Global Citizenship Indonesia

[Bonaldi Kresnanto]

Just another thing to confuse people. I am a 5 years golden visa holder (E32A category of diaspora visa) and the rule “rule-out” the employment part with a bias statement stating “can carry out employment related activities as long as its been reported to immigration” (never mentioned dept of labor so how this statement relevant to work permit?) so I end up applying work permit because its not clear if golden visa is allowed to work or not.

Now, the GCI came with another BS with different flavor, cost more, but less investment, longer permit. However, there is a statement about “carrying out activities related to work who are not in a contractual employment relationship with a company or individuals in Indonesia to fullfil their personal or family”. I am having difficulties understanding that and perhaps someone can translate it better LOL

Does anyone hold golden visa through diaspora/ex wni? If so, are you in line with me that requires work permit to work?

 

[marcus]

... I am a 5 years golden visa holder (E32A category of diaspora visa)

Be informed that now Immigration has "Golden Visas" and "Diaspora Visas" (different meaning) .

and the rule “rule-out” the employment part with a bias statement stating “can carry out employment related activities as long as its been reported to immigration” (never mentioned dept of labor so how this statement relevant to work permit?)

To better understand that , you better read the related Law (see below) . Ex-Indonesians with KITAP have the same work/business benefits as foreigners with KITAS or KITAP sponsored by Indonesian spouses .

--------------------------

Article 61 of UU no.6 Year 2011 - free translation

• Foreigners married to Indonesians and children of foreigners who are married to Indonesians holding KITAS ; or
• Foreigners married to Indonesians and ex-Indonesians and former children with dual citizenship of Indonesia holding KITAP :

Can work and/or do business in order to make ends meet for them and/or their family.

so I end up applying work permit because its not clear if golden visa is allowed to work or not ...

You did the correct thing . The interpretation of the Law , as far as I heard , is that you need to get a work permit to work in PT/PT PMA/big yayasans , like any other foreigner . The benefit is , for example , to work (without work permit) informally at your family's small business .

 

[pantaiema]

Regarding the investment requirement, if the USD $100k is untouchable & it can’t be inherited, in my opinion, it’s essentially just dead money. If you pass away, the insiders might forge your signature and take the money for themselves. If this is done for deceased person it is much easier to do, as noone will object or notice it apart from the group of insiders. This is especially concerning in countries where such situations are a real risk.

About this investment requirement. I wonder whether someone has tried it (or know with high level of confidence) what will happen if you withdraw half of it in the following year (say) ?

 

[marcus]

Regarding the investment requirement, if the USD $100k is untouchable, in my opinion ...

Do you have any credible supporting information ?

 

[pantaiema]

Do you have any credible supporting information ?

As mentioned earlier, this is just my personal opinion. But consider what has happened recently: people who haven’t accessed their accounts for the past three months have had those accounts frozen. This relatively short period of three months inactivity was not written in the T&C when people open the AC in the Bank, neither written in the law/regulation. Apply to this case, it is possible then when an ex-Indonesian die, the insiders could simply freeze their investments in the first instance and then quietly withdraw it gradually until it is fully drained.

In some banks and financial institutions, cases of fraud, account manipulation, the insiders involvement in criminal activity are not uncommon. In the past people are forging signature, but nowadays with insiders involvement, it is just a matter of few clicks to transfer the ownership of the assets. Never mind if it involves deceased people who can not defend themselves..

The same issues appear in investment and insurance companies such as ASABRI, Jiwasraya, and Bumiputra, where these government-owned institutions (BUMN) have been involved in defrauding the public (see the link below)

Now imagine if the funds could not be accessed or inherited after the owner has passed away. In the link below, I’ve already shared examples of such incidents, including cases where people’s shares or stock ownership were taken or transferred to others without consent. Put that into perspective where deceased people assets are concerned, it is much easier to do.

Indonesia & Corruption: a few articles in the past few weeks

Perhaps you've also seen a few articles around the web over the past week: (May 6) Indonesia’s Graft Watchdog Now a Shadow of Itself (May 5) Indonesia has lost its way on corruption and freedom (May 1) With little will to fight it, corruption is major risk for Indonesian palm oil and 5...

www.expatindo.org

 

[centurion]

Just another thing to confuse people. I am a 5 years golden visa holder (E32A category of diaspora visa) and the rule “rule-out” the employment part with a bias statement stating “can carry out employment related activities as long as its been reported to immigration” (never mentioned dept of labor so how this statement relevant to work permit?) so I end up applying work permit because its not clear if golden visa is allowed to work or not.

Now, the GCI came with another BS with different flavor, cost more, but less investment, longer permit. However, there is a statement about “carrying out activities related to work who are not in a contractual employment relationship with a company or individuals in Indonesia to fullfil their personal or family”. I am having difficulties understanding that and perhaps someone can translate it better LOL

Does anyone hold golden visa through diaspora/ex wni? If so, are you in line with me that requires work permit to work?

This means,
a) You can work in Indonesia with a work permit,
b) you can work from Indonesia for a company located out of Indonesia (remote work and/or work done abroad).

 

[pantaiema]

Just another thing to confuse people. I am a 5 years golden visa holder (E32A category of diaspora visa) and the rule “rule-out” the employment part with a bias statement stating “can carry out employment related activities as long as its been reported to immigration”

You miss this important point : Carry out employment-related activities or attending education, as long as it has been reported to Immigration -using the multiple activity reporting process
My understanding here is that, you need to report it to immigration that your employer has provided the work permit (RPTKA) for you. That is the regular precedure to employ a foreigner in Indonesia.

For E32A VITAS there is an investment requirement of US$35k. I wonder whether you have tried to withdraw part of it or you have heard someone has done that. If this is the case what has happened ??

Does anyone hold golden visa through diaspora/ex wni? If so, are you in line with me that requires work permit to work?

I’m not on the Golden Visa E32A myself, but I’ve read several cases where people were informed by immigration that they would still need a work permit in order to work in Indonesia.

Your situation also confirms this, since you applied for a work permit and approved. If the E32A automatically granted the right to work, the system would not allow (or would block) you from applying for a separate work permit.

 

[marcus]

... Your situation also confirms this, since you applied for a work permit and approved. If the E32A automatically granted the right to work, the system would not allow ...

As far as I know , a company applies for a work permit at the Manpower 'Department' and gets it approved or not independently of Immigration 'Department' .

 

[Dave70]

As far as I know , a company applies for a work permit at the Manpower 'Department' and gets it approved or not independently of Immigration 'Department' .

Is there requirement to pay DPKK $1200/year for spouse-sponsored ITAS/ITAP to apply for work permit?

 

[marcus]

Is there requirement to pay DPKK $1200/year for spouse-sponsored ITAS/ITAP to apply for work permit?

Yes , with few exceptions (see below) .

Spouse sponsered kitap work

Hi all, I'm a long time lurker but new to posting so please forgive any mistakes. I have looked everywhere and found some great discussions on here but nothing that really suits my situation. Sorry i know this subject has been covered so many times here with so many conflicting opinions. So i...

www.expatindo.org

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PerMen no.8 Year 2021 (partial) - free translation (I am not sure if it was already revised or not)
Article 35
(1) Employers of foreign workers who employ foreign workers are required to pay the DKPTKA in the amount of US$100 (one hundred United States dollars) per position per person per month as PNBP or regional revenue in the form of regional levies.
(2) The obligation to pay the DKPTKA does not apply to:
a. government agencies;
b. foreign country representatives;
c. international bodies;
d. social institutions;
e. religious institutions; and
f. certain positions in educational institutions.

 

[pantaiema]

As far as I know , a company applies for a work permit at the Manpower 'Department' and gets it approved or not independently of Immigration 'Department' .

Yes. I know. It should say you applied for a work permit via your compony and approved

 

[pantaiema]

Heard from a friend in immigration they got another brief today that E32E-H are indeed the GCI visas, with E got the investment requirement down to 5k, G will need 10k for 1st degree, 25k for 2nd.
Launching in Jan, so I suppose they won't update the website til then.

Looking at the latest available rule PERATURAN MENTERI IMIGRASI DAN PEMASYARAKATAN
REPUBLIK INDONESIA
NOMOR 3 TAHUN 2025
TENTANG
VISA, IZIN TINGGAL, FASILITAS DAN KEMUDAHAN, SERTA PENGAWASAN
KEIMIGRASIAN BAGI DIASPORA

E32E (ijin menetap) still requires 100k USD investment.

However given that they changes the evisa website to indicate 10k means there's probably another (yet to be published) peraturan menteri with revision to this.

There is a new podcast from Indonessain Consulers in Australia in here
Masih dalam Proses': Ini Rincian dari Izin Tinggal Tetap Global Citizenship of Indonesia Saat Ini

From the podcast a new GCI Visa Index will be launched in January 2026. It appears, to me again, to be little more than window dressing. Those who have followed the development of the GCI visa are well aware that it has long been promoted by senior figures such as former coordinating ministers, the current coordinating minister, and even the current Junior Immigration Minister as being comparable to India’s OCI (Overseas Citizen of India). In reality, the only substantive change has been a reduction in the investment threshold from USD 100,000 or USD 10,000 down to USD 5,000. Even so, the GCI remains far from comparable to OCI in terms of fees, investment requirements, or the rights granted, including employment, land ownership, and the ability to operate small businesses.

It is difficult to understand why any informed and rational Ex-Indonesians would choose the GCI when the E32C option continues to offer more favorable fees and lower investment requirements.

 

[galaxynexus]

There is a new podcast from Indonessain Consulers in Australia in here
Masih dalam Proses': Ini Rincian dari Izin Tinggal Tetap Global Citizenship of Indonesia Saat Ini

From the podcast a new GCI Visa Index will be launched in January 2026. It appears, to me again, to be little more than window dressing. Those who have followed the development of the GCI visa are well aware that it has long been promoted by senior figures such as former coordinating ministers, the current coordinating minister, and even the current Junior Immigration Minister as being comparable to India’s OCI (Overseas Citizen of India). In reality, the only substantive change has been a reduction in the investment threshold from USD 100,000 or USD 10,000 down to USD 5,000. Even so, the GCI remains far from comparable to OCI in terms of fees, investment requirements, or the rights granted, including employment, land ownership, and the ability to operate small businesses.

It is difficult to understand why any informed and rational Ex-Indonesians would choose the GCI when the E32C option continues to offer more favorable fees and lower investment requirements.

A vast majority of ex Indonesians reside abroad and don't really need the visa (coming from countries with VoA access, and visiting home just for short periods). I would argue the privileges (if any) of owning properties or companies is more important, if diaspora investment is the goal.

If one is really desperate, I don't think 5000 or 10000 usd would be too much to pay for an express permanent visa. Which by the way, entitles the tax office to categorize holders of those visas as tax residents which comes with the privilege of being taxed of your worldwide income.

 

[pantaiema]

If one is really desperate, I don't think 5000 or 10000 usd would be too much to pay for an express permanent visa. Which by the way, entitles the tax office to categorize holders of those visas as tax residents which comes with the privilege of being taxed of your worldwide income.

What may be overlooked here is that the issue is not whether the investment amount is USD5k USD10k, or USD100k or whatever. Because It is your investment, as long as it is not misused or mishandled (which I doubt it), it remains your money.

The real issue is that this GCI has been portrayed as being similar to OCI. This has been reiterated every single year for such a long time in formal meeting with Indonesian diaspora. This claim was not made by ordinary individuals, but by high-level officials: the former Coordinating Minister, the current Coordinating Minister, and the current Minister of Immigration.

However, based on the explanation provided by the Indonesian Embassy in Australia, it appears that the new version of the GCI is actually more similar to the preview of GCI (e.g the newly issue diaspora visas E32E/F/G/H). Under this new GCI visa category, holders is still not allowed to own landed property, work, or open a small business without obtaining an additional visa. It is also expected that the fee will remain the same, i.e. IDR 34.8 million (approximately USD 2,078), compared to USD 275 for OCI. Furthermore, it is unclear whether additional fees will be required after five years.

For those who understand the various Indonesian visa indices, how does this GCI compare with E32C or E31A in terms of investment requirements and overall costs? This is especially relevant given that transitioning from ITAS to ITAP has now become relatively straightforward. So if the GCI is similar to the preview version (e.g E32E/F/G/H), it is pointless as this is a lower grade than the previous offer for those who understand various ITAS/ITAP in Indonesia .

Based on past experience, regulations can easily be changed, often for the worse. What happens if they suddenly declare that your investment cannot be accessed because you are not living in Indonesia, or because you failed to file a tax return on your global income? This is not a remote possibility.

A vast majority of ex Indonesians reside abroad and don't really need the visa (coming from countries with VoA access, and visiting home just for short periods). I would argue the privileges (if any) of owning properties or companies is more important, if diaspora investment is the goal.

Don't forget that there is a sizeable Ex-Indonesian population are already at retirement or pension age. Many of these groups are currently living in the Netherlands, Suriname, former communist, Eastern European countries, Sweden (ex-GAM member). Put global taxation in Indonesia aside, for pensioners relocating to Indonesia could be a more practical and better option, given the lower cost of living and the tropical weather.

 

[pantaiema]

A vast majority of ex Indonesians reside abroad and don't really need the visa (coming from countries with VoA access, and visiting home just for short periods). I would argue the privileges (if any) of owning properties or companies is more important, if diaspora investment is the goal.

If one is really desperate, I don't think 5000 or 10000 usd would be too much to pay for an express permanent visa. Which by the way, entitles the tax office to categorize holders of those visas as tax residents which comes with the privilege of being taxed of your worldwide income.

I just checked it a few minutes ago. There is a new version in here

WNA – Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi

www.imigrasi.go.id

And this is E32E for instance:

WNA – Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi

www.imigrasi.go.id

It seems new requirement appears (At least I have not seen it before when I last checked it a few weeks ago)
Investment commitment:
bonds/stocks/mutual funds/deposits of at least US$5k (down from US$100k, then US$10k and US$5k is the latest)
OR Property ownership commitment of at least US$1,000,000 (Yes, you read it right, that is what is currently shown on the website)

Proof of Income:
Minimum US$15.000pa or US$1.500pm. This is new. Also It seems another typo or someone can not do a simple maths (unlikely)

Special requirement :
Sertifikat Hak Milik Atas Tanah (Freehold Certificate for land) - An Obvious error How come a foreign citizen has Land Certificate in Indonesia ?
Indonesian ID card, Family Card - Another errors. How come an Ex-Indonesian living abroad has Indonesian ID & KK

Regarding Proof of Income, for those familiar with Indonesian taxation, the issue is not meeting the US$1,500 pm requirement, since even pensioners in developed countries typically receive state and/or private pensions exceeding that amount. Rather, the concern is Indonesia’s global taxation system: once you declare this income, it is already well above Indonesia’s tax-free allowance.

 

[galaxynexus]

Special requirement :
Sertifikat Hak Milik Atas Tanah (Freehold Certificate for land) - An Obvious error How come a foreign citizen has Land Certificate in Indonesia ?
Indonesian ID card, Family Card - Another errors. How come an Ex-Indonesian living abroad has Indonesian ID & KK

This is an incomplete copy and paste. In the previous version on evisa website, these documents were the acceptable proof of prior citizenship.

Don't forget that there is a sizeable Ex-Indonesian population are already at retirement or pension age. Many of these groups are currently living in the Netherlands, Suriname, former communist, Eastern European countries, Sweden (ex-GAM member). Put global taxation in Indonesia aside, for pensioners relocating to Indonesia could be a more practical and better option, given the lower cost of living and the tropical weather.

They would be already able to get ex Indonesian visa since like a decade ago. So I don't get what your argument is.

 

[marcus]

... Based on past experience, regulations can easily be changed, often for the worse.

I am avoiding to discuss most of what you said here , except this .
I did read many Indonesian regulations (mostly those that affect foreigners living in Indonesia) and disagree with what you said above . In general I see regulations not changing much because the limits imposed by Laws (which depend on Legislators to make the changes) , and when regulations did change I cannot agree that they often became worse (I can discuss further if you give us some examples) .

What happens if they suddenly declare that your investment cannot be accessed because you are not living in Indonesia, or because you failed to file a tax return on your global income? This is not a remote possibility ...

I think that these things are almost impossible to happen .

 

[pantaiema]

I cannot agree that they often became worse (I can discuss further if you give us some examples) .

A current example is the topic of this thread. Compare GCI with, for instance, E32C or E31A. What’s worse, GCI has long been portrayed as being similar to OCI.

Another example relates to customs, just to name a few: the value of goods that cannot be brought into Indonesia, and the IMEI registration requirement for mobile devices. How many countries in the world actually impose such requirements?

I think that these things are almost impossible to happen .

Did you remember the previous discussion that I recall you already asked about, where they suddenly blocked people from accessing their savings (not current accounts) for not using them for three months? That’s just a very recent example. In the past, there was 'sanering,' which involved cutting the value of money. 'Sanering' is entirely different from 're-denomination,' which simply removes three zeros. 'Sanering' is rarely used in other countries because it is extremely damaging.

The real risk doesn’t come solely from state actions, it also comes from the actions of individuals working in collaboration with financial institution and/or multiple parties. I recall sharing a link to a forum thread with you before, where people’s 'shares' suddenly vanished from their accounts. This is also a very recent case.


Mirae's Shares Suddenly Disappear, Losing IDR 200 Billion

 

[Balifrog]

Current example. The topics of this thread. Compare GCI with for instance E32C or E31A ?
Other example, in relation to customs. Just a few to name.value of good that can not be brought to Indonesia, IMEI registration requirement for mobile device. How many countries in this world are actually doing that ??

Many countries, especially in Asia, Africa, and South America, mandate IMEI registration to curb illegal phones, with major examples including India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Thailand, Cambodia, and Turkey, requiring registration for local SIM use, often for devices brought from abroad, with varying rules for tourists vs. residents, sometimes involving customs, passport checks, and taxes, though rules for short-term visitors might offer grace periods or simpler processes.

 

[pantaiema]

Many countries, especially in Asia, Africa, and South America, mandate IMEI registration to curb illegal phones, with major examples including India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Thailand, Cambodia, and Turkey, requiring registration for local SIM use, often for devices brought from abroad, with varying rules for tourists vs. residents, sometimes involving customs, passport checks, and taxes, though rules for short-term visitors might offer grace periods or simpler processes.

That’s true for the countries you mentioned. However, there are still more countries that do not require IMEI registration e.g about 28 versus 165 (see attached). More importantly, the reply addresses this point: '...and when regulations did change, I cannot agree that they often became worse....'. Going from no registration requirement to mandatory registration is a change for the worse, isn’t it?"