Malaysia•Asia

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DP — Dependent Pass

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

Duration of the principal sponsor's visa

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

The Dependent Pass is an immigration facility established by the Malaysian government to support family reunification for foreign nationals residing in the country on long-term passes, such as Employment Passes or Student Passes. It addresses the social and emotional gap faced by expatriates and international students by allowing them to bring their immediate family members to live with them during their tenure in Malaysia. This pass ensures that the family unit can remain together, which is essential for the well-being and stability of long-term residents and their dependents while they contribute to the nation's economy or academic landscape.

This pass is intended for the immediate family members of primary visa holders, specifically legal spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18. The applicant must provide official documentation, such as marriage or birth certificates, to prove their relationship to the principal sponsor. A distinctive feature of the Dependent Pass is its strict linkage to the principal's visa; its validity is entirely contingent upon the primary holder's status, meaning it must be renewed in tandem with the sponsor's pass. While it grants the right to reside in Malaysia, it does not automatically permit the dependent to work, requiring a separate permit if employment is sought.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport with at least 6-12 months validity

Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for children)

Sponsor's valid Employment Pass or Student Pass

Proof of financial support or bank statements

Passport-sized photographs

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed Dependent Pass application form.

Marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children), translated and endorsed if necessary.

Copy of the principal pass holder's passport and valid work/residence pass.

Passport of the dependent with at least six months validity.

Recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of payment for processing fees (e.g., Journey Performed fee).

For students: Active insurance policy and letter from the educational institution.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Facilitates family reunification for expatriates and international students.
Allows family members to reside in Malaysia for the duration of the principal holder's stay.
Provides a legal status for family members to live, study, or stay in the country.

Worth Knowing

The Dependent Pass does not automatically grant the right to work; a separate Employment Pass or work permit is required for employment.
The pass is strictly tied to the principal holder's status; if the principal's pass is cancelled or expires, the dependent pass is also affected.
Fees vary by nationality and application type; additional costs like the 'Journey Performed' fee may apply.
Strict documentation requirements for proof of relationship, which must be officially translated and verified.
Not all visa categories (e.g., some EP Category 3 or short-term passes) allow for the application of a Dependent Pass.

Application Process

The employer or sponsor of the principal pass holder submits the application through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal or relevant agency (e.g., EMGS for students).

Prepare and upload all required supporting documents, including proof of relationship.

Pay the required processing fees (e.g., Journey Performed fee of RM500 plus other applicable visa fees).

Wait for the Immigration Department to review and approve the application.

Once approved, the dependent pass is issued and endorsed on the passport.

If the principal holder changes jobs or leaves the country, the dependent pass must be cancelled.

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