Indonesia has introduced a new immigration status known as the Global Citizenship Visa, a policy that allows eligible foreign nationals to reside in the country indefinitely without the need for periodic visa renewals. The move represents a significant shift in Indonesia’s long-standing approach to residency and citizenship, particularly for members of the Indonesian diaspora and individuals with close familial ties to the country.
The Global Citizenship Visa was formally announced by Indonesian authorities as part of broader efforts to modernise immigration policy while maintaining the country’s strict legal position on nationality. Indonesia does not permit dual citizenship for adults, and the new visa is designed as a legal alternative that provides permanent residency rights without conferring full citizenship.
What The Global Citizenship Visa Provides
The Global Citizenship Visa grants holders the right to live in Indonesia on a permanent basis. Unlike existing long-term visas or residence permits that require renewal every few years, this visa does not expire once issued. Holders are not required to extend their stay, reapply, or meet recurring renewal conditions, provided they continue to comply with Indonesian laws.
This makes it the most stable form of residency currently available to non-citizens in Indonesia. The policy eliminates administrative burdens associated with renewals, including documentation requirements, fees, and potential processing delays.
Despite its name, the Global Citizenship Visa does not make the holder an Indonesian citizen. It is a lifetime residence permit, not a nationality status. Holders retain their existing citizenship and passport and are not entitled to political rights such as voting or holding public office, which remain reserved for Indonesian citizens.
Who Is Eligible For The Visa
Eligibility for the Global Citizenship Visa is deliberately narrow. The Indonesian government has stated that the policy is intended for individuals with demonstrable and meaningful ties to Indonesia, rather than for general migration or investment purposes.
Eligible categories include:
- Former Indonesian citizens who lost their nationality after acquiring another citizenship
- Individuals of Indonesian descent, generally up to the second degree
- Foreign nationals married to Indonesian citizens
- Children from mixed-nationality marriages
Applicants are required to provide official documentation proving their relationship or ancestral connection to Indonesia. This approach reflects the government’s intention to strengthen bonds with the Indonesian diaspora and families with cross-border ties, rather than opening the scheme to unrelated foreign nationals.
Why Indonesia Introduced The Policy
Indonesia’s citizenship laws are among the most restrictive in Southeast Asia. Adults who voluntarily acquire a foreign nationality automatically lose Indonesian citizenship, a rule that has affected millions of Indonesians living abroad.
For years, diaspora groups have pushed for reforms that would allow them to maintain legal and emotional ties to Indonesia without having to give up their adopted citizenship. The Global Citizenship Visa is a policy response to those demands.
Government officials have described the visa as a compromise solution. It allows permanent residence and unlimited stay while preserving Indonesia’s legal principle of single citizenship. In effect, it offers many of the practical benefits of citizenship without altering constitutional or statutory nationality rules.
How The Visa Works In Practice
Applicants must submit their requests through Indonesia’s immigration system and provide supporting documents establishing eligibility. These may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of former citizenship, or other legally recognised records.
Once approved, the visa grants indefinite residence. Holders are permitted to enter and exit Indonesia without reapplying for entry permits or stay extensions. However, they are still subject to Indonesian immigration oversight and must comply with residency reporting requirements where applicable.
The visa does not automatically grant the right to work. Employment rights remain governed by existing labour and immigration regulations, meaning holders may still need work permits depending on their activities. Tax obligations are also determined by residency status and income sources, in line with Indonesian tax law.
Rights And Limitations
While the Global Citizenship Visa provides security of stay, it does not confer full parity with Indonesian citizens. Holders cannot vote, stand for public office, or hold positions restricted to citizens.
Certain property ownership rules may also continue to apply, as Indonesian law places restrictions on land ownership by non-citizens. The visa improves long-term stability but does not override sector-specific legal limitations.
The government has emphasised that the visa should be understood as a residency status, not a backdoor to citizenship.
Comparison With Other Countries
Several countries operate similar schemes aimed at diaspora engagement. These programmes typically allow long-term or lifelong residence and multiple entry privileges without granting nationality.
Indonesia’s approach stands out because of its emphasis on permanence without renewals. Many long-term residence programmes elsewhere still require periodic extensions or compliance checks. By removing renewals altogether, Indonesia has positioned the Global Citizenship Visa as one of the most secure residency options available to qualifying individuals.
However, unlike investor residency programmes offered by some countries, Indonesia’s scheme is not designed to attract capital or general migration. Its focus remains cultural, familial, and historical ties.
Reaction From The Diaspora And Public
Reaction to the policy has been mixed. Supporters view it as a long-overdue acknowledgement of the diaspora’s contribution and emotional connection to Indonesia. They argue that the visa provides certainty and dignity to those who wish to maintain lifelong ties to their country of origin.
Critics, however, say the policy does not go far enough. Some diaspora members argue that full dual citizenship should be permitted, particularly for professionals who wish to contribute economically without legal limitations.
Others have questioned whether the eligibility criteria are too restrictive and whether the policy will meaningfully reverse brain drain or encourage return migration.
Broader Immigration Context
The Global Citizenship Visa forms part of wider immigration reforms in Indonesia. In recent years, the government has introduced digital nomad visas, retirement visas, and tighter enforcement measures aimed at improving compliance and security.
The new visa reflects a balancing act between openness and control. While Indonesia is expanding residency options, it continues to assert firm oversight over citizenship, employment, and national identity.
What Happens Next
Authorities are expected to issue further technical regulations clarifying application procedures, documentation requirements, and the precise scope of rights attached to the visa. As the policy is implemented, practical interpretation by immigration offices will shape how accessible and effective it becomes.
For now, the Global Citizenship Visa marks a notable development in Indonesian immigration law. It provides permanent stay without renewals for a specific group of foreign nationals, offering stability without altering the country’s long-standing citizenship framework.
