To apply for permanent residency in Malaysia one must first stay in the country continuously for at least 5 years under a valid Entry Permit, or at least 10 years in the case of foreign husbands of Malaysian citizens. Any foreign person over the age of 21 can apply to the National Registration Department to become a citizen of Malaysia by naturalization if they have been a permanent resident for at least 12 years and lived in Malaysia for not less than 10 of these years, including the 12 months immediately prior to application. They must also be able to prove an adequate knowledge of the Malay language.
Since the Malaysian Government does not recognize dual citizenship, all applicants granted citizenship are required to relinquish the citizenship of any other country. Ideally Malaysia offers the following visas and passes for expats to work and stay in the country:
(i) Long-term Visit Pass for Spouses: This pass is primarily for temporary stay of more than 6 months and for foreign spouses of Malaysians to live and work in Malaysia for 5 years.
(ii) Employment Pass: For expatriates working for a minimum period of 2 years
(iii) Temporary Employment Pass: For jobs with a monthly salary less than RM 5000
(iv) Professional Visit Pass: For foreign nationals who remain employed by the company in the home country but are required by a Malaysian company to provide certain services for a period up to 12 months
(v) Work-Holiday Visa: Special arrangement between Malaysia and Australia for young Australians to explore the culture and lifestyle of Malaysia by working while traveling
(vi) Residence Pass: For expats who have been working for a minimum period of 3 years in Malaysia.
Documents required:
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A completed Form IMM. 4
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Photocopy of your passport or travel documents covering the last 5/10 years
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2 passport-sized photographs
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Passport-sized photograph of local sponsor
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Identity card of spouse (if applicable)
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Marriage certificate (if applicable)
RESIDENCE PASS-TALENT (RP-T):
However in April last year, the Malaysian government had launched the Residence Pass-Talent which aims to attract and retain top talent in the country with a range of benefits. Also known as the RP-T, the pass is offered to highly qualified expatriates seeking to continue living and working in Malaysia on a long-term basis.
Benefits:
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Holders of the RP-T can enjoy these benefits.
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Unlike the Employment Pass, the Residence Pass-Talent is not tied to an employer and is valid for 10 years (as opposed to the 2 or 3 years the Employment Pass offers).
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The spouse of the Residence Pass-Talent holder is also eligible to work in Malaysia.
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Dependents over 18 years and parents-in-law are eligible for a 5-year social visit pass
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Spouse can also seek employment without the need to apply for an employment pass
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The spouse and children (under 18 years) are also eligible to study in Malaysia.
Eligibility:
- High-achieving individuals with the capacity to drive business results that contributes towards Malaysia’s economic transformation
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Have worked in Malaysia for 3 years
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Holds a valid Employment Pass at the time of application
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Holds a PhD/ Master’s/ Degree or Diploma in any discipline from a recognised university or a professional/competency certificate from a recognised professional institute
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Possess 5 years of total work experience
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Earns a gross taxable income of RM144,000 per annum
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Have an income tax file number in Malaysia and have paid income tax for at least 2 years.
MALAYSIA MY SECOND HOME PROGRAM (MM2H):
The Malaysian government also offers 10 years residence visa known as Social Pass to the qualifying applicants along with their spouse and children under 18 years. This program is commonly known as Malaysia My Second Home Program (MM2H) and is very popular world over for comparatively easy qualifying criteria, flexible residence obligations and minimum documentation.
Eligibility:
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Approved Malaysian companies who are licenced by the Malaysian government can process MM2H applications
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Persons aged below 50 years of age and can show that they have funds equal to at least RM500,000 as well as income equal to at least RM10,000 per month.
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Persons aged 50 years and above and can show that they have funds equal to at least RM350,000 as well as income equal to RM10,000 per month.
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Retirees need to show proof of receiving pension from government approved funds of amount equal to RM 10,000 per month.
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Persons who have purchased properties worth at least RM 1 million in Malaysia.
The process:
Applicants who qualify are issued a ‘Conditional Approval Letter’ from the Immigration Department of Malaysia, and are required to fulfill the financial deposit requirements. On submitting the proofs of depositing the required amount after opening a bank account in Malaysia, the resident pass is issued to the applicant.
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