Indonesia has just issued a landmark new policy that will create life-changing benefits for foreigners who have deep ties to the country, including provinces like Bali.
It is not possible for Indonesian nationals to hold dual citizenship, which is why so many people with mixed ancestry opt for their citizenship with the strongest passport, leaving many feeling disconnected from their Indonesian heritage.
It’s also made it hard for foreigners who have married an Indonesian national and built a life in the country, with a difficult decision regarding citizenship and residency in the long term.
The Directorate General of Immigration within the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has officially launched the Global Citizenship of Indonesia, which will be known by the acronym GCI.
The policy is a brand-new category of an unlimited stay permit that can be issued to individuals who are citizens of another country but have strong ties to Indonesia.
This policy now makes it possible for those within the Indonesian diaspora who have either never had or forfeited their Indonesian citizenship to have unlimited access to their ancestral and marital home.
The Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Agus Andrianto, shared in a written statement, “GCI is a solution to answer the dual citizenship policy with the broad right to stay for foreign nationals (WNA) who have strong ties with Indonesia, without changing their citizenship status and without violating the rules of other nations. This policy also demonstrates that Indonesia is capable of adapting to global dynamics without sacrificing the principle of legal sovereignty regarding citizenship.”
He added, “GCI is a solution addressing the polemic of dual nationality by granting extensive residency rights to foreigners closely connected to Indonesia, without changing their foreign citizenship status and without violating national regulations.”
Minister Andrianto concluded, “Indonesian Immigration will always respond to global needs and challenges. GCI is proof that our immigration policy is not static, but will continue to transform following the development of the times.”
Minister Andrianto noted how similar policies have been rolled out successfully in India and other countries. He has confirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Immigration to ensure that the policy offers legal clarity, ease of service, and international competitiveness for those who obtain the GCI.
There are only a limited number of routes to obtain a GCI, and those who apply must have direct connections to Indonesia.
As explained by the Ministry of Immigration, “Subjects who are eligible to apply for GCI include foreign nationals who are former Indonesian citizens, descendants of former Indonesian citizens up to the second degree, or spouses of Indonesian citizens.”
Children born of a legal marriage between an Indonesian citizen and a foreign national will also be eligible to apply for the GCI, as well as legal spouses of both current and former Indonesian citizens. The GCI can be applied for via the Official Indonesian eVisa website.
For those seeking residency via investment, the Golden Visa is still the most appropriate option.
The Indonesian Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment visa category that grants major investors and business developers, as well as certain highly skilled individuals invited by the government, 5-10 year stays in the country.
In terms of visas for holidaymakers and short-stay visitors in Bali, the most appropriate visa for most people is the 30-day eVisa on Arrival.
This visa costs IDR 500,000 and can be extended once for a further 30 days. The visa allows tourists to use the auto-gates upon arrival and departure from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.
The e-Visa on Arrival should be applied for at least 48 hours prior to arrival; however, it is advisable to apply 7-10 working days prior to travel just in case there are delays, office closures, or problems with the application.
Most tourists can also apply for the visa on arrival at Bali Airport; however, more and more are opting to apply online before travelling to Indonesia to save time once they arrive. The eVisa on Arrival can be applied for on the Official Indonesian Immigration website.
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John Logan
Friday 5th of December 2025
The GCI visa cannot be applied for at the Immigrasi website. It is not listed as an option, and is not even mentioned. As with previous changes, do not expect the GCI visa to become a reality until a year or so has passed - maybe longer.
WAYAN BO
Tuesday 25th of November 2025
The GCI plan should be redesigned and extended that everyone who wish Indonesian passport can get it immediately. It is a big compliment for Indonesia when foreigners wish to have Indonesian passport, especially those who have stronger passports and are on VOA list. It shouldn’t be necessary if it’s mixed marriage with Indonesian citizen or not. Than the Marriages because of passport reasons will be avoided.
Exp
Tuesday 25th of November 2025
This GCI appears to be just some sort of unlimited stay permit. Need to clarify if permit valid if living outside Indonesia and if permit allow for work within the same fields as work KITAS. If not, nothing exiting.