30 June 2026
Obtain a Residence Permit in Malaysia
Learn the key requirements to obtain a residence permit in Malaysia and the steps of the procedure, and let our immigration lawyers handle your application.
Would you like to obtain a residence permit in Malaysia in 2026? You might want to explore this page and find out information about the key requirements. Plus, you can skip the procedural complexities by collaborating with our immigration lawyers in Malaysia from the start.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Residence permit types | – employment, – study, – family reunification, – medical purposes, – training, – investments |
Time needed to obtain the residence permit (approx.) | 3 to 12 months |
Residence permit validity | Depends on the pass (e.g. Employment Pass up to 10 years, MM2H 5-20 years, PVIP 20 years); only permanent residence is indefinite |
| Documents for obtaining residence permit | – valid passport, – birth certificate, – marriage certificate, – entry permit |
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) | Yes |
| Dependents can join the residence permit holder | Yes |
| Residency for investment purposes | Yes |
| Naturalization requirements | – knowledge of Malay language, – living at least 10 years in Malaysia, – renunciation of foreign citizenship |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | Yes |
Who can apply for Malaysian residence?
Any foreign citizen who wants to relocate to Malaysia for a longer period.
Who can qualify for a permanent residence permit in Malaysia?
- high net worth individuals: open a bank account in Malaysia and deposit at least 2 million USD without withdrawing for five years; the spouse and children of the applicant may also apply for permanent resident status after a period of 5 years;
- highly skilled or talented individuals: available for a number of industries, applicants must provide a certificate of good conduct and submit the application to the Immigration Department;
- professionals: similar to the previous category, these are individuals who have outstanding skills and have a recommendation from a relevant Malaysian authority;
- the spouse of a Malaysian citizen: individuals married to a Malaysian citizen may apply for permanent residency if they are married for at least five years, and they have also lived in the country during this time;
- based on the points system: a minimum number of points obtained during their stay in the country allows foreigners to apply for permanent residency status.
Here is an infographic with details on this topic:
What are the main routes to get residency in Malaysia in 2026?
- Employment,
- Long-term social pass,
- Malaysia My Second Home program (MM2H),
- Digital nomad, etc.
Who issues residence permits in Malaysia?
The Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia), overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What are the conditions to access MM2H? What types of investments are required?
Applicants can choose between 3 tiers and a special economic zone category:
- Silver – requires a fixed deposit of USD 150,000 and a property purchase of at least RM 600,000.
- Gold – residency is obtained in exchange for a fixed deposit of USD 500,000 and a property purchase of at least RM 1 million. Family members are included.
- Platinum – USD 1 million is the minimum fixed deposit, plus a property of at least RM 2 million. The pass is valid for 20 years; MM2H does not lead to permanent residency.
- Special Economic Zones (SEZ or SFZ) with fixed deposits of USD 32,000 – USD 65,000, depending on the age of applicants, and property acquisition.
What are the documents solicited when applying for residency in Malaysia?
- Valid ID/passport,
- Proof of funds,
- Clear criminal record,
- Valid health insurance in Malaysia,
- Employment contract in case of choosing this residency path,
- Proof of domicile in Malaysia, etc.
NOTE: Applicants for employment passes may bring family members as well. Under the rules in force from 1 June 2026, an Employment Pass can be held for up to 10 years in total.
Here is a video presentation with details on this topic:
What are the residency conditions for spouses of Malaysians?
For spouses of Malaysian citizens, the following documents are required when making the application for a residence permit in Malaysia in 2026:
- the filled-in application form and two passport photos;
- passport copies, both from old and new passports;
- copies of the spouse’s identity card;
- copies of the marriage certificate;
- copies of the children’s birth certificates, if applicable.
How can I obtain a digital nomad residency visa in Malaysia in 2026?
- must provide an annual income of at least USD 24,000,
- must have active and valid business contracts, etc.
Are there any residency updates for 2026?
- the minimum salary requirements for Categories I, II, and III of workers relocating to Malaysia increased by about 67% to 100% from 1 June 2026. Providing RM 5,000 – RM 9,999 per month allows applicants to immigrate to Malaysia with dependents.
- MM2H participants under 50 years of age must spend at least 90 days/year in Malaysia. The authorities can now track this mandatory period. Plus, the applications must be done through a licensed agent in Malaysia.
Looking for a corporate lawyer in Malaysia? You can get in touch with our specialists and discover the legal solutions that could be useful to you. Plus, if you are interested in Malaysian citizenship, you can reach out to our attorneys, who can provide comprehensive consulting services. You can contact us for more information on this subject, as well as advice regarding immigration formalities for 2026.