The Indonesian government officially launched the Golden Visa Program on July 25, 2024. This program grants long-term residence permits to foreign nationals who make significant economic contributions to the country, such as international investors and international tourists. Ultimately, it is hoped that this new facility will enhance capital gains, the quality of human resources, and technology transfer.
The Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 22 of 2023 concerning Visas and Residence Permits, which was later amended by Regulation No. 11 of 2024, serves as the foundation for the Golden Visa program. The types of Golden Visa include Limited Stay Visa, Permanent Stay Permit, Limited Stay Permit, and Re-Entry Permit, each with different validity periods.
Golden Visa in Indonesia: An Overview
Foreign citizens who own a second home in Indonesia, foreign citizens who invest, and foreign citizens who repatriate. This visa can be granted for a maximum of five or ten years. The table below outlines the criteria applicable to foreign citizens:
| Activities | Eligible Criteria |
| Capital investments | Applicable to the following types of foreign nationals: Individual investors who are intending to establish new companies in Indonesia; Individual investors with no intention of establishing any companies in Indonesia; and Individuals who are prospective Board of Directors or the Board of Commissioners members of companies that will be established in Indonesia as branch offices or subsidiaries of the headquarters of foreign companies; and Individuals who are representatives of overseas holding companies and who are visiting or assigned to branch offices or subsidiaries in Indonesia. |
| It should be noted that Prospective Members of BoD and BoC, as mentioned in point (3) above, are limited to a maximum of 10 individuals per company, while the representatives mentioned in point (4) above are limited to only one individual per company. | |
| Family reunifications | Applicable to the following foreign nationals: Individuals who are seeking to reunite with spouses who are current ITAS or ITAP holders; Unmarried children under 18 years of age who are seeking to reunite with fathers and/or mothers who are current ITAS or ITAP holders; and Individuals who are seeking to reunite with children who are current ITAS or ITAP holders. |
| Repatriations[7] | Applicable to the following types of individuals: Ex-Indonesian nationals who will be staying in Indonesia without sponsors (penjamin); and Descendants of ex-Indonesian nationals up to a maximum of two levels of familial separation without sponsors. |
| Second homes | Applicable to individuals who meet the following criteria:[8] Possess second homes in Indonesia; Possess special expertise; Are global figures; and Are foreign nationals aged 55 or older. |
| It is important to note that the individuals mentioned above must be invited first by the central government, which also acts as their guarantor. |
As mentioned above, foreign nationals who qualify for the Golden Visa will be granted a number of privileges, which will at least include the following facilities:
Currently, Golden Visa holders are only granted the facilities and benefits explicitly mentioned in Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights 22/2023. The Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency Regulation No. 18 of 2021 concerning the Procedures for Determining Management Rights and Land Rights allows foreign citizens to acquire land rights in Indonesia. Basically, Regulation ATR 18/2021 states that foreign citizens with immigration documents can own residential properties, whether it be landed houses or apartments.
Confusion about the existence of the Golden Visa and second home visa may arise, especially due to recent government statements indicating that their purposes are different. Deputy Minister Eddy Hiariej stated that the Golden Visa is primarily aimed at attracting foreign investment. However, it is important to note that the second home visa, which was first introduced in 2022, also aims to attract foreign nationals such as investors, Global Talent, and Silver Hair individuals who wish to do business in Indonesia.
Although there has not yet been an official statement from the minister, Stephen Igor Warokka stated that the main difference between the two visas lies in the age requirements for Silver Hair applicants, as regulated in Article 105 (10d) and Article 189d of Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights 22/2023. Foreign nationals aged 60 or older are granted a second home visa in this case.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Golden Visa: The Best Way for Applicants
In this case, foreign nationals who wish to obtain a Golden Visa must follow standard procedures and enjoy their rights and obligations as non-Indonesian citizens. Application for a Limited Stay Visa and then residence permit is required. Overall, the course of action is divided into the following stages:
Before utilizing the Golden Visa facility, applicants must prepare the necessary general documents, such as:
- Passport
- Guarantee letter from the guarantor or immigration guarantee
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the living expenses of the foreign national and/or their family members during their stay in Indonesia
- Recent color passport photo
- Supporting documents
The administrative requirements for the Golden Visa, particularly those related to immigration guarantees and sponsorship guarantees, can be easily accessed through this link: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/wna/permohonan-visa-republik-indonesia/klasifikasi-visa-tinggal-terbatas-indeks-e33e?golden_visa=1. However, our research shows that the information on this website has not been updated in accordance with Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights 22/2023.
The two domains currently used for electronic visa applications by the Director General are https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id and https://molina.imigrasi.go.id, the Online Immigration Services Module of Indonesia. Although this situation may confuse people, the Director General confirmed that Molina is the alias website and the latest platform that will be integrated into the international non-tax state revenue (PNBP) payment system.
Foreign nationals deemed eligible for a Limited Stay Visa must enter Indonesia within ninety days from the date of issuance. In this case, the process of applying for a residence permit requires different steps that are carried out through the Molina website. Considering the broad scope and varying procedural requirements, the provisions for the issuance of ITAS, ITAP, and IMK are outlined only in the table below:
| Stay Permit Type | Remarks |
| ITAS | Foreign nationals who have been issued Limited-Stay Visas will be automatically granted an entry stamp (tanda masuk) by immigration officials at the TPI or other place that functions as an immigration examination point. In this regard, this stamp will serve as an ITAS for a set period in line with the period of stay stated in the relevant Limited-Stay Visa. |
| ITAP | These are granted through a conversion (alih status) from ITAS to ITAP and can be applied for via the Molina website. An ITAP remains valid for five years and is provided in the form of an ITAP card, which is available both virtually (via the Molina website) and physically (through self-pickup from the nearest immigration office). |
| IMK | Foreign nationals who wish to re-enter Indonesia can be granted IMK with the following validity period: For ITAS holders: valid for the same period as their ITAS; and For ITAP holders: up to two years, which can be renewed for a further two years, provided that it does not exceed the validity period of the relevant ITAP. IMK applications can be submitted by foreign nationals while they are outside Indonesian territory. |
Legal Basis:
- Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia Number 22 of 2023 Concerning Visas and Residence Permits
- Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia Number 11 of 2024 Concerning Amendments to the Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 22 of 2023 Concerning Visas and Residence Permits
- Regulation of the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency of the Republic of Indonesia Number 18 of 2021 Concerning Procedures for Determining Management Rights and Land Rights
Reference:
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