Visas for Malaysia: Tourist, PR & Work Permits 
 

Expats planning to live and work in the country for the long term will need to secure the right visas for Malaysia before they arrive. That said, nationals of most countries (including the US, the UK and EU countries) can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days, which is ideal for short-term travel.

Understanding the Malaysia PR requirements is essential for those planning to settle in the country long-term. Permanent residency in Malaysia is available only to certain categories of foreign nationals and is subject to specific eligibility criteria, so it is important to review the latest requirements before making long-term relocation plans.

There are three different types of entry visas for Malaysia, namely single-entry, multiple-entry, and transit visas. Nationals of some countries are able to obtain a visa on arrival, valid for one visit of up to 30 days. Expats who don’t qualify for a visa on arrival will need to apply for a visa at their local Malaysian embassy or consulate before departure.

A single-entry visa is valid for three months from the date of issue, and it permits one entry of up to 30 days. Multiple-entry visas are issued to foreign visitors intending to travel in and out of Malaysia a number of times, and are usually for business or official government matters. These are usually valid for three to 12 months from the date of issue. Each entry into Malaysia is for a maximum of 30 days.

Select nationalities can apply for an eVisa online, while others will have to apply through their local embassy or consulate. The eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and permits a single entry with a stay of up to 30 days.

Before moving to Malaysia, ensure you're fully covered with a reliable health insurance plan. Explore our comprehensive international health insurance plans, designed to provide you with peace of mind abroad. Find out more about the Malaysian healthcare system in our Healthcare in Malaysia guide.

Malaysia's DE Rantau Nomad Pass caters for remote workers and digital freelancers looking for a base in Southeast Asia. The 12-month pass, which is renewable for a further 12 months, is open to IT and digital professionals who earn above a set income threshold. Applicants must work for a company or clients based outside Malaysia. Dependants can be included on the pass.

Expats who want to work in Malaysia will need to obtain an Employment Pass, the work permit category for foreign professionals and executives. The process is often lengthy and complicated, but luckily, the burden of applying largely falls on the employer rather than the expat employee.

There are restrictions on the number of foreign workers a Malaysian company can employ. If the company wants to hire foreign workers, it will have to prove to the government that the position is of vital importance and cannot be filled by a local.

Approval is granted by the relevant regulatory agency in conjunction with the Immigration Department, depending on the industry and nature of the role. Once the green light has been given, the company can begin the Employment Pass application on behalf of the expat.

Expats wishing to settle in Malaysia for the long term can apply for permanent residency in Malaysia if they fall into certain categories: high-net-worth investors, those with exceptional skills, spouses of Malaysian citizens, and applicants who qualify under a points-based system. Points are allocated according to age, qualifications and language proficiency.

Malaysia My Second Home Programme

The Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H) allows foreign nationals to live in Malaysia with their family and dependants on a long-term basis. The programme requires expats to place a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank, with the amount varying by tier. Holders may withdraw up to half of the deposited funds after placement, but the remainder must be left in the account for the duration of the visa.

The programme operates on a tier system (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) that offers visit passes of 5, 15, and 20 years respectively, each with a multiple-entry visa. Silver and Gold tier holders are not permitted to take up employment or run a business in Malaysia. Only Platinum-tier participants may work in the country. A fourth tier, the MM2H Special Economic Zone (SEZ) pass, is available for those based in Johor’s SEZ, and it has distinct requirements and provides more flexible business terms.