Explore Malaysia for study, work, business and long-term opportunities with a clear understanding of the relevant visa and pass pathways.
Malaysia offers international pathways for students, visitors, professionals and eligible long-term residents. The correct pass depends on your purpose, institution, employer and personal circumstances.
International students can apply for a Student Pass through the approved education and immigration process.
Employment pathways include Employment Pass categories for eligible expatriate professionals.
Short-term social visit pathways cover tourism, family visits and several permitted business-related activities.
Your intended activity in Malaysia determines which immigration route may apply.
For eligible tourism, social visits, family visits and permitted short-term activities.
For international students enrolled at approved Malaysian educational institutions.
For expatriates employed by eligible Malaysian companies under the applicable approval framework.
For eligible foreign professionals providing services or training in Malaysia for a limited period.
Selected long-term residence and social visit routes may be available depending on eligibility.
Eligible international graduates may have a post-study stay and work pathway subject to current requirements.
Short-Term Social Visit Pass purposes can include tourism, visiting relatives, meetings, conferences, business discussions and other permitted activities.
Always check the applicable Malaysian immigration and visa requirement before travelling because entry conditions can change.
International students applying for higher education generally need a Student Pass. Applications are processed through the applicable education and immigration system.
Applicants must be outside Malaysia when submitting a new higher-education Student Pass application.
Eligible higher-education Student Pass holders may be permitted to work part-time up to 20 hours per week at approved locations, subject to Immigration approval and conditions.
Approval is not automatic.
Admission / offer letter from the approved institution.
Passport biodata and required passport pages with appropriate validity.
Academic certificates and transcripts required for the application.
Required health declaration and medical documentation as applicable.
Passport-size photograph meeting the applicable specifications.
Recognised health insurance may be required for the Student Pass.
Accept an offer from an approved Malaysian institution.
Application is submitted through the relevant EMGS / institution process.
Academic screening and document verification are carried out.
Eligible applications proceed for electronic Visa Approval Letter approval.
Applicants from visa-required countries follow the applicable pre-arrival visa procedure.
Travel after the required approvals and entry documents are in place.
Complete the required medical examination after arrival within the prescribed period.
The institution assists with the final Student Pass endorsement process.
Employment Pass eligibility is linked to an approved employment arrangement and the applicable expatriate approval framework.
Current salary threshold effective for new and renewal Employment Pass applications from 1 June 2026.
Applicable under the revised Employment Pass salary policy from 1 June 2026.
Applicable under the revised Employment Pass policy, subject to the relevant conditions.
Employment Pass applications are employer / approval driven. Salary alone does not guarantee approval; the role, employer, sector and applicable regulatory requirements also matter.
Available for eligible categories and relationships subject to Malaysian Immigration requirements.
Eligible graduates may be able to remain in Malaysia for a defined period after completing higher education.
Malaysia My Second Home is a separate long-term residence programme with its own current eligibility criteria.
Understand your purpose, eligibility and suitable pathway.
Prepare the required supporting documents for your chosen route.
Submit through the applicable institution, employer or immigration process.
Authorities or relevant agencies review the application and supporting information.
Receive the relevant approval, visa or pass documentation where applicable.
Travel, complete required post-arrival steps and maintain valid status.
The final checklist should always be confirmed against the current Malaysian Immigration / applicable authority requirements for the exact route.
Get guidance on the pathway that matches your study, work, visit or long-term plans.
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