This article has undergone verification by LMI Consultancy Visa Consultant and is aligned with the official information released by the Ministry through kemenimipas.go.id.
Indonesia has taken a historic step in modernising its immigration landscape with the launch of Global Citizen Indonesia (GCI), a new long-term residency scheme designed for foreigners with strong ties to the country. Announced by Minister of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) Agus Andrianto, the policy marks one of the most significant reforms in decades, offering a permanent residency pathway without requiring applicants to renounce their foreign citizenship.
Key Highlights
- GCI grants permanent residency (unlimited stay) to eligible foreigners with Indonesian ties.
- Designed to address issues caused by Indonesia’s single-citizenship system.
- Applies to ex-WNI, their descendants (up to 2 generations), foreign spouses, and mixed-parentage children.
- Requires no citizenship renunciation; applicants keep their foreign nationality.
- Submission is fully digital via evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
- Comparable to India’s Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI).
Unveiled during the commemoration of the first Hari Bakti Imigrasi dan Pemasyarakatan at the Narcotics Correctional Facility on 19 November 2025, GCI is the Indonesian government’s strategic response to long-standing challenges surrounding dual citizenship, diaspora reintegration, and mixed-nationality families.
“GCI is a solution that addresses dual citizenship issues by granting extensive residency rights to foreign nationals with strong ties to Indonesia, without forcing them to change their citizenship or violate Indonesian sovereignty,” said Minister Agus.
The reform places Indonesia in line with several global jurisdictions. The minister referenced India’s Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) as a comparative model, highlighting that a similar system has proven effective, legally sound, and economically beneficial in other nations.
What Is GCI (Global Citizenship of Indonesia)?
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GCI is Indonesia’s new permanent residency scheme granting foreign nationals the right to reside in Indonesia indefinitely. Unlike KITAS or KITAP, which require periodic renewals and sponsorship, GCI offers unlimited stay rights and does not mandate citizenship conversion.
This makes GCI the closest equivalent to a Permanent Resident (PR) status, providing an unprecedented development for one of Asia’s largest economies, which has historically upheld a strict single-citizenship system.
Why GCI Was Created: Policy Context & Global Alignment
For decades, Indonesia’s nationality laws prevented former Indonesians, diaspora children, and mixed-nationality families from obtaining long-term residency.
The single-citizenship framework often left individuals navigating complex visa renewals, documentation burdens, and legal uncertainty, especially for children holding dual nationality only until age 18.
Therefore, GCI was introduced to:
- Bridge Indonesia’s single-citizenship policy with modern mobility demands
- Provide legal certainty for diaspora communities
- Strengthen ties with families of mixed nationalities
- Reduce reliance on short-term or annually renewed visas
- Improve Indonesia’s competitiveness as a global investment and talent destination
By aligning with international models like India’s OCI, Indonesia demonstrates its readiness to compete in the global landscape where diaspora engagement is viewed as an economic driver.
Who Is Eligible for GCI?
GCI targets individuals who possess lineage, familial, or historical connections to Indonesia.
Eligible applicants include:
- Former Indonesian Citizens (ex-WNI): Those who previously held Indonesian citizenship but later naturalised abroad.
- Descendants of ex-WNI up to the second degree. This category includes:
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Foreign spouses: The GCI can aid the spouses of Indonesian citizens or former Indonesians.
- Children of mixed-nationality marriages, inclusive of the children born legally to a WNI and a foreign parent.
Non-Eligible Categories of Global Citizen Indonesia
- Nationals from countries historically part of Indonesian territory
- Persons involved in separatist activities
- Foreign military, intelligence, or civil service personnel
This curated eligibility underscores Indonesia’s focus on restoring cultural and familial bonds while managing national security concerns.
Key Features and Benefits of GCI
Permanent Residency Without Renouncing Citizenship
GCI holders retain their foreign nationality, a breakthrough solution under Indonesia’s single-citizenship principle.
Unlimited Stay Rights
No annual or multi-year visa renewals typically required under KITAS.
Stability for Families & Diaspora
The scheme aims to be a poised scheme ideal for:
- Diaspora returning to Indonesia
- Mixed-nationality households
- Long-term residents with Indonesian roots
Digital Application System
Applications are submitted online via evisa.imigrasi.go.id, streamlining processes and increasing accessibility.
Global Standard Policy
Positioned similarly to India’s OCI and other diaspora-oriented residency schemes.
How GCI Works: Overview of the Process
1. Eligibility Confirmation
Applicants must demonstrate Indonesian lineage or marital connections.
2. Document Preparation
Common documents include:
- Former WNI passport/KTP
- Birth certificates (applicant & ancestors)
- Marriage certificates
- Family card (KK)
- Proof of descent up to two generations
3. Online Submission
Applications are filed via evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
4. Immigration Review
Background checks ensure compliance, eligibility, and security clearance.
5. Approval and Issuance
Successful applicants receive GCI status granting unlimited residency rights.
Why GCI Matters for Indonesian Diaspora Worldwide
Indonesia has one of the largest diaspora communities globally, estimated in the millions, representing former citizens and their descendants across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
GCI creates a legal bridge enabling:
- Return migration
- Heritage reconnection
- Long-term settlement for foreign spouses
- Multigenerational lineage restoration
- Diaspora investment mobility
For many, GCI can be a pathway to reclaim cultural identity, family links, and historical belonging.
Important Limitations to Know: Terms and Policies Before Applying for GCI
While transformative, please note that GCI IS NOT FULL CITIZENSHIP.
Consequently, GCI holders cannot:
- Vote in Indonesian elections
- Hold public office
- Access restricted professions requiring Indonesian citizenship
- Bypass existing land ownership regulations for foreigners
- Security screenings continue to apply across all categories.
GCI vs KITAS vs KITAP: Key Differences
| Features | GCI | ITAS | ITAP |
| Validity | Unlimited | 6-12 months | 5 years |
| Sponsor | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lineage-based Eligibility | Yes | No | No |
| Citizenship | No | No | No |
| Annual Renewal | No | Yes | No |
In conclusion, GCI stands apart as the only residency option requiring no sponsor and offering indefinite validity. GCI signals Indonesia marks the shift toward a more open, globally integrated immigration framework. It supports family unity, diaspora engagement, and long-term investment while maintaining legal sovereignty and national security.
As Southeast Asia becomes increasingly competitive in attracting global talent, Indonesia’s GCI scheme positions the country to strengthen its human capital and international presence.
Stay Updated with Indonesia Immigration
For expert guidance on GCI, visa options, or long-term residency pathways, LMI Consultancy provides professional, accurate, and comprehensive assistance for individuals, families, and investors navigating Indonesia’s evolving immigration landscape.
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