Bringing the Indonesian Diaspora Home: Insights on the New Global Citizenship Program

Marking a new strategic direction for 2026, Indonesia has introduced indefinite permanent residency to formalize ties with its diaspora. On January 26, the government launched the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program. The scheme reflects a broader rethink of how residence policy, once tied almost exclusively to employment, investment or marriage, can support talent retention, demographic stability and long-term national cohesion.

A New Path to Long-Term Residence

At its core, the GCI grants qualifying foreign nationals with Indonesian heritage the right to live in Indonesia long-term or permanently. Some pathways offer residence for five or 10 years (with extension options), while others provide a permanent stay with no fixed expiry. Importantly, the GCI covers residence only and does not automatically grant work rights. Those planning to work must still obtain the appropriate authorisation under Indonesia’s manpower and immigration rules. For diaspora members who have long relied on short-term permits, the GCI brings certainty and reduces administrative hurdles.

From a business perspective, the program may also offer indirect advantages. Employers engaging globally mobile professionals of Indonesian descent may benefit from greater workforce flexibility, particularly where residence rights are no longer tied to a specific employer or role.

Visa Categories Under the Global Citizenship Framework

The GCI is structured around a series of visa types that reflect different forms of connection to Indonesia, ranging from former citizenship to familial lineage.

Former Indonesian Citizens

• • • E32A: Former Indonesian citizens who have acquired foreign nationality may obtain a five-year limited stay permit (E-ITAS), subject to an immigration guarantee of at least USD 25,000, maintained for the duration of stay.
    • E32E: Former citizens seeking permanent residence may apply for an unlimited stay permit (KITAP), supported by a post-arrival commitment such as investment in government bonds or property ownership.

Descendants of Former Indonesian Citizens

• • • E32B: Children or grandchildren of former Indonesian citizens are eligible for a five- or ten-year limited stay permit, with financial commitments ranging from USD 30,000 to USD 60,000, depending on the length of stay.
    • E32G: Second-degree descendants intending to settle permanently may obtain an unlimited stay permit, subject to investment or asset-based commitments and minimum income thresholds.

Family Reunification

• • • E31B: Spouses of permanent stay permit holders returning to Indonesia may obtain an unlimited stay permit for repatriation purposes.
    • E31C: Children born from lawful marriages where one parent is an Indonesian citizen are eligible for permanent residence, provided the relationship is formally recognised by Indonesian authorities.

Collectively, these categories show a structured yet flexible approach to engaging the diaspora, recognising different levels of connection while offering tailored residence options.

Reduced Administrative Burden

A key feature of the GCI is the certainty it brings compared to traditional residence pathways. Indefinite permanent residency and a multiple re-entry permit cut out frequent renewals and the need to maintain a job, investment or marriage just to remain in Indonesia. Applications go through the electronic visa system, part of the country’s broader push for digitalisation and smoother processes.

While the framework introduces long-term and permanent residence pathways, some technical aspects remain subject to ongoing regulatory clarification. These include the mechanics of financial guarantees and investment commitments, documentary standards for lineage verification, post-approval compliance obligations and potential grounds for cancellation or status revocation. In addition, the GCI status does not replace the current manpower requirements. Individuals engaging in employment activities must continue to secure appropriate work authorisation with different government agencies and comply with employer reporting obligations. As implementing guidance continues to evolve, the way cases are reviewed may develop over time.

Permanent Residence, Not Citizenship

Despite its name, the GCI does not grant Indonesian citizenship and does not include voting rights, political participation or unrestricted land ownership. It signals Indonesia’s willingness to engage its diaspora and address talent mobility challenges, although its cautious scope, reflecting broader policy sensitivities, may limit accessibility.

What Lies Ahead

In a wider policy context, the GCI sits alongside Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to modernise its immigration system through digitalisation and more flexible residence options. Compared with skills-based and tightly regulated pathways elsewhere in the framework, the GCI adopts a more people-centred and connection-driven approach.

Regionally, the initiative positions Indonesia among a growing number of countries prioritising long-term diaspora engagement alongside economic objectives. For many members of the diaspora, the program may represent long-awaited recognition of enduring identity and connection. At the same time, its financial thresholds and compliance commitments may impact accessibility, prompting broader questions about who will ultimately benefit from this new pathway. As further details emerge, the Global Citizenship of Indonesia is poised to become a defining element of the country’s evolving long-term mobility landscape.

Need to Know More?

For questions related to Indonesia’s Global Citizenship Program and Long-Term Residence, please contact Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom at [email protected] and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad at [email protected].

This blog was published on 27 February 2026, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn,  Facebook and Instagram.