October 13, 2025

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. 



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