Indonesia Launches Global Citizenship Visa Granting Lifetime Residency

Indonesia has rolled out a new immigration status known as the Global Citizenship Visa, offering eligible foreign nationals the right to live in the country permanently without the need for visa renewals. The policy represents a major development in Indonesia’s residency framework, particularly for former citizens and individuals with close ancestral or familial ties to the country.

The visa allows indefinite stay but does not grant Indonesian nationality. Authorities have positioned it as a permanent residency solution that provides long-term stability while preserving Indonesia’s strict single-citizenship system.

A Permanent Stay Without Renewals

Under the new policy, holders of the Global Citizenship Visa are permitted to reside in Indonesia for life without having to extend or reapply for their immigration status. Once granted, the visa remains valid indefinitely, provided the holder complies with national laws and immigration regulations.

This distinguishes the Global Citizenship Visa from other long-term stay permits currently available in Indonesia, many of which require renewal every few years and are subject to changing administrative rules. The removal of renewal obligations reduces both cost and bureaucratic uncertainty for long-term residents.

Despite the permanence of the stay, the visa does not convert the holder into an Indonesian citizen. It is a residence status rather than a nationality designation.

Who Can Apply

The Indonesian government has limited eligibility to individuals who can demonstrate a genuine and direct connection to the country. The Global Citizenship Visa is not open to the general public and is not tied to investment thresholds or employment sponsorship.

Eligible applicants include:

Former Indonesian citizens who lost their nationality after acquiring foreign citizenship
Individuals of Indonesian descent, typically up to the second generation
Foreign nationals legally married to Indonesian citizens
Children born to mixed-nationality parents

Applicants must submit documentary evidence supporting their claim, such as proof of former citizenship, lineage records, or legally recognised family documents.

The Policy’s Background And Rationale

Indonesia has long enforced a single-citizenship rule, meaning adults cannot legally hold Indonesian nationality alongside another passport. As a result, many Indonesians living abroad permanently lost their citizenship after naturalising elsewhere.

For years, members of the Indonesian diaspora have advocated for legal reforms that would allow them to maintain stronger ties to their country of origin. The Global Citizenship Visa is widely seen as the government’s response to these demands, offering a middle ground that stops short of allowing dual citizenship.

Officials have described the initiative as a way to reconnect with Indonesians abroad while maintaining constitutional consistency.

Legal Status And Rights

Holders of the Global Citizenship Visa enjoy the right to live in Indonesia indefinitely and to enter and exit the country freely. However, their legal status remains distinct from that of citizens.

Political rights, including voting, standing for election, or holding public office, are not included. These remain exclusive to Indonesian citizens.

Employment rights are also regulated separately. While visa holders may reside permanently, engaging in paid work may still require additional permits under Indonesian labour and immigration laws. Tax obligations are determined based on residency and income sources, in line with national tax regulations.

Property And Economic Participation

Ownership of property by non-citizens in Indonesia remains subject to existing legal restrictions. The Global Citizenship Visa does not automatically override laws governing land ownership or certain business activities.

That said, permanent residence provides greater legal certainty for long-term planning, particularly for families, retirees, and returnees who wish to settle without facing recurring immigration reviews.

How Applications Are Processed

Applications are handled through Indonesia’s immigration system, with authorities assessing eligibility based on submitted documentation. Successful applicants receive confirmation of their permanent resident status under the Global Citizenship Visa category.

Immigration officials have indicated that further technical guidelines will clarify procedural details, including reporting requirements and administrative compliance.

Public And Diaspora Reaction

The announcement has drawn significant attention from Indonesians abroad and families with cross-border ties. Supporters say the visa offers long-awaited recognition of the diaspora’s connection to Indonesia and removes the uncertainty that comes with temporary permits.

Others argue that while the policy is a step forward, it does not address broader concerns about citizenship rights and full national participation. Calls for dual citizenship reform remain ongoing in some quarters.

Within Indonesia, the policy has been framed as a controlled and targeted initiative rather than a liberalisation of citizenship rules.

Comparison With Other Residency Schemes

Unlike residency-by-investment or digital nomad visas offered by some countries, Indonesia’s Global Citizenship Visa is not designed to attract foreign capital or short-term migrants. Its eligibility criteria are rooted in identity and family relationships rather than financial capacity.

The lifetime nature of the visa also sets it apart from many permanent residence programmes globally, which often require periodic renewal or reassessment.

Part Of Broader Immigration Reforms

The Global Citizenship Visa fits into a wider set of immigration reforms aimed at modernising Indonesia’s approach to residency, compliance, and border control. Recent years have seen the introduction of new visa categories alongside stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

By offering permanent residence to a defined group while maintaining tight citizenship rules, Indonesia is signalling an effort to balance openness with sovereignty.

What To Expect Going Forward

Authorities are expected to refine implementation details as applications begin. The success of the programme will likely depend on administrative clarity, consistency across immigration offices, and how effectively the policy meets the needs of its intended beneficiaries.

For now, the Global Citizenship Visa stands as Indonesia’s most secure residency option for eligible foreign nationals, offering lifelong stay without renewals while stopping short of granting citizenship.