Malaysia : Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa and/or work permit?

Malaysia has stringent laws prohibiting foreigners from working in the country without authorisation and frequently detains or deports illegal workers. Therefore, visitors and expatriates should strictly follow immigration laws and regulations.

All people entering Malaysia must possess valid national passports or other internationally recognised travel documents valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Malaysia. UK nationals on social and business purposes can visit Malaysia for up to three months without a visa, with the possibility of a two-month extension.

To stay in the country for longer or to work during your stay, you will need to be studying and have an offer from a university, or a sponsor, usually an employer. As well as the necessary entry visa, you will also need one of the following entry or work passes:

• employment pass: for contract employment for a minimum of two years. This must be submitted by a local employer;
• dependent pass: issued to the wife and children of anyone who has been granted an employment pass;
• student pass: issued to any foreigner who enrols as a student in any approved educational institution. The institution will help you apply for this;
• professional visit pass: issued to foreigners who wish to engage in short-term employment with agencies or voluntary work.

If you are not a UK national, contact the Malaysian embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the High Commission of Malaysia, London .

You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Malaysia.

How do I apply for a visa and/or work permit?

Necessary visas should be obtained before entering the country. The documentation for a work permit can be a tricky and often lengthy process. You should use the information provided by the Immigration Department of Malaysia . If you have gained work, your employer should organise your work permit for you.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

The Malaysian Government is backing a scheme called Malaysia My Second Home , which encourages foreigners who fulfil specific criteria to remain in the country on a multiple-entry social visit pass. This is initially for ten years but can be renewed.