Released by the Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services (Imipas), the Global Citizenship of Indonesia becomes the first establishment for Indonesia’s permanent residency framework.
Announced by Minister Agus Andrianto on 19 November 2025, the GCI program positions Indonesia alongside other countries that recognise and reintegrate their global diaspora community through formal residency rights.
Individuals with Indonesian heritage, former Indonesian citizens (Ex-WNI), children and grandchildren of diaspora, and specific skilled descendants, can obtain a lifelong unlimited stay permit without giving up their foreign citizenship. GCI is utilised to replace these fragmented pathways with a structured, transparent, and globally aligned residency scheme similar to India’s OCI.
In this article, our professional consultants will answer to the frequently asked questions that have come up since the GCI program was released.
What Is GCI? Indonesia’s First Unlimited Stay Permit
GCI (Global Citizenship of Indonesia) is an unlimited stay, multi-entry permanent residency permit designed exclusively for foreign nationals with confirmed Indonesian biological or ancestral ties.
Unlike KITAS (temporary stay) or KITAP (5-year permanent stay), GCI provides:
- Lifetime residency
- Multi-entry travel (MERP)
- No need for sponsorship
- No renunciation of foreign nationality
- Full legal right to live indefinitely in Indonesia
The goal is to strengthen Indonesia’s ties with global diaspora communities while respecting Indonesia’s single-citizenship principle.
Who Is Eligible for GCI?
GCI is not a general foreign residency permit. It is reserved for individuals with verified Indonesian lineage.
Eligible Applicants
- Former Indonesian citizens (Ex-WNI)
- First-degree descendants of Ex-WNI (child of Ex-WNI)
- Second-degree descendants of Ex-WNI (grandchild of Ex-WNI)
- Indonesian spouses of foreign nationals (only if also Ex-WNI/descendant)
- Mixed-nationality children previously used dual citizenship until age 18
Not Eligible
- Citizens of regions historically considered part of Indonesia
- Individuals involved in separatist activities
- Foreign military, intelligence, law enforcement, or civil-service personnel
- Individuals whose activities contradict Indonesia’s national interests
Types of GCI Permits: Full Breakdown
Below is an improved, consultant-friendly breakdown of each GCI category, complete with a comparison table for clarity.
1. E32E: Former Indonesian Citizens (Ex-WNI)
| Category | Details |
| For | Former Indonesian citizens who naturalised abroad |
| Definition | Individuals who previously held Indonesian nationality |
| Stay Permit | Unlimited stay (lifetime), issued with 5+ year validity |
| Activities Allowed | Non-contractual work, family visits, cultural activities, free travel |
| Restrictions | No salaries from Indonesian entities, no political rights, no selling goods/services |
| Obligations | Financial sufficiency, cultural compliance, 90-day commitment fulfilment |
| Investment Commitment | Min. USD 10,000 (bonds, shares, mutual funds, SOE deposits, or property min. USD 100,000) |
| Required Documents | Passport 6+ months, proof of funds (USD 2,000), CV, photo, Ex-WNI proof (KTP, KK, passport, etc.) |
2. E32F: Ex-WNI With Special Skills / Government Collaboration
| Category | Details |
| For | Ex-WNI with recognised skills invited to collaborate with Indonesian Government |
| Definition | Former citizens possessing special expertise or achievements |
| Stay Permit | Unlimited stay (lifetime), 5+ year validity |
| Activities Allowed | Non-contractual work, cultural/social activities, family entry |
| Restrictions | No wages in Indonesia, no political activities, no commercial employment |
| Obligations | Compliance with laws, 90-day commitment fulfilment |
| Investment Commitment | Min. USD 10,000 (similar to E32E) |
| Required Documents | Passport, proof of funds, CV, Ex-WNI proof, commitment options |
3. E32G: First- & Second-Degree Descendants of Ex-WNI
| Category | Details |
| For | Biological children and grandchildren of Ex-WNI |
| Definition | First-degree (children) and second-degree (grandchildren) descendants |
| Stay Permit | Unlimited stay (lifetime), 5+ year validity |
| Allowed Activities | Non-contractual work, cultural visits, tourism, free travel |
| Restrictions | Cannot receive Indonesian wages or exercise political rights |
| Required Documents | Lineage proof (KK, birth certificate), financial proof (USD 15,000/year) |
Commitment Requirements
| Descendant Type | Minimum Investment |
| First-degree (child) | USD 25,000 (bonds, shares, mutual funds, deposits, or property min. USD 250,000) |
| Second-degree (grandchild) | USD 100,000 (bonds, shares, mutual funds, deposits, or property min. USD 1,000,000) |
4. E32H: Descendants with Special Skills Collaborating with Government
| Category | Details |
| For | First- or second-degree descendants of Ex-WNI with special talents |
| Definition | Descendants collaborating with the Government of Indonesia |
| Stay Permit | Unlimited stay (lifetime), 5+ year validity |
| Allowed Activities | Non-contractual work, cultural/family activities, free travel |
| Restrictions | Cannot receive wages, sell goods/services, or engage politically |
| Obligations | Financial sufficiency, cultural/legal compliance, 90-day commitment fulfilment |
| Investment Commitment | Minimum USD 10,000 (bonds, deposits, shares, etc.) |
| Required Documents | Passport, proof of lineage, proof of funds, CV, photo |
Key Benefits of GCI (Compared to KITAS & KITAP)
1. Lifetime Residency
No more annual KITAS renewals or KITAP 5-year cycles.
2. Keep Your Citizenship
You retain your current nationality; no renunciation required.
3. Full Digital Process
Applications are submitted and processed online through the Indonesian Immigration e-Visa system.
4. Multi-Entry Privileges
Enter and exit Indonesia freely with a Multiple Exit Re-Entry Permit (MERP), renewed every 5 years.
5. No Sponsorship Required
GCI holders do not need an Indonesian sponsor or guarantor.
6. Long-Term Family Stability
Especially useful for:
- diaspora returning to Indonesia
- mixed-nationality families
- retirees
- second-generation descendants
Important Limitations of GCI
GCI provides residency, not citizenship. It does not grant:
- Voting rights
- Political positions
- Eligibility for jobs is restricted to Indonesian citizens
- Land ownership of landed houses (subject to foreign ownership regulations)
- Permission to receive wages or work under an employment contract
- GCI holders must continue renewing their MERP every 5 years.
GCI vs KITAS vs KITAP: Comparison Table
| Feature | GCI | KITAS (ITAS) | KITAP (ITAP) |
| Stay Validity | Unlimited | 6–12 months | 5 years |
| Sponsor Required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal Needed | No | Yes | No |
| Eligibility | Diaspora & descendants | General foreign nationals | Long-term residents |
| Employment Rights | No | Yes (with work permit) | Yes (limited) |
| Citizenship Impact | No effect | No effect | No effect |
How to Apply for GCI
- Identify your eligibility category (E32E, E32F, E32G, or E32H)
- Prepare required documents
- Fulfill the financial commitment
- Apply through the e-Visa system or let LMI Consultancy handle the process on your behalf.
- Undergo background/security checks
- Receive approval and an electronic unlimited stay permit
- Collect the optional physical GCI card at the immigration office
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can GCI holders buy property in Indonesia?
Not yet under special rights. GCI holders can purchase property via existing foreign ownership rules (Hak Pakai & strata titles).
2. How much is the PNBP fee for GCI?
Each GCI category requires a PNBP fee of IDR 34,800,000.
3. Is GCI available for foreign spouses?
Not unless the spouse is also Ex-WNI or a descendant.
Foreign spouses typically use ITAS/ITAP.
4. Can ITAP holders convert to GCI?
Yes. Conversion is possible and may require:
- EPO
- Data updates in the immigration system
- Re-issuance of the new stay permit
5. Do GCI holders need MERP?
Yes. GCI holders still require a MERP to enter Indonesia and must be renewed every 5 years.
6. Can GCI holders work?
They may conduct non-contractual activities, but cannot:
- receive wages
- work under an employment contract
- conduct commercial services
7. Does GCI lead to Indonesian citizenship?
No. GCI grants residency, not nationality.
Stay Updated with LMI Consultancy
LMI Consultancy specialises in immigration, visas, KITAS, KITAP, and compliance solutions in Indonesia.
Our team provides verified, accurate, and up-to-date guidance for individuals and families exploring GCI pathways.
