Malaysia Residence Pass – Requirements and Application
Are you a foreigner who has lived in Malaysia for not less than three years? If yes, you are qualified to apply for the Malaysia residence pass.
The Malaysia Residence Pass is a pass that allows foreigners to own properties and apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Malaysia. The pass is being issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department and is valid for ten years.
One exciting advantage of the Malaysian residence pass is that you will be exempted from paying income tax on your foreign earned income, and you will have the opportunity to live in the country with your loved ones.
This article will enlighten you on what living in Malaysia looks like, the eligibility criteria for obtaining the Malaysia residence pass, the requirements, and how to apply for the pass. Stay with us.
Living in Malaysia
Malaysia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and friendly people. The climate is tropical, so it’s warm all year round. There are plenty of things to do and see, from hiking in the jungle to exploring ancient temples. The food is also fantastic, with various influences from Chinese to Indian cuisine. Overall, it’s a great place to live.
The cost of living is relatively low, and the quality of life is high. There are also many opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Eligibility criteria for the Malaysia Residence Pass
Without a doubt, you will only be eligible for the Malaysia Residence Pass if you satisfy any of the following conditions:
- Live in Malaysia for at least three years.
- Your employment pass is valid for at least three months at the time of your application.
- You have the intellectual and high achievement in the profession to develop the economy of Malaysia.
- An employee in Malaysia. Note that you must earn a monthly salary of not less than RM 15,000, excluding allowances and bonuses.
- Also, you are eligible for the Malaysian residents pass if you have a work experience of not less than five years.
- In addition, if you hold an academic qualification from a recognized educational institution, you will be eligible for the pass.
- Likewise, you will be granted the pass if you have been paying your income tax for not less than two years in Malaysia.
- Lastly, you will be granted a pass if you have an income tax file number in Malaysia.
Note that if you are an exclusive worker who has skills in the following industries: Oil, Gas & Energy, Business Services, Education, Palm Oil and Rubber, Tourism, Wholesale and Retail, Healthcare, Financial Services, Communications, Content and Infrastructure, Electrical & Electronics, and Agriculture, you are most likely to receive the Malaysia residence pass.
The sectors listed above are included in the National Key Economic Areas and are described by the Government of Malaysia as an Economic Transformation Programme.
Requirements for the Malaysian Residence Pass
The Malaysian Residence Pass has its specific requirements and documentation. Here are the essentials you need to meet and the documents you need to submit for a successful application:
#1. Visit-pass application form
The visit-pass Application Form is the IMM12 application form you must get online. Ensure to input all your details correctly, print it out, and sign towards the end of the form.
#2. Residence Pass application form
The residence pass application form is Form IMM16. You can also get the form online. Endeavor to put in your correct information, print it out, and sign towards the end of the form.
#3. Malaysia Sponsor Form
A sponsor form is a declaration of support for your resident pass application. Note that this form must include your relationship with your sponsor and proof of sponsorship.
#4. A No Objection Letter
You must receive the no objection letter from your current employer to obtain the Malaysia residence pass.
#5. Photocopies of all the pages on your passport
Without a doubt, you must provide at least two photocopies of all the pages you have on your international passport or travel document.
#6. Passport-size pictures
Also, you need to present at least three passport-size photographs taken in front of a light blue background. Note that you must not put on any appearance that will truncate your original look. Likewise, it would help if you did not put on any headgear or face cap for your passport picture.
#7. Educational certificates
In addition to your photocopies, you must provide copies of the educational certificates you’ve earned over the years. Ensure to input the photocopies in the order of your current educational achievement.
#8. A copy of your work contract
Likewise, you must provide evidence of your work contract, which could be your employment plans with your employer in Malaysia, to obtain the Malaysia residence pass.
#9. Your CV
Significantly, your curriculum vitae must be updated and correct to apply for the pass. In addition, you must include your statements of work experience, educational background skills, etc.
#10. Copy of your salary slips
The copy of the salary slip you must provide for your residence pass must be obtained from the last three months. The salary slip must indicate the amount of money you earn monthly, excluding your bonuses. In addition, you can provide a copy of your tax declaration slip from the past two years.
#11. Letters of recommendation
The letter of accommodation you must obtain for the Malaysia residence pass must be a testimonial from your past employer, lecturer, or other relevant bodies.
#12. Requirements for your dependents
In case you’d by applying for your dependent child or spouse, you must include the following documents:
- Photocopies of their passport pages
- Copy of birth or marriage certificate. Note that the copy must be endorsed by the Malaysian embassy in your country as a Certified True Copy (CTC).
- At least three passport-size pictures.
Note that all their documents must be in English. If not, they must be translated by the relevant bodies and then submitted with the original copy for sighting.
How to apply for Malaysia Residence Pass
Applying for the Malaysian residence pass is somewhat easy, and we are here to make it easier. Follow the steps to apply for the pass.
Step one: Apply online.
It is noteworthy that you can apply for the Malaysian residence pass online. First, you must visit the country’s official website, where you must attach all the required documents for your application. Once your application is thorough, you can print it out and move to the next step.
Step two: Pay the processing fee
The processing fee for the Malaysia residence pass is about RM300. You can make the payments online with a MasterCard or Visa card.
Step three:Â Wait for the processing of your pass.
Within weeks, the embassy will process your residence pass. Once this is done, you may have to pay an additional fee of RM2,000 for your application to be issued. You must make the payment and make your passport available to the immigration department of Malaysia for stamping your visa with the resident pass sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get residence in Malaysia?
There are a few ways to get residence in Malaysia. One way is to get a work visa, which allows you to live and work in Malaysia for up to two years. Another way is to get a student visa, which will enable you to study in Malaysia for up to four years. Finally, you can also apply for a long-term social visit pass, which allows you to stay in Malaysia for up to ten years.
Is it easy to get residency in Malaysia?
There is no specific process for obtaining residency in Malaysia, but it is not difficult to do so. The requirements vary depending on your nationality and the type of residency you seek. Still, in general, you will need to have a valid passport and a reason for wanting to reside in Malaysia (such as work or study). You may also need to provide proof of financial stability and health insurance.
How can I become a citizen of Malaysia?
There are a few requirements you must meet to become a Malaysian citizen. Firstly, you must be of sound mind and at least 21 years old. You must also have lived in Malaysia for a continuous period of 12 months and be able to speak and write in one of the official languages of Malaysia. Finally, it would help if you had good moral character and must not have been convicted of any criminal offense. You can apply for citizenship by naturalization if you meet all these requirements.
Can I immigrate to Malaysia easily?
It might not be easy to migrate to Malaysia. The process is long and complicated, and you must meet many requirements to be eligible for a visa.
Can foreigners retire in Malaysia?
Yes, foreigners can retire in Malaysia. However, a few requirements must be met, such as having a valid passport and being 55 years old. Additionally, retirees must have a monthly income of at least RM10,000 or a lump sum of RM500,000.
Conclusion
The most common type of residence pass is the Malaysian Permanent Residence pass, which allows you to live and work in Malaysia indefinitely. To be eligible for the pass, you must meet the requirements stated in this prose.
