Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration Clarifies Key Differences Between Global Citizen of Indonesia and Golden Visa Programs

Feb 2, 2026

JAKARTA, February 2, 2026 – Following the recent launch of the Global Citizen of Indonesia (GCI) policy in January 2026, the Directorate General of Immigration has issued a formal clarification regarding the distinctions between the GCI and the Golden Visa Indonesia, which was first implemented in 2024.

While both programs offer long-term residency, they serve fundamentally different strategic purposes and target distinct audiences. The GCI is primarily designed to reconnect the Indonesian diaspora and their families with their roots, whereas the Golden Visa remains a premium instrument for high-value economic investment and global talent attraction.

Defining the Strategic Focus Yuldi Yusman, Acting Director General of Immigration, emphasized that the GCI prioritizes national affinity and social-competency contributions over purely financial metrics.

"The Global Citizen of Indonesia is a dedicated pathway for the diaspora, former Indonesian citizens, and their families who wish to resettle and contribute to the nation. In contrast, the Golden Visa is engineered to attract international investors and global talents who provide a direct, positive impact on the national economy," stated Yusman.

Key Differences in Residency and Mechanisms One of the most significant distinctions lies in the duration and reporting requirements of the permits:

• Golden Visa: Offers residency for 5 or 10 years, which is renewable upon meeting continued investment criteria.
• Global Citizen of Indonesia (GCI): Grants permanent residency for life. Holders are only required to report to authorities every five (5) years.

Target Beneficiaries of the GCI The GCI specifically caters to several categories, including:

• Former Indonesian Citizens (E32E) and those with specialized expertise (E32F).
• Descendants of former Indonesian citizens up to the second degree (E32G) and those with specialized expertise (E32H).
• Foreign nationals joining an Indonesian spouse (E31A) or a residency permit holder (E31B).
• Children from legal marriages between foreign nationals and Indonesian citizens (E31C).

Investment and Expertise Requirements The GCI offers a more flexible financial threshold compared to the Golden Visa. Applicants can secure residency through modest investments in government bonds, public shares, mutual funds, or property, alongside proof of a minimum income of USD 1,500 per month or USD 15,000 per year. Notably, diaspora members with "strategic expertise" are exempt from investment commitments, requiring only proof of income and a government-backed sponsorship.

Conversely, the Golden Visa maintains high-capital requirements tailored for economic stimulus:

• Individual Investors: Investment of USD 2.5 million (5-year stay) or USD 5 million (10-year stay) to establish a company.
• Corporate Investors: Investment of USD 25 million (5-year stay) or USD 50 million (10-year stay) for directors and commissioners.
• Non-Corporate Individual Investors: Mandatory placement of USD 350,000 (5-year) or USD 700,000 (10-year) in government bonds or public company shares.

“Through the GCI, the Government seeks to restore the bonds of global citizens with Indonesian heritage, opening doors for non-financial contributions such as specialized skills, international networks, and knowledge collaboration,” Yusman concluded.