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Malaysia Dependent Visa

Malaysia Dependent Visa

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If you’re coming to Malaysia for work or study, you can bring your family with you using the Malaysian Dependent Pass, also known as the Dependent Visa for Malaysia.

However, not everyone who has a work or student pass can bring their family to Malaysia. Also, there are rules about which family members you can bring.

Studying in a foreign country is challenging more when you miss your family. Bringing your family is an option for international students they can use with low costs.

dependent visa Malaysia: is a visa that let you visit and remain with a member of your family who is living, working, or attending school in Malaysia if you have a dependent pass (visa) for Malaysia.

Who is Eligible?

As a reader, you are undoubtedly interested in knowing about the exact eligibility requirements for the Malaysian Dependent Visa.

This section will go into detail on who qualifies as a dependent, any age restrictions, and the relationship criteria between the principal visa holder and the dependents.

  • A Category 1 holder of an Employment pass (in a key role in the company and with a monthly salary of at least RM10,000).
  • A Category 2 holder of an Employment Pass (in a managerial and professional position in a company and with a monthly salary between RM5,000 and RM9,999).
  • A holder of a Malaysia Student Pass who is enrolled in master and doctoral programs/PhD at a Malaysian university.

It is not possible to apply for a Dependent Pass for family members of Employment Pass Category 3, Temporary Employment Pass, or Professional Visit Pass holders.

It is prohibited for holders of Student Passes who are enrolled in BA-level or lower coursework or in a language program to apply for a Dependent Pass Malaysia for their family members.

Do You Need Information about Malaysia Dependent Pass?

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Family Visa Malaysia

Malaysia dependent visa for parents 2024

An important question you may ask is that “what family members can you bring to Malaysia?”

If you have a valid Malaysia Employment Pass, any of the following members of your family may apply for a Malaysia Dependent Pass:

  • Your husband or wife, if one exists legally
  • Malaysia dependent visa for child : Children under the age of 21 (biological, adopted, or stepchild)
  • Dependent children of any age (if they have a physical or mental disability rendering them dependent on you)

You must apply for the Malaysia Long Term Social Visit Pass if you intend to bring your common-law spouse (unmarried), dependent parents, parents-in-law, or children over 21.

You can apply for a Malaysia Dependent Pass for the following family members if you have a Student Pass:

  • Your spouse, as defined by law
  • Your kids under the age of 21 (biological, adopted, or stepchild)
  • dependent kids, irrespective of age (if they have a physical or mental disability rendering them dependent on you)
  • Your parents

Malaysia Dependent Visa for Wife 2024

Malaysia Dependent Visa for Wife 2024

The men who have Malaysia student visas or valid Malaysia employment passes can bring their wives to Malaysia if they exist legally. A spouse is a legally married husband or wife, as defined by Malaysian immigration law. A customary or common law marriage is only regarded as valid under Malaysian immigration law if the country in which the couple was married recognized it as such.

wives can only be brought by their husbands with Student Passes whose courses are more than 12 months in length according to Malaysia dependent visa for spouse.

An international postgraduate student from any country is qualified to receive a dependent pass.

An undergraduate husband in Malaysia coming from only specific countries will be allowed to bring his wife with a student visa:

  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • Bahrain
  • Turkey
  • Qatar
  • Azerbaijan
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Kuwait
  • Yemen
  • Iran
  • Syria
  • Oman
  • Jordan
  • Lebanon
  • Iraq
  • Libya
  • Maldives

Malaysia dependent visa for parents 2024

The right to request dependent passes on behalf of one’s parents belongs to all postgraduate students enrolled in both public and private universities.

Only those undergraduate students who are nationals of the following nations and are pursuing a bachelor’s degree are qualified to apply for dependent passes on behalf of their parents:

  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • Bahrain
  • Turkey
  • Qatar
  • Azerbaijan
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Kuwait
  • Yemen
  • Iran
  • Syria
  • Oman
  • Jordan
  • Lebanon
  • Iraq
  • Libya
  • Maldives

Dependent Pass Application for International Students’ Children

Children under the age of 18 can continue to live and study in Malaysia as long as they have a dependent permit issued by their parents.

If their parents are overseas students and they are 18 years old or older, they must apply individually for a student permit in order to study in Malaysia.

Requirements for a Malaysia Dependent Pass

The following documents are needed to apply for a Malaysia Dependent Pass:

1- two current portraits of the applicant the size of a passport (As per the Malaysia dependent visa photo requirements, the photographs submitted must meet the following specifications):

  • 35mm × 50mm
  • Color: Colored
  • Head must occupy the central position
  • Must be captured within the last 3 months
  • Background: Solid, plain white or grey
  • 80% face coverage
  • Neutral expression
  • Glasses: Thin framed and prescription glasses only
  • Headgears – only for religious reasons
  • Facial hair – permitted

2- a complete copy of each member of your family’s passport, including the front and back covers, the personal information pages, any visas you have been issued, and any blank pages. (The passport must remain in force for at least a year after the scheduled arrival date in Malaysia.)

3- Evidence of family ties, such as:

  • a marriage license for legally married people
  • birth certificates for the parents and children
  • child’s letter of custody (if applicable)
  • documents for the child’s adoption (if applicable)

4- A duplicate of your student or work pass

5- Dependent Pass payment sent via bank transfer to the Immigration Department

6- The application for a Malaysian visa in two copies (IMM.12 and IMM.38) relational ties (for Student Pass holders) confirmation letter from the college or university (for Student Pass holders)

Why Should My Passport Be Valid for Six Months If I Will Stay Abroad for Shorter Duration?

To ensure travelers don’t overstay in a foreign country, a six-month passport validity requirement is in place. Consider the scenario where your passport expires while you are abroad. In such cases, you can’t return to your home country until you obtain an emergency travel document. This rule, known as the “six/three-month passport validity” rule, was established to prevent such situations.

What Can I do or Not Do with Malaysia Dependent Pass?

1-If you are studying for a Certificate and/or Diploma level, you are not allowed to bring in dependents.
2-You can apply for a Dependent Pass for your immediate family members (Parents, Spouse and Children only) through EMGS.

What Countries need the Six-Month Passport Validity Requirement?

Afghanistan
Guyana
Samoa
Algeria
Indonesia
Saudi Arabia
Anguilla
Iran
Singapore
Bahrain
Iraq
Solomon Islands
Bhutan
Israel
Somalia
Botswana
Jordan
Somaliland
British Virgin Islands
Kenya
Sri Lanka
Brunei
Kiribati
Sudan
Canada
Laos
Suriname
Cambodia
Madagascar
Taiwan
Cameroon
Malaysia
Tanzania
Cayman Islands
Marshall Islands
Thailand
Central African Republic
Micronesia
Timor-Leste
Chad
Myanmar
Tokelau
Comoros
Namibia
Tonga
Côte D’Ivoire
Nicaragua
Tuvalu
Curacao
Nigeria
Uganda
Ecuador
Oman
United Arab Emirate
Egypt
Palau
Vanuatu
El Salvador
Papua New Guinea
Venezuela
Equatorial Guinea
Philippines
Vietnam
Fiji
Qatar
Yemen
Gabon
Rwanda
Zimbabwe
Guinea Bissau
Saint Lucia

How to apply for a Malaysia Dependent Pass?

Eligibility Malaysia

You have two options for applying for a Malaysia Dependent Pass if you have an Employment Pass:

1. your application for an Employment Pass once you have arrived in Malaysia and your Employment Pass has been approved

The application must be submitted by either you or your employer through Malaysia’s Immigration Department.

2. You can only apply for a Malaysian Dependent Pass if you have a Student Pass, which can only be obtained when your Student Pass has been issued. The Malaysia Dependent Pass application is handled on your behalf by your educational institution. They must submit an application via the EMGS website, where you also submitted an application for a student pass.

Malaysia Visa Approval Letter

Visa Approval Letter Malaysia

The Immigration Department of Malaysia must grant your dependents a Visa Approval Letter before they can travel to Malaysia (VAL). The next step is for your family members to apply for a Malaysia Visa With Reference at the closest Malaysian embassy or consulate using the VAL.

For foreign people who want to enter Malaysia for reasons other than tourism or brief social visits, the Malaysian government grants Visas With Reference.

Your family members must present their passports to the Malaysian Immigration Department once they have arrived in Malaysia in order to obtain the Malaysia Dependent Pass sticker.

Because they frequently handle the passport submission to acquire the Dependent Pass, check with your school or job.

Do You Need a Malaysia Dependent Pass?

Call us for a free consultation!

Contact us for free+60173201244

Validity of the Malaysia Dependent Pass

Your family members will receive a Dependent Pass with the same duration as your own Employment Pass or Student Pass. It can be renewed in the same manner as well.

Can dependent work in Malaysia?

Working with a Dependent Pass Malaysia

Holders of a Malaysia Dependent Pass are prohibited from working while they hold one. Your family member must change their dependent pass into an employment pass before they can begin working.

As a result, they would be bound by the Employment Pass criteria and conditions, including time limits.

Their employer must submit an application for an employment pass to the Malaysian Immigration Department’s Visa, Pass, and Permit Division or to any state immigration office.

FAQs

Can parents accompany students to Malaysia?

Family members of students are allowed to accompany students and stay in Malaysia with approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department (on a Long Term Social Pass) if the student is studying a full-time course with a duration of more than 12 months.

What is the Malaysia Dependent Pass?

You can visit and remain with a member of your family who is living, working, or attending school in Malaysia if you have a dependent pass (visa) for Malaysia.

How much does Malaysia Dependent Pass Cost?

Every dependent pass applicant will be subject to a non-refundable processing fee of MYR 250 (USD 60).

Can a dependent enter Malaysia later and not together with the main applicant/Employment Pass holder?

A dependent may enter Malaysia either concurrently with the primary applicant or the holder of an Employment Pass, or after the primary applicant has arrived.

Can a dependent pass holder work in Malaysia?

A dependent pass (DP) holder is not allowed to work in Malaysia unless the employing Company applies for a suitable work visa such as Employment Pass before hiring them. As such, the work visa application is subject to the requirements and conditions imposed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Who is eligible for a dependent visa?

A husband, wife, or civil partner is considered a dependent for visa reasons. if you have lived together in a relationship that is at least two years old and resembles marriage or a civil partnership, an unmarried partner. a minor under the age of 18.

SharifStudy can help you to get all types of Malaysia visas including student visa, dependent visa, social visa and work permit.

Call us for a free consultation!

Contact us for free+60173201244

62 comments

  1. Dear Sir,

    Are dependents allowed to enter Malaysia concurrently with a student pass applicant and what is the process steps ?

    • Yes, it’s possible, but it depends on your nationality and to the duration of the visa you receive at the airport. If it’s more than 2 months, there is no problem!

  2. Hi,if my 10 yr old daughter attends international school in Kl,Malaysia.Can we all get visa to stay?We’re from Canada.

  3. Dinu Ariyarathne

    Hi
    I have a dependant pass.I am currently living in malaysia with my husband.I need to go to my home country for few days and come back
    Should i inform and take an approval letter from the high commision ?

  4. Hi. I would like to apply for dependent pass by myself. Because my agent is giving me a huge fees.
    Where should i go.
    Jalan sutta immigration office or immigration in putrajaya.
    Also cannot see any info regarding fees structure. Please guide

  5. Hi, if the dependent visa for my wife is not issued yet, can she come as a tourist to Malaysia and later on update her passport once the dependent visa is issued?

  6. I’m working on a category 2 employment pass and want to bring my wife. My company said they will initiate the process for my wife but it might take up to 3months. So I decided to bring her on a visit visa and when she arrives here then I’ll apply for the dependent pass. But my company said this might be risky as after getting VAL, the immigration department might ask her to get visa from your home country or might ask for an exit and then perform re-entry.

    • Your company is right, changing visas in Malaysia can be tricky. To avoid risks, speak to our agents. They can guide you on the best way to bring your wife.

    • If she needs to “exit and re-enter,” (assuming she has an A or A- tier passport) Malaysia, can’t she likely just request the visa from, say, the Malaysian embassy in Singapore (visa-free access for 90 days for Americans, for example), or free visa on arrival for Thailand (now 45 days instead of 30 for many people, and then can extend for another 30 days for around $50), maybe Cambodia, etc.? Thailand generally allows this type of entry/exit method for up to 182 days in any 365 day period (used to be the 2 months total with extensions, so 3 times total, but now it’s 2.5 months each visit, then after 2.5 months leave Thailand for at least ~2-5 days to be extra safe, and then come back). In particular, you can generally leave by any route (land, air, or, sea, but air is always safest for immigration, just trust me), but be sure to ALWAYS re-enter by air.

      That right there is either 90 days in Singapore or 5 months minimum 6 months maximum in Thailand (with one long weekend visit to where ever, say Cambodia $30 for 1 month visa), or both, in case she needs more time to sort out her visas.

      • Yes, exiting and re-entering Malaysia through countries like Singapore or Thailand is a common method to extend one’s stay while waiting for visa processing. But, the specific rules can vary depending on passport tier and country relations. Our agents can provide detailed advice on this process. Contact us for more information.

  7. Hi I’m Malaysian and my son is Chinese which is 4,so can i apply any visa for him exclude the tourist visa?But we didn’t register marriage in Malaysia,is there any trouble to extend my son’s visa?

    • Yes, there are different visa options for your son. The marriage registration issue may affect it. Our agents can guide you better. You can contact them for more details.

  8. Good day Sharifstudy,
    You said dependant pass can only be issued after student pass.
    How can I go with my wife and 3 children?
    Does it mean my family can only join me after like 2 months?

    • Hello! Your family can join you in Malaysia, but the process takes time. Please contact our agents, they can help explain how to do this faster and easier.

    • Hi,

      I currently in Malaysia with dependent pass. Can I apply for student visa?

      • Yes, you can apply for a student visa with a dependent pass. Our agents can help you with the process. contact us for more details (+60173201244).

  9. Hi. I’m from Pakistan my husband is working in Malaysia company and he want to call us( me and my son) to Malaysia. So please guide me what is the process of getting visa for me and my son

    • Hello! We’d be happy to help you with the process of obtaining a visa for you and your son. Our knowledgeable agents have all the information you need. Reach out to them and they will guide you step by step.

  10. Hi. My wife is planning to do Masters from Malaysia and I will go with her on dependent visa. The duration of the degree would be 2 years. I know that I cannot work on dependent visa due to country restrictions. However, can I go company to company and give walk-in interviews and if anyone hires me, so can I change my dependent visa to work visa? Please guide in detail about this

    • You can change a dependent visa to a work visa if you find a job. For more information on this process, reach out to our agents. They are ready to help you.

  11. Assalomu aleykum I am currently bachelor student of IIUM and I wanna bring my family to Malaysia, I got my student pass 5 months ago so can I get dependent visa for wife ?

    • Hello,

      Yes, you can get a dependent visa for your wife as an IIUM student. Our agents can help you with the process. Get in touch with them.

  12. Hello,

    I have an EP and my family is with me on a dependent pass.
    I want to get my parents now,
    what is the procedure of the same.

    Kindly explain.

    • Hello,

      You can bring your parents using a dependent pass. Details vary for each case. Reach out to our agents, they will guide you with the right steps.

      • Alright. Can you please tell me Do I need to show bank balance as supporting document for family visa application? If yes, what amount should be minimum?

        • Yes, you usually need to show bank balance for a family visa application. The amount varies. Our agents can give the right advice for your situation. Contact them for more guidance.

  13. Evelyn Paul Roman

    Hi Sir,

    My husband is a Srilankan and he hold Spouse visa with working permission from immigration. We would like to bring his biological daughter from Sri Lanka to study here in Malaysia and she will be 17 yr this year. Moreover, we would like to bring my husband’s mother and stay with us while his father will be in Sri Lanka. May I know can we get his daughter a student visa and his mother long term visa in Malaysia?

    • Yes, it’s possible for your husband’s daughter to obtain a student visa and his mother a long-term visa in Malaysia. Connect with our agents for thorough guidance on these processes. They’re ready to help!

  14. Hello,
    My son is thirteen and he will attend the German school in Kuala Lumpur next year for one year. As he is a minor, I would like to accompany him. We are German citizens. Since I would like to travel with him as a dependent person, the question is,
    1) do we have to apply for a special visa at the Malaysian consulate in Germany?
    2) does the school have to apply for a visa for my son and then for me as a dependent person?
    3) If the visa process takes longer, can we still enter with a tourist visa and apply for a student visa and dependent person visa in Malaysia?
    Thank you very much for a detailed info!
    Felicitas

    • Yes, your situation involves specific visa types which can be complex. Our agents can provide detailed help on this matter. It’s crucial to get correct information, so contact them for a full guidance.

  15. Hello. As I am coming to Malaysia first time for Ph.D study. Can I bring my family (wife and two sons) with me now? As I have not received the student pass because it will be issued after joining the university.

    • It’s possible to bring your family while studying, but involves special visa rules. Our agents have lots of experience with these cases. Reach out to them for full details and help.

  16. Hello,
    As I am coming to Malaysia on Single Entry Visa for PhD Study. Can I bring my family (Wife and two sons) along with me ? As I have not received student pass which will be granted after joining the university. Please guide me. Thank you.

    • You may be able to bring your family with you, but this requires specific visas. Our experienced agents can guide you through this. Please reach out to them for accurate information.

  17. I am planning to get Ph.D admission in Malaysian university in January 2024 intake and planning to bring family with me. What should be the minimum funds should I have as a supporting document for obtaining family /dependent pass?

    • Hello! The minimum funds required for a family/dependent pass can vary based on the university and your personal situation. Our agents can provide specific information about the requirements. Contact us for more details.

  18. Hi,there
    I am a student pass holder who is doing MPhil. Can I bring my mother in law as my dependant to look after my baby?

    • Hello! Yes, as a student pass holder doing an MPhil, you may be able to bring your mother-in-law as a dependant. Our agents can provide more information on the requirements. Contact us for detailed information.

  19. I am living in kl under dependent visa ,can I start studing in university without changing my visa type?

  20. Dear Sir,

    would like to ask, I’m a Malaysian citizen , my wife is Taiwanese curently already got PR (Malaysian Red identity card),
    Is it possible to apply dependent passes for my father in-law?

    • Hello! Yes, your wife with a Malaysian PR can apply for a dependent pass for her father. For the full process and requirements, kindly contact our agents. They’ll guide you step by step.

  21. Dear sir,
    I am from pakistan. My husband wants to go to abroad for studies . Can he take me as a dependant? And what will be our expenses and how can we apply . Also tell me about jobs and more information regarding student visa with spouse

    • Dear friend,
      Yes, your husband can take you as a dependent. For detailed information on expenses, application, and jobs, contact our agents. They are here to help you with everything regarding student visa with spouse.

  22. Nadeeka Dilrukshi

    Dear sir,
    I’m not a Malaysian citizen. My spouse has a permanent employment in Malaysia. I have a dependent pass. Can I join with a apprentice program in Malaysia with this pass. If not what can I do first?

    Regards,
    Nadeeka

    • Dear Nadeeka,
      With a dependent pass, there may be specific rules for joining apprentice programs. Contact our agents for clear guidance. They’ll assist you with the best steps to take.

  23. To whom it may concern,

    I am an Indian citizen currently in my final year of bachelor program studying at Swinburne University, Sarawak holding a student pass. Can I bring my parents to stay with me in the final year of my course?

    • Hello! Yes, students can apply for their parents to stay in Malaysia. Talk to our agents for detailed steps and guidance. They’re here to help!

  24. Two of my children have enrolled at a private university in Malaysia, can my husband and i be eligible for parents pass.

    • Hello! Yes, parents can apply for a pass when children study in Malaysia. Reach out to our agents for more details on the parents’ pass. They’ll guide you through it!

  25. Can my child who is under 21 years of age and is born out of wedlock be eligible for a dependent pass?

    • Certainly, your child may be eligible for a dependent pass. Contact our agents for detailed information and assistance. We are here to help!

  26. would like to ask, I’m a Malaysian citizen , my husband is Chinese hold with long term Social Visa (Spouse Visa) as well working allowed.
    Is it possible to apply dependent passes for my father/Mother in-law?

    • Yes, it is possible to apply for dependent passes for your father/mother-in-law. For more information and guidance, reach out to our agents. We’re here to support you!

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