Malaysian Spouse Visa and Permanent Residence (PR)
Sharing my experiences as a foreign spouse applying for Spouse Visa (Long Term Social Visit Pass), Permanent Residence (Permit Masuk) and Malaysian Driving Licence
October 13, 2025
Featured Blog Posts
Malaysian Permanent Residence: Application Process Update September 2025
- 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:
- 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
- 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:
- Residency: Stay in Malaysia indefinitely.
- Visa: No need to renew a visa.
- Employment: Work without a work visa or endorsement.
- EPF: Eligible to make Self-Contribution payments to EPF.
- Banking: Easier to open an account, and removal of BNM transfer restrictions.
- Insurance and Investments: Access a wider range of financial products.
- Driving: Up to 10 years validity when renewing Malaysian driving licence.
- Tourism: Reduced prices at some attractions, plus exempt from Malaysian hotel Tourism Tax.
- Identification: Red IC (MyPR) can be used as ID.
- 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.
- 'How many applications are successful?' Between 2020 and 2024, 52% of Permit Masuk applications were successful, while 48% were rejected. Over 12,000 applications were approved in that period. See: https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php/?id=2386610. The Home Minister subsequently advised that for 19,205 backlogged applications lodged between 2013 and 2023, 15,081 were approved and 4,124 were rejected. See: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/08/1262273/home-ministry-clears-19000-entry-permit-backlog
- '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.
- 'After applying how do I check the status of my application?' You can check at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/eservices/myPermit?semakStatusPermit. Fill in 'No Rujukan' by including the 'space' after the first letter but not including any of the '/'.
- '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 applying, but before my PR is granted what happens if I divorce or my Malaysian spouse passes away?' In these cases a Permit Masuk application becomes invalid and PR won't be granted. In October 2025, the Home Minister stated that foreign spouses who are separated from their Malaysian spouse may apply for a Residence Pass, enabling them to continue living and working in Malaysia, provided they have a child who is a Malaysian citizen. See: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/08/separated-non-citizen-spouses-can-apply-for-resident-pass-to-stay-in-m039sia-says-saifuddin
- '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.
- 'Do PR holders need to apply for a Red IC?' Permanent Residents are required to register for an IC within 30 days of Permit Masuk being granted. See: https://www.jpn.gov.my/en/core-business/identity-card/mypr-12thn-eng.
- '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.
- 'Is there another pathway for a foreign spouse to get PR?' If a foreigner and their Malaysian spouse live overseas they might be able to apply for PR through the Returning Expert Programme (REP). This is different to the usual Permit Masuk application process and can be a faster and easier route to obtain PR. See more info here: https://www.talentcorp.com.my/our-initiatives/for-professionals/rep/. There is also a Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/231856371765317
- '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.
- 'Can a PR holder apply for Blue IC (Malaysian Citizenship)?' An application for Malaysian citizenship may be able to be made if the requirements stated in the Federal Constitution are met, including residency (2 years for wives of citizens) and naturalisation (10 years out of previous 12 years for males). See: https://www.jpn.gov.my/en/core-business/citizenship/warga-151-isteri-eng and https://www.jpn.gov.my/en/core-business/citizenship/warga-19-21lebih-eng. Applicants must pass a BM language exam: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/11/23/is-your-bm-fluent-enough-to-be-a-malaysian-six-things-to-know/103596. If successful the original citizenship must be renounced, as Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship.
- 'Will listening to Rock Kapak 🎸increase my chances of getting PR?' No, but I still recommend it (and it might help improve your BM!). Here's a Spotify playlist to listen to: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5H5hua1oNOFBb1G6jZCxyy?si=7PjjSXUAQq62UZxfBTvK8g&pi=bZDsn08PRam_7
October 02, 2025
Spouse Visa Malaysia: Renewal of Long Term Social Visit Pass 2025
New LTSVP Renewal Process from 1st October 2025
and
https://www.facebook.com/FSSGMY/
The Immigration Facebook page also has regular updates:
https://www.facebook.com/imigresen/
September 19, 2025
Malaysian Permanent Residence: Replacing your Red IC (MyPR)
- IC had been damaged
- IC had been lost
- IC had been stolen
- IC holder reached 18 years of age
- IC holder changed permanent address
- 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)
- 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.
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:
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.
- 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/
- JPJ announced a new format of the plastic physical licence in May 2025. See: https://paultan.org/2025/05/21/jpj-introduces-new-version-of-malaysian-driving-licence-card-with-enhanced-security-features/
- Passport (plus copy of bio page and visa)
- Competent Driving Licence (CDL) (and copy of both sides)
- 1 passport photo (white background)
- Completed Form JPJL1, which can be downloaded here: https://www.jpj.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Borang-Permohonan-Lesen-Memandu-JPJ-L1.pdf
- I also brought evidence of upcoming travels (my flight itinerary) but I wasn't asked to show it.
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:
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
March 25, 2025
Malaysian Permanent Residence: My Experience of the PR Process
- 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
- Application Process: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2022/11/malaysia-permanent-residence-permit.html
- Immigration Interview: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2022/11/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit.html
- Police Interview: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2023/04/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit.html
- 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
- Receiving Permit Masuk Approval Letter and Shortening Current LTSVP: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/01/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-receiving.html
- Getting Permit Masuk Certificate and PR Passport Stamp: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-getting.html
- Applying for Red IC (MyPR): https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-applying-for.html
- 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)
- JPN receipt
- Passport (but I wasn't asked to show it)
February 28, 2025
Malaysia Immigration: Using the QMS App at Putrajaya
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'
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.