The Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services (Imipas), through the Directorate General of Immigration, has launched the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI), a residency scheme aimed at resolving long-standing dual citizenship issues.
Imipas Minister Agus Andrianto said the GCI provides an indefinite permanent residence permit for foreign nationals who have blood, kinship, historical, or other strong ties to Indonesia.
Agus stated that the GCI offers broad residency rights without requiring applicants to relinquish their current citizenship.
“GCI is a solution that addresses the dual citizenship controversy by granting broad residency rights to foreign nationals with strong ties to Indonesia, without changing their foreign citizenship status and without violating state regulations,” he said, as quoted by Antara.
He added that the policy reflects Indonesia’s ability to adapt to global developments while maintaining the country’s single-citizenship principle. Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship.
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The GCI opens administrative access for individuals who have long been connected to Indonesia.
Eligible applicants include former Indonesian citizens, descendants of former Indonesian citizens up to the second degree, and legal spouses of Indonesian citizens or former Indonesian citizens.
Children born to legal marriages between Indonesian and foreign citizens may also apply.
The policy excludes foreign nationals from countries that were once part of Indonesia, individuals involved in separatist activities, and those with backgrounds in civil service, intelligence, or military service abroad.
Agus said similar schemes exist in other jurisdictions. He cited India’s Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) as a comparable model.
“Indonesian Immigration will always be responsive to global needs and challenges. The GCI is clear evidence that our immigration policy not only serves but also continues to transform with the times,” he said.
Applications are submitted online through evisa.imigrasi.go.id. The integrated system covers the issuance of a limited stay visa, the conversion of a limited stay permit into a permanent stay permit, the extension of an indefinite permanent stay permit, and unlimited re-entry permits.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH DUAL NATIONALITY
The government also reminded parents about rules concerning limited dual citizenship for children. Achmad Nur Saleh, Coordinator of Public Communications at the Directorate General of Immigration, said the passport validity of children holding dual nationality cannot exceed the time limit for determining their citizenship status.
Under Law No. 12 of 2006 on Citizenship, children with dual nationality must choose their citizenship upon turning 18 or upon marriage, with a maximum deadline of three years.
Those who have reached 18 but have not made a choice may only obtain a passport valid for a shortened period, such as three years.
Parents must register their child’s limited dual nationality status before the age of 18 by submitting documents including an electronic ID card, family card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and a residence permit if one parent is a foreign national.
Achmad urged parents and dual-nationality children to follow existing procedures. He said timely citizenship selection prevents administrative complications and ensures continued access to immigration services.
1. What is the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI)?
The GCI is an indefinite permanent residence permit for foreign nationals with strong ties to Indonesia. It allows residency without changing citizenship.
2. Who can apply for GCI?
Former Indonesian citizens, their descendants up to the second degree, legal spouses of Indonesian or former Indonesian citizens, and children of legal mixed marriages.
3. Who is excluded from the GCI scheme?
Foreign nationals from countries once part of Indonesia, those involved in separatist movements, and individuals with backgrounds in foreign civil service, intelligence, or military sectors.
4. How do applicants apply for GCI?
Applications are conducted entirely online through evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
Applicant must prove Indonesian lineage, marriage connection, or historical ties.
Required documents examples include:
- Former WNI passport or KTP
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Family Card (KK)
- Parental documents
- Proof of ancestry (up to 2 generations)
- Others
Then the Immigration reviews eligibility, verifies family ties, and conducts security screening.
5. Can children with dual nationality obtain a normal passport?
They can only receive a passport with limited validity unless they have chosen their citizenship as required by law.
Stay Updated with Indonesia’s Immigration Policies
Indonesia’s immigration landscape is evolving, especially with new pathways such as the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI). To stay informed and ensure your documents and applications meet all requirements, it helps to rely on trusted experts who understand the system in detail.
For personalised assistance and reliable immigration guidance, reach out to LMI Consultancy. They are ready to support you through every step of your Indonesia immigration journey. Also as the trusted subsidiary of LMI Consultancy, Lets Move Indonesia provides professional guidance on GCI, KITAS, KITAP, business visas, and residency pathways.
Contact our professional visa consultants.
