Malaysia issues several categories of visas and passes depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. Whether you are coming for a short holiday, a business meeting, a university degree, or a long-term career, there is a specific visa route designed for your situation.
This guide breaks down every Malaysia visa type so you can quickly identify which one applies to you.
Overview of Malaysia Visa Categories
The Malaysian Immigration Department groups visas into short-term entry visas and long-term passes. Short-term visas cover tourism, social visits, business trips, and transit. Long-term passes cover employment, study, investment, and family reunification.
Not everyone needs a visa. Citizens of over 60 countries can enter Malaysia visa-free for stays ranging from 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality. For example, US, UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Nationals of ASEAN member states enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
If your nationality does require a visa, you will apply for one of the entry visas described below before arriving in Malaysia.
Short-Term Entry Visas
Malaysia issues three types of short-term entry visas through its embassies and consulates worldwide.
Single Entry Visa
The Single Entry Visa is the most common visa for tourists and social visitors.
- Validity: 3 months from the date of issue
- Stay: Up to 30 days per entry
- Entries: One single entry only
- Purpose: Tourism, social visits, family visits
- Cost: Varies by nationality (typically USD 20-50 at the embassy)
This visa is straightforward – you enter Malaysia once, stay up to 30 days, and the visa is used. If you leave and want to return, you need a new visa.
Multiple Entry Visa
The Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) is designed for business travelers and government officials who need to enter Malaysia several times.
- Validity: 3 to 12 months from the date of issue
- Stay: Up to 30 days per entry (extension not allowed)
- Entries: Unlimited within validity period
- Purpose: Business visits, government-to-government matters
Special cases for Indian and Chinese citizens:
– Indian nationals and citizens of the People’s Republic of China can also apply for a MEV for social visits, valid for 1 year
– Fee: RM100 for Indian citizens, RM30 for Chinese citizens
Conditions for all MEV applicants:
– Must show proof of sufficient funds for the stay
– Must possess a valid and confirmed return ticket
– Tour groups are not eligible
Transit Visa
The Transit Visa is for travelers passing through Malaysia on their way to another country.
- Validity: Up to 120 hours (5 days)
- Purpose: Transit only, continuing to a third country
Important exemption: If you are transiting through a Malaysian airport without leaving the airport premises and continuing on the same flight, you do not need a transit visa.
Malaysia eVisa and eNTRI
Malaysia offers two electronic visa options for eligible nationalities, making the application process faster and entirely online.
eVisa
The eVisa is an online visa application system available to citizens of selected countries.
- Validity: 90 days from the date of issue
- Stay: Up to 30 days total during the validity period
- Entries: Multiple entries allowed
- Application: Entirely online through the Malaysian eVisa portal
- Processing time: Usually 24-48 hours
The eVisa eliminates the need to visit an embassy in person. You submit your application, documents, and payment online, and receive the approved visa by email.
eNTRI (Electronic Travel Registration and Information)
The eNTRI is a simplified electronic registration system available exclusively to citizens of India and China.
- Validity: 3 months
- Stay: Up to 15 days per entry
- Entries: Single entry
- Application: Online registration, instant approval
- Fee: Lower than eVisa
The eNTRI is not technically a visa – it is a travel registration. However, it serves the same purpose for short visits. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on eNTRI vs eVisa.
Work Visas and Employment Passes
Foreign nationals who want to work in Malaysia need an Employment Pass, sponsored by a Malaysian employer registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). There are three categories based on salary level.
2026 Update: Starting 1 June 2026, the salary requirements for Employment Pass categories in West Malaysia are doubling. The maximum duration is also increasing significantly. These changes apply to West Malaysia only, not Sabah or Sarawak.
Employment Pass Category I
The highest-tier work visa for senior professionals and managers.
- Salary: Above RM10,000/month (increasing to RM20,000 from June 2026)
- Duration: Up to 5 years (extending to 10 years from June 2026)
- Dependents: Spouse, children under 18, and elderly parents (60+) eligible for Dependent Pass
- Scope: Live and work in West Malaysia with the sponsoring employer
Employment Pass Category II
For mid-level skilled professionals and technicians.
- Salary: RM5,000 to RM9,999/month (changing to RM10,000-19,999 from June 2026)
- Duration: Up to 2 years (extending to 10 years from June 2026)
- Dependents: Spouse, children under 18, and elderly parents (60+) eligible for Dependent Pass
- Scope: Live and work in West Malaysia with the sponsoring employer
Employment Pass Category III
For entry-level skilled workers and project-based roles.
- Salary: RM3,000 to RM4,999/month (changing to RM6,000-9,999 from June 2026)
- Duration: 1 year (extending to 5 years from June 2026)
- Dependents: Not allowed currently (will be allowed from June 2026)
- Scope: Live and work in West Malaysia, renewable up to 2 times
- Restriction: Cannot hire foreign domestic employees
Employment Pass Comparison Table
| Feature | EP Category I | EP Category II | EP Category III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary (current) | >RM10,000 | RM5,000-9,999 | RM3,000-4,999 |
| Salary (from June 2026) | >RM20,000 | RM10,000-19,999 | RM6,000-9,999 |
| Duration (current) | Up to 5 years | Up to 2 years | 1 year |
| Duration (from June 2026) | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years | Up to 5 years |
| Dependents allowed | Yes | Yes | No (Yes from June 2026) |
Professional Visit Pass (PVP)
The Professional Visit Pass is a short-term work pass for foreign experts providing services to a Malaysian company on behalf of an overseas employer.
- Duration: Up to 12 months, non-renewable
- Salary: Not salaried in Malaysia
- Dependents: Not allowed
- Eligible categories: Expertise transfer, training, exhibitions, student internships
- Restriction: Must be outside Malaysia when applying; tied to one employer/contract
Resident Pass-Talent (RP-T)
The RP-T is a premium long-term work pass for experienced professionals already working in Malaysia.
- Duration: Up to 10 years
- Salary: Minimum RM15,000/month
- Requirements: 3+ consecutive years on an Employment Pass, degree/diploma, 5+ years work experience, Malaysian income tax payer
- Key benefit: Can change employers freely without a new pass; spouse can work
- Scope: West Malaysia
Student Visa
International students enrolled at a Malaysian educational institution need a Student Pass, applied through the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) system.
- Duration: Follows the length of the study program
- Sponsor: The educational institution applies on behalf of the student
- Requirements: Offer letter from institution, proof of funds, medical examination, clean background check
- Work rights: Limited part-time work allowed (up to 20 hours/week during semester breaks)
The Student Pass application is initiated by the institution, not the student. Once approved, the student receives a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) and can enter Malaysia to collect their pass.
Long-Term Residency Programs
Malaysia offers several programs for foreigners who want to live in the country long-term without traditional employment.
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
The MM2H program is a long-term residency scheme for retirees and families.
- Duration: 10-year visit pass, renewable
- Age requirement: Minimum 35 years old
- Stay requirement: 90 days per year in Malaysia (main applicant and spouse)
- Financial requirements: Fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank (amount varies by tier)
- Work rights: Not permitted to work in Malaysia
- Family: Spouse, children (unmarried, under 21), parents, and parents-in-law can be included
MM2H does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. It is a renewable long-term visit pass.
Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)
The PVIP is Malaysia’s investment-based residency program, offering the longest visa duration available.
- Duration: 20-year visa, issued in 5-year tranches
- Income requirement: Offshore income of at least RM40,000/month (RM480,000/year)
- Investment: RM1,000,000 fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank (up to RM500,000 withdrawable after year 1 for property, education, or medical expenses)
- Participation fee: RM200,000 (plus RM100,000 per dependent)
- Age requirement: None
- Stay requirement: None (no minimum stay)
- Work rights: Can work, invest, and run a business in Malaysia
PVIP does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.
Digital Nomad Visa (De Rantau)
Malaysia’s De Rantau program targets remote workers and digital professionals.
- Duration: 1 year + 1 year renewal (up to 2 years total)
- Income requirement: Minimum USD 24,000/year for tech talent, USD 60,000/year for non-tech talent
- Scope: West Malaysia (Sarawak has a separate scheme for tech talent only)
- Purpose: Live and work remotely from Malaysia
Family and Dependent Visas
Foreigners with family ties to Malaysia or to Employment Pass holders have several visa options.
Dependent Pass
Available to the spouse and children under 18 of an Employment Pass holder. The pass duration follows the principal EP holder’s validity. The sponsoring EP holder must be in good standing with immigration.
Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP)
For foreign nationals who are:
– Married to a Malaysian citizen (or child of Malaysian under 18, or elderly dependent over 60)
– Undergoing medical treatment in Malaysia
If the sponsor is Malaysian, the LTSVP can be indefinite. Requires a Malaysian sponsor or guarantor.
Permanent Residency
Malaysia grants permanent residency (PR) on a discretionary basis through several routes:
– Spouse of Malaysian married for 5+ years and living in Malaysia
– Points-based system (age, qualifications, language proficiency)
– High-net-worth investors
– Exceptional skills/talent
PR grants indefinite stay and work rights equivalent to Malaysian citizens. However, Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship.
Quick Guide: Which Malaysia Visa Do You Need?
| Your Situation | Visa Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday or sightseeing | Visa-free entry or Single Entry Visa | Up to 30-90 days |
| Business meetings/trip | Multiple Entry Visa | 3-12 months |
| Transit through Malaysia | Transit Visa (or visa-free if staying in airport) | Up to 5 days |
| Work in Malaysia | Employment Pass (EP I, II, or III) | 1-10 years |
| Study at Malaysian university | Student Pass (via EMGS) | Duration of program |
| Retire in Malaysia | MM2H | 10 years |
| Invest and live in Malaysia | PVIP | 20 years |
| Work remotely from Malaysia | De Rantau Digital Nomad Visa | Up to 2 years |
| Join a spouse who works in Malaysia | Dependent Pass | Tied to principal pass |
| Join Malaysian spouse/family | Long-Term Social Visit Pass | Indefinite |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Malaysia?
No. US citizens can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or social visits. You need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. You must also complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at least 3 days before arrival.
How can I get a 10-year visa in Malaysia?
There are two main routes to a 10-year visa: the MM2H program (for retirees, requires financial deposits and 90 days/year stay) and the Resident Pass-Talent (RP-T) (for professionals who have worked in Malaysia on an Employment Pass for 3+ years with a salary above RM15,000/month). From June 2026, Employment Pass Categories I and II will also be extendable up to 10 years.
Can I live in Malaysia as a foreigner?
Yes, through several pathways: Employment Pass (work-based), MM2H (retirement/lifestyle), PVIP (investment-based, 20-year visa), Student Pass (education), or Long-Term Social Visit Pass (family ties). The PVIP and MM2H offer the longest stays without employment requirements, but neither leads to permanent residency.
How much does a Malaysia visa cost?
Costs vary by visa type and nationality:
– Single Entry Visa: Approximately USD 20-50 at the embassy
– Multiple Entry Visa: RM100 for Indian citizens, RM30 for Chinese citizens
– eVisa: Varies by nationality, typically USD 20-50
– eNTRI: Lower than eVisa
– Employment Pass: Application fees set by the Immigration Department (employer pays)
– MM2H: Financial deposit requirements plus application fees
– PVIP: RM200,000 participation fee plus RM1,000,000 fixed deposit
How long can I stay in Malaysia?
It depends on your visa or nationality:
– Visa-free entry: 14 to 90 days depending on your nationality
– Single Entry Visa: Up to 30 days
– eVisa: Up to 30 days
– Employment Pass: 1 to 10 years (renewable)
– Student Pass: Duration of your study program
– MM2H: 10 years (renewable)
– PVIP: 20 years (in 5-year tranches)
Overstaying your permitted duration is a serious offense in Malaysia and can result in fines, detention, and future entry bans.
