Malaysia Social Visa

Malaysia is one of the most popular destinations for Iranians and many other nationalities. However, the term “Social Visa” or “Social Visit Pass” can be confusing, as it covers a wide range of travel purposes. In practice, whether you are applying for a two-week holiday or planning to live for several years with your Malaysian spouse, you will be dealing with this visa category.

As part of the broader Malaysia visa system, the Social Visit Visa plays a central role in short-term travel, family reunification, and certain long-term stay options.

 What Is the Malaysia Social Visit Visa?

In general, the Malaysia Social Visit Visa is divided into two main categories:

• Short-Term Social Visit Pass: Issued for tourism, attending conferences, medical check-ups, or short-term business and social visits.
• Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP): Issued for stays longer than six months, mainly for family members of Malaysian citizens or foreign residents, such as spouses, children, and parents.

 Requirements for the Short-Term social visa malaysia

This visa is usually issued upon arrival (Visa on Arrival) or through the online eVisa system for a duration ranging from 14 to 90 days.

Accepted Purposes for This Visa

• Tourism and visiting relatives
• Attending business meetings, contract signings, or factory visits
• Participating in seminars or university entrance examinations
• Receiving medical treatment

Required Documents for the Short-Term Social Visit Pass

1. Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry
2. Return ticket: A confirmed return or onward ticket is mandatory
3. Proof of financial means: You must demonstrate sufficient funds. A minimum of USD 500 (or equivalent) is commonly expected, with higher amounts recommended for longer stays
4. Photograph: Recent passport-size photo with a white background, no glasses or headwear
5. Hotel booking: Or a confirmed residential address in Malaysia

Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP)

If your spouse is Malaysian or your child is working or studying in Malaysia, this section is particularly relevant. The Long-Term Social Visit Pass is typically issued for periods ranging from six months up to five years and is renewable. Depending on the sponsor’s status, family members may qualify under either the Long-Term Social Visit Pass framework or related pathways such as the Malaysia Dependent Visa.

Eligible Applicant Categories

• Spouses of Malaysian citizens: Initially issued for one year and renewable up to five years
• Parents of Malaysian citizens: The sponsoring child must be over 21 and financially capable
• Parents of **Employment Pass** holders: Applicable if the sponsoring child earns above a specified income threshold
• Children aged 18 to 21: Unmarried children of **Employment Pass** holders who are currently studying
• Seniors over 60 years old: Individuals without family support in their home country who are sponsored by relatives in Malaysia

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

To avoid unnecessary complications, follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Document Preparation and Translation

All non-English documents (such as birth certificates or marriage certificates) must be officially translated into English and properly certified by the relevant authorities.

Step 2: Online Application (eVisa)

For short-term visas, applicants must register through the official Malaysian eVisa platform and upload the required documents.

Step 3: Sponsor Submission

For long-term visas, your Malaysian sponsor (spouse or child) must personally submit the application at the Immigration Department in Malaysia.

Step 4: Payment of Fees

• Visa fees for spouses typically range between MYR 90 and MYR 450, depending on the validity period
• Certain nationalities may be required to pay a Security Bond, the amount of which varies by country

Step 5: Biometrics and Visa Issuance

After document review (usually taking 2 to 4 weeks), applicants are called in for biometric registration. Once approved, the visa sticker is affixed to the passport.

5. Important Tips and Practical Insights

• Work rights: Holders of a standard Social Visit Visa are not allowed to work. However, spouses of Malaysian citizens may apply for a Work Endorsement without converting their visa, provided the employment is legal.
• Graduate Pass: International graduates from recognized Malaysian universities may apply for a one-year Social Visit Visa to search for employment.
• Medical companions: Patients traveling for medical treatment are allowed to bring one companion.
• Passport validity for LTSVP: Unlike tourist visas, long-term social visas require a passport validity of at least 18 months.
• Visa extension: Tourist visa extensions are generally granted only in emergency situations, such as serious illness or accidents.

6. Final Document Checklist social visit pass

Hidden Rules of the Malaysia Social Visit Visa

This section is designed for applicants who want a deeper, practical understanding of the Malaysia Social Visit Visa and wish to avoid common technical mistakes.

1. Passport Validity Rules for the Malaysia Social Visit Visa

• Short-Term Social Visit Pass: A minimum of 6 months passport validity from the date of entry is required.
• Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) and Graduate Pass: The passport must be valid for at least 18 months. Otherwise, the application may be refused or the visa validity shortened.
• Multiple-Entry Social or Business Visas: Usually valid for 3 to 12 months from the date of issuance.

2. Extension Rules and “Special Consideration” Policy

Short-term Malaysia Social Visit Visas are extended only under special circumstances, such as:

• Serious illness
• Accidents
• Security or emergency situations in the home country

Applicants must apply in person, submit Form IMM.55, supporting documents, and a confirmed exit ticket.

3. Financial Proof: The Practical Calculation

• USD 500 as a base amount
• Plus USD 50 per additional day of stay

For certain nationalities or longer stays, proof of funds up to USD 1,000 is commonly expected.

4. Working Rights Without Changing Visa (Spouses Only)

Spouses of Malaysian citizens holding an LTSVP may work in Malaysia without converting to an Employment Pass.

• Work permission is issued as a passport endorsement.
• The job must be legal and approved by Immigration.

5. Sponsor Requirements and Security Bond

• Security Bond: Required for selected nationalities and processed through LHDN.
• Income requirement for parents/seniors: Minimum MYR 2,000 per month.
• Graduate Pass sponsors: Minimum MYR 1,500 monthly income with official declaration.

6. Strict Photo Specifications

• Dark or black clothing only
• No glasses, hats, or accessories
• Hair fully pulled back
• No visible teeth when smiling

7. Graduate Pass as a Social Visit Option

The Graduate Pass is a 12-month social visa that allows graduates to stay in Malaysia without an employer while searching for work.

Dependents may remain in Malaysia during this period if they already hold valid visas.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Get Professional Support for Your Malaysia Visa Application

Malaysia visa requirements may vary depending on your purpose of travel, visa type, and personal circumstances. Even small mistakes in documentation or timing can lead to delays or refusals.

Sharif Study provides practical, experience-based guidance to help you choose the right Malaysia visa pathway and move forward with confidence.

• Personalized visa assessment based on your situation
• Clear guidance on real immigration requirements
• Reduced risk of rejection or unnecessary delays
• Step-by-step support throughout the application process

Whether you are planning a short visit, family stay, study, or long-term residence in Malaysia, the right advice can save you time, cost, and stress.