Navigating Malaysia’s visa system for expats

Off to a new adventure in Malaysia? However, before you can set off on adventures in Malaysia, you need to know and understand how visa applications work in Malaysia. That is why we will take a look at the necessary steps and requirements for procuring visas for expats. 

Type of applicable visas for Expats

The Malaysia premium visa programme

The Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) is a long-stay visa program that was introduced on September 1st 2022. It is designed to attract skilled foreigners to invest and reside in the country for 20 years with a renewal option for a further 20 years.

To qualify for PVIP, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Must provide Foreign Income Proof worth at least RM 40,000 monthly or RM 480,000 (annually)
• Required to make an investment with a fixed deposit of RM 1 million
• There is no minimum stay requirement
• No minimum age requirement
• Required to pay Participation Fees of RM200,000 for Principal and RM100,000 for Dependents

Malaysia my second home (MM2H)

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is a program designed by the Malaysian government to encourage foreign citizens to stay in Malaysia for an extended period. The MM2H program allows foreigners to stay in Malaysia for up to 10 years, with the option to renew their visas. This program is open to citizens of all countries, regardless of their race, religion, or gender. Participants are allowed to bring their spouses, children under the age of 21, and parents over the age of 60 to Malaysia under the program.

To qualify for MM2H, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Must be between the ages of 35 and 49 years of age; 59 years old and above
• Minimum liquid assets of RM1,500,000
• Minimum offshore monthly income of RM40,000
• A fixed deposit account in Malaysia which contains at least RM1,000,000

Individuals who are 50 years or older must have:

• Minimum liquid assets of RM1,500,000
• Minimum offshore monthly income of RM40,000
• A fixed deposit account with a Malaysian bank which contains at least RM1,000,000

For retirees, there is a requirement to show proof of receiving a pension from the government of RM10,000 per month

Other requirements include:

• One-off personal bond payment which costs approximately RM2,000
• Social pass will also require an annual payment of RM90

Permanent residence

Obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) in Malaysia is a great option for expats who wish to stay in the country indefinitely for reasons such as wanting to own and operate their own business. The basic requirement to get permanent Residence in Malaysia is that a national of a country must have resided in Malaysia for at least 5 years. In addition, you also must be:

• Investor
• Expert
• Professional
• Point-based system
• Spouse of a Malaysian citizen

For further information and detail, you may visit Malaysia’s official National Registration Depart page. You also can pay a visit to any branch of the Malaysia Immigration office or their main office in Putrajaya.

Residence pass visa

Malaysia’s Residence Pass is a long-term visa designed for foreign nationals who wish to reside, study or work in the country for a longer period.

There are three different Residence Pass categories:

• An individual who has ties with a Malaysian citizen (Category 3)
• An individual who has ties with a Permanent Resident of Malaysia (Category 4)
• Ex-Malaysians (Category 5)

The Residence Pass is issued for up to five years, and it can be renewed thereafter. The visa is granted to people who meet specific eligibility criteria, which include investors, skilled professionals, and foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens.

For more information and details on Residence Pass visas, you may visit and inquire at Malaysia’s official Immigration website.

Residence pass – talent

The Residence Pass – Talent is one of Malaysia’s initiatives to attract international talent to take in developing the country’s industries and economy. Residence Pass – Talent holders will be able to work and live in Malaysia for up to 10 years.

To be eligible for the Residence Pass – Talent, the applicant must satisfy the following requirements:

• Has worked in Malaysia for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years at the time of application.
• Holds a valid Employment Pass with more than 3 months validity during the submission/resubmission of the application.
• Has a Malaysian income tax file number and has paid income tax for the most recent 2 years (minimum) at the time of application.
• Earns a basic monthly salary of RM15,000 which excludes any allowances and/or bonuses.
• Holds a PhD/Master’s/Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in any discipline from a recognised university or a professional/competency certificate from a recognised professional institute.
• Possesses at least 5 years of total work experience.

For details and information on Residence Pass – Talent, you may visit the Talent Corp website.

Work permit visa

Malaysia has a range of work permit visas available for foreign workers who wish to work and live in the country. The type of work permit that is required will depend on factors such as the applicant’s skills, qualifications, and the duration of their intended stay in the country.

One of the most common work permit visas is the Employment Pass (EP). This type of visa is typically granted to foreign professionals, executives, and managers who have been offered a job by a Malaysian company. To be eligible for an EP, the applicant must have a minimum salary of RM5,000 per month, hold a degree from a recognized institution, and have relevant work experience.

Another type of work permit visa is the Professional Visit Pass (PVP). This visa is intended for foreign nationals who are coming to Malaysia for short-term work assignments or consultations. The PVP is typically valid for up to six months and can be extended for a further six months.

How to apply?

The Malaysia premium visa programme (PVIP)

The Malaysia Premium Visa Programme is similar to the Golden Visa initiatives available in Thailand, Singapore, and Portugal — offering affluent and talented foreign individuals the option to contribute to Malaysia’s growth through their expertise and investment. However, currently, the applications are capped at 1% of Malaysia’s population.

Eligibility
Unlike MM2H, PVIP doesn’t have minimum age requirements to apply. However, you must be able to provide Foreign Income Proof worth at least RM 40,000 monthly or RM 480,000. In addition to that, you must also make an investment with a fixed deposit of RM 1 million and will be required to pay participation fees of RM200,000 for Principal and RM100,000 for Dependents.

Other than that, you must be a national of a country that has diplomatic ties to Malaysia.

Application process
Besides requiring to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above, you also must provide and submit several required documents, all of which are related to your personal info, financial, criminal record and other miscellaneous. For more details on the required documents, you may visit the PVIP official requirements page.

All application processes must go through an appointed PVIP agent registered with IDM.

Malaysia my second home (MM2H)

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is a program that allows foreigners to stay in Malaysia for as long as they wish based on passport validity duration. This programme is designed to promote Malaysia as a second home for foreigners who wish to retire or live in Malaysia on a long-term basis. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for MM2H:

Eligibility
Applicants above 35 years old must open a Malaysian bank account with a fixed deposit of RM1,000,000. The MM2H visa does not allow the holder to work in Malaysia, but they are allowed to invest in a business or work as a director in a company.

Application process
The application process for MM2H involves submitting several documents to the MM2H Centre in Malaysia. These documents include a completed application form, a cover letter, a copy of the applicant’s passport, a medical report, and other supporting documents.

Visit the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website to apply and for further details.

Financial requirements
Applicants must also provide proof of their financial status. This can be in the form of bank statements, fixed deposit certificates, or a letter of support from a financial institution. Applicants must also show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves while living in Malaysia.

Medical requirements
Applicants must undergo a medical examination and obtain a medical report from any registered clinic or hospital in Malaysia. The medical report must show that the applicant is in good health and free from any contagious diseases.

Approval process
Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the MM2H Centre. The approval process can take several months, and applicants may be required to provide additional documents or attend an interview. Once approved, applicants will be issued a social visit pass that is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.

Permanent residence visa

To apply for a Permanent Residence Visa (PRV) in Malaysia, several criteria need to be fulfilled, as well as documents that need to be submitted. Here is a detailed overview of the application process:

Meeting the Criteria:
To be eligible for a PRV in Malaysia, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a spouse of a Malaysian citizen.
• Have a child who is a Malaysian citizen.
• Have invested a minimum of RM 1 million in Malaysia.
• Have special skills and expertise that are required in Malaysia.

Gathering the Required Documents:

Once you have met the eligibility criteria, you will need to gather the following documents:

• A completed application form.
• A valid passport with at least 12 months of validity.
• A letter of approval from the relevant government agency or regulatory body.
• A police clearance certificate from your home country.
• Proof of your financial standing, such as bank statements or income tax returns.
• A medical certificate from a registered clinic or hospital.

Submitting the Application:
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you will need to submit your application to the Immigration Department of Malaysia. It is recommended that you use a professional visa agency to assist with the application process.

Waiting for Approval:
The processing time for a PRV can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of your application. During this time, you may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview.

Receiving Your Visa:
If your application is approved, you will receive a PRV, which will allow you to live and work in Malaysia indefinitely. You may also be eligible to apply for citizenship after a certain number of years of residency.

Residence pass visa

Residence Pass is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals who have been working in Malaysia for an extended time to stay in the country for up to 10 years. It is also known as the “Malaysia Long-Term Visit Pass” (LTVP). The Residence Pass is a popular option for expats who have been working in Malaysia for some time and wish to continue living in the country.

To be eligible for the Residence Pass, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must have a valid work permit for at least 3 years.
• Must earn a monthly salary of at least RM15,000 (or RM16,000 for the knowledge worker category).
• Must have a valid passport with remaining validity of at least 18 months.
• Must have a good immigration record with no history of immigration offences or overstays.
• Must have a clean criminal record and pass a medical examination.

To apply for the Residence Pass, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Completed application form
• Valid passport
• Latest passport-sized photograph
• Letter of employment from the current employer
• Valid work permit
• Employment contract
• Pay slips for the past 6 months
• Bank statements for the past 6 months
• Income tax statements for the past 2 years
• Police clearance certificate from home country and Malaysia

Work permit visa

To apply for a work permit visa in Malaysia, the following steps need to be taken:

The first step is for the employer to obtain approval from the Malaysian government to hire foreign workers. This can be done by applying to the Malaysian Immigration Department.

Once approval is obtained, the employer will need to obtain a visa with reference (VDR) for the foreign worker. This can be done by submitting an application to the Malaysian Immigration Department or through an authorised visa application agent.

Once the VDR is obtained, the foreign worker will need to apply for a work permit visa at the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate in their home country. The application will require the submission of the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Completed visa application form
• Original and photocopy of the VDR
• Medical report from an approved clinic in Malaysia
• Security clearance from the police department in the home country
• After the application is submitted, the embassy or consulate will review the application and issue the work permit visa if approved.

Once the foreign worker arrives in Malaysia, they will need to undergo a medical examination and fingerprinting at an authorised centre. They will also need to obtain a foreign worker’s identification card from the Malaysian Immigration Department.

It is important to note that the process and requirements for obtaining a work permit visa may vary depending on the type of work permit and the country of origin of the foreign worker. It is recommended to consult with the Malaysian embassy or consulate and/or an authorised visa application agent for specific guidance and assistance.

How to renew or extend your visa in Malaysia?

Renewing and extending visas in Malaysia for expats can be a straightforward process, but it is important to know the requirements and procedures. The process varies depending on the type of visa, but here are some general guidelines:

Work permit visa renewal

Expats who are on a work permit visa in Malaysia must renew their work permit annually. The employer typically handles the renewal process, and the employee is required to provide any necessary documentation. The renewal process typically involves applying to the Malaysian Immigration Department, along with the relevant fees and documentation, at least three months before the work permit expires.

Residence pass visa renewal

Expats who hold a Residence Pass Visa in Malaysia must renew their visa annually. The process involves applying to the Malaysian Immigration Department at least three months before the visa expires. The applicant must provide a passport, work permit, and a valid medical certificate, among other documents. The fees for the renewal application vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay.

Permanent residence visa renewal

Expats who hold a Permanent Residence Visa in Malaysia can renew their visa by applying to the Malaysian Immigration Department. The application must be submitted at least three months before the visa expires, and the applicant must provide their passport, a valid medical certificate, and any relevant supporting documents. The fees for the renewal application vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay.

It is important to note that the renewal and extension process can vary depending on the type of visa and the individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult with a professional immigration lawyer or the Malaysian Immigration Department for more information and guidance.

The Malaysia premium visa programme (PVIP)

The Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) duration is valid for 20 years from the date of approval and has the option to further extend for another 20 years (subject to the validity of the holder’s passport).

Malaysia my second home (MM2H)

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa is valid for ten years and can be renewed every ten years. However, some requirements must be met for the renewal process. Here is a detailed guide on how to renew and extend the MM2H visa in Malaysia for expats:

Application:
The application for renewal or extension of the MM2H visa must be submitted at least three months before the expiry of the current visa. The application can be submitted online or in person at the MM2H Centre in Malaysia.

Meeting the financial requirements:
The financial requirements for the MM2H visa renewal or extension are the same as the initial application. The applicant must have a fixed deposit of RM150,000 for applicants below 50 years old and RM100,000 for applicants above 50 years old or proof of a monthly income of RM10,000.

Medical check-up:
Applicants who have been in Malaysia for more than a year are required to undergo a medical check-up and submit a medical report as part of the renewal or extension application. The medical check-up must be carried out by a registered clinic or hospital in Malaysia.

Tax clearance:
The applicant must obtain a tax clearance certificate from the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) before the renewal or extension of the MM2H visa can be approved.

Police clearance:
The applicant must also obtain a police clearance certificate from the country of origin or any other country where they have resided for more than a year, as part of the renewal or extension process.

Approval:
The Immigration Department of Malaysia will review the application and supporting documents and decide on the renewal or extension of the MM2H visa. The processing time for the application is usually two to three months.

Collection of renewed visa:
Once the renewal or extension is approved, the applicant will be notified to collect their renewed visa at the MM2H Centre in Malaysia.

It is important to note that the MM2H visa renewal or extension process can be complex, and applicants may need to seek professional assistance to ensure that all the requirements are met.

Before you go…

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.