Visas for Malaysia

Malaysia has several visas available to fit the nature and length of your planned visit. Regulations vary according to nationality – for example, if you’re from a certain country, you may enter Malaysia for up to 14, 30, or 90 days without a visa for tourism or business purposes.

For those who may not qualify for permanent residency but are still seeking a long-term stay, there are other options available, such as the Premium Visa Programme (PVIP), which offers a 20-year visa for those willing to invest in the country. Work passes and student visas also provide alternative routes for long-term residency, depending on your circumstances.

When arriving in Malaysia, you should have a passport valid for at least six months, a valid return ticket, and proof of funds to sustain yourself in the country.

Tourist visas for Malaysia

Tourist visas for Malaysia can be single-best suits you or multiple-entry. If you’re planning a visit, it’s essential to understand which visa suits your needs. 

If you are from one of the eligible countries, you may be able to obtain a visa on arrival, valid for one visit of up to 30 days. These eligible countries include China, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Serbia, and Montenegro. If you don’t qualify for a visa on arrival, you will need to apply for a visa at your local Malaysian embassy or consulate before departure.

A single-entry visa is valid for one entry of up to 30 days within three months of the date of issue. Multiple-entry visas are issued to those intending to travel in and out of Malaysia several times, usually for business or official government matters. These multiple-entry visas are typically valid for three to 12 months from the date of issue, with each entry into Malaysia lasting a maximum of 30 days.

Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible to apply for an eVisa online. The eVisa offers a streamlined, digital application process with improved processing times – typically around two working days. The eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and grants multiple entries of up to 30 days total during this period.

Useful links

• eVisa Application Portal

Malaysia My Second Home Programme

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme has undergone significant changes recently, making it more accessible and appealing for long-term visitors. The programme now offers a tiered system, allowing you to choose the financial commitment that suits you best.

Successful applicants receive a multiple-entry visa, renewable every 10 years, depending on the tier. Employment is generally not allowed under this programme, but with the various tiers and flexibility, the MM2H is a great option for a long-term stay in Malaysia.

The MM2H programme includes three tiers:

• Silver Tier: This tier requires a reduced fixed deposit, allowing more flexibility and easier access for younger applicants. Participants can withdraw up to 50 percent of their deposit after one year for approved expenses, such as property purchases.
• Gold Tier: This visa has a 15-year validity period, which is ideal if you plan to stay longer and enjoy more stability.
• Platinum Tier: Requires a higher deposit but provides a 20-year visa, perfect for those looking for maximum stability and long-term benefits.

Enhancements to the MM2H programme include options for long-term medical treatment and the ability for your family members to study at accredited institutions in Malaysia. This makes the programme particularly attractive if you’re planning on relocating with your family or if you’re seeking excellent medical care options.

The minimum age requirement has also been lowered from 35 to 25 years, making it easier for younger applicants to consider making Malaysia their home. The list of eligible dependants has been expanded to include unmarried children between the ages of 21 and 34, as well as parents and parents-in-law, giving your family more options to join you.

Useful links

• MM2H Details

Permanent residency in Malaysia

If you wish to work and live in the country permanently, you can apply for residency in Malaysia. Permanent residency applications fall into one of several categories:

• High net-worth investor
• Highly skilled or talented individual
• Professional
• Spouse of a Malaysian citizen

Alternatively, you can apply for permanent residency by way of the points-based system. To qualify, you need to score at least 65 points out of a possible 120, based on factors such as age, education level, duration of stay, proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, work experience, and investment size.

Certain professions are currently in high demand, making it easier for expats to qualify for permanent residency. These include healthcare professionals, IT specialists, financial services experts, and digital marketing specialists. Malaysia’s growth in these sectors makes it more straightforward for qualified professionals to secure residency.

If you’re considering a faster route to residency, there are fast-track options through high-value investments. For instance, by making a significant investment in Malaysia and keeping it in a Malaysian bank for a set period, you may expedite your permanent residency application. Creating job opportunities for locals can also positively influence your application.

The processing time for permanent residency applications typically takes around six months, but it can vary depending on your circumstances and the completeness of your application.

Useful links

• Malaysian Immigration: Residence Pass

Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, so make sure to contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.