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:

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/1167952/foreign-spouses-get-entry-permit-relief-exempted-point-system

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

Download them here: https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/permit/ 

The Guidelines outline the process 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 appear to be the same as those under the Points System:

• 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

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:

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/01/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-faqs.html

Malaysia Immigration: Using the Autogates at KLIA and KLIA2

**UPDATE February 2026** 

Malaysia Immigration has introduced new eGates which utilise the NIISe system. Travellers can now use QR codes to go through those gates. For more information see this post: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2026/01/malaysia-immigration-using-new-niise-app.html

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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 here. There are proposals to allow foreigners to use the QR Gates in future: 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-qr-code-clearance-airport-foreigners-4978156 

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:

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 obtained foreign driving licences before holding a Malaysian licence. This latter category was updated in 2026 to allow all Malaysian citizens to convert their foreign licences, see this link: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/05/07/transport-ministry-jpj-to-accept-foreign-licence-conversion-applications-for-malaysians-nationwide-from-june-1/219090

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: 

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2020/03/malaysian-driving-lessons-test-for.html

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:

https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main 

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!

Driving in Malaysia: Renew Competent Driving Licence (CDL) with new passport number

**UPDATE January 2026**

Proof of upcoming overseas travel is no longer required to get a physical driving licence: 

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/22/jpj-drops-travel-proof-requirement-for-physical-driving-licence. 

Foreigners now pay RM100 for a physical licence (Malaysians pay RM20), plus RM120/year for a CDL (Malaysians pay RM30/year): https://www.jpj.gov.my/en/competent-drivers-license-cdl-renewal/

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I needed to renew my CDL driving licence with my new passport details so I went to JPJ Wangsa Maju around 2 weeks before the expiry of my current licence. If you are changing passport details this has to be done at a JPJ state office but otherwise foreigners can renew at UTC.

Note that if a driving licence has expired for more than 3 years it cannot be renewed and the driving test needs to be taken again.

Remember dress code: no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts

I arrived at 745am on a Thursday, there were many parking spaces (parking now has to be paid for) and I joined the queue at Pintu 1 (Ground Floor). The doors opened at 8am and I took a queue ticket as the JPJeQ app didn’t seem to be in use.

I needed the following documents:

• Passport (both old and new if changing)
• Photocopy of passport (& old passport if changing)
• Photocopy of LTSVP (Spouse Pass)
• Current Driving licence
• Photocopy of current driving licence (front AND back)
• Photo (white background) if you are changing photo. 
• Flight tickets/ Proof of travel (if you want a physical driving licence to use overseas you need to provide proof of upcoming travels. The renewal slip they will otherwise issue to you is NOT valid overseas). 

I advised the officer that I needed to change my passport details and was given form JPJL7 to fill in. The sections to be completed are:

• B: Old passport number
• C1: Name and date of birth
• C2: Address
• C3: New passport number
• E: Date and sign

I downloaded the form here and filled it in before going to JPJ.

My queue number was called at 845am, I handed over the form, passports and licence, plus flight details. Foreigners are given the option to choose a licence length of up to 5 years (dependent on your passport expiry date). The date of your CDL licence expiration will be the same as your birthday. The fee for foreigners is RM60/year and is payable by a local debit or credit card or e-wallet only. I had expected to be charged RM20 for the physical licence, but the officer said there was no extra charge. 

At 9am my name was called and my new physical licence was ready. I was very impressed by how easy and quick the whole process was.

Driving in Malaysia: Can You Drive With a Foreign Driving Licence?

**UPDATE May 2025** 

With effect from 19th May 2025 foreign driving licences can no longer be converted to Malaysian licences, except for specific groups of individuals. JPJ also indicated that foreign licence holders can only use their home licence (together with an International Driving Permit) for a maximum of 12 months. See more info in this post:

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/05/driving-in-malaysia-2025-updates-for.html

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TL;DR: there is conflicting advice online and from various foreign embassies and high commissions. It is best to follow the advice of JPJ, as they are responsible for enforcement of Malaysian driving rules. Long term residents should consider getting a Malaysian driving licence.

Many posts on social media ask if a foreign driving licence can be used by long term residents to legally drive in Malaysia. 

Some responses to these posts suggest that a foreign licence can only be used on a temporary basis, perhaps for only 3 months or 6 months, and must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).

I had previously emailed JPJ to ask if a UK driving licence could be used and I received a response which advised I “can use UK Valid Domestic Driving License and International Driving Permit (IDP) (According to the defined format on the Convention on Road Traffic Geneva 1949) to drive in Malaysia”, so according to that a foreign driving licence must be used with an IDP.

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 get an IDP from another source you risk a fine for driving with invalid documents, see:  https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/fake-idp-websites-to-avoid/ 

The Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), which sets out the rules for driving in Malaysia, states:

"A driving licence issued under the corresponding provisions of any law in force in any country which is a party to a treaty to which Malaysia is also a party and which purports to recognize domestic driving licences issued by the contracting countries shall, so long as such licence remains in force in that country, be deemed to be a driving licence granted under this Part."

More details on the Act are here:  https://www.lawyerment.com/library/legislation/acts/1987/333/ 

Malaysia is party to the 'UN Convention on Road Traffic, Geneva, 1949'. Details of all the other countries that are also party to that UN Convention can be found here: https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11&Temp=mtdsg5&clang=_en

**Information for UK driving licence holders**

The UK government FCO website says the following, which initially seems to indicate that a UK licence and an IDP can be used for long term visitors (but that a new IDP needs to be purchased each year):

However, the FCO advice also says if you are moving abroad you should not apply for an IDP but should either exchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you are moving to:

Also note that UK driving licence holders who are not normally resident in the UK are not allowed to renew their 10-year licence photocard when it expires. Some people claim to have renewed their photocard while living abroad by using a relative's address. That is an offence, and DVLA can cross-check applications against tax and other records. Even if the photocard is renewed, it is possible that the UK licence would be considered invalid, and insurers in the UK and abroad could deny insurance claims.

This is an extract from the DVLA explanatory notes:

and this one is from the DVLA photocard/licence application form:

**Information for ASEAN driving licence holders**

ASEAN licence holders can use their home licence in Malaysia, providing it is in English or is accompanied by a certified translation in English, but the 'Agreement On The Recognition Of Domestic Driving Licences Issued By ASEAN Countries' says the following:

"By virtue of the recognition hereby of the licenses, holders of the licenses issued in any one of the ASEAN countries and intending to make only a temporary stay in the territory of any of the other ASEAN countries may drive therein in the classes or types of vehicles the licenses permit them to drive"

If you are a long term resident of Malaysia then it might be difficult to demonstrate that you are here on a temporary stay, so ASEAN licence holders should consider if they need a Malaysian licence. The full ASEAN Agreement can be seen here:   https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/70.-Agreement-Driving-Licenses-1.pdf

**Information for Australian driving licence holders** [Updated 2025]

The Australian High Commission website states that Australians visiting or residing in Malaysia for less than 12 months are permitted to drive in Malaysia if they hold a valid Australian Driving Licence and International Driving Permit (IDP). They also say that foreign nationals residing in Malaysia for more than 12 months, and who don't fall under the eligible categories for licence conversion, must obtain a Malaysian Driving Licence.

**Information for US driving licence holders**

The US Department of State website says "you can use an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with a valid U.S. license to drive in Malaysia. You must get the IDP outside of Malaysia. If your IDP or U.S. license has expired, you must obtain a local driver’s license."

Summary

Whilst short term visitors may be able to use their foreign licence and an IDP, there seems to be conflicting information on whether long term residents are allowed to. It is probably best to follow JPJ advice, rather than conflicting information given out by the embassies and high commissions of various countries.

If you are a long term resident in Malaysia, then to remove any doubt over the validity of your driving licence you should consider these options:

• Convert your foreign licence to a Malaysian licence. From January 2021 JPJ allowed more foreigners to convert their driving licence - see the updates in this post:  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2016/05/driving-in-malaysia-do-you-need-to-ask.html

• Take the Malaysian Driving Test. I took my JPJ test in March 2020, as at that time it was not possible for me to convert my licence. See this post: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2020/03/malaysian-driving-lessons-test-for.html

Spouse Visa Malaysia: Transferring LTSVP to a new passport

I recently replaced my passport. Once I had received it I decided to transfer my LTSVP to the new passport at Jalan Duta (KL).

Some people suggest waiting until the LTSVP is expiring and then do the transfer and renewal in one go, but this could cause problems such as:

• If travelling overseas the LTSVP should be in the new passport.
• Renewing LTSVP online may not be possible, as it can't be done with a new passport number. If the old passport number is used it must have at least 6 months duration left. 
• If asked for ID by police or immigration they may insist that the LTSVP is in the new passport.

I went to Immigration at Jalan Duta to ask about the process and was told that I needed an STO appointment, my Malaysian spouse to be present and to complete Surat Akuan, Imm.55 & Im.38. Therefore I had a Surat Akuan attested at a Commissioner For Oaths (cost RM30) and completed the other forms.

However, when I returned on my STO appointment date with the Surat Akuan and the completed forms I was told they weren’t needed. The correct process is:

1. Make STO appointment. I used the ‘Kutipan Passport' option at Jalan Duta, but some state offices may require the transfer endorsement option to be used, or you might be lucky and not need to make an appointment at all. https://sto.imi.gov.my/STO/home.php 
2. Complete the IM.12 form (and attach passport photo) and bring it to your appointment. You can get IM.12 from Immigration.
3. Bring the following documents to your appointment:

• Old and new passports (plus copies of bio pages)
• Marriage certificate (plus copy)
• Spouse IC (plus copies of both sides)
• Current LTSVP (plus copy)

It took under 3 hours from taking a number to collecting the passports.

I was not charged a fee for transferring my LTSVP, but apparently certain nationalities do need to pay a fee to have their multiple entry visa transferred. The immigration officer can advise you.

My new passport has now been registered on the Immigration system so I can use it for renewal of LTSVP. 

I can also use it at the Autogates when travelling through KLIA and KLIA2, although the first time I travelled on my new passport the system did not recognise it so I had to go to the manual counter. On subsequent trips I was able to use the Autogates without any problems.

Driving in Malaysia: Convert Probationary Driving Licence (PDL) to Competent Driving Licence (CDL)

After 2 years of holding a PDL you can convert it to CDL (i.e. a full driving licence)

I did my conversion at JPJ Wangsa Maju. Driving licences are dealt with at Pintu 1. Queues can be long, it took me 3 hours from arriving (at 10am) to get my CDL issued. When I visited (March 2022) JPJ Wangsa Maju closed for sanitisation between 1pm and 2pm each day.

You can apply a maximum of 7 days prior to the expiration of your PDL. If you apply within those 7 days you will have no break in dates between PDL expiring and CDL becoming valid and can continue driving during that time.

You must apply for your CDL within one (1) year from the PDL expiry date or you will need to repeat the driving test.

At JPJ dress rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts. You may be turned away if you are not dressed correctly.

Bring the following documents:

• Original passport
• Photocopy of passport
• Original driving licence
• Photocopy of driving licence (front AND back)
• Passport photo (white background)

If you need to change address or passport number on the licence, let the staff know at the registration desk and they will give you form JPJL7 to fill in. You will need to bring your old passport (and a photocopy of it) if you are changing your passport number. The sections to be completed are:

• B: Old passport number
• C1: Name and date of birth
• C2: Address
• C3: New passport number
• E: Date and sign

Foreigners can choose a licence length of up to 5 years dependent on passport expiry date. The date of your CDL licence expiration will be the date of your birthday.

The fee for foreigners was Rm60/year, payable by debit or credit card only. However, JPJ later expanded the options to allow payment by e-wallet.

Spouse Visa Malaysia: Guide to Renewal of Long Term Social Visit Pass ONLINE

**UPDATE 1st October 2025**

The information shown below has been superceded by a new 

fully online system that started on 1st October 2025

For details of the new system announced in 2025 see this page:

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/10/spouse-visa-malaysia-guide-to-renewal.html

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This was the process since 6th September 2021:

For passes that have not yet expired renewal must be made online (you can renew it no more than 3 months before it expires). Follow these steps:

1. Visit this link https://www.imi.gov.my/
2. Select "ePLSI " option
3. Register to use the system. Choose "SOCIAL VISIT PASS (SPOUSE OF MALAYSIAN CITIZEN)". Fill in the requested information; "Identification No (NRIC)" is for the Malaysian spouse's information, the rest (Spouse Full Name, Applicant Passport No, Applicant Nationality, Spouse Date Of Birth, Spouse Gender) is for the foreign spouse's information.
4. Log in, change password and start your application. You can make an application when your current pass has less than 3 months before it expires

For passes that have already expired (or have less than 14 days left) you will need to visit Immigration (some states need you to make an STO appointment at https://www.imi.gov.my/)

The online process is as follows:

Documents needed for online renewal:

• Statutory Declaration that the marriage is still valid with 1 photo each of the applicant & Malaysian spouse affixed to it. Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse must sign the Statutory Declaration in front of a Commissioner for Oaths. You can use the Commissioner for Oaths at immigration or elsewhere.
• Form Imm.38
• Form Imm.55
• Marriage Certificate
• Malaysian Spouse IC (both sides)
• Applicant's Passport (bio page)
• Current LTSVP

Some of the forms are different depending on which office you are renewing at, so check you are using the correct ones. 

The documents that you upload must each be below 500kB in size. To reduce them you can use this online tool: https://www.ilovepdf.com/compress_pdf

Once your application has been submitted download and save a copy of the application confirmation as Immigration may ask to see it.

Approval and payment process:

Once the renewal application has been approved Immigration will send an email confirmation. The email will come from admin_epls@imi.gov.my so check your spam folder if you have not received it. In my case the approval process was quick and took only about 3 working days after submitting the application.

The email will ask you to make payment of the visa fees (RM90/year) at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/myimms/main?visapas and you should make payment before going to collect your pass. The total fee may include an additional amount for a multiple entry pass, as some nationalities need to pay extra for it.

Collection of Pass:

If your immigration office uses the STO appointment system then you will need to make an appointment to collect your new pass at https://www.imi.gov.my/. Select the 'Sistem Temujanji Online (STO)' option and on the next page click on 'BOOK MY APPOINTMENT':

Choose the correct office, the ‘Kutipan Passport / social visit pass collection’ or ‘Kutipan Pelekat ePLSI’ option and your preferred time and date. Normally an appointment for collection can be made in a few days time. For immigration offices that don't use STO you should walk in to collect your pass.

Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse must go to Immigration with the information listed below. Dress rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts. You may be turned away if you are not dressed correctly.

• Confirmation of appointment date for visa collection (if using STO system)
• Email of approval from Immigration
• Receipt for the payment
• Your application confirmation after you have submitted it online
• Documents that you submitted for your application (Statutory Declaration, Imm.38 & Imm.55)
• Marriage Certificate (and a copy)
• Applicant's Passport (and a copy of bio page)
• Malaysian Spouse IC (and a copy of both sides)
• Current LTSVP (and a copy)

If you have children you should also bring copies of their birth certificates/passport/IC.

Note: You may also want to bring a copy of foreign spouse’s birth certificate, the deeds/tenancy agreement for your house and a utility bill in case you are asked for them.

Notes for those collecting from Putrajaya:

There is a car park diagonally opposite the Immigration building. 

The building entrance is across the road from Suruhanjaya Tenaga.

Take the escalators up to Level 3 to get a ticket. 

We started queuing at 730am, the desks opened at 830am and we got our pass at 1015am

Notes for those collecting from KL (Jalan Duta):

The gates open at 715am and there is a large car park at the rear. 

Join the queue at the upstairs office until the doors open at 730am.

We got our number at 8am and received the pass just after 930am

If you need more information check out the websites and Groups in the ‘Useful Links’ section.

Spouse Visa Malaysia: Guide to Renewal of Long Term Social Visit Pass - April 2021

*** The information in this post has been superceded***

See this post: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2021/11/ 

or visit the Facebook Groups shown in the 'Useful Links' section.

Guide to Renewing Long Term Social Visit Pass in Malaysia 2021

(otherwise known as a Spouse Visa or Spouse Pass)
 
I renewed my pass in April 2021 at Jalan Duta in KL; the process may be different if you are using another state office.
 
The Immigration website says that LTSVP are granted for up to 5 years. However, at Jalan Duta (KL) the maximum granted is currently only 1 year, even if you have previously been given a longer pass.
 
For the LTSVP renewal process the following forms need to be completed:

• Statutory Declaration that the marriage is still valid (1 copy) with 1 photo each of the applicant & Malaysian spouse affixed to it
• Form Imm.38 (1 copy)
• Form Imm.55 (1 copy) 

 You can get the forms from Immigration.
 
You will also need to bring the following to your appointment:

• Applicant's Passport
• Malaysian spouse’s IC
• Photocopy of applicant’s Passport data page
• Photocopy of last entry stamp into Malaysia from the applicant’s Passport
• Photocopy of current LTSVP
• Photocopy of Malaysian spouse’s IC (both sides)
• Photocopy of Marriage Certificate (also bring the original as Immigration may want to see it)
• Hard copy of the email from immigration confirming the date and time of your appointment

If you have children you need to bring copies of their birth certificates.

Note that the Immigration website previously stated that the husband’s/wife’s birth certificate needs to be submitted as well. Other people have also said that a copy of the deeds/tenancy agreement for your house/apartment and 3 months of utility bills are needed. I was not asked for any of these but it is worth bringing them in case you are.

Step by Step guide: 
 
1) Make an appointment online at https://www.imi.gov.my/
Try to do this 3 months in advance of the date you need it as they book up early. I chose an appointment date 3 weeks before my current LTSVP was due to expire.
 
If you have difficulty finding an available appointment try logging on just after midnight when the next day’s appointments are released.
 
Choose STO and select [VISA] - LANJUTAN PAS (JANGKA PANJANG) / LONG TERM VISIT PASS EXTENSION and not any of the ‘PENGUATKUASA’ options, or you will be turned away when you arrive for your appointment!
 
2) Complete all the forms. Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse must sign the Statutory Declaration in front of a Commissioner for Oaths. To save time it is best to do this before you attend your appointment. We used one in Lucky Garden for RM15.
 
3) Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse go to Immigration with all of the requested documents. Dress rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts. You may be turned away if you are not dressed correctly.
 
4) We had an 830am appointment so arrived at 745am and parked inside the compound in front of the building. Join the queue on the left hand side of the doors (the queue on the right is for JPN).
 
5) The doors were opened shortly before 8am. The officers will check your appointment letter (you must bring a paper copy of your appointment email). Go upstairs to have your forms checked. Only the foreign spouse will be allowed to go past this point and so must take all of the documents, including the Malaysian spouse’s original IC, and a credit card or debit card to make payment as cash is not accepted. The Malaysian spouse needs to wait outside.

6) At the second desk your documents will be stamped and at the entrance to the visa department your appointment letter will be checked again and you will be given a queue number.

7) Once inside your number will be called and you submit your forms and supporting documents. Wait for your number to be called again so that you can make payment (RM90 per year). Be aware that tickets for the payment counter are not called in order.

8) Your number will be called again and you will get your passport back with a new LTSVP.  Check the correct pass and period has been given. The whole process took less than 1 hour from the doors being opened to getting the new pass.

If you need more information check out the websites and Groups in the ‘Useful Links’ section.

Driving in Malaysia: JPJ Driving Test for Foreign Licence Holders

JPJ Driving Test for Foreign Licence Holders

I took the JPJ driving test, which can be done in English (although some BM is still useful). It is not difficult to pass if you already have driving experience, but you will need to spend time on the process and must take lessons through an approved driving school. Foreigners must hold a valid long term visa to be allowed to apply for a Malaysian driving licence. The driving school applied for the Learner 'L' licence for me.

From my experience I think that the minimum time needed is as follows:

1. Theory Class (6 hours, done in 1 day).
2. Theory computer test (around 10 minutes, but needs to be taken on a separate day).
3. Lessons on a closed circuit test track (6 hours, can be done in 1 day but some schools insist on 3 lessons in 2 hour blocks).
4. Lessons on road (If you have previous driving experience you may not need to do much of this, but it can take up to 10 hours with some schools insisting on 5 lessons in 2 hour blocks).
5. Qualifying Test at Institute (QTI) (1 hour, this is for your instructor to check you are ready for the test).
6. Driving Test (took around 3.5 hours, including a lot of waiting time).

There seem to be compulsory waiting times between some of the stages, but if you already have driving experience then I think the process could be done in about 3 months.

Cost:

There are a wide variety of charges by different driving schools, which seem to range from RM1,500 to RM2,500 for a manual driving licence, with the most expensive including services such as free pick up and drop off and no fee to re-sit in case you fail the test. 

Check where your driving school carries out the mandatory circuit lessons and driving test, as the circuits can be in places such as Subang, Gombak, PJ etc. 

The Driving Test:
There are 3 elements to the Driving Test. Part I is done in advance of the practical driving test, whilst Parts II and III are done on the same day at the driving school:

Part I (Highway Rules Test)

This is the KPP01 theory computer test, which can only be done after attending the theory class. There are apps on Apple Store and Google Play Store to help revise for the test. This is my test result, the pass mark is 42 out of 50:

Part II (Slope & Parking Test - on a closed circuit test track)

The driving elements are done on your own whilst being observed by examiners around the circuit. My test centre (SKEM in Gombak) supplied Perodua Viva and Axia cars to take the test in:

• RPK (Vehicle Inspection Routine): Carry out the following visual checks - under bonnet, road tax, windscreen, tyres, external damage, boot for spare tyre/warning triangle/jack.
• RSM (Routine Before Driving): Check the following - handbrake, gear is in neutral, seat, seat belt, rear view mirror, side mirror, indicators, wipers, hazard lights and horn.
• Slope Test: Stop on a slope with front wheel on yellow line, and then move away when asked to do so by examiner.
• Zeds & Esses: Manoeuvrability test through a zig zag and curved road layout.
• Side Parking: Reverse parking into marked box.
• 3 Point Turn: Reverse/turn around in 3 smooth movements.

Part III (Road Test - on public roads)

If you pass Part II then you will carry out the Road Test with a JPJ examiner who will assess your road driving skills.. The requirements of this will depend on where you take your test, but generally it is a drive of 3km or 5km. 

Other drivers starting the Slope & Parking Test:

Waiting to be called for the RPK (Vehicle Inspection Routine):

After the Test:

Once you have finished your test you will be given a test results certificate:

If you have passed you can visit JPJ to apply for a Probationary Driving Licence (PDL) and must then display 'P' stickers for 2 years. The cost of a 2 year PDL for a foreigner is RM120. Applications for a PDL must be done at a JPJ state office and not at a JPJ UTC.

After holding a PDL for 2 years it can be converted to a full Competent Driving Licence (CDL). More info here: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2022/03/driving-in-malaysia-convert.html

Links to some driving schools (prices correct as at Oct 2019):

One Stop Driving Centre (RM1,500. Fast process. Lessons in Gombak)

http://www.sdc.com.my/ (RM2,059. Process seems slow. Lessons in PJ)

https://metrodriving.com.my/en/ (RM2,500. Claim to be the fastest! Lessons in Subang or Puchong)

There are other driving schools available, check online reviews before signing up with one!

**2023 Update**

A video was posted to YouTube in 2023 showing the circuit test process. This is slightly different to the  one I did, possibly because it was a few years later and at a different test centre:

**2024 Update**

The driving test is evolving, so get the most recent information from your driving school:

Driving in Malaysia: Do Foreigners Need to Convert Their Driving Licence?

**UPDATE May 2025** 

With effect from 19th May 2025 foreign driving licences can no longer be converted to Malaysian licences, except for specific groups of individuals. See more in this post:

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/05/driving-in-malaysia-2025-updates-for.html

**UPDATE January 2021** 

JPJ have changed the eligibility criteria for the conversion of foreign driving licences. For the past couple of years JPJ have only allowed foreigners on Diplomatic Passes and MM2H visas to convert their licences. With effect from December 2020 the following applicants are also accepted:

• Expatriates on Resident Pass (and their spouse)
• Employment Pass I (and their spouse)
• Employment Pass II (and their spouse)
• Spouse of Malaysia Citizen (who hold a Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP))

If you hold a UK licence you will need to phone DVLA and ask them to send you a 'Certificate of Entitlement to Drive'. You should note that this certificate states that if you exchange it for a non-UK licence that your UK licence is no longer valid (even if JPJ return your UK licence to you!).

If you do not fall into any of the above visa categories, or you do not wish to convert your foreign licence, then you can drive on your foreign licence providing you also hold a current International Driving Permit (IDP). However, you may only be permitted to do this for a limited period of time. To be certain that you are complying with the law (and that your insurers won't refuse a claim!) you are better to get a Malaysian driving licence.

You can also choose to take the JPJ driving test. I took the test in March 2020 - see my post here: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2020/03/malaysian-driving-lessons-test-for.html

**UPDATE March 2020**

Getting an IDP from my home country is inconvenient, so I decided to take the JPJ driving test. See my post here: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2020/03/malaysian-driving-lessons-test-for.html


**UPDATE September 2018**

 JPJ have announced that with effect from 24 September 2018 conversion of foreign driving licences to Malaysian licences has been suspended, except for diplomatic pass holders and Malaysians who had converted to Singapore licences.

They advise that foreign licence holders can drive using their foreign domestic licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their home country. Alternatively they may take the Malaysian driving test to get a local licence.

See this post by JPJ: 

https://www.facebook.com/jabatanpengangkutanjalanmalaysia/photos/attention-please-be-informed-that-starting-on-24-september-2018-conversion-of-fo/10156782313232421/?_rdr

**UPDATE August 2018**

The JPJ website has been amended, but still confirms that, subject to certain criteria, a foreign driving licence can be used in Malaysia, providing the licence was issued in a country that is a party to the "UN Conference on Road and Motor Transport, Geneva, 1949 & 1968" 

The new link to the JPJ website is: 
http://www.jpj.gov.my/en/web/main-site/pemandu-en/-/knowledge_base/driver/recognition-of-driving-licenses-of-foreign-countries 

Details of countries which are party to the UN Conference can be found here:

UN Convention on Road Traffic 1949 

UN Convention on Road Traffic 1968 

If your home country is not party to the UN Conventions and you wish to convert your foreign licence to a Malaysian licence, details of how to do this are here:
http://www.jpj.gov.my/en/web/main-site/pemandu-en/-/knowledge_base/driver/application-for-conversion-of-foreign-driving-license-non-automatic-

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 Do you need to ask JPJ to convert your driving licence?

It used to be the case for many foreign citizens that in order to legally drive in Malaysia for an extended period that either:

• Your non-Malaysian drivers licence was converted to a Malaysian licence, or
• You obtained an International Driving Permit from the licencing authorities in your home country

JPJ have amended their website to show that nationals of many countries are now permitted to drive in Malaysia using their home licence. According to JPJ the only requirements are:

• Your licence remains valid in your home country, and
• If it is in a language other than English you will need to have it translated into English or Malay

Further details can be found on the JPJ website:

**Note - this link has been superceded - see top of page** http://www.jpj.gov.my/web/eng/acceptance-of-foreign-driving-license

I have had confirmation from the UK Foreign Office of these new rules, and these are reflected on their Malaysia travel advice website (scroll down to the section headed 'Road travel')