Complete Guide to the Malaysian Visa

Malaysia is a travel destination with much to offer. It boasts modern landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the historic charm of the ancient city of Melaka, and the unique architecture of George Town in Penang. The beautiful beaches of Semporna offer breathtaking views. Visitors can enjoy sunshine and seaside relaxation, participate in water sports, savor rich and diverse cuisine, and experience the unique appeal of a multicultural society.

What is a Malaysia Visa?

A Malaysia visa is an endorsement and stamp issued by a visa agency authorized by the Malaysian government on the passport or other travel documents held by foreign nationals entering Malaysia. It indicates that they are permitted to enter, exit, or transit through the country.

This article will introduce the types of Malaysia visas, how to apply, application fees, processing times, and more.

Types of Malaysia Visa

1. Standard Tourist Visa

• Sticker Visa: This is the more traditional type of visa, typically a single-entry visa valid for 3 months, allowing a stay of about 30 days. Tourists must provide a passport, photo, return flight ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and other documents to apply at the Embassy or Consulate of Malaysia in China. This visa is suitable for those traveling for sightseeing purposes.
• Electronic Visa (e-Visa): A convenient and fast way to apply for a visa online. It is divided into two categories: tourist visa and business visa. The tourist e-visa allows single entry, is valid for 3 months, and permits a maximum stay of 30 days. Applicants need to submit electronic documents such as passport details, personal photo, and travel itinerary. Once approved, the visa is issued as an electronic file that can be printed and used.

2. Transit Visa

When travelers need to transit through Malaysia on their way to a third country and their stay does not exceed 120 hours (typically), they can apply for a transit visa. To apply, travelers must provide a valid onward flight ticket, passport, and other necessary documents. Applications can be made at the transit visa counter at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and other designated locations.

3. Business Visa

• Standard Business Visa: Intended for individuals traveling to Malaysia for business inspections, meetings, negotiations, and other business-related activities.
• Senior Business Visa (Professional Visa): Targeted at certain professionals, such as senior managers or technical experts, to facilitate long-term business activities in Malaysia. This visa usually has a longer validity period and higher application requirements.

4. Work Visa

Issued to foreign nationals employed by local companies in Malaysia who are required to work in the country. Employers must submit relevant documents to the Malaysian Immigration Department, including employment contracts and the company’s qualification certificates, to apply for a work visa for the employee. There are various types of work visas based on job nature, position, and duration of employment, and they may require periodic renewal and review.

5. Student Visa

Issued to international students studying at institutions in Malaysia. After receiving an admission letter from a Malaysian school, students must apply for a student visa with the Immigration Department or relevant agencies using the admission letter, passport, academic certificates, financial proof (to cover tuition fees and living expenses), and other documents. The validity of a student visa typically matches the duration of the course.

6. Dependent Visa

This type of visa is mainly designed to allow relatives of Malaysian citizens or permanent residents to come to Malaysia for family reunions. Eligible relatives such as spouses, children, and parents of Malaysian citizens can apply for a dependent visa. The validity and duration of stay vary depending on the relationship. Applicants must provide relevant documents such as proof of kinship.

Visa-Free Countries and Regions for Malaysia

Asia

• Thailand: Visa-free for 30 days.
• South Korea: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Philippines: 21 days visa-free.
• Singapore: Visa-free for 30 days.
• Indonesia: Visa-free for 30 days.
• Japan: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Jordan: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Kuwait: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Kyrgyzstan: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Maldives: Visa on arrival for 30 days.
• Nepal: Visa on arrival for 15–60 days.
• Cambodia: 30 days visa-free.
• Brunei: Visa-free for 30 days.
• Hong Kong, China: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Macau, China: Visa-free for 30 days.
• Taiwan, China: Visa-free for 30 days.

Europe

• United Kingdom: 180 days visa-free.
• Switzerland: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Sweden: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Malta: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Finland: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Norway: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Germany: Visa-free for 90 days.
• France: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Netherlands: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Belgium: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Denmark: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Iceland: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Ireland: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Italy: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Spain: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Portugal: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Greece: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Hungary: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Czech Republic: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Slovakia: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Slovenia: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Poland: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Romania: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Croatia: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Estonia: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Latvia: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Lithuania: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Liechtenstein: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Luxembourg: Visa-free for 90 days.
• San Marino: Visa-free for 90 days.

Americas

• Jamaica: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Dominica: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Bahamas: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Barbados: Visa-free for 28 days.
• Belize: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Guyana: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Grenada: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Saint Kitts and Nevis: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Saint Lucia: Visa-free for 180 days.
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Antigua and Barbuda: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Panama: Visa-free for 30 days.
• Peru: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Argentina: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Uruguay: Visa-free for 90 days.
• United States: Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are visa-free.
• Canada: Visa-free for 90 days.

Oceania

• New Zealand: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Fiji: Visa-free for 120 days.
• Samoa: Visa-free for 30 days.
• Tonga: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Vanuatu: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Solomon Islands: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Tuvalu: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Micronesia: Visa-free for 14 days.
• Marshall Islands: Visa-free for 30 days.
• Nauru: Visa-free for 30 days.

Africa

• Egypt: 7 days visa on arrival, and 90 days visa-free entry to Malaysia.
• Tunisia: Visa-free for 90 days.
• South Africa: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Mauritius: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Seychelles: Visa-free for 30 days.
• Botswana: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Malawi: Visa-free for 180 days.
• Tanzania: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Djibouti: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Lesotho: Visa-free for 90 days.
• Zimbabwe: Visa-free for 90 days.

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Validity and Duration of Stay for Malaysia Visa

Tourist Visa

• Electronic Visa (e-Visa): Valid for 3 months from the date of issuance. The maximum stay is 30 days, meaning you can stay for up to 30 days after entering Malaysia within the valid period.
• Sticker Visa: The validity is typically about 3 months, and the stay duration is usually 30 days. If you enter the country within the valid period, you can stay in Malaysia for the same duration.

Transit Visa

Typically valid for a shorter period, with a stay of no more than 120 hours (about 5 days). It is generally used when transiting through Malaysia to a third country, with the purpose of taking a short break to wait for a connecting flight.

Business Visa

• Standard Business Visa: The validity and stay duration are determined based on the specific business activities and approval status. There are single-entry and multiple-entry options. The validity of a single-entry business visa may be a few months. The stay duration depends on the business itinerary, such as meetings, inspections, etc., and may range from a few days to several weeks. A multiple-entry business visa is usually valid for a longer period to facilitate frequent travel to and from Malaysia for business activities.
• Senior Business Visa (Professional Visa): Valid for a longer period, with the specific duration depending on the long-term business activity plans and approval from the Malaysian Immigration Department. The stay duration is also determined based on actual conditions, such as work arrangements, allowing professionals to engage in long-term and frequent business activities in Malaysia.

Work Visa

The validity is related to the duration of the work contract. The stay duration falls within the scope of the work permit and is determined by the employer who applies to the Malaysian Immigration Department.

Student Visa

The validity usually corresponds to the duration of the course of study. For a 3-year undergraduate course, the student visa is typically valid for around 3 years.

Dependent Visa

The validity and stay duration vary depending on the familial relationship. For example, the validity of a dependent visa for a Malaysian citizen's spouse may be relatively long, facilitating family reunification, and the stay period allows the spouse to remain in Malaysia for an extended time. The stay duration for parents or other relatives can be adjusted based on specific circumstances and immigration policies, generally taking into account the closeness of the familial relationship, the financial capability of the Malaysian citizen, and other factors.

Requirements for Applying for a Malaysia Visa

Basic Requirements

• Valid Passport: Applicants must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. The passport is a fundamental document for the visa application. This ensures that the applicant’s passport remains valid during the visa's validity period and while staying in Malaysia.
• Completed Application Form: The appropriate Malaysia visa application form must be filled out according to the type of visa. The information provided must be true and accurate.

Specific Requirements for Different Types of Visas

Tourist Visa

• Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
• • Personal Information Documents: Provide a scanned copy of the passport information page and a color passport-sized photo (size and format must meet the requirements). The photo background is usually white, and the size is typically around 35mm x 45mm.
  • Supporting Travel Documents: Include round-trip flight ticket bookings and hotel reservation information in Malaysia. These documents serve to prove the applicant’s travel plans and itinerary, demonstrating that the purpose of travel is tourism.

Sticker Visa

• • Basic Personal Documents: In addition to the passport and valid application form, passport-sized photos (usually 2–3) are also required.
  • Financial Capability Documents: Such as bank deposit certificates (it is usually recommended to have a certain amount of deposit, which varies by region and circumstances), pay slips, or credit card statements, etc., to prove that the applicant has sufficient financial capacity to cover travel expenses.
  • Travel Itinerary Documents: Round-trip flight tickets and hotel booking confirmation.

Transit Visa

• Valid Flight Tickets: Provide full flight tickets to a third country, with a transit stop in Malaysia. The flight ticket details must clearly show the flight number, departure and landing times, airport details, etc. This ensures that the applicant has a genuine transit need.
• Passport: The passport must meet the basic validity requirements and have enough blank visa pages.

Business Visa

• Standard Business Visa:
• • Invitation Letter from Malaysia: An official invitation letter must be issued by a legitimate company or institution in Malaysia. The invitation letter should include basic information about the inviting company (name, address, contact information, etc.), the invitee’s name, passport number, purpose of the visit, duration of the visit, travel schedule, and other detailed information to explain the validity and necessity of the visit.
  • Delivery Certificate: A delivery certificate issued by the applicant’s company, proving the applicant’s position and job content related to this business trip, and that the company is aware of and supports the business trip.
  • Company Qualification Documents: A copy of the applicant’s company’s business license (stamped with the official seal) and related certification documents from the Malaysian inviting company (such as a business license or business registration certificate, etc.) to prove the legitimacy and business dealings of both companies.

Senior Business Visa (Professional Visa):

• Proof of Professional Qualifications: In addition to the documents required for a regular business visa, applicants must provide materials that demonstrate they are a senior manager or other technical and professional expert, such as a senior engineer certificate, professional qualification certificates, appointment to senior management positions within the company, etc.
• Long-Term Business Plan: You may need to provide a plan for long-term business activities in Malaysia, including project planning, market analysis, letters of intent for collaboration, and other relevant documents to illustrate the need for and feasibility of long-term business activities.

Student Visa:

• School Admission Notice: This is an essential document for applying for a student visa. It must be a valid admission notice issued by an accredited school in Malaysia. The notice should include the student’s name, passport number, the course of study, course duration, admission time, and other detailed information.
• Educational Certification: Provide previous academic certificates (such as high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, etc.) and transcripts. These documents need to be authenticated to prove that the applicant’s academic background meets the requirements for studying abroad.
• Proof of Funds: Used to prove that there are sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses. This can include a bank deposit certificate (usually requiring a specific deposit amount depending on the course and school requirements), scholarship certificates (if you have received a scholarship), or a financial guarantee certificate from a sponsor (such as a parent’s income certificate, bank deposit, etc.).

Dependent Visa:

• Proof of Relationship: Provide the relevant certification documents depending on the type of relationship. For example, a marriage certificate is required for spouses; a birth certificate is required for children, and notarized documents for siblings and other relationship types may also be needed. These supporting documents need to be authenticated to ensure the legitimacy of the relationship.
• Sponsorship Documents from Malaysian Relatives: As a sponsor, Malaysian citizens or permanent residents need to provide proof of their identity (such as passport, identification card, etc.) and proof of financial capability (such as income certificate, bank deposit certificate, etc.) to demonstrate that they are able to financially support the dependent’s living in Malaysia.

Work Visa:

• Employer Application Materials: The local employer in Malaysia must submit an employment contract to the Immigration Bureau. The contract should clearly state the job position, job responsibilities, working hours, salary, and other detailed information. At the same time, the employer must provide a company qualification certificate, such as a business license, tax registration certificate, etc., to prove that the company is legally qualified for employment.
• Personal Materials: The applicant’s valid passport, academic certificates (academic qualifications or certificates related to the job), work experience certificates (such as work experience certificates, recommendation letters, etc.). For work visas in specific industries, professional skill certificates or related training certificates may also be required.

How to apply for a Malaysian visa

Image from Official Malaysia Visa

Determine the Type of Visa

Determine the type of visa required based on the purpose of travel, such as tourist visa, business visa, work visa, student visa, dependent visa, etc.

Prepare the Application Documents

• Tourist Visa: Provide a valid passport, recent passport-sized photo, completed visa application form, round-trip flight booking records, hotel booking information in Malaysia, and other supporting travel itinerary documents.
• Business Visa: In addition to the passport, photo, and application form, you will also need an invitation letter from the Malaysian side, a dispatch certificate issued by the applicant’s company, and qualification certificates from both companies.
• Work Visa: The local employer in Malaysia must submit the employment contract, company qualification certificate, and other documents to the Immigration Bureau. The applicant must provide a valid passport, academic certificates, work experience certificates, etc.
• Student Visa: You will need to provide the admission notice from a Malaysian school, academic certificates, financial proof, and some documents may need to be notarized or certified.
• Dependent Visa: Proof of kinship and a guarantee letter from the Malaysian relative are required. The guarantee letter includes proof of the relative's identity and financial capability, etc. Proof of kinship must be notarized or certified.

Submit the Application

• Online Application: Some visa types can be applied for online through the Official Malaysia Visa Application Centre website or https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main, such as the tourist e-visa. Applicants need to fill in personal information, upload the required documents, and make online payment as instructed.
• Application at the Embassy or Consulate: You can also submit your visa application documents in person at the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate in China. Applicants must visit during office hours, submit the completed and signed visa application form, passport, and other relevant documents, and pay the corresponding visa fee.

Wait for Approval

Visa processing times vary depending on the type of visa, number of applicants, and other factors. Generally, tourist visas have a shorter processing time, while work and student visas may take longer. Applicants can check the status of their visa application via the online inquiry system or by phone consultation.

Collect the Visa

• Collection at the Embassy or Consulate: If the visa application is approved, applicants must go to the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate in China to collect their visa. A valid ID and the application receipt must be presented upon collection.
• Mail Delivery: Some embassies and consulates also offer visa delivery services. Applicants can choose the mailing option when submitting their application. The embassy or consulate will send the passport and visa to the applicant via express delivery once the visa is approved.

How much does a Malaysian visa cost?

Tourist Visa

• e-Visa: The fee for Chinese nationals applying for a Malaysian e-visa is approximately CNY 300. The e-visa is generally suitable for short-term travel and can be applied for through the official Malaysian e-visa website.
• Sticker Visa: The sticker visa fee is slightly higher, usually around CNY 350, and must be applied for through the Malaysian embassy or consulate in China. Applicants must submit relevant documents such as a passport, photo, flight booking, hotel reservation, etc.

Work Visa

• Employment Visa: When applying for a Malaysian employment visa, you must first pay a visa application fee, usually around MYR 30. Additionally, you must pay an annual employment pass fee of MYR 200 and a processing fee of MYR 125.
• Professional Visit Pass: The Professional Visit Pass costs MYR 90 per quarter or MYR 360 for a full year.

Student Visa

• Student Visa: Typically costs between USD 50–150, plus an annual student pass fee of MYR 60.
• Research Visa: The application fee is around MYR 100, which includes the visa service and application fees.
• Internship Visa: The application fee is approximately MYR 150, which also includes visa service and application fees.

Dependent Visa

• Dependent Pass: The annual fee is MYR 90, with a processing fee of MYR 50.
• Long-Term Social Visit Pass: The fee is MYR 600, with a processing fee of MYR 50.

How long does it take to apply for a Malaysian visa?

The time required to apply for a Malaysian visa varies depending on the type of visa. Here are the typical processing times for common visa types:

Tourist Visa

• e-Visa: Usually takes about 5–10 working days.
• Sticker Visa: Typically takes around 7–10 working days.

Student Visa

It usually takes about 4–6 weeks from the time you submit your application to receive your visa decision.

Work Visa

The processing time for a work visa is relatively longer, usually between 15–30 working days.