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 are 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

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:

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/10/malaysian-permanent-residence.html

 

• 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. They will 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: Do not need a work visa or work endorsement.
4. Business: Can set up a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership.
5. Healthcare: Access to public healthcare services.
6. EPF: Eligible to make voluntary contributions to EPF (i-Simpan).
7. Banking: Easier to open an account, and removal of BNM transfer restrictions.
8. Insurance and Investments: Access a wider range of financial products.
9. Education: Access to public education institutions.
10. Driving: Up to 10 years validity when renewing Malaysian driving licence.
11. Tourism: Exempt from Malaysian hotel Tourism Tax; reduced prices at some attractions.
12. Identification: Can use Red IC as ID e.g. for some domestic flights.
13. Security Bond: Request refund of LTSVP bond 2 years after getting Permit Masuk.
14. Property: Pay stamp duty (on title transfers) and Real Property Gains Tax (on disposals) at the same rates as Malaysians.

Note: PR holders are still subject to certain restrictions that apply to all foreigners, e.g. not entitled to subsidies for Malaysian citizens, must comply with minimum property purchase price set for foreigners, cannot work in restricted sectors or roles, not allowed to vote or participate in politics.

• '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?' It is not a requirement, but the number of children you have is one of the factors that will be considered by Immigration, so if you do have kids it might help your application. We don't have children, and there are Facebook posts from other applicants without kids who also successfully obtained PR. 

• 'Do I need to speak Bahasa Melayu (BM)?' Appendix A2 of the Permit Masuk Guidelines  states that your BM skills will be assessed by the Immigration officer when verifying your eligibility. In my case, the Immigration and Police interviews were conducted in BM, and I was asked to sing Negaraku and recite Rukun Negara. This link shows how I improved my BM:  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2023/04/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit_20.html

• 'Do I need to be a tax payer in Malaysia to get PR?' No, it is not a requirement. Note that if you are granted PR then you will automatically be registered with a Tax Identification Number (TIN) by LHDN.

• '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 2025 that took less than 12 months. 

• '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

• How many PR Holders are there in Malaysia? According to the National Registration Department, as of December 31, 2025, there are 261,156 MyPR holders nationwide.

• '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.

• '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 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.

• '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 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.

• '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:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/231856371765317

• '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.

• '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.

• 'How many Citizenship applications are successful?' Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 34,423 citizenship applications were approved, although many of these are likely to be undocumented people born in Malaysia, or the children of Malaysians having their status regularised. See more here:  https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/27/over-34000-citizenship-applications-approved-in-3-years 

• '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.

Malaysian Permanent Residence: Replacing your Red IC (MyPR)

 

**UPDATE March 2026** 

JPN have updated their advice and now say that it is only necessary to replace an IC under the following circumstances:

• Card is damaged
• Card is lost
• Change of address
• Change of personal information (change of name or religion)
• Upgrade MyKid to MyKad (12 years old)

Other than these reasons, JPN say you should NOT change your IC; they no longer say that you should change your IC if it is more than 10 years old.

See the JPN post here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Gjz7nD3AM/ 

**************************************

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: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17Dr9F4aF9/ 

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:

https://www.jpn.gov.my/en/core-business/identity-card/mykad-gantian-hilang-eng

Malaysian Permanent Residence: My Experience of the PR Process

I am very grateful that my application for Malaysian Permanent Residency (Permit Masuk) was approved. The immigration and police officers who handled my application and interviews were professional and helpful, which made the process easier.

Below I've outlined details of each stage of my application which might be of interest to others.

Please note: These are my personal experiences only; everyone's circumstances are unique and applications are individually assessed by Immigration, Police and Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN). 

For specific advice you should visit Immigration. You can also find out information and ask questions in the Facebook Groups in the 'Useful Links' section.

I have described the process based on when I applied in 2022, prior to the introduction of a 'Points System' for foreign spouses in March 2024.

 

More information on the PR/Permit Masuk application process can be found on the FAQ page:

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

Dates of each stage of my PR application:

We married in 2014, and Immigration advised me that I could submit my Permit Masuk application five and a half years after receiving my first LTSVP, which meant I was eligible from December 2019. However, Covid lockdowns and movement restrictions in 2020 and 2021, plus many negative stories online about the challenges of obtaining PR, led me to postpone the process. As a result, I only submitted my application eight years after my initial LTSVP:

• 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

Links to detailed posts of each stage of my PR application:

1. Application Process: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2022/11/malaysia-permanent-residence-permit.html 
2. Immigration Interview: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2022/11/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit.html 
3. Police Interview: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2023/04/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit.html
4. 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
5. Receiving Permit Masuk Approval Letter and Shortening Current LTSVP: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/01/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-receiving.html 
6. Getting Permit Masuk Certificate and PR Passport Stamp:  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-getting.html
7. Applying for Red IC (MyPR): https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-applying-for.html
8. 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)

I applied for my Red IC at JPN Putrajaya and was advised that it would take between 1 month and 3 months to be ready. I phoned JPN after 4 weeks and it wasn't yet available, but when I called again 2 weeks later it was ready, so overall it took 6 weeks.

Only the applicant (the foreign spouse) has to go to JPN to collect the IC. I brought the following documents:

• JPN receipt
• Passport (but I wasn't asked to show it)

I had asked to collect my IC at JPN KL so I went to Bahagian Kad Pengenalan at JPN Jalan Duta (on the Ground Floor).

I arrived at around 830am and was given a queue number at the info counter. When my number was called my thumb prints were scanned and I was given my IC. I paid RM2 for a plastic card holder. JPN staff were very efficient and I received my IC only 20 minutes after arriving!

I could now check my status on the JPN website https://semakankpmys.jpn.gov.my/ using my new IC number and it showed 'Kad telah diambil':

The IC number is made up of 6 digits for date of birth, followed by a 2 digit country code and then 4 other digits. The country codes can be seen here: https://www.jpn.gov.my/my/kod-negara

Here is an example of a Red IC (MyPR) from the JPN website. MyPR cards have the wording 'Pemastautin Tetap' (Permanent Resident):

I am very pleased that I now have my PR and IC! 

More information on the PR/Permit Masuk application process can be found on the FAQ page:

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

Malaysian Permanent Residence: Applying for Red IC (MyPR)

Visit JPN to apply for Red IC (MyPR) (February 2025)

According to JPN, a PR holder must apply for a Red IC (MyPR) within 30 days after getting the Permit Masuk certificate. See: https://www.jpn.gov.my/en/core-business/identity-card/mypr-12thn-eng 

Both the applicant and Malaysian spouse must go to JPN for the application process.

We went to JPN in Putrajaya immediately after getting the Permit Masuk certificate and PR passport stamp as it is across the road from the immigration building. The IC section (Bahagian Kad Pengenalan) is on Level 2.

The application can be done at Putrajaya or any JPN state office https://www.jpn.gov.my/en/mypr-eng. It is also possible to apply at Putrajaya and request to collect the IC at another state office; I asked to collect mine at JPN WP Kuala Lumpur.

We were asked for the following documents [note that Putrajaya only required 1 photocopy, other offices may need 2 copies]:

• Permit Masuk certificate (plus copy of both sides)
• Permanent Resident passport stamp (plus copy)
• Applicant's passport (plus copies of bio page and all expired LTSVP stickers)
• Proof of Address, e.g. utility bill (plus copy)
• Malaysian spouse IC (plus copy of both sides)
• Marriage Certificate (plus copy)

If needed, there is a photocopy shop on the ground floor of the JPN office in Putrajaya.

This is the checklist we were given at the number counter. The staff member would only give us a ticket number once we had organised our documents (originals and copies) into the correct order shown in the list, and he had checked them:

When our ticket number was called we went to the desk to submit our documents and were asked to fill in Form JPN.KP01. The staff member should be able to assist you with filling it in.

Both my wife and I had our thumb prints scanned. My photo was then taken, note that if you are wearing a white colour shirt you will have to put on a JPN black colour jacket for the photo.

I paid the RM40 fee and was given a receipt and advised that my IC will be ready in 1 to 3 months time.

JPN was busy when we went; we were given a ticket at around 245pm, waited over 2 hours for our number to be called and only completed everything after 530pm.

The IC status can be checked by phoning or visiting JPN.

The JPN staff also said I could check online using the QR code on the receipt (which points to https://semakankpmys.jpn.gov.my/), but it's not possible as only people replacing their IC who already have an IC number can check online, as I got the response 'Status Permohonan: Tiada permohonan terkini':

NEXT STEP: Collecting Red IC (MyPR):  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/03/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-collecting.html

Malaysian Permanent Residence: Getting the Permit Masuk certificate and PR passport stamp

Visit Putrajaya Immigration for the Permit Masuk certificate and PR passport stamp

(February 2025)

Both the applicant and spouse must go to Putrajaya Immigration within 30 days after getting the LTSVP shortened. No appointment is required as Putrajaya is walk-in only.

The following documents were needed: 

• Permit Masuk approval letter (plus copy)
• 1 Passport photo (blue background)
• Statutory Declaration that marriage is still valid. We used the Commissioner for Oaths at Putrajaya Level 2 (RM10). Our photos had a white background, but blue might be better.
• Applicant's passport (plus copy of bio page)
• Shortened LTSVP (plus copy)
• Malaysian spouse IC (plus copy of both sides)
• Marriage certificate (plus copy)

These are the steps taken:

• We went to Permit Masuk office at Level 1 (Ground Floor). We arrived at 715am and joined the queue outside the office. There were about 20 people ahead of us at this time. 
• The doors opened at 8am and we took a number which was called at 840am. It is also possible to use the QMS app which can be a better way to get a number. See this post: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/using-qms-app-at-putrajaya-immigration.html
• We gave the officer our documents and were given a green colour payment form to fill in and told to go to Level 3 to pay. We went directly to payment counters 12 and 13 (there was no need to join the queue) and made the RM120 payment.
• We then returned to the Permit Masuk counter and gave the form and receipt to the same officer. We had completed all of this before 9am.
• We were asked to return at 230pm for collection, but at 1245pm an officer called me to say we could come now to collect. However we were at lunch and could not make it back in time before the office closed at 1pm. 
• We went back around 2pm and my name was called by an officer at the collection counter. We signed and put our thumb prints and were then given the Permit Masuk certificate (Im.5) and my passport with the Permanent Resident stamp.

Permit Masuk Certificate

The certificate has a 6 month validity date, in which the applicant must enter Malaysia after the permit is granted. As I was already in Malaysia, the 6 month validity was not relevant, so the certificate was stamped with 'JOURNEY PERFORMED'. The officer said I must keep the Permit Masuk certificate safely; it is needed when applying for a new PR stamp upon passport renewal.

PR Passport Stamp

The stamp states that it 'is valid until expiration of the Passport' and the holder 'is required to obtain similar notification on renewal of passport'. The immigration officer reiterated that I must transfer the PR stamp when I replace my passport.

After this stage my online status was updated to:

We had just enough time to visit Putrajaya JPN later the same day to apply for the Red IC (MyPR). Before we went to JPN, we made photocopies of both the Permit Masuk certificate (both sides) and passport stamp at the shop next to the Permit Masuk office.

NEXT STEP: Applying for Red IC (MyPR):  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-applying-for.html

Malaysian Permanent Residence: Receiving Permit Masuk Approval Letter and Shortening LTSVP

Receiving the Permit Masuk Approval Letter (January 2025)

One month after the online approval I hadn't received the approval letter, so my wife and I visited Putrajaya to ask if they could print a copy. 

We went to the Permit Masuk counter at Level 1 (Ground Floor) and took a number at 1015am. Our number was called at 1230pm, the officer was apologetic but said he couldn't print a copy and that another batch of letters had been sent out that day. He asked us to wait another month for it to arrive. He said if it didn't arrive we could phone them instead of visiting (Tel 03-8880 1501 or 03-8880 1243).

The approval letter arrived a few days later, approximately 5 weeks after my online approval. It was in an envelope marked 'Urusan Seri Paduka Baginda'. A copy of the Statutory Declaration form to be used at Putrajaya was included in the envelope.

Important: If an applicant does not obtain the Permit Masuk stamp and certificate within 6 months from the date of the approval letter, they would have to start the whole process again. 

My approval letter was dated the day it was posted, so the 6 month period started on the mailing date, not on the date my application was approved by KDN or when my status was updated to 'Diluluskan'.

 

Now that I had the approval letter I was able to take the following step:

Visit State Immigration Office to shorten LTSVP (January 2025)

Both the applicant and spouse must go to the state immigration office where the LTSVP was issued to have the duration of pass shortened.

We did this at KL (Jalan Duta); I booked an appointment using the 'Kutipan Pasport EPLSI' option.

The gates opened at 715am and the office doors opened at 730am. We queued for a number but the officer at the desk sent us to the Permit Masuk counter to get form IM12 and fill it out before returning to her for a number. We didn't need to attach a passport photo to it, although another applicant said they had to provide a photo with a blue background.

We went back to the ticket counter, got a number, and had submitted our documents before 8am.

The following documents were needed:

• Form IM12
• Permit Masuk approval letter (plus copy)
• Applicant's passport (plus copy of bio page)
• LTSVP (plus copy)
• Malaysian spouse IC (plus copy of both sides)
• Marriage Certificate (plus copy)

Our number was called again at 10am and I collected my passport. 

The LTSVP was shortened to a 30 day validity, within which time the Permit Masuk passport stamp and certificate must be obtained from Putrajaya. There is no fee for shortening the LTSVP, and no refund is given for the unused period of time on the LTSVP. 

NEXT STEP: Getting Permit Masuk Certificate and PR Passport Stamp:  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-getting.html

Malaysian Permanent Residence: Immigration and Police Home Visit, File Transfer to Putrajaya and Permit Masuk Approval

Stages after the Police Interview

Checking Status Online

I continued to check my status online at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/eservices/myPermit?semakStatusPermit and it showed:

Follow-up with Immigration (November 2023)

About 7 months after the police interview I renewed my passport and transferred my LTSVP, so I visited the Permit Masuk counter to update them with my new passport details. I also followed up my application and was told that my file was still with them and that they would contact me.

Immigration and Police Home Visit (February 2024)

Approximately 10 months after the police interview we had an unannounced home visit by 2 immigration officers and 1 police officer.

The officers asked questions about employment, salary, family etc., and asked to see information such as: Applicant’s passport, Malaysian spouse IC, employment letter, pay slips, utility bills, marriage certificate, Sales & Purchase Agreement, wedding photos.

One immigration officer took photos in each room, inside our wardrobes, of our family photos, our documents and of us.

The officers were polite and professional and their questions were mainly in BM. At the end they said they would submit their report which may take about 1 month. One of the Immigration Officers called me 1 week after the visit to clarify some information.

File transfer to Putrajaya Immigration HQ (November 2024)

9 months after the home visit my online status was updated to show my file had been transferred to HQ at Putrajaya. At this stage the application is passed to KDN (Ministry of Home Affairs) for the Permit Masuk & Residence Pass Panel Committee to make a decision:

Approval of Permit Masuk (December 2024)

3 weeks later my status had been updated to show that my application had been approved:

I now needed to wait for the approval letter from Immigration, so that I could take the next steps to complete the Permit Masuk process and obtain the PR passport stamp and Red IC.

NEXT STEP: Receiving Permit Masuk Approval Letter and Shortening Current LTSVP:  https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/01/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-receiving.html 

Malaysian Permanent Residence: Learning and Improving my Bahasa Melayu for PR Interviews

When I submitted my application in KL I was told by the Immigration officer that I must speak Bahasa Melayu (BM) in the interviews, and that there was no point applying for Permit Masuk if I could not. One of the conditions on the KL Immigration application checklist when I applied was the following:

My Immigration and Police interviews were both conducted in BM, as was the Home Visit, so I needed to understand the questions and respond in BM. 

 
I had taken BM lessons in the past, but I did not speak it often and I wasn't very confident about answering questions in BM in the interviews. However I put in a lot of preparation and successfully passed both interviews. While the officers wanted me to only speak BM, they did not appear to expect me to be completely fluent in it.

This is how I learnt/improved my BM:
 
1) Took BM lessons

I had previously taken BM lessons once a week for 3 months which taught me the basics and gave a good foundation for understanding the language. Here are examples of available classes:

• https://www.alslanguage.com.my/ 
• https://www.ymcakl.com/page/204/Language-Courses/ 
• https://expatsmalaysia.my/malay-language-course/

Online BM tutors can be found on these websites:

• https://www.italki.com/en/teachers/malay
• https://preply.com/en/online/malay-tutors
• https://www.myprivatetutor.my/bahasa-malaysia-tutor

Another option are YouTube channels such as these:

• https://www.youtube.com/@sierralisse8897 
• https://www.youtube.com/@TinaAmir 
• https://www.youtube.com/@ILearnMalay 
• https://www.youtube.com/@IWannaLearnMalay

2) Used a language learning app

I used the Ling Language App to practice speaking and listening to BM in everyday situations. I have also seen https://lingora.org/ and https://talkpal.ai/ apps recommended. This article lists other BM learning apps: https://ling-app.com/ms/best-apps-for-learning-malay/

3) Revised interview questions and practiced answering them

I wrote and revised a list of likely questions and my answers, plus learnt the national anthem (Negaraku) and national principles (Rukun Negara).

This Reddit thread has lots of useful links to resources for learning Malay - click here
 

Example Interview Questions:

I searched Facebook Groups to find questions other applicants said were asked during their interviews. I translated these questions and my answers into BM:

 
Questions about the applicant and spouse:

• Can you speak Bahasa Melayu?
• What is your name?
• What country do you come from?
• What is your address/where do you stay?
• Do you own or rent the house?
• What is your age?
• What is your date of birth?
• Where were you born?
• What is your wife/husband’s date of birth?
• What is your religion?
• What date did you first come to Malaysia and what was your reason for visiting?
• What was the date of your first LTSVP?
• How long have you lived in Malaysia?
• How and when did you meet?
• How long you have been married?
• What was your marriage date?
• Do you have any children?
• What are your occupations?
• Which company do you/your spouse work for?
• What are your salaries?
• What is your wife/husband’s monthly salary?
• How many family members do you have?
• Do you have siblings?
• Do you have family in your home country?
• What are your family members occupations?
• Where does your family live?
• How many siblings does your wife/husband have?
• Where does your wife/husband’s family live?
• How many times do you go to your country in a year?
• What are your education qualifications?
• What are your wife/husband’s qualifications?
• Why do you want to apply for PR?
• What do you like about Malaysia?
• What do you like to do in your free time?
• What does your wife/husband like to do?
• What food do you like?
• What is your telephone number?
• Have you had any problems with the police in your country?
• Do you follow politics? Foreigners are not allowed to get involved in Malaysian politics.
  

 
General knowledge questions about Malaysia:

• What is the National Flower?
• What colour is the National Flower?
• What is the name of the Malaysian flag?
• How many colours does the flag have and what are they?
• How many stripes and what other symbols are on the flag?
• When is Independence Day (Hari Merdeka)?
• When is Malaysia Day (Hari Malaysia)?
• How many states and federal territories are there?
• What are the names of the states and federal territories?
• Who is the King?
• Who is the Prime Minister?
• Who is the Deputy Prime Minister?
• Who are some other cabinet ministers?
• Who was the first Prime Minister?
• Can you name all the Prime Ministers?
• What is the tallest mountain in Malaysia?
• What is the longest river in Malaysia?
• What is the national fruit of Malaysia?
• Can you recite the national principles (Rukun Negara)?
• Can you sing the national anthem (Negaraku)? You should stand up to show respect.

Applicants can be asked to recite Rukun Negara and sing Negaraku at one or both interviews. 

Watching YouTube videos helped me learn them:

Rukun Negara: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHEdSOkhI88 

Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan

Kesetiaan Kepada Raja dan Negara

Keluhuran Perlembagaan

Kedaulatan Undang-undang

Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan

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Negaraku:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrNUQ0QZUdg

 Negaraku

 Tanah tumpahnya darah ku

 Rakyat hidup bersatu dan maju

 Rahmat bahagia Tuhan kurniakan

 Raja kita selamat bertakhta

 Rahmat bahagia Tuhan kurniakan

 Raja kita selamat bertakhta

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