What’s in this article
Through the years, Malaysia has been growing in stature as one of the top destinations for foreigners to work and live. Migrating to Malaysia can be a daunting task, but the first step is to ensure if you are eligible to be a permanent resident (PR) in Malaysia.
We have also provided alternatives to getting your permanent residency, should you be not eligible to apply
Permanent Residents in Malaysia
As a permanent resident (PR) in Malaysia, you are granted the rights to live in the country for as long as you wish. This is extremely useful for those who are looking to live in Malaysia long-term and would like to save the hassle of renewing visas after every expiry.
Who Is Eligible to be a Permanent Resident (PR) of Malaysia?
The application process to be a PR is a long process, with the basic requirement of living in Malaysia continuously for 5 years before being eligible to apply for PR.
The 4 ways to be a permanent resident in Malaysia are as follows:
Agencies | Fields Of Expertise |
---|---|
Ministry Of Health | Health and medical |
Ministry Of International Trade And Industries (MITI) /
Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) |
Industrial, services and manufacturing |
Ministry Of Agriculture And Agro-based Industry | Agriculture and agro-based |
Ministry Of Transport | Maritime, air and land transportation |
Ministry Of Higher Learning | Higher learning |
Ministry Of Science, Technology And Innovation | Science, technology, and ICT |
Ministry Of Information, Communication And Culture | Information, communication, culture, and arts |
Ministry Of Youth And Sports/Malaysian Sports Council | Sports |
Central Bank | Banking and finance |
Securities Commission | Investment and capital |
Requirements as an expert in Malaysia:
- Letter of recommendation from the relevant government agencies who govern the field of expertise you are in
- Certificate of Good Conduct from the country you were born in – this can be obtained from the Malaysian High Commission or your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Need a good-standing Malaysian citizen to sponsor you
Alternatives to Being a Permanent Resident in Malaysia
If being a PR is not on your mind, or you do not qualify to apply as a PR in Malaysia, there are a few alternatives you can take.
If you’d like to know more about the differences between these 3 work passes, you can check out our Malaysia working visa guide!
Aside from the 3 work visas, the last alternate is the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme. Under the MM2H programme, holders can stay in Malaysia on multiple-entry social visit pass, and this is valid for up to 10 years. Renewal for the MM2H pass can be done if the individual fulfils all the criteria.
The requirements for this programme are as follows:
Setting Up a Company in Malaysia
Another alternative to PR in Malaysia is to set up your own company in Malaysia. This usually means that you have legitimate reasons to be in the country, and your employment pass or visa will stand a higher chance of approval if you fulfil the requirements.
By being in Malaysia for an extended period of time, your chances for PR application in future is also much higher as you are seen as a contributing member of its economy
FAQs
The cost for application is RM40.
There are different regulations for every state, however you can only buy certain types of properties with a minimum price tag. It is recommended that you seek out local clarification from property agents/ agencies in Malaysia who can further advise based on the property you are interested in.
The Immigration Department of Malaysia (IMI) is the official department under the Ministry of Home Affairs who oversees all immigration activities – from issuance to renewal of visas, and more.