October 13, 2025

Featured Blog Posts

Details of the revised application process

Changes to the online renewal process in 2025

Step by step details of my PR application

Answers to questions about Permit Masuk / PR


How I improved my BM for the PR interviews


JPJ updates on using a foreign driving licence


Information for LTSVP & PR holders


Process for applying for an IC after getting PR



Malaysian Permanent Residence: Application Process Update September 2025

 
In January 2025, Malaysia’s Home Ministry (KDN) announced upcoming changes to the application process for foreign spouses, scheduled to take effect in September 2025:

Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia has now released the Permit Masuk Guidelines (Garis Panduan Permit Masuk), providing a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the updated application process. The guidelines are at this link, although it seems the document can only be viewed fully on a mobile device and cannot be downloaded:



Key updates for foreign spouses include:
  • Eligibility criteria have been relaxed for foreign wives, who now qualify with a minimum of 3 years of marriage and 1 year on LTSVP. Foreign husbands must still meet a minimum of 5 years for both marriage and LTSVP:

  • A 'Points System' is not mentioned, so it may have been abolished. However, Page 20 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines states that the applicant and Malaysian spouse must still be interviewed by Immigration for assessment and verification before a Permit Masuk application is accepted. Details shown in Appendix A2 indicate that the criteria for the verification process may be similar to that assessed under the 'Points System':

  • According to Page 22 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines, application decisions for foreign spouses should be issued within 6 months from the date of submission. Applicants will receive their results either by post or online. This infographic shows the updated process and timeline:


Here are more screenshots from the Permit Masuk Guidelines. They show additional eligibility criteria for both female and male applicants, plus the checklist referred to in Appendix C1 setting out the documents required:




Where to Find Further Information:
  • For specific guidance visit your nearest Immigration office.
  • Facebook Groups shown in the ‘Useful Links’ section.
  • See information on the PR process on the FAQs page:





Malaysian Permanent Residence: FAQ


Frequently Asked Questions about Permanent Residence for foreign spouses

Note: The process is subject to change.

Changes announced in the Permit Masuk Guidelines released in September 2025 are 
reflected in the answers below. For details of the Permit Masuk Guidelines see:

 
  • What are Permit Masuk and Permanent Residency (PR)? To obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Malaysia, a person must first apply for Permit Masuk, which is the official Entry Permit issued to successful applicants. The Immigration Department refers to the application process as “Permit Masuk” and once approved, PR status ("Pemastautin Tetap") is confirmed with a passport stamp. Learn more about the Permit Masuk (PR) process here:  https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/permit/ 
  • 'What are the advantages of PR?' Some of the benefits include:
  1. Residency: Stay in Malaysia indefinitely.
  2. Visa: No need to renew a visa.
  3. Employment: Work without a work visa or endorsement.
  4. EPF: Eligible to make Self-Contribution payments to EPF.
  5. Banking: Easier to open an account, and removal of BNM transfer restrictions.
  6. Insurance and Investments: Access a wider range of financial products.
  7. Driving: Up to 10 years validity when renewing Malaysian driving licence.
  8. Tourism: Reduced prices at some attractions, plus exempt from Malaysian hotel Tourism Tax.
  9. Identification: Red IC (MyPR) can be used as ID.
  10. Security Bond: Request a refund of LTSVP bond 2 years after getting Permit Masuk.
  • 'Is Residence Pass (RP) the same as Permanent Residence (PR)?' No, Residence Pass (RP) is a temporary pass which is valid for an initial period of 5 years, with the possibility of a five-year renewal. RP holders can work without requiring an endorsement, but they still face certain restrictions similar to those of LTSVP holders. See info on RP here: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/pass/residence-pass/.
  • 'When can a foreign spouse apply for Permit Masuk (PR)?' A female foreign spouse can apply for Permit Masuk after a minimum of 3 years of marriage and 1 year on LTSVP. Foreign husbands must meet a minimum of 5 years for both marriage and LTSVP.
  • 'How do I apply for Permit Masuk (PR) and where can I get the application forms?' The applicant and Malaysian spouse should visit the Permit Masuk counter at the state immigration office nearest their residence. The officer will carry out an interview and verify eligibility.
  • 'Do we need to have kids to get PR?' We don't have children, and there are Facebook posts from other applicants without kids who have also successfully obtained PR. However, number of children is one of the factors that may be considered in the application process, so if you do have kids it could help your application. 
  • 'Do I need to speak Bahasa Melayu (BM)?' Appendix A2 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines shows that language skills are assessed by Immigration, so proficiency in BM may help your application. In my case, the Immigration and Police interviews were both conducted in BM, and I was asked to sing Negaraku and recite Rukun Negara. See how I improved my BM, and the interview questions that might be asked:  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2023/04/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit_20.html
  • 'How long does the process take?' Page 22 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines states that applications will be processed within 6 months. Previously it could take many years for a decision to be issued.
  • 'If I go overseas during the LTSVP period, will it affect my eligibility for PR?' Overseas trips are permitted, but it should be evident to Immigration that Malaysia is your full-time home and that you have been living there continuously. Page 17 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines states that for foreign husbands the pass cannot be interrupted for more than six (6) months.
  • 'What fees are payable?' Successful applicants have to pay RM120 to Immigration when collecting the Permit Masuk certificate, and RM40 to JPN when applying for a Red IC. 
  • 'Should I pay an agent to help me get PR?' No. The application must be completed in person by the applicant and their Malaysian spouse. Agents cannot submit applications or attend interviews on your behalf. Social media posts claiming they can help a foreign spouse obtain PR are likely to be costly services that you do not need.
  • 'Do I need to follow up my application in person?' If there seems to be no progress on your application you can follow up at the immigration office where you applied, or if your file is at Putrajaya, go to the Permit Masuk counter there on Level 1 (Ground Floor).
  • 'Do I need to tell Immigration if my details change during the application process?' Yes, you should update the Permit Masuk counter if your information changes e.g. new address, new passport, additional children. Up to date address details are needed for sending the decision letter. 
  • 'After I am granted PR will it be revoked if I divorce or my Malaysian spouse passes away?' No, the Immigration Act does not provide for Permit Masuk to be cancelled in those circumstances. 
  • 'Can PR status be lost if the holder lives overseas?' Page 27 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines states that if a PR holder has stayed abroad for more than six (6) months, an application for a new PR stamp when the passport is renewed will be postponed to allow investigation into the status and justification of the pass holder's presence abroad. Page 33 states that if the holder returns to their country of origin permanently they must submit the Permit Masuk to the nearest Immigration office for cancellation.
  • 'Can PR be revoked for any other reason?' Permit Masuk could be cancelled if the holder does not adhere to the conditions in the approval letter, in accordance with the Immigration Act. These include prohibitions against criticising or opposing the Malaysian government, negatively impacting public order, joining political organisations. The Immigration Act also states that Permit Masuk can be cancelled if a false or misleading statement was made in the original application.
  • 'Do PR holders need a work visa or work endorsement?' No, PR holders do not require any Immigration approvals to work. However, there are specific jobs that foreigners, including PR holders, are prohibited from taking up.
  • 'How do I get back the LTSVP security bond?' After holding Permit Masuk for 2 years an application for a refund can be made at the Immigration office that issued your LTSVP. The original bond receipt and Red IC are needed, plus other documents shown here:  https://www.facebook.com/share/12EwqB7rRCB/ 
  • 'Do PR holders need to get a new stamp when their passport is replaced?' Yes, the PR passport stamp states that the holder is 'required to obtain similar notification on renewal of passport'. This should be done at the state Immigration office nearest to your residence.
  • 'If my application for Permit Masuk is rejected how can I appeal?' The rejection letter from Immigration will explain how to appeal, which must be submitted within 30 days. Details are also set out on Page 23 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines
  • 'If my application for Permit Masuk is rejected can I apply again?' Page 20 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines states that rejected applicants can submit a new application after 1 year from the date of the rejection decision.
  • 'If I lose my Permit Masuk certificate can I obtain a replacement?' Page 28 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines states that applications for a new certificate must include the documents shown in Appendix C5. A police report and the form shown in Appendix A7 will also be required. 



October 02, 2025

Spouse Visa Malaysia: Renewal of Long Term Social Visit Pass 2025

 New LTSVP Renewal Process from 1st October 2025

The Immigration department has announced that with effect from 1st October 2025, LTSVP holders in Peninsular Malaysia can fully renew their pass online using the ePLSI system.

Renewal applications can be made at https://www.imi.gov.my

The new system is 'end-to-end' meaning that the LTSVP pass can be self printed and there is no need to visit the immigration office. 

Under the previous online system, if a pass had less than 14 days left the renewal application could not be made online and had to be done at Immigration. Immigration say that this requirement has now been dropped.

Note: new LTSVP applications, transfer of a pass to a new passport, and renewals for passports that have expired or have less than 6 months validity must still be done at the Immigration office.

Further details can be seen in this post on JIM's Facebook page:









For more information about LTSVP renewals visit the following pages:



September 19, 2025

Malaysian Permanent Residence: Replacing your Red IC (MyPR)

 

JPN has recently advised IC holders (including PR holders) to replace their card if it is more than 10 years old. 

Previously it was only necessary to replace an IC in the following circumstances:
  • IC had been damaged
  • IC had been lost
  • IC had been stolen
  • IC holder reached 18 years of age
  • IC holder changed permanent address

The cost to replace a MyPR card is RM40, although an additional processing fee will be charged to replace a card that has been lost.


See this JPN Facebook post: 





What if I have lost my MyPR?
  • Make a police report (JPN say this is only needed for a second or subsequent loss). This can be done at a police station or online at https://ereporting.rmp.gov.my/index.aspx 
  • Go to JPN with the police report
  • Apply for a replacement card and pay the MyPR application fee (RM40) and a processing fee: RM100 (first time loss of card), RM300 (second time), RM1,000 (third and subsequent times)

What if my MyPR has been stolen? 
  • Make a police report (this must always be done for a stolen card). This can be done at a police station or online at https://ereporting.rmp.gov.my/index.aspx 
  • Go to JPN with the police report
  • Apply for a replacement card and pay the MyPR application fee (RM40). A processing fee does not need to be paid to replace a card that has been stolen.

What if I have lost or had my MyPR stolen overseas? 
You are advised to make a police report in that country, then follow the steps above.

See the JPN website for more details:



June 27, 2025

Malaysia Immigration: Using the Autogates at KLIA and KLIA2

Since November 2022, foreign nationals holding a Malaysia long term pass and a biometric passport have been able to use the Autogates at KLIA and KLIA2:  https://www.klia2.info/news/2022/autogate-system-at-klia-extended-to-long-term-visit-pass-holders-from-nov-15/

Tourists from certain countries are also permitted to use the Autogates (70 countries as at Feb 2025).

There are plans to install Autogates at other entry point starting in 2026. See this link:  https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2473334

Note that Autogates are not the same as QR gates; those are reserved for Malaysian citizens only.


Using the Autogates as an LTSVP holder

As an LTSVP holder, before using the Autogates I first had to be stamped out and back into Malaysia at the manual counter, and my fingerprints scanned. I could then use the Autogates the next time I travelled out of and back into Malaysia.

After I renewed my passport and transferred my LTSVP, I again had to be manually stamped out and back in to Malaysia before I could continue to use the Autogates.


Using the Autogates as a PR holder

After receiving my PR I checked my eligibility to use the Autogates on the Immigration website: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/egate and it showed this message that I am not eligible to use the Autogates:


On my first overseas trip after obtaining PR, I was unable to use the Autogates on re-entering Malaysia, so I went to the Malaysian Passport counter where my passport was stamped, I showed my Red IC and had my fingerprints scanned. 

However, on my next overseas trip I was able to re-enter Malaysia using the Autogates. So I think I just needed to use the manual counter on my way in and back out before the system recognised my eligibility. I’ve since checked again on the Immigration website https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/egate and it now confirms that I am eligible to use the Autogates:


A Facebook post in August 2025 shared a photo of a sign at KLIA2 stating that Permanent Residents can use the Malaysian Passport Counter. The sign is a bit confusing as it says passengers should do this if they are a "Malaysian passport holder" which PR holders are not, but it seems to confirm that PR holders who use a manual counter should choose the Malaysian counter rather than the foreign one:




May 20, 2025

Driving overseas with a Malaysian Licence: Getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) from JPJ


To drive overseas using a Malaysian driving licence, some countries require the driver to hold an International Driving Permit as well as the Malaysian domestic licence. 

Note: Many websites offer an "International Driving Licence," but these are not official documents. Only an International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid, and it must be issued by the official authority in the same country where the domestic driving licence was issued. If you hold a Malaysian driving licence, you must get your IDP from JPJ, or you could get a fine for driving with invalid documents, see:  https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/fake-idp-websites-to-avoid/ 

The format of the IDP was revised by JPJ in April 2024:


Requirements to apply for an IDP at JPJ:
  • Applicant must hold a Class B2 or D Competent Driving Licence (CDL).
  • CDL must have been held for over 1 year.
  • CDL must have at least 1 year left until expiry.
  • A fee of RM150 must be paid (IDP validity is 1 year)
  • Note: the applicant must have a plastic physical driving licence. The paper 'slip' that has been issued for licence renewals since February 2024 is not valid for overseas use. A physical licence can be requested when renewing the licence. Evidence of forthcoming travels will need to shown. See: https://paultan.org/2024/02/09/jpj-driving-licence-renewal-slip-faq/
Documents needed to apply for an IDP at JPJ:
  • Passport (plus copy of bio page and visa)
  • Competent Driving Licence (CDL) (and copy of both sides)
  • 1 passport photo (white background)
  • I also brought evidence of upcoming travels (my flight itinerary) but I wasn't asked to show it.

Application Process:
The JPJ website says that an application for an IDP can be made at any JPJ State or Branch Office:
https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/web/main-site/pemandu-en/-/knowledge_base/driver/application-for-idp-international-driving-permit  so it should be possible to apply at UTC branches, but I decided to go to Wangsa Maju JPJ state office. 

At JPJ dress rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts.

I arrived at JPJ at 745am on a Tuesday and joined the queue at Pintu 1 (Ground Floor). There are now 2 queues, a priority lane for Malaysians and another lane for foreign passport holders. 

Foreigner queue on the left, Malaysians on the right:

The doors opened at 8am and I queued to take a ticket at the counter as the JPJeQ app was not in use. I got a ticket at 845am and my number was called at 1030am. However it then only took 5 minutes for me to hand over the documents, pay the RM150 fee and be given the IDP, so I was finished just after 1030am. By contrast, a Malaysian who arrived at JPJ at the same time as me collected their IDP at 915am.

The fee must be paid using a local debit or credit card or via e-wallet. Cash and international bank cards are not accepted by JPJ.



May 16, 2025

Driving in Malaysia: 2025 Update for Foreign Licence Holders

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced that from 19th May 2025 they will no longer convert foreign driving licences to Malaysian licences.

The only exceptions to this policy are for diplomats, Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) participants, and Malaysians who only hold foreign licences.

Foreign spouses, permanent residents and others will no longer be eligible for licence conversion.

More information is available here:

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/16/no-more-conversion-of-foreign-driving-licences-from-may-19-says-jpj

JPJ's announcement also provided guidance for foreign nationals residing in Malaysia for less than 12 months, who can use their foreign licence to drive in Malaysia:

  • Those from countries party to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic 1949 and the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic 1968 may drive using an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the relevant authority in their home country.
  • Nationals of ASEAN countries may use their home driving licence, in accordance with the 1985 Agreement on the Recognition of Domestic Driving Licences Issued by ASEAN Countries


I took the Malaysian driving test in March 2020 during a period when licence conversions were similarly restricted (September 2018 to December 2020). Details of the process are here: 



March 25, 2025

Malaysian Permanent Residence: My Experience of the PR Process

I am grateful that my application for Malaysian Permanent Residency (Permit Masuk) was approved. The immigration and police officers who handled my application and interviews were professional and helpful, which made the process easier.

I have put details below of each stage of my application which might be of interest to others.

Please note: These are my personal experiences only; everyone's circumstances are unique and applications are individually assessed by Immigration, Police and Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN). 

For specific advice you should visit Immigration. You can also find out information and ask questions in the Facebook Groups in the 'Useful Links' section.

I have described the process based on when I applied in 2022. This was before a 'Points System' for foreign spouses was introduced in March 2024. More information on the PR/Permit Masuk application process can be found on the FAQ page:





Dates of each stage of my PR application:
We were married in 2014 and I was advised by immigration that I could submit my Permit Masuk application in my 6th year of holding a LTSVP. However, due to Covid lockdowns, and being discouraged by many negative stories online about how challenging it is to get PR, I only applied 8 years after my initial LTSVP:
  • Submitted Permit Masuk application: July 2022
  • Immigration Interview: November 2022
  • Police Interview: April 2023
  • Followed up with State Immigration: November 2023
  • Home visit from Immigration and Police officers: February 2024
  • Online status updated to show file transfer to Putrajaya: November 2024
  • Online status updated to show approval of Permit Masuk: December 2024
  • Received Permit Masuk approval letter: January 2025
  • Shortened LTSVP at State Immigration: January 2025
  • Obtained Permit Masuk and PR stamp at Putrajaya Immigration: February 2025
  • Applied for Red IC at Putrajaya JPN: February 2025
  • Collected Red IC from State JPN: March 2025

Links to detailed posts of each stage of my PR application:
  1. Application Process: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2022/11/malaysia-permanent-residence-permit.html 
  2. Immigration Interview: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2022/11/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit.html 
  3. Police Interview: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2023/04/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit.html
  4. Immigration and Police Home Visit, File Transfer to Putrajaya and Permit Masuk Approval: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2024/12/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit.html
  5. Receiving Permit Masuk Approval Letter and Shortening Current LTSVP: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/01/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-receiving.html 
  6. Getting Permit Masuk Certificate and PR Passport Stamp:  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-getting.html
  7. Applying for Red IC (MyPR): https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-applying-for.html
  8. Collecting Red IC (MyPR): https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/03/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-collecting.html



Malaysian Permanent Residence: Collecting Red IC (MyPR)

Collect Red IC (MyPR) from JPN (March 2025)

I applied for my Red IC at JPN Putrajaya and was advised that it would take between 1 month and 3 months to be ready. I phoned JPN after 4 weeks and it wasn't yet available, but when I called again 2 weeks later it was ready, so overall it took 6 weeks.

Only the applicant (the foreign spouse) has to go to JPN to collect the IC. I brought the following documents:
  • JPN receipt
  • Passport (but I wasn't asked to show it)

I had asked to collect my IC at JPN KL so I went to Bahagian Kad Pengenalan at JPN Jalan Duta (on the Ground Floor).

I arrived at around 830am and was given a queue number at the info counter. When my number was called my thumb prints were scanned and I was given my IC. I paid RM2 for a plastic card holder. JPN staff were very efficient and I received my IC only 20 minutes after arriving!

I could now check my status on the JPN website https://semakankpmys.jpn.gov.my/ using my new IC number and ishowed 'Kad telah diambil':



The IC number is made up of 6 digits for date of birth, followed by a 2 digit country code and then 4 other digits. The country codes can be seen here: https://www.jpn.gov.my/my/kod-negara

Here is an example of a Red IC (MyPR) from the JPN website. MyPR cards have the wording 'Pemastautin Tetap' (Permanent Resident):



I am very pleased that I now have my PR and IC! 


More information on the PR/Permit Masuk application process can be found on the FAQ page:




February 28, 2025

Malaysia Immigration: Using the QMS App at Putrajaya


Immigration announced that the QMS queue management app was being used at Putrajaya from 1st November 2024 but on my visits to immigration I hadn't seen any signs for it and so took a paper ticket in the normal way. 

However it is actually in use alongside the paper ticket system, and is a good way to get a ticket number and get notification when your number is called. You may even get seen earlier if you get a number before other people queuing for a paper ticket.

Note that only certain branches use QMS e.g. Putrajaya does but KL currently doesn't (other than for Malaysians renewing passports at select branches).


Using the app:

You will need to know which floor the office is on for the service you want. e.g. at Putrajaya the Permit Masuk counter is on Level 1.

This example is for getting a ticket for the Permit Masuk counter at Putrajaya:

  • Download the app from either the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
  • Allow notifications when asked.
  • Click on 'Service Providers' 
  • Select 'Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia'. 
  • Scroll down and choose 'WP Putrajaya'.
  • Choose 'Putrajaya (Bahagian Visa Aras 1)'
  • Select 'Permohonan Permit Masuk' and 'Get Ticket'

See this website for links to download the app, plus additional details (although it describes passport renewals): https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/pengumuman/qms-mobile-apps/





February 17, 2025

Malaysia Immigration: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)

The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) was introduced on 1st December 2023. Details can be seen here: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main 

All foreign nationals are required to complete the MDAC before arrival, with a few exceptions. 

Initially the list of exempt travellers included Permanent Residents, but not LTSVP and other long term pass holders:


The exemptions were later updated to show that from 1st January 2024 Malaysia long term pass holders were also not required to complete the MDAC:


If you don't fall into one of the categories above and do need to apply for a MDAC you should only apply for it at the official website:

There are lots of unauthorised websites offering MDAC, but they are unofficial and charge applicants a fee. You don't need to pay anything to register at the official government website - it is FREE!