A Practical Guide to Long-Term Living in Indonesia: For Diaspora, Foreign Spouses, Second-Home Seekers, and Digital Nomads

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Indonesia continues to rise as one of the world’s most appealing long-term home bases — for its culture, warmth, community, and the balanced lifestyle it offers. More diaspora, foreign spouses, global citizens, remote workers, and retirees are choosing Indonesia not just as a destination but as a real home.

Yet, each residency pathway in Indonesia has a different purpose and understanding the differences is essential.

Here’s a clear, educational breakdown of the main long-term options, with insights commonly shared by IndofastPermit, known for guiding foreigners through Indonesia’s immigration system with clarity and accuracy.

GCI (Global Citizenship of Indonesia) -Style Residency: For Diaspora & Foreign Spouses With Strong Indonesian Ties

It’s important to clarify that GCI-style residency is not meant for general foreigners.

It primarily supports:

  • Indonesian diaspora living abroad

  • Children of Indonesian citizens born overseas

  • Foreign spouses of Indonesian citizens

  • Mixed families with direct ties to Indonesia

  • Individuals with Indonesian parentage or heritage

If you do not belong to these groups, you should look at the Second Home Visa, Digital Nomad KITAS, Investor KITAS, or other pathways.

Typical requirements include: marriage certificates, birth/lineage documents, and proof of Indonesian family ties.

Second Home Visa: For Long-Term Residents Who Want Stability (No Indonesian Ties Required)

The Second Home Visa is perfect for those who want to live in Indonesia long-term without needing an employer, spouse, or business sponsorship.

Here’s what makes it unique and entirely different from the Digital Nomad KITAS:

1. You must open an Indonesian state-owned bank account.

This must be a state-owned bank such as BNI, BRI, or Mandiri.

2. You must place approx. USD 130,000 OR purchase property valued at around USD 1,000,000.

Applicants must choose one of the following:

  • Deposit approximately USD 130,000 into their Indonesian state-owned bank account OR

  • Own Indonesian property worth around USD 1,000,000

This is the main financial requirement that distinguishes the Second Home Visa from all other visas.

3. No sponsor required.

You apply independently — a major advantage for global residents who don’t want corporate or individual sponsorship.

4. You receive a 5-year or 10-year stay permit.

This is one of Indonesia’s longest and most stable residency options.

5. It’s ideal for financially established individuals.

Common applicants include:

  • Global retirees

  • Entrepreneurs

  • High-net-worth individuals

  • Long-term global citizens

  • Families seeking stable residency

Digital Nomad KITAS: For Remote Workers Earning From Abroad

Many people confuse the Digital Nomad KITAS with the Second Home Visa but they are completely different.

Here’s how the Digital Nomad KITAS works:

1. No bank deposit required.

You do not need to put any money into an Indonesian bank account.

2. No property purchase required.

You do not need to buy real estate worth USD 1,000,000.

3. The main requirement is proof of approx. USD 65,000 yearly income.

Your income must come from outside Indonesia.

Documents often include:

  • Foreign bank statements

  • Payslips

4. Valid for 1–2 years.

This makes it perfect for digital nomads who want flexibility or are testing long-term life in Indonesia.

5. Requires a legal sponsor.

Most nomads use a licensed agency such as IndofastPermit to act as their official sponsor for compliance and reporting.

6. Not for local employment.

Remote workers can live in Indonesia, but cannot earn from Indonesian companies under this permit.

Each path has its own purpose and understanding which one truly fits you is the key to living in Indonesia comfortably and legally.

Indonesia is opening its doors wider than ever to diaspora returning home, to remote workers shaping the future, and to global residents seeking stability in a changing world.

The key is choosing the residency path that reflects who you are.

And if you ever feel unsure, IndofastPermit is the quiet expert in the background helping people navigate the fine print, avoid common mistakes, and feel anchored from day one.

A smoother transition, a clearer journey, and the confidence to live fully in a country that gives so much. That’s where your Indonesian chapter truly begins.

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