintain a legal and stable connection to the country.
All official information appears on government websites, including the Directorate General of Immigration at https://imigrasi.go.id, the Ministry of Law at https://kemenkumham.go.id, and the national eVisa portal at https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id. Applications go through the eVisa system.
What the Global Citizenship of Indonesia Program Provides
The Global Citizenship of Indonesia gives an indefinite permanent residence permit. This means the permit does not expire. It also includes an unlimited re-entry permit. Therefore, a GCI holder can live in Indonesia without regular extensions and can travel freely in and out of the country.
The program focuses on people with a clear link to Indonesia. This includes former Indonesian citizens, children of Indonesian citizens, mixed-marriage families, and second-degree descendants. Many of these individuals live abroad but still maintain a strong personal connection to Indonesia. The GCI category supports this connection within the boundaries of Indonesian nationality law.
The GCI initiative fits into a broader modernisation of Indonesia’s immigration system. Other long-term stay options already exist, such as the Limited Stay Visa (ITAS) and the Investor Visa for PT PMA Shareholders. However, GCI stands apart because it is based on heritage and family ties, not on employment, investment, or marriage.
Who Can Apply for Global Citizenship of Indonesia
The official releases show that GCI applies to foreign nationals with Indonesian roots. Therefore, former citizens, children of Indonesians abroad, and descendants up to the second degree fall within the target group. The aim is to support people who feel Indonesian but who hold a foreign passport due to international family situations.
The government also sets clear limits for the Global Citizenship of Indonesia scheme. Individuals from territories historically attached to Indonesia do not qualify. People who serve in foreign armed forces do not qualify. The same applies to anyone involved in activities that go against Indonesia’s national interest. These rules come directly from immigration announcements.
Does GCI Provide Citizenship?
No.
The Global Citizenship of Indonesia does not grant Indonesian nationality. GCI is a residence status. The holder keeps their foreign citizenship and uses their foreign passport. Because of this, GCI does not include voting rights, political rights, or rights reserved for Indonesian nationals.
Therefore, GCI is not a naturalisation process and does not convert into Indonesian citizenship.
Does GCI Allow Freehold Land Ownership?
No.
Under the Basic Agrarian Law (Law No. 5 of 1960), only Indonesian citizens may hold Hak Milik (SHM), which is the freehold title. The GCI category does not change this rule. A GCI holder remains a foreign national under property law and must follow the standard property framework for foreigners.
This means GCI holders can use Hak Pakai, leasehold, strata title in eligible buildings, or HGB through a PT PMA. They cannot own SHM. More background on foreign stay categories appears in our ITAS guide.
How GCI Differs From the ITAP
Indonesia also offers the ITAP, a permanent stay permit for long-term foreign residents. Both the ITAP and GCI grant long-term residence, but the purpose and structure of each program differ.
The ITAP supports investors, foreign workers, and foreign spouses of Indonesian citizens. The ITAP remains valid as long as the underlying reason for stay remains valid. For example, an investor must keep the company active and a foreign spouse must maintain the marital relationship.
The Global Citizenship of Indonesia operates differently. It is not tied to employment, marriage, or business activity. Instead, it recognises heritage and family ties. Because of this, the GCI status provides stronger continuity for eligible individuals. However, GCI still does not offer citizenship or full land rights, just like the ITAP.
Investors who need a residency category based on business activity can still consider the Investor Visa.
Why Indonesia Introduces Global Citizenship of Indonesia?
Indonesia introduces the GCI program to support its global diaspora. Many Indonesians living abroad cannot hold dual citizenship as adults. Their children may face complex nationality decisions. The GCI program gives these individuals a secure way to maintain residency and cultural ties while respecting Indonesian nationality laws.
This policy also supports Indonesia’s effort to modernise immigration services. The government continues to improve digital systems through imigrasi.go.id and the eVisa portal, making processes more transparent and more efficient.
Current developments
The Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) marks an important development in Indonesia’s immigration framework, and it offers long-term stability for people with Indonesian roots. However, the program is still in its early phase, and several technical regulations are not yet released. Because of this, some procedures, rights, and practical steps remain unclear.
Further guidance will come from the Directorate General of Immigration and the Ministry of Law, which will issue detailed implementing rules. These regulations will explain how the GCI functions in daily practice and what applicants can expect at each stage.