Global Citizen of Indonesia Visa (GCI) 2026: Permanent Residency & Dual Citizenship Alternative
- revytiara
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
For years, the Indonesian diaspora and mixed-nationality families have lived in a state of visa anxiety, caught between their love for Indonesia and the country’s strict single-citizenship laws.
That changed on 26 January 2026.
The new Global Citizen of Indonesia (GCI) visa finally offers a legal middle ground, providing lifelong residency security without requiring you to give up your current passport.
The 2026 rollout of the Global Citizen of Indonesia (GCI) has officially redefined permanent residency for former Indonesian citizens and their families. It is the closest thing to dual citizenship Indonesia has ever offered, granting an indefinite stay permit that never expires.
What Is the Global Citizen of Indonesia (GCI) Visa?
The Global Citizen of Indonesia (GCI) is a specialized Indefinite Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP).
It is often compared to India’s OCI card. It is not a passport, but it grants the right to live in Indonesia permanently.
Officially rolled out by the Directorate General of Immigration during Hari Bhakti Imigrasi 2026, GCI represents the highest immigration status available to foreign nationals under Indonesian law.
Key Benefits: Why GCI Is Better Than a Standard Visa
GCI is not just another residence permit. It marks a fundamental shift in how Indonesia treats its extended family abroad.
1. Indefinite Residency (No Expiry)
GCI grants an ITAP with no expiration date. There is no five-year renewal cycle and no risk of losing status due to administrative oversight.
2. Right to Live, Work, and Study
Holders may live long-term in Indonesia and engage in lawful work or study without renouncing their existing nationality.
3. Minimal Reporting
Immigration reporting is required once every five years, with no recurring extension fees.
4. Automatic Multiple Re-Entry
Unlike a standard KITAP, where an expired re-entry permit can cancel residency, GCI includes an unlimited re-entry permit by default.
Who Is Eligible for the GCI Visa?
GCI is not an investment visa or Golden Visa. It is strictly for individuals with genuine “blood or bond” ties to Indonesia.
Eligible categories include:
Former Indonesian Citizens (Eks-WNI): Individuals who renounced Indonesian citizenship after naturalizing abroad.
The Diaspora (Descendants): Children and grandchildren (up to the second degree) of former Indonesian citizens.
Mixed-Marriage Families: Foreign spouses of current or former Indonesian citizens.
Children of Mixed Marriages: Legally registered children from mixed-nationality marriages.
GCI vs. Regular KITAP: The Real Difference
For foreign nationals currently holding a spouse-sponsored KITAP, GCI represents a major upgrade.
Feature | Standard KITAP | Global Citizen Visa (GCI) |
Validity | 5 years (renewable) | Lifetime (indefinite) |
Renewal Cycle | Frequent | Minimal (5-year reporting only) |
Re-Entry Risk | High (can expire abroad) | Zero (unlimited included) |
Pathway | Years of ITAS required | Direct pathway available |
Stability | Vulnerable if marriage ends | Stronger legal continuity |
Does GCI Mean Indonesia Allows Dual Citizenship?
No.
As of 2026, Indonesia remains a single-citizenship country for adults.
GCI is deliberately positioned as a legal middle ground. You remain a foreign national under your existing passport, while enjoying the residency security normally associated with citizenship.
It is permanent residency, not nationality.
Important Restrictions to Understand
GCI strengthens residency rights, but it does not equate to full citizenship.
No political rights: GCI holders cannot vote or hold public office.
Land ownership limits: GCI does not automatically grant Hak Milik (freehold) land ownership.
Security exclusions: Applicants linked to separatist movements or foreign military or intelligence services are strictly excluded.
How to Apply for the GCI in 2026
All applications are submitted online only via Indonesia’s official e-Visa portal.
Visa Indices
E32E – Former Indonesian citizens
E32G – Descendants of the Indonesian diaspora
All-in-One Process
The 2026 system combines the entry visa and permanent residency approval into a single process, eliminating the long ITAS-to-KITAP waiting period that existed previously.
Why Professional Legal Guidance Is Critical
Although the process is digital, the burden of proof is high.
Applicants must correctly establish:
lineage or descent
Eks-WNI status
legally valid marriage registration
compliance with updated 2026 immigration standards
Small documentation errors can result in rejection or misclassification.
At Vidhi Law Office, we work with Austrindo Bali Mandiri, a firm specializing in assisting diaspora families under the new GCI framework. We help ensure documentation is properly structured so applicants can secure their Unlimited Stay Permit without unnecessary delays or legal risk.
Ready to secure your lifelong stay in Bali?
Contact Vidhi Law Office to assess your GCI eligibility and choose the right legal path from the start.
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