What Are The Types of Malaysia Visa

 Malaysia is a land of exotic locations. From stunning beaches and gorgeous islands to diverse topography and lush rainforests, adventurous and never-ending experiences to vibrant culture and tons of things to learn, one can never get enough of Malaysia. No matter whether you are a history explorer or nature enthusiasts, adventure lover or workaholic, this country offers a perfect opportunity to every visit. And the first thing to for just like any country in the world, you will need a visa to enter and stay Malaysia.

A visa is basically an approval in your passport or other authorised travel document for a foreign national. This permits you to enter and stay in Malaysia, stating that the permission to enter the country is valid. Such a visa allows you to engage in various activities depending upon your type of visa and purpose of travel.

The government of Malaysia has issued various types of visa for foreign nationals to enter and engage in different aspects with valid permission. Any foreign national who need a visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Malaysia visa before their intended date of travel and it can be done at any Malaysian Representative Office (embassy or consulate).

Please note that a Malaysia visa will allow you travel Malaysia but to enter and stay in the country, the Immigration Officers have to provide a valid authorisation. So, the decision of you exploring Malaysia only lies in the hands of Immigration officers at the point of entry.

In this article, we have curated complete information on Malaysia visa types and eligibility to apply for them. 

Malaysia Visa

In the case you are not a national of a country which are exempt from Malaysia visas, you are required to apply for one in advance. So, the first thing to do when applying for a Malaysia visa is to check whether you need a visa or not.

However, there are many countries that require a visa after the end of a specified period of time without a visa in the country. This means if you wish to stay longer in Malaysia, you must apply for a visa before the expiration of your visa-free travel.

Types of Malaysia visa

Malaysia transit visa

You will need a Malaysia transit visa if you have to enter Malaysia to board a connecting flight to your final destination. But you may be able to transit in the airports of Malaysia with a transit visa and can even enter the country.

The government of Malaysia has issued a Malaysia Transit without a visa pass to nationals of specified visa-must countries if they meet conditions regulated by the government. Moreover, even if you fall under the visa-must country, you do not need a transit visa if you do not cross the immigration check.

Eligibility for a Transit visa:

• You are a national of a visa-required country and will transit in Malaysia for over 24 hours
• You have to pass through the immigration check to get to your connecting flight or switch between the airport terminals
• You are not transiting from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Malaysia Tourist Visa

Malaysia Tourist Visa is issued solely for tourism purposes. It is a Malaysia single-entry visa allowing you to entre the country only once. Such a visa is a visa without a reference which means you do not require permission from the Immigration Department of Malaysia to obtain it.

You can apply for a Malaysia visa online, also known as a Malaysia e-visa or by visiting the Malaysian embassy or consulate nearest to you in your residing or home country. The online visa application process is available for certain countries.

Once you are at the immigration check, you will be provided with a pass (stamp on your original passport) which states you purpose of travel.

Short-Term Social Visit Pass

A short-term Social Visit Pass is issued to those who plan on visiting Malaysia for short-term purposes. you will need a short-term Social Visit Pass if you are travelling for one of the following reasons:

• To meet your relatives or friends
• For specified business trips
• To attend a semina
• To attend an exam at a university in Malaysia
• To participate in a sporting competition
• To sign an agreement
• As a tourist

Malaysia Employment Pass

A Malaysia Employment Pass is issued for those who want to work in a company or organisation of Malaysia. In order to apply for a Malaysia work visa you must find an employer, is willing to hire you, and must get approval from an authorised body to hire you.

There are three types of Employment passes for Malaysia mostly depending on your position and salary, including:

• Employment Pass Category 1 for executives, CEOs, MDs, etc.
• Employment Pass Category 2 for marketing or investment managers, directors, lecturers, etc.
• Employment Pass Category 3 for designers, craftsmen, etc.

Dependent Pass

A Dependent Pass is issued to the dependents of Malaysia work visa holders who are basically spouses, elderly parents, or children under the age of 18.

Long-Term Social Visit Pass

Such a visa is issued to those who want to stay in Malaysia for more than six months. It is usually issued to the family members of Employment Pass holders, foreign nationals who want to undergo medical treatment in Malaysia, or spouses of Malaysia citizens.

However, it is commonly issued to spouses of Malaysian foreign or Malaysian residents which is why it is also known as Malaysia spouse visa.

Student Pass or Student Visa

A Student Visa allows you to pursue studies in one of the universities of Malaysia. The process of obtaining a Student Visa is quite tedious but this permits you to study in the country.

Malaysia Residence Visa or Residence Pass

This visa is issued to highly skilled and qualified foreign nationals who will work in Malaysia for up to ten years. It is recent addition to Malaysian work permit and allows you to work here without being dependent on a employer. The resident visa is extendable and moreover, the spouse and children under 18 years of age can travel to Malaysia. Moreover, they are also allowed to work and study in Malaysia (applies only to the spouse).

Please note that a resident visa is only issued to those who meet certain criteria including if you have worked in Malaysia for at least three years and thus, it is often known as a Malaysia Talent Visa or Talent Pass.

Visitor’s Pass (Professional and Temporary Employment)

You can apply for a Professional visitor’s pass if you want to render professional services in Malaysia for a short period and a Temporary visitor’s pass if you have found an employer and want to work in an approved sector in Malaysia.

A Malaysia visa is quite easy to obtain which involves a simple and convenient process of application. But do keep in mind that the process becomes simpler only when a correct guide is followed.

Selecting a correct Malaysia visa is a crucial step as it states your purpose of travel and determines your approval chances of a visa. In case of opt for the wrong visa, your visa applicated may get rejected and even may be denied access for a certain period of time. So, this was everything of Malaysia visa types. Now, you can select one depending on your travel purpose.