January 27, 2026

That's All Folks!

For over 10 years I’ve documented my journey on this blog; from the marriage process, applying for a Spouse Visa (and multiple subsequent renewals), to finally securing Permanent Residence.

Much has changed in the past decade. Most notably, there’s now a wealth of information available online, including the PR Guidelines released by Immigration in September 2025. These developments should make things smoother for foreign spouses navigating the system today.

Since I no longer need to make regular visits to Immigration, I will not be keeping up to date with any changes to the Spouse Visa or PR (Permit Masuk) procedures, so will not update the blog.

I will leave my old posts up for now, but for the latest updates check out the websites and Groups in the ‘Useful Links’ section, as they are excellent resources for current information.

I hope this blog has been useful to other people on a similar journey to my own!



Featured Blog Posts

Step by step details of my successful PR application

Answers to questions about Permit Masuk / PR

Changes to the online renewal process in 2025

How I improved my BM for the PR interviews

JPJ updates on using a foreign driving licence

Process for applying for an IC after getting PR



January 26, 2026

Malaysian Permanent Residence: Application Guidelines from September 2025

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

Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia has released the official Permit Masuk Guidelines (Garis Panduan Permit Masuk) which provide a step-by-step guide to the updated application process. 


The Guidelines outline the process clearly and include links to download the required forms. However, the PR application form (Borang Permohonan Permit Masuk [IM.4]) is not available for download, and will only be issued to applicants once their eligibility has been verified by Immigration.




The Immigration department has released a brief explanatory video on YouTube

Key updates for foreign spouses include:
  • Eligibility criteria have been reduced for foreign wives, who can 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. This summary is shown on Page 38:

  • There is no mention of a ‘Points System’ in the Guidelines, instead Page 20 states that the applicant and Malaysian spouse must attend an Immigration interview to determine eligibility for the Permit Masuk application. If the Points System has been abolished, applicants may now be evaluated to a standard decided by the Immigration officer at the interview. Appendix A2 shows the verification criteria are the same as those under the Points System (download the form by using the link at the bottom of the page):

  • Page 22 of the first version of the Guidelines (released on 13th October 2025 on the Immigration Facebook Page) stated that decisions on applications should be issued within 6 months from the submission date. This was also shown on this Facebook Post by Immigration on 12th December 2025. However, Page 22 of the most recent version of the Guidelines (as shown on the Immigration website) states that a review of the application result can be done after 6 months. Extracts of both versions are shown here, with the assumption that Version 2 takes precedence:
Version 1:

Version 2:

    This infographic on Page 34 shows the process and timeline:


  • Here are some other extracts from the Guidelines:

Page 9: Examples of Red IC (MyPR) and Permit Masuk Certificate
 issued to a successful applicant, by JPN and Immigration



Page 16: Eligibility criteria for the wife of a citizen



Page 17: Eligibility criteria for the husband of a citizen



Page 28: Example of the Permanent Resident passport stamp 
issued to a successful applicant by Immigration



Appendix A1: Example of the IM.4 Permit Masuk Application form 
given to applicants who have had their eligibility verified by Immigration



Appendix C1: Checklist for the Permit Masuk Application
(download the checklist by using the link at the bottom of the page)




Where to find further information:
  • For specific guidance go to the 'Permit Masuk' counter at your nearest Immigration office.
  • Visit the Facebook pages and 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: Details from the Permit Masuk Guidelines released in September 2025 are 
included in the answers below. For more information on those Guidelines see:

 
  • What are Permit Masuk and Permanent Residency (PR)? Permit Masuk is the highest privilege granted by the Government of Malaysia to a foreign national. To obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Malaysia, a person must apply for Permit Masuk, which is the Entry Permit certificate issued to successful applicants, who also receive a Permanent Residency passport stamp. The applicant can then apply to JPN for a Red IC (MyPR). These are examples of a Red IC (MyPR), Permit Masuk certificate and passport stamp from the Permit Masuk Guidelines:

  • '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. Healthcare: Access to public healthcare services.
  5. EPF: Eligible to make Self-Contribution payments to EPF.
  6. Banking: Easier to open an account, and removal of BNM transfer restrictions.
  7. Insurance and Investments: Access a wider range of financial products.
  8. Education: Access to public education institutions.
  9. Driving: Up to 10 years validity when renewing Malaysian driving licence.
  10. Tourism: Exempt from Malaysian hotel Tourism Tax, plus reduced prices at some attractions.
  11. Identification: Red IC can be used as ID e.g. for some domestic flights.
  12. Security Bond: Request a refund of LTSVP bond 2 years after getting Permit Masuk.
  13. Property: Pay stamp duty at the same rate as Malaysians for Title Transfers
Note: PR holders are foreign nationals and so are still subject to certain restrictions such as compliance with minimum property purchase price for foreigners, not eligible for employment in restricted sectors or roles, not entitled to subsidies for Malaysian citizens (e.g. petrol, public transport), not allowed to vote in elections.

  • '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. 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 verify your eligibility. Forms and checklists can also be downloaded from the Permit Masuk Guidelines.
  • '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 your BM skills will be assessed by the Immigration officer when verifying your eligibility. 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 examples of 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 a review of the application result can be done after 6 months. Previously it could take many years for a decision to be issued. My own application took under 3 years, but there are reports of applications made in 2024 that took less than 18 months. The decision letter will be sent by post to the sponsor's address. 
  • '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 are living there continuously. Pages 16 and 17 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines state that the social visit 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 32 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 Immigration approval 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 23 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 27 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines says that an application for a lost or damaged Permit Masuk certificate should be made at Immigration HQ and must include the documents shown in Appendix C5.
  • '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.


January 13, 2026

Malaysia Immigration: Can Foreign Spouses use the NIISe App?

Foreign passport holders from certain countries currently have two options when passing through Malaysia Immigration: to use the manual counters or the Autogates. Malaysian citizens can also use the QR Gates, accessed via a code generated by MyBorderPass.

Immigration are consolidating some of their systems into a single platform: the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) App, available for download through the Immigration website.



Foreign passport holders, including spouses of Malaysian citizens, will be able to use the NIISe App at the QR Gates for immigration clearance in future. This will allow users faster entry and exit at immigration, and will avoid manual passport stamping.

What’s Changing
  • At present, the system is only operational at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) which are the two checkpoints with Singapore in Johor. Malaysians and foreigners can already use the app there.
  • It is proposed that foreign passport holders from 63 selected countries will be able to use the NIISe app and the QR Gates at all entry points, including KLIA. The implementation date has not yet been announced.

Key Features of the NIISe App


Using the App
Using the NIISe app for QR Gate clearance will be optional as travellers can still use their physical passports at manual counters or Autogates.
Carrying your passport remains mandatory, whether you use the QR Gates or not!


My Experience Registering
I registered for the NIISe app and noticed a couple of issues:  
  • The app displays the last three movements in and out of Malaysia. In my case, it only shows the last three trips I made at KLIA using my LTSVP. I have entered and exited the country multiple times since becoming a Permanent Resident, but none of those are shown in the app.
  • The app states that I am not eligible to use the e‑gates, even though the official immigration website confirms that I am.
These may be glitches with a new system, so I will see what happens once it is fully in use for foreign passport holders.


January 05, 2026

Malaysia Immigration: Queue Management System 2.0

A new appointment and queue management system called QMS 2.0 was implemented by the Immigration Department on 17th December 2025. Apparently this replaces the STO system.

This was announced on both the Immigration Facebook Page and the KL Immigration Facebook Page 

The new system is in use at Putrajaya and KL Immigration offices, and may also be in use at other state offices. You should check with your nearest office if you need to use this new system, as some offices had stopped using the STO appointment system and were walk-in only.

To access the new system visit the QMS 2.0 portal: https://queue.imi.gov.my/





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 (select the ePLSI option)

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. 

If you are unable to apply online (or can apply online but are unable to print the pass), you should visit Immigration. You will need to bring originals and copies of all the required documents.

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. The QR Gates are reserved for Malaysian citizens, see info hereThere are proposals to allow foreigners to use the QR Gates in future: 


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. 

This article shows some commonly visited countries and the requirements for a Malaysian driving licence holder:
https://says.com/my/lifestyle/which-country-accepts-malaysian-driving-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 (for an additional fee).
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.