Golden Visa and Selective Immigration Policy
The rapid pace of globalisation has led to increasingly dynamic movement of people in and out of countries, including foreign nationals seeking to reside permanently. This has prompted diverse visa policies tailored to each nation’s objectives.
The Golden Visa is a policy granting foreign nationals entry and residency in Indonesia for five or 10 years. Its primary aim is to boost the national economy by strengthening global investment from individuals and companies.
Implemented in July 2024 under Article 184 of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 22 of 2023, the Golden Visa scheme facilitates visas for investment, family reunification, repatriation, and second homes.
The Golden Visa is broadly categorised into two types: the Investor Golden Visa for foreign individuals acting as investors, serving as directors or commissioners of Indonesian subsidiaries or branches of foreign companies, or representing parent companies on business trips to Indonesian affiliates.
The second category is the Global Talent Golden Visa, designed to attract foreign professionals with specialised skills to contribute to Indonesia’s economy and human capital development.
Applicants must invest in Indonesian government bonds, public company shares, deposits, or property, with amounts varying by visa type. Benefits include streamlined entry and exit without needing a Temporary Stay Permit from immigration offices.
Since its July 2024 launch, the Golden Visa policy has attracted IDR 52.1 trillion in investments, comprising IDR 50.88 trillion from corporate investors and IDR 309 billion from individuals.
Immigration has issued 1,274 Golden Visas between 2024 and 2026, with the largest holders from the US (160), China (147), and Taiwan (110).
The Golden Visa policy aims to support economic growth and attract global investment to Indonesia. However, it maintains strict oversight through selective immigration principles, ensuring only beneficial foreign nationals are granted residency.
Each Golden Visa holder must meet security, legal compliance, and national interest contribution requirements. Immigration authorities maintain an open policy for beneficial foreign nationals while enforcing strict monitoring and action against potential violators.
Selective immigration policies have led to action against 320 foreign nationals in Jakarta involved in international online gambling syndicates and 210 in Batam suspected of online investment fraud.
Selective immigration is not about closing doors but ensuring foreign nationals admitted contribute tangible benefits to Indonesia.