Malaysia Dependent Visa (Dependent Pass) Guide 2026

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The Malaysia Dependent Pass allows eligible foreign professionals and international students to bring their spouse, children, and in some cases parents to live with them in Malaysia. Whether you hold an Employment Pass or a Student Pass, understanding the dependent visa process is essential for reuniting your family during your stay.

In this guide, you’ll learn who qualifies for a Malaysia Dependent Visa 2026, required documents, application procedures, processing times, costs, renewal rules, and whether dependents can work in Malaysia. Additionally, we cover the latest 2026 policy updates so you can plan with confidence.

Malaysia Dependent Pass 2026 at a Glance

✓ Available for eligible Employment Pass (Category I and II) and Student Pass holders

✓ Spouses and children under 21 can qualify

✓ Parents may qualify under Student Pass sponsorship

✓ Valid for the same duration as the sponsor’s pass

✓ Dependents cannot work without obtaining a separate work pass

✓ Processing time: 2–6 weeks

What Is the Malaysia Dependent Pass?

For international students and expatriate professionals, being separated from family can be a significant challenge. Consequently, the Malaysia Dependent Pass solves this by allowing your immediate family members to live with you for the duration of your studies or employment — at a relatively low cost.

The Malaysian Immigration Department issues this pass and links it to the validity of the sponsor’s principal pass (Employment Pass or Student Pass). Furthermore, you must renew it annually, with a maximum validity of 12 months at a time.

Who Is Eligible to Sponsor a Dependent Pass?

Eligibility depends on the type of pass the principal holder has. Specifically, as of 2026, following the Revised Expatriate Salary Policy effective 1 June 2026, only certain Employment Pass categories and Student Pass holders may apply for dependents.

Malaysia Dependent Pass — Sponsor Eligibility 2026
Sponsor Category	Monthly Salary Threshold	Dependent Pass Eligibility
Employment Pass Category I	RM10,000 and above	✓ Eligible
Employment Pass Category II	RM5,000 – RM9,999	✓ Eligible
Employment Pass Category III	Below RM5,000	✘ Not eligible (passes issued before 1 June 2026: not eligible; passes issued from 1 June 2026: subject to revised policy)
Student Pass (Master’s / PhD)	N/A	✓ Eligible
Student Pass (Bachelor’s or lower)	N/A	✘ Not eligible
Temporary Employment Pass / Professional Visit Pass	N/A	✘ Not eligible

Note: Student Pass holders can only apply for dependents if they enroll in a Master’s or PhD programme lasting more than 12 months. Moreover, the educational institution processes the application via the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) portal.

Which Family Members Qualify as Dependents?

The family members who qualify differ depending on whether the sponsor holds an Employment Pass or a Student Pass.

For Employment Pass Holders

However, for common-law spouses (unmarried), dependent parents, parents-in-law, or children over 21, you must apply for a Malaysia Long Term Social Visit Pass instead.

Malaysia Dependent Pass for International Students

Notably, Student Pass holders can bring their spouse only if their programme exceeds 12 months in duration. Therefore, Bachelor’s degree students cannot sponsor dependents under current immigration rules.

Malaysia Dependent Visa for Spouse

A spouse is defined as a legally married husband or wife under Malaysian immigration law. In particular, customary or common-law marriages are only recognised if the country where the marriage took place legally acknowledges it.

Dependent Pass for Children

Children under 18 can live and study in Malaysia on a dependent pass sponsored by their parent. Meanwhile, children aged 18 and above must apply individually for a Student Pass if they wish to study in Malaysia.

Required Documents for Malaysia Dependent Pass

Malaysia Dependent Pass Document Checklist
Document	Details
Passport-size photographs	2 photos (45mm × 35mm), white background, taken within last 3 months
Applicant’s passport copy	All pages including blank pages; valid for at least 14 months after arrival
Proof of relationship	Marriage certificate, birth certificates, adoption papers, or custody letters (translated and attested if non-English)
Sponsor’s pass copy	Copy of Employment Pass or Student Pass
Proof of financial support	Minimum RM10,000 per dependent
Insurance policy	Copy of valid health/medical insurance
Application forms	IMM.12 and IMM.38; relationship letter from embassy; confirmation letter from university (Student Pass holders)

Healthcare and Insurance for Dependents in Malaysia

Health insurance is mandatory for all dependent pass holders in Malaysia. Specifically, dependents must hold a comprehensive policy that includes hospitalisation, outpatient services, and emergency treatment. Malaysia offers both subsidised public healthcare (longer wait times) and private healthcare (preferred by most expatriates for shorter waits and premium service). Therefore, compare plans carefully to ensure adequate coverage throughout your stay.

How to Apply for a Malaysia Dependent Pass

The application process differs depending on whether you hold an Employment Pass or a Student Pass. For instance, employers handle the process for EP holders, while universities manage it for Student Pass holders.

Employment Pass Holders

1. Option 1: Apply through your employer via the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) and Xpats Gateway after the Immigration Department approves your Employment Pass.
2. Option 2: Submit the application in person at a Malaysian Immigration Department office after arriving in Malaysia.

Student Pass Holders

1. Your educational institution submits the Dependent Pass application on your behalf via the EMGS portal.
2. Subsequently, EMGS forwards the application to the Immigration Department for approval.

Malaysia Visa Approval Letter (VAL)

Before your dependents can travel to Malaysia, the Immigration Department must issue a Visa Approval Letter (VAL). After that, dependents must apply for a Visa With Reference at the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate. Upon arrival in Malaysia, they present their passports to the Immigration Department to receive the Dependent Pass sticker. In most cases, your employer or university handles passport submission for endorsement.

Malaysia Dependent Pass Fees and Processing Time

Dependent Pass Fees and Timeline
Item	Details
Processing fee	MYR 250 per dependent (non-refundable)
Journey performed fee (if in Malaysia)	MYR 500
Pass issuance fee	MYR 90 per year
Processing time	2–6 weeks
Validity	Up to 12 months; same duration as sponsor’s pass
Renewal	Annually, before expiry

Can Dependents Work in Malaysia?

No. Malaysia Dependent Pass holders cannot work. Instead, to take up employment, the dependent must convert their pass into an Employment Pass. In that case, the prospective employer submits the application to the Immigration Department’s Visa, Pass, and Permit Division. Furthermore, the new Employment Pass follows the Revised Expatriate Salary Policy requirements, including minimum salary thresholds.

Malaysia Dependent Pass Renewal Process

You must submit Dependent Pass renewals before the current pass expires to avoid overstaying penalties. Additionally, the renewal requires a valid passport, the sponsor’s active pass, proof of relationship, and applicable fees. You can submit renewal applications up to three (3) months before expiry. Typically, processing takes 2–4 weeks.

Malaysia Dependent Pass vs Long Term Social Visit Pass

Many applicants confuse the Dependent Pass with the Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP). However, they serve different purposes. Specifically, the Dependent Pass covers legally married spouses and children under 21 of EP Category I/II holders. In contrast, the LTSVP covers common-law spouses, parents, parents-in-law, and children over 21. Moreover, the LTSVP typically grants a longer stay of up to 5 years for certain categories, while the Dependent Pass follows the sponsor’s pass duration.

Common Reasons for Malaysia Dependent Pass Rejection

✘ Incomplete or missing documentation

✘ Invalid or unrecognised marriage or birth certificates

✘ Insufficient financial proof (minimum RM10,000 per dependent)

✘ Passport with less than 14 months validity

✘ Sponsor not meeting Employment Pass category requirements

✘ Incorrect document translations or lack of embassy attestation

To avoid rejection, double-check all documents before submission and ensure your sponsor meets the minimum salary requirements for their EP category.

Important Update: Revised Expatriate Salary Policy (1 June 2026)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) announced a Revised Expatriate Salary Policy effective 1 June 2026. Importantly, key changes affecting dependent pass eligibility include:

• Updated minimum salary thresholds for Employment Pass Categories I, II, and III
• EP Category III passes issued before 1 June 2026 remain ineligible to bring dependents
• EP Category III applications submitted from 1 June 2026 onwards fall under the revised policy
• The cooling-off period (COP) for EP Category III has been removed
• Salary requirements use basic salary only (allowances excluded)

For full details, refer to the official Revised Expatriate Salary Policy FAQ from the Expatriate Services Division.

How to Check Malaysia Dependent Pass Application Status

After submitting your application, you can track its progress through the relevant portal. Specifically, Employment Pass dependents can check status via the ESD/Xpats Gateway, while Student Pass dependents can use the EMGS online tracking system. Additionally, your employer or university can provide updates directly from the Immigration Department.

FAQs