Malaysia Visa Application

Malaysia offers several types of visas for tourists, students, workers, and long-term residents on 2026. Depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, you may need to apply for a Malaysia visa before entering the country. Despite visa requirements, don’t forget about MDAC form before entering the country.

This guide explains the different types of Malaysia visas, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and important information for international visitors planning to travel, study, work, or live in Malaysia.

Malaysia Visa at a Glance

• Required for citizens of certain countries
• Available for tourism, study, work, and long-term stays
• Apply through Malaysian embassies or eVisa
• Processing requirements vary by visa type

Who Needs a Malaysia Visa?

Whether you need a visa to enter Malaysia depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay.
Citizens of most countries can travel to Malaysia without obtaining a visa in advance for short-term tourism, business meetings, or social visits. However, travelers from visa-required countries must secure a valid Malaysia visa before arrival.

Even if you are eligible for visa-free entry, you must still meet Malaysia’s immigration requirements upon arrival. Immigration officers may request supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details, and a return or onward ticket and MDAC approval.

Visitors planning to study, work, conduct long-term business activities, or stay in Malaysia for an extended period must obtain the appropriate visa or pass before traveling. Requirements vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of citizenship.

Malaysia Visa Types

The Malaysian government offers foreign citizens three (3) different categories of visas based on the entry times.

Single Entry Visa

This visa type, typically issued to foreign nationals traveling to Malaysia for social or business purposes, includes a single entry restriction and remains valid for three (3) months or less from the date of issue.

Multiple Entry Visa

Malaysia issues this type of visa to foreign nationals traveling to Malaysia for business or official purposes. It usually holds validity between three and twelve months from the date of issuance. Citizens of India and the People’s Republic of China can request a Multiple Entry Visa if they intend to visit Malaysia for social purposes.

Multiple entry visas remain valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. Each entry permits a stay of no more than thirty (30) consecutive days, and no extensions are allowed

• The applicant must provide evidence of having enough money to stay in Malaysia.
• The applicant must have a genuine, working return ticket.
• There is no eligibility for tour groups to qualify for a multiple entry visa.

Transit Visa

Foreign nationals who enter Malaysia while traveling to another nation are given this. Foreign nationals who are traveling to their destination country on the same airplane that brought them to Malaysia and who will not be leaving the airport grounds do not need a transit visa.

In the other point of view, Malaysia Visas can grouped in following categories based on the purpose of visa.

Student Visa

International students must obtain a Student Pass before traveling to Malaysia. The pass allows you to legally study at a Malaysian university, college, or language school.

Your student pass must be renewed at least 1.5 months prior to the pass stated expiration date because it is only valid for one year. In comparison to other countries, Malaysia’s annual student visa expenses, which are roughly RM 60 ($16), are completely reasonable.

Dependent Pass

You are able to request a Dependent Pass for your close relatives (parents, spouse and children only). Your dependents will be given a Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) from Immigration for a maximum of 12 months at a time. Only as long as the student possesses a current Student Pass will the LTSVP be valid.

MM2H Visa

The Malaysian government promotes Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program, which enables foreigners who meet specific requirements to remain in Malaysia for as long as possible on a multiple-entry social visit pass.

The original validity of the social visit pass is ten years, and it is renewable.

No matter their ethnicity, religion, gender, age, or nationality, residents of any nations recognized by Malaysia are eligible to apply. As dependents, candidates may bring their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21.

Social Visa

The Malaysian government gives foreign nationals a social visa if they require a visa to enter Malaysia for social, business, or government-to-government purposes. This visa can cover a single entrance or repeated entries for up to a year (the validity duration aligns with the expiration dates of the work permit and/or passport) (for those holding a Social Visit Pass or a LTVP valid for less than 3 months).

Work Visa

A variety of visas are available for applicants when applying for a work permit in Malaysia, depending on their employment and qualifications. Here they are:

Employment Pass: The Malaysian government issues this permit to employees possessing certain skills, typically for managerial or technical positions.

Temporary Employment Pass: The Malaysian authorities award this pass to foreign nationals employed for fewer than two years or earning less than RM 5000.

Professional Visit Pass: The government issues this document to those continuing to work for the same employer in their home country but needing to visit Malaysia for business purposes for up to six months.

How to Apply for Malaysia Visa

You can apply for a visa at the nearest Malaysian Embassies and High Commissions Office abroad. Alternatively, there’s an online option through the e-VISA Portal for tourists, expatriates, students, and medical tourists from ten specific countries (People’s Republic of China (PRC), India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Serbia, and Montenegro).

Application for a Visa Without Reference

The documents needed for a Visa Without Reference application (where visa approval is granted by Malaysian Embassies and High Commissions Office Abroad) include:

1. Your original passport.
2. Two photocopies of your passport.
3. Two photocopies of the visa application form (Form IMM.47).
4. Two passport-size photographs of yourself.
5. Your original and two photocopies of the confirmed and returned ticket.
6. Your bank statement or traveler’s cheque.
7. An invitation letter (if applicable).
8. The required visa fee.

Application for a Visa With Reference

For a Visa With Reference application (where the visa is issued after the application is referred and approved by the Immigration Department of Malaysia or other authorized agencies), the required documents are as follows:

1. The original approval letter from the Immigration Department of Malaysia or other authorized agencies.
2. Your original passport.
3. Two photocopies of your passport.
4. Two photocopies of the visa application form (Form IMM.47).
5. Two passport-size photographs of yourself.
6. Your original air ticket and two photocopies.
7. Payment of the visa fee.

FAQs

Malaysia offers visa options for tourists, students, professionals, and long-term residents. Before applying, make sure you understand the requirements for your specific visa category and prepare the necessary documents in advance. Choosing the correct visa type can help ensure a smooth entry and stay in Malaysia.