Malaysian PR (Permit Masuk): FAQs

 

Frequently Asked Questions about PR for foreign spouses

Note: The process is subject to change and there are proposals to revise it from September 2025:

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/01/29/foreign-spouses-now-eligible-for-pr-in-just-3-years/

• 'What are Permit Masuk and PR? Are they the same thing?' Permit Masuk is the 'entry permit' certificate that is issued to successful applicants. They also get a passport stamp which confirms they have been granted Permanent Residency (PR). Permit Masuk and PR essentially have the same meaning. See more about Permit Masuk (PR) here: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/permit/ 

• 'What are the advantages of Permit Masuk (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: Make voluntary contributions 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. Health: Public healthcare at local rates.
8. Driving: Up to 10 years validity when renewing Malaysian driving licence.
9. Tourism: Some tourist attractions offer reduced entry prices.
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 permit which is valid for an initial period of 5 years, with the possibility of a five-year renewal. The applicant must have resided in Malaysia for a minimum of 3 years on a valid long term pass. 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 foreign spouse can apply for Permit Masuk after living in Malaysia continuously for a minimum of 5 years on a LTSVP. *From September 2025 it is proposed that the eligibility period will be changed to a minimum of 3 years marriage and 1 year of holding LTSVP*

• 'How do I apply for Permit Masuk (PR) and where can I get the application forms?' Go to the Permit Masuk counter at the state immigration office nearest your residence. The officer will verify your eligibility and a brief interview may be conducted in Bahasa Malaysia (BM). You might need to qualify through the 'Points System'.

• 'What is the 'Points System' for foreign spouses?' A points system for foreign spouses was introduced in March 2024. To be eligible to apply for Permit Masuk, applicants must achieve a score of at least 40 points on a questionnaire. More information on the points system can be found here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ForeignSpouses/posts/3607001549523156 *It was announced in January 2025 that the points system for foreign spouses may be withdrawn*

• 'Do I need an appointment to visit Immigration?' Kuala Lumpur and Selangor use the STO appointment system; other state offices are walk-in only. STO appointments can be made here:  https://sto.imi.gov.my/STO/home.php 

• 'Can male foreign spouses get PR?' Yes, both male and female spouses have successfully obtained PR.

• 'Do I need to have kids to get PR?' The number of children is considered as one of the criteria in the application process, so if you do have kids it may help your application. However, applicants without children have successfully obtained PR.

• 'Do I need to be a tax payer in Malaysia to get PR?' It is possible for a non-tax payer to obtain PR, but the financial status of both the applicant and spouse are taken into consideration.

• 'Is every nationality eligible to apply for PR?' All nationalities can apply for Permit Masuk and there have been successful applicants from many different countries.

• 'Do I need to speak Bahasa Melayu (BM)?' Yes, a basic understanding of BM is required, as both the immigration and police interviews are in BM. Having a better proficiency may help your application. See my post about how I learnt and improved my BM, and the questions that might be asked at the interviews:  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2023/04/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit_20.html

• 'How long does the process take?' My application took less than 3 years in total. I have read of other recent approvals that took between 3 and 9 years. Some applications have taken much longer. In January 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) announced that cases will be decided within 6 months after all immigration and police interviews and checks are completed. Those checks take time, so the entire process could still take a few years. See: https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php/?id=2386610 

• '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 during that 5 year period. See: https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php/?id=2386610 

• 'Am I allowed to leave Malaysia during the LTSVP period?' Yes, overseas trips are permitted, but it must be evident to Immigration that Malaysia is your full-time home.

• 'What fees are payable?' Successful applicants must pay Immigration RM120 when collecting the Permit Masuk, 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. Any social media posts that claim they can help a foreign spouse get PR are likely to be scams or costly services that you do not need.

• 'After applying how do I check the status of my application?' You should regularly check at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/eservices/myPermit?semakStatusPermit. For 'No Rujukan' include the 'space' after the first letter but don't include any of the '/'. 

• 'Do I need to follow up my application in person?' There may be 6 months or 1 year between stages. If there's no progress, 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. Immigration need up to date details for the home visit, sending the decision letter etc. Don't assume that the Permit Masuk system is automatically updated if you change your details for LTSVP renewals.

• 'Will PR be revoked if I divorce or my Malaysian spouse passes away?' No, PR is a permanent status and the Immigration Act does not provide for Permit Masuk to be cancelled in those circumstances. 

• '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?' According to JPN, the National Registration Regulations state that 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 can I get back the LTSVP security bond?' You may apply for a refund at the Immigration office that issued your LTSVP. The application can be made after holding Permit Masuk for 2 years. 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”.

• 'If my application for Permit Masuk is rejected can I appeal?' The appeals process will be set out in the rejection letter from Immigration. Also see details on the KDN website:  https://www.moha.gov.my/index.php/en/rayuan-permohonan-permit-masuk 

• 'Is there an easier 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 offers a faster and easier route for the foreign spouse to obtain PR. This process can take as little as 6 months to a year. Consequently, applicants using REP are unlikely to encounter the same challenges that spouses using the standard process face. 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/

• 'Is PR possible for non-spouses?' Yes, but that it is a totally different process with its own requirements and points system. More information can be found here:  https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/permit/ and the points calculator (with a 65 point pass mark) is here: https://app.imi.gov.my/epc/index.php

• 'Can a PR holder apply for Blue IC (Malaysian Citizenship)?' An application for Malaysian citizenship can be made to JPN 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