Malaysia Residence Pass – Required Documents, Types, Benefits & How to Apply For Residence Pass

Malaysia Residence Pass - Required Documents, Types, Benefits & How to Apply For Residence Pass

Malaysia Residence Pass is a top-tier option for foreigners who are looking to make Malaysia their long-term home, whether for work, retirement, or family reasons. In contrast to regular visas or short-term permits, a Residence Pass allows you to live, work, invest, or retire in Malaysia for up to 10 years.

This comprehensive 2025 guide covers everything you need to know about Residence Passes, such as eligibility, benefits, and the application process.

What is the Malaysia Residence Pass?

Malaysia Residence Pass (RP) is a long-term immigration facility which allows foreigners to live and work in Malaysia for up to ten years. It is designed for people who want to settle long-term in Malaysia, not just visit or work temporarily.

Malaysians and their spouses can apply under several categories, including professionals (RP-T), investors, dependents, and retirees (MM2H).

Who Should Apply for a Residence Pass?

The following categories of people may be eligible or interested in a Residence Pass:

  • Professionals from foreign countries working in Malaysia (especially in skilled industries)
  • Retired individuals wishing to live in Malaysia under MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home)
  • Malaysian citizens with foreign spouses
  • Investing in Malaysia by high-net-worth individuals or investors
  • A Residence Pass holder’s dependents (children, spouses, parents)

How to Apply for a Malaysia Residence Pass

To apply, follow these steps:

  • Pick the right pass type (RP-T, MM2H, Spouse, Investor, etc.).
  • Depending on the type of pass you have, prepare your documents.
  • To submit the application, follow these steps:
  • RP-T: Use “TalentCorp Portal” to submit
  • MM2H: Through authorized agents or directly to the Ministry of Tourism
  • Spouse/Dependent/Investor: Submit to the Immigration Department of Malaysia
  • It may take 4–8 weeks or more for the application to be processed.
  • At the Immigration Office, receive approval and collect the Residence Pass sticker.
  • You can renew your pass near the end of its term as needed.

Types of Residence Passes in Malaysia

Malaysia offers different types of Residence Passes, each designed for a specific group of people. The breakdown is as follows:

Talent Residence Pass (RP-T)

  • High-skilled foreign professionals with an Employment Pass who already work in Malaysia can apply for this program.
  • Valid for up to 10 years, renewable.
  • It allows the holder to change employers without having to reapply.
  • Dependents include spouses and children under 18.
  • In collaboration with the Immigration Department of Malaysia, TalentCorp has issued this document.

Following are the Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • Working in Malaysia on a valid Employment Pass for at least three years.
  • A gross salary of at least RM15,000 per month.
  • No criminal record and excellent tax compliance.

Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) – Retiree & Long-Term Stay

Suitable for retirees, remote workers, or long-term residents who wish to live in Malaysia without working.

  • The program offers a 5- to 10-year renewable visa.
  • Proof of liquid assets and offshore income is required.
  • You can bring your spouse and dependent children.
  • In 2025, new financial requirements will be introduced.

Financial Requirements (West Malaysia)

  • Amount of liquid assets: RM1,500,000
  • Monthly offshore income: RM40,000
  • Placement of RM1,000,000 in a Malaysian bank (after approval)

Sabah and Sarawak offer separate MM2H programs with lower entry requirements.

Foreign Spouses of Malaysians can Apply for a Residence Pass

  • Residence facility for non-Malaysian spouses of Malaysian citizens.
  • Social Visit Passes (Long Term) are initially issued, but can be converted to Residence Passes after a few years.
  • With a work endorsement, the foreign spouse can work without a separate employment permit.
  • It is valid for a period of five to ten years and can be renewed.

Following are the Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • I am legally married to a Malaysian citizen.
  • Marriage must be recognized by the Department of National Registration (JPN).
  • Couples must reside in Malaysia with their spouses.
  • I have a clean criminal record and immigration record.

Pass for Investors and High-net-Worth Individuals

  • Awarded to foreign nationals who invest significantly in Malaysian businesses or properties.
  • Generally available through special investment schemes (like high-value real estate or government-backed projects).
  • The process is often handled by agencies like MIDA (Malaysian Investment Development Authority).
  • Depending on the investment category and the government’s current priorities, terms and eligibility will vary.

Malaysia Residence Pass by video Guide

General Requirements for Residence Pass

Documents and qualifications vary depending on the pass type, but most applicants will need to prepare the following:

  • Passport with a minimum validity of 12 months
  • Police clearance (clean criminal background)
  • Malaysian immigration history is good (no overstays or violations)
  • Relationship proof (for dependents/spouses)
  • Compliance with Malaysian tax laws (for those working there)
  • MM2H or investor proof (especially for MM2H)
  • Documents relating to employment or investments (if applicable)

Benefits of the Malaysia Residence Pass

Foreigners prefer the Residence Pass over standard visas for the following reasons:

BenefitDescription
Long ValidityValid for up to 10 years and can be renewed.
Job FlexibilityRP-T holders can change jobs without reapplying for a new visa.
Family InclusionYou can bring your spouse, children, and sometimes even parents as dependents.
Multiple Entry AccessFreely travel in and out of Malaysia without the need for frequent visa renewals.
Path to Permanent ResidencySome Residence Pass holders become eligible to apply for Malaysian Permanent Residency (PR).
Stability for Long-Term StayIdeal for foreigners who want to live full-time in Malaysia with more legal security and comfort.

FAQs About Malaysia Residence Pass

Ans: Any foreign national who falls under Regulation 16A, Immigration Regulations 1963, is eligible for a Residence Pass. CATEGORIES OF RESIDENCE PASSES. A person with family ties to a Malaysian citizen (Category 3)

Ans: A Malaysian Entry Permit can be used to obtain Permanent Residency in Malaysia. To certain categories of foreign nationals, the Malaysian government issues an Entry Permit (Malaysia PR). You will receive an Entry Permit and Identification Card (MyPR) if you are granted Malaysia permanent residency.

Applicants must meet the following criteria before being considered for the RP-T: Worked in Malaysia for at least three (3) consecutive years at the time of application. During the submission or resubmission of the application, hold a valid Employment Pass with a validity of at least 3 months.

Ans: As defined by Malaysian law, a permanent resident is someone who has been granted indefinite residency in the country. In Malaysia, the individual has the status of a permanent resident, although he or she is a citizen of another country. In other words, you won’t have to renew your visa every year, and you will be able to travel more freely as a temporary resident.

Conclusion

The Malaysia Residence Pass offers long-term stability, job flexibility, and family inclusion for foreigners. With up to 10 years of validity and a pathway to permanent residency, it’s ideal for professionals, retirees, and investors seeking to live full-time in Malaysia.

Similar Posts