| As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country? |
All persons entering Malaysia must possess valid national passport or other internationally recognized travel documents valid for travel to Malaysia. These passports or travel documents must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Malaysia.
Commonwealth citizens (except for India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British protected persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citizens of Switzerland, the Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not need a visa to enter Malaysia.
Citizens of certain countries which include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, Italy, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America do not require a visa for a visit not exceeding three months.
When your flight arrives in Malaysia, you will be given an Arrival/Departure card to complete and present to immigration authorities. A portion of this card is retained by the immigration authorities and a portion is given to you. You must keep this card with your passport, as it will be required the next time you leave Malaysia.
A Social or Business Pass will be granted at the port of entry into Malaysia. These passes allow an individual to stay in Malaysia for a period of one to three months and may be extended for one month upon application to the immigration department. |
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| What kinds of visas are available? |
No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
The visa is an endorsement or sticker on a passport to indicate that permission has been granted to enter Malaysia. A visa can be obtained from Malaysian Overseas Missions before arrival, but it must be used within its validity period (normally 3 months). However, for a permission to stay, a pass for an approved period will be stamped in the passport at the point of entry.
Do Note: Citizens of Israel, Serbia and Montenegro are not allowed to enter Malaysia for any purpose without prior approval from the Malaysian Government.
Other than application for entry for the purpose of tourist social or business visits, all applications for the types of passes mentioned must be made before arrival in the country.
There are three (3) types of visas issued by the Malaysian Government to foreign nationals:
- Single Entry Visa: Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for a social or business visit. This is normally valid for a single entry and for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue.
- Multiple Entry Visa: Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for business or government to government matters. This is normally valid for a period within three (3) months to five (5) years, from the date of issue.
- Transit Visa: Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia on transit to other countries. Foreign Nationals on transit without leaving the airport precincts and who continue their journey to the next destination with the same flight do not require a transit visa.
The types of passes issued are as follows :
- Visit Pass (Temporary Employment): This is issued to persons who enter the country to take up temporary employment.
- Employment Pass: This is issued to any foreigner who enters the country to take up a contract of employment with a minimum period of two years.
- Visit Pass (Professional): This is issued to foreigners for the purpose of engaging in short-term contract or training with any agencies. The validity of the pass varies but does not exceed twelve months at any one time.
- Dependent’s Pass: This is issued to the wife and children of any foreigner who has been issued with an Employment Pass. This pass may be applied together with the application of Employment Pass or after the Employment Pass is approved. The wife and children of any person who enters the country on a visit pass (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social).
- Student’s Pass: This is issued to any foreigner who enters the country for the purpose of taking up studies in any approved educational institution
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| What is required to obtain these visas? |
The Malaysian immigration authorities issue Employment, Professional, Dependant, Student and Training Passes. These passes must be obtained by the expat’s employer who acts as his or her sponsoring organization. Documents that the expat will have to provide for the application of the Employment and Dependant Passes are:
- Four passport-sized photographs.
- Employment contract which details job title, functions, salary and duration of contract.
- Two copies of expat's resume, academic certificates, testimonials (all copies must be certified true and stamped with company stamp).
- Two copies of ALL pages of passport, including page with entry stamp and Embarkation Card. If the spouse’s passport does not carry the married surname, a certified true copy of the marriage certificate will be required. Please note that Chinese, Indian and Philippine nationals must provide certified true copies of the whole passport.
- Marriage certificate -- if printed in a language other than English, you'll need to provide a translated copy with proper attestation by the respective embassy in Malaysia.
- Birth certificate of accompanying children -- if printed in a language other than English, please provide translated copy with proper attestation by respective embassy in Malaysia. If applicant has stepchildren, custody letter or letter of adoption must be provided with proper attestation by the respective embassy in Malaysia.
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| Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work? |
| Unfortunately, there are not many work possibilities for accompanying spouses in Malaysia. However, a spouse is permitted to work if he or she can find an employer who is willing to be the sponsoring organization. |
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| What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them? |
Every Malaysian is issued an Identification Card (IC). The IC number is often requested as a form of identification.
For foreigners, a passport number is sufficient. In fact, you'll be required by law to carry a copy of your passport with you all the times. |
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| Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away? |
| All foreigners are encouraged to register at their respective embassies. This will enable the embassy to contact you without delay in case of an emergency. It will also help you network with other people from your country of origin. |
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| What items should I avoid bringing into the country? |
Avoid bringing in the following items into the country:
- Firearms/dangerous weapons/limitation firearms (Note that there is a mandatory death sentence for illegal possession)
- Antique goods (These require a national museum permit)
- Swords (require an import permit)
- Obscene and pornographic materials
- Narcotics (Note that there is a mandatory death sentence if convicted)
- Toys resembling firearms
- Fireworks
Also note that alcohol is subject to high duties/taxes in Malaysia -- between 150 to 250 percent of the estimated value of goods, depending on the alcoholic content.
Importation of video tapes is subject to approval by the Film Censorship Board, which will view and edit the tapes before releasing them to the owners. A fee will also be levied for each tape.
Please contact Crown Kuala Lumpur for the most comprehensive, up-to-date list of restricted and prohibited items. |
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| Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally? |
| Keep in mind: every foreigner entering Malaysia must possess a passport that will remain valid for at least six months after arrival. |
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| Useful Links |
Malaysian government links/information
www.imi.gov.my |