BorderProofBorderProof
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur MissionFind A Visa Sign In
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur Mission
Sign InFind A Visa
BorderProof

Discover the world's visas in one place.

Platform

  • Browse Visas
  • Match Finder
  • Compare Options
  • Global Insights
  • Our Mission
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Not Legal Advice
© 2026 BorderProof™. All rights reserved. Images by Unsplash/Picsum.
PVP — Professional Visit Pass (Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas)
VisasMalaysiaPVP — Professional Visit Pass (Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas)
MalaysiaMalaysia•Asia
Open

PVP — Professional Visit Pass (Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

5 days

Estimated Cost

MYR 800 MYR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Short-term work pass for foreign professionals and experts on sponsored assignments in Malaysia, valid up to 12 months with no PR pathway.

The Professional Visit Pass is Malaysia's temporary work authorization for foreign experts, trainers, and specialists invited by Malaysian organizations for short-term professional assignments. It enables temporary transfer of specialized skills without long-term employment status. Applicants remain employed by their overseas entity while performing duties in Malaysia under a registered sponsor.

Processing takes 5 working days under ESD client charter. Fees are RM 1,200 plus 8% SST (RM 1,296 total), effective September 1, 2024. The pass authorizes work for the specified activity and sponsor. Duration extends up to 12 months with no extension. Dependents have no visa access and spouses cannot work. A Malaysian sponsor manages the application with a clearly defined scope of work.

This visa is ideal for foreign professionals and technical experts on short-term consultancy or machinery installation projects, or trainers delivering workshops and industrial training.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a foreign professional, expert, or trainee invited by a Malaysian organization.

Must have a Malaysian sponsor (company, association, or institution) registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD).

Must be entering for a specific, temporary professional purpose (e.g., consultancy, technical training, machinery installation, or research).

Must not be entering for long-term local employment.

Must possess a valid passport.

Must have a clear, defined scope of work or training program.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application letter from the Malaysian sponsor detailing the purpose, duration, and scope of the visit.

Copy of the applicant's passport.

Letter of Award or contract for services.

Personal bond form (duly stamped by the Inland Revenue Board).

Security bond (if applicable).

Supporting documents related to the specific activity (e.g., training schedule, project details, or relevant professional certificates).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Work authorization explicit for stated sponsor and defined professional activities
  • Rapid approval within 14–21 working days with reliable processing timeline
  • Valid up to 12 months for extended professional assignments without renewal constraints
  • Dedicated online portal (ESD) for registered sponsoring organizations simplifies administrative setup
  • Flexible scope covering training, installation, consultancy, machinery setup, and technical expertise transfer
  • Cost-effective at RM 800 application fee for short-term specialized engagements
  • Maintains overseas employment status while performing Malaysian-based duties

Worth Knowing

  • Work strictly limited to named sponsor and defined professional scope—cannot pursue alternative opportunities
  • Non-renewable and requires fresh application for continued engagement beyond 12 months
  • Spouse cannot work in Malaysia during the visit
  • Processing requires Malaysian sponsor pre-registration—cannot self-sponsor or enter independently
  • No pathway to permanent residency or longer-term status—strictly temporary professional assignment
  • Dependents cannot accompany or obtain visas—individual professional travel only

Application Process

1

Sponsor registers on ESD portal

2

Submit application

3

Pay fees

4

Approval

5

Applicant enters Malaysia with Visa with Reference (VDR)

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Social Visit Pass Application—

Verified Claims (7)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026
Dependent Visa
false
esd.imi.gov.my
Fees
RM 1,200 (+ 8% SST = RM 1,296 total), effective 1 September 2024
esd.imi.gov.my
Application Portal
https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/expatriates/myxpats/key-services/professional-visit-pass/
esd.imi.gov.my
Official Info
https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/pass/professional-visitor-pass/
imi.gov.my
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":5,"maxDays":5}
esd.imi.gov.my
Processing Time
5 working days (client charter)
esd.imi.gov.my
Spouse Can Work
no
esd.imi.gov.my
Apply Now Official Information

Ready to see if the PVP — Professional Visit Pass (Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Start Visa Discovery