Visa length

  • Tourist Visa (Single/Multiple Entry Visa): Allows stays of up to 30 to 90 days, depending on nationality.
  • Temporary Residence Permit (Employment Pass, Student Pass, MM2H Visa): Typically valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on visa type and purpose.
  • Permanent Residence Permit: Grants indefinite stay but requires renewal every 5 years for administrative purposes.

Visa cost

  • Tourist Visa: Costs range from $11 to $46, depending on nationality.
  • Temporary Residence Permit: Application fees vary by visa type but typically range from $23 to $234.
  • Permanent Residence Permit: Costs approximately $234.

Visa extension

  • Tourist Visa: Can be extended in special circumstances by applying at an immigration office.
  • Temporary Residence Permit: Renewable before expiration if eligibility is maintained.
  • Permanent Residence Permit: Does not expire but requires renewal every 5 years for administrative purposes.

Visa processing time

  • Tourist Visa: Processing takes approximately 5 to 10 business days.
  • Temporary Residence Permit: Processing takes around 2 to 6 months, depending on visa type.
  • Permanent Residence Permit: Processing takes approximately 1 to 2 years.

Who can apply?

  • Tourist Visa: Citizens of countries requiring a visa for short visits to Malaysia.
  • Temporary Residence Permit: Individuals staying for work, study, business, retirement (MM2H program), or family reunification.
  • Permanent Residence Permit: Eligible individuals include those who have legally resided in Malaysia for 5 years or meet special conditions (e.g., investors, highly skilled professionals, spouses of Malaysians).

Where to apply?

Applications can be submitted at Malaysian embassies, consulates, or the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

How to apply:

  1. Complete the visa or residence permit application form.
  2. Gather required documents (passport, photos, proof of income, sponsorship letters, etc.).
  3. Pay the visa or permit fee.
  4. Schedule an appointment (if necessary) for biometrics and interviews.
  5. Wait for processing and receive approval.

Minimum income requirements

  • Tourist visas do not have specific financial requirements.
  • Temporary Residence Permit applicants must prove sufficient income, which varies by visa type.
  • Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Visa: Requires applicants to have liquid assets of at least $84,000 and a monthly income of $8,400.

Popular cities

  • Kuala Lumpur – The capital city and financial hub.
  • George Town (Penang) – A cultural and culinary hotspot.
  • Johor Bahru – A rapidly developing city near Singapore.
  • Kota Kinabalu – A gateway to nature and adventure tourism.
  • Malacca – A historical city with colonial heritage.

Minimum income requirements

  • Malay – The official language.
  • English – Widely spoken, especially in business and tourism.
  • Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien) – Spoken by the Chinese community.
  • Tamil – Spoken by the Indian community.

Average internet speeds

  • Fixed broadband: Average download speed of approximately 90 Mbps.
  • Mobile internet: Average download speed of around 50 Mbps.