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Category 3 — Residence Pass – Family of Malaysian Citizen (Category 3)
VisasMalaysiaCategory 3 — Residence Pass – Family of Malaysian Citizen (Category 3)
MalaysiaMalaysia•Asia
Open

Category 3 — Residence Pass – Family of Malaysian Citizen (Category 3)

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

Varies (Can be renewed maximum two times only)

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

5-year renewable residence pass for spouses, children, parents, and in-laws of Malaysian citizens who have resided in Malaysia for 3+ years on a valid long-term pass.

The Residence Pass (Category 3) is a prestigious and long-term immigration status granted to foreign nationals who have established significant family ties with Malaysian citizens. This pass is designed to promote family unity by allowing spouses, children, and parents of Malaysians to reside in the country for an extended period of five years, which is renewable. Unlike standard visit passes, this status provides greater stability and is a pathway for those deeply integrated into the Malaysian social fabric, allowing them to live, work, and study without the need for frequent visa renewals.

This pass is specifically for individuals who have already demonstrated their commitment to Malaysia by residing in the country for at least three years on a valid long-term pass. It is ideal for foreign spouses, children under 18, and parents who wish to maintain a permanent presence alongside their Malaysian family members. By providing a five-year renewable residency, the government acknowledges the importance of family cohesion, offering a secure legal status that allows these individuals to contribute to the local community while remaining close to their loved ones.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Entry Permit – Qualified Foreign National (Permanent Residence)
Malaysia flagMalaysia

Entry Permit – Qualified Foreign National (Permanent Residence)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a foreign national with family ties to a Malaysian citizen.

Eligible categories include: spouse of a citizen, biological/step/adopted child aged 18 and below, divorcee/widow/widower with a Malaysian biological child, biological parent of a citizen, or parent-in-law of a citizen.

Must hold a valid long-term pass in Malaysia.

Must have resided in Malaysia for at least 3 years on a valid long-term pass.

Must be sponsored by a Malaysian citizen aged 21 years or above.

Valid travel document or passport with at least 6 months validity.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photographs

Work qualifications

Work experience proof

Employment contract (sponsor)

Company documents (sponsor)

Job justification (sponsor)

Application Process

1

Employer registers with ESD: Company registers on Expatriate Services Division portal

2

Employer applies for EP: Submit employment pass application via ESD

3

Obtain entry visa: Applicant applies for entry visa at Malaysian embassy

4

Enter Malaysia: Applicant enters with entry visa

5

Register at immigration: Report to immigration office upon arrival

6

Receive EP approval: Employment Pass approval and card issuance

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Employment Pass Application—

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