Are you already calling Malaysia home but want to make it official? You're not alone. Knowing how to get permanent residency in Malaysia is usually the next step for numerous foreigners who have established themselves as homeowners or successful professionals in this Southeast Asian gem.
However, navigating Malaysia's immigration process and permanent residency can be pretty difficult. That's why we've compiled this guide, which discusses Malaysian permanent residency, eligibility, application process requirements, and other details. Start your journey to a new life in this beautiful country today!
Malaysia Permanent Residency
Foreign nationals with the legal right to reside in Malaysia indefinitely are known as Malaysian Permanent Residents. This means no more visa applications and a variety of privileges unavailable to foreigners on short-term licenses and passes.
Holders of a Malaysian PR have most of the same rights as Malaysian citizens, including the ability to reside in the country forever, enter and go freely, seek employment, and own businesses. The most important thing to remember is that, unlike citizens, permanent residents are expressly barred from partaking in any political activities. This means, among other things, that they are not eligible to vote in elections.
Malaysia Permanent Residency Eligibility
As we shall examine below, numerous routes exist to becoming a permanent resident in Malaysia. Nonetheless, they often have the same prerequisites: at least five years of continuous residency in Malaysia before your PR application is considered. This may be done under any legitimate document, including a long-term or working visa. The following are the five ways to become a permanent resident in Malaysia:
- Investor
- Professional
- Expert
- Spouse of a Malaysian Citizen
- Point-based System
Investor
Immigrant investor schemes are used in many nations to draw in capital and advance national growth. So, if you’re wondering how to get permanent residency in Malaysia, investing is one way. Investors receive citizenship or permanent residence as compensation.
Despite popular belief, high net-worth individuals have a far simpler time gaining permanent residency (PR) than spouses married to a Malaysian. To become a permanent resident in Malaysia through investing, you must:
- Open a Fixed Deposit (FD) account with a minimum of USD 2 million at any Malaysian bank. This amount can only be withdrawn after five years.
- Be sponsored by a law-abiding citizen of Malaysia.
Professional
If you are a highly qualified professional, you may be eligible for Malaysian permanent residency if you also meet the following requirements:
- You have at least three years of experience working for a private or public Malaysian company.
- A reputable Malaysian organization in your field has recommended you.
- Your home country issues you a Certificate of Good Conduct.
Expert
Don't worry if you don't have the funds to enter through the investor route. Being an expert in a field is another way to get permanent residency in Malaysia. Professionals with licenses to practice law and medicine can also obtain a PR in this manner.
However, obtaining a PR in this manner differs in that you must demonstrate to immigration authorities the value and potential contribution of your skill set. This implies that references for your PR from a suitable Malaysian agency are required in addition to official papers and licensure.
- You must first get a recommendation from a Malaysian local agency.
- You must also provide a Certificate of Good Conduct and a recommendation from your country of origin. This is available from your nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Malaysian High Commission.
- A law-abiding Malaysian citizen will be required to sponsor you.
Spouse of a Malaysian Citizen
No, you do not get a pass just because you married a Malaysian citizen. You must follow a few procedures. Spouses of Malaysian nationals who wish to get permanent residence must:Â
- Have been in Malaysia for five years and have a Long Term Visit Pass.
- Be sponsored by your Malaysian spouse.
Point-based System
If a foreign national does not fit into any of the abovementioned categories, Malaysia provides them with an additional route to permanent residency. This is the last option for getting permanent residency in Malaysia.
Suppose you meet the additional requirements and have been residing in Malaysia for several years with a Malaysian work permit. In that case, your points are accrued based on your performance in the following categories under the Malaysia point-based system for Malaysian PR:
- Your age
- Your qualifications
- How long you plan to spend in Malaysia
- The extent of your familiarity with the Malaysia Institute
- The amount you have invested
- Your professional background in Malaysia
- Your ability to speak Bahasa Malaysia
To be eligible to apply, you must receive at least 65 points out of a possible 120 points. For example, if you are within the age range of 36 to 60, you must have a higher score than individuals younger than 36 or older than 60. Also, a PhD is evaluated more highly than a master's, bachelor's, etc.
Requirements for Malaysia Permanent Residency
You must notify the Malaysian Immigration Department in Putrajaya of your decision to apply for permanent residency in Malaysia. You will receive a document checklist and all the necessary forms to collect. After obtaining every document on the checklist, you must turn it in at the Immigration Department. The list of required documents may vary based on your particular situation, but it generally includes:
- Form IMM.4 (Available at the immigration department of Malaysia)
- Two passport-size pictures of you
- Two passport-size pictures of your sponsor
- A personalised cover letter
- Recommendation from the Relevant Agency in Malaysia (for Expert and Professional categories)
- A Marriage Decree Letter for spouses of Malaysian citizens
- Photocopies of marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Photocopies of Employment Pass (if applicable)
- Complete photocopy of your passport
- Photocopies of birth certificates for your children (if applicable)
- Any additional documents, such as proof of funds, medical insurance coverage, etc.
How to Apply for a Malaysian Permanent Residency
After knowing the different ways to get permanent residency in Malaysia, the next step is to apply. Here are some things to anticipate when applying for permanent Malaysian residence. Please note that more documents may be needed depending on your case. Simply contact your state's immigration office if you're in doubt.
- Send the required paperwork to the State Immigrations Office. The officials will give you the checklist.
- Experts and investors must report to the Immigrations Department Headquarters in Putrajaya; all other categories must report to the State Immigrations Office in their respective jurisdiction.
- You must submit your recommendation from the appropriate agency at the time of application, if necessary.
- The immigration department will interview you and your sponsor after filing your paperwork.
Congratulations on starting the lengthy and complex process of obtaining a PR in Malaysia! After that, you can use this link to verify the status of your application.
Cost of Obtaining Malaysia Permanent Residency
There is a simple application fee to apply for permanent residence in Malaysia. Just processing your documents will cost you RM40 (11 USD) upfront. However, the expenses may vary depending on several factors. For instance, the initial application fee ranges from RM 300 to RM 1000, or roughly USD 70 to USD 215.
Furthermore, medical examination fees vary from RM 100 to RM 300. The Immigration Department will notify you of any additional document processing fees that may be applicable. You can pay with a credit card or a debit card.
Remember that if you seek permanent residence through the investor route, you must deposit a minimum of USD 2 million into a Fixed Deposit (FD) account at any Malaysian bank. This amount is only accessible after five years. Even if you are not wealthy, you must show that you can sustain yourself financially or are in good financial condition.
Processing Time for Malaysia Permanent Residency
Applications for permanent residency in Malaysia must undergo a drawn-out and time-consuming approval process. Approval usually comes six months to three years after the application. However, the application procedure might go faster for citizens or highly qualified people.
Malaysia, My Second Home Program
Apart from permanent residency, one well-liked program is Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H). The MM2H residence visa permits the holder to live in Malaysia for a maximum of ten years, along with their family members. However, to participate in this program, the holder of the residence permit and their family members must be financially stable enough to sustain themselves.
After fulfilling specific requirements, participants in this program can apply for permanent residence (PR). They are initially granted a 10-year multiple-entry visa. This program has some financial requirements, including:
1. If the candidate is under 50, he must have a monthly income of at least $10,000 from a non-Malaysian source and at least $135,000 in cash or comparable assets.
2. If the candidate is older than fifty, they must have assets valued at least USD 95,000 or a minimum monthly income of $3,000 from a pension or other financial source.
Furthermore, candidates over 50 must create a bank account in Malaysia and make a minimum deposit of USD 40,000. For the first year, you can withdraw up to USD 13,000, but you must always keep USD 27,000 in the account.
Benefits of Malaysia Permanent Residency
The advantages of being a Permanent Resident in Malaysia are not as many as those of Malaysian citizens, such as voting and participating in political and governmental activities. However, there are several benefits, such as:
1. Applicants can work and change their employment and employers without needing to apply for an Employment Permit.
2. Access to public healthcare
3. Exemption from immigration and visa rules for entering and leaving the nation.
4. Establish and run a business of your own.
Conclusion
There you have it—all you need to know about getting permanent residency in Malaysia. By mastering the process, individuals can unlock a future of growth and exploration in this diverse nation.
