- Download and read the PR Guidelines so that you understand the requirements, and to see if you are eligible to apply
- Use the online calculator to check if you meet the threshold under the old Points System, as the criteria may still be relevant to new applications
- Learn and practice Bahasa Melayu, as at least a basic understanding is required
- Visit your local state Immigration office for more information, and to ask what information and documents they require from you to be able to apply for Permit Masuk
- Visit the ‘Useful Links’ for more information plus any updates to the processes
Sharing my experiences as a foreign spouse applying for Spouse Visa (Long Term Social Visit Pass), Permanent Residence (Permit Masuk) and Malaysian Driving Licence
January 27, 2026
Malaysian Permanent Residence: Where to Start?
January 26, 2026
Malaysian Permanent Residence: Application Guidelines from September 2025
- 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:
- For specific guidance go to the 'Permit Masuk' counter at your nearest Immigration office.
- Visit the Facebook pages and Groups shown in the 'Useful Links' section
- See information on the PR process on the FAQs page:
Malaysian Permanent Residence: FAQ
- 'What are Permit Masuk and Permanent Residency (PR)?' To obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Malaysia, a person must apply for Permit Masuk, which is the Entry Permit certificate issued to successful applicants. Permit Masuk is officially classified by the Malaysian Immigration Department as the highest privilege granted by the Government of Malaysia to a foreign national. Once approved, the applicant's passport will receive a Permanent Residency stamp, and they must then apply to JPN for a Red IC (MyPR), which serves as the formal proof of permanent resident status. Here 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:
- Residency: Enter and reside legally in Malaysia without any time limit.
- Visa: No need to renew a visa.
- Employment: Do not need a work visa or work endorsement.
- Business: Can set up a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership.
- Healthcare: Access to public healthcare services.
- EPF: Eligible to make voluntary contributions to EPF (i-Simpan).
- Banking: Easier to open an account, and removal of BNM transfer restrictions.
- Insurance and Investments: Access a wider range of financial products.
- Education: Access to public education institutions.
- Driving: Up to 10 years validity when renewing Malaysian driving licence.
- Tourism: Exempt from Malaysian hotel Tourism Tax; reduced prices at some attractions.
- Identification: Can use Red IC as ID e.g. for some domestic flights.
- Security Bond: Request refund of LTSVP bond 2 years after getting Permit Masuk.
- Property: Pay stamp duty (on title transfers) and Real Property Gains Tax (on disposals) at the same rates as Malaysians.
- '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.
- 'Is there a Points System that applicants need to pass?' A 'Points System' was introduced in March 2024, and the pass mark for foreign spouses was 40 Points. As of September 2025, the Points System is no longer in use. However, Immigration appears to still use the same assessment criteria, so it remains worthwhile checking if you meet the previous minimum score of 40 points. See this post for an example Points System Calculator: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2024/03/malaysian-permanent-residence.html
- '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 application took 2 and a half 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.
- '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/services/identity-card/identity-card-application-mypr-for-children-aged-12-or-first-time-non-citizens/
- '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/services/citizenship/application-for-citizenship-status-under-article-151-of-the-federal-constitution-wife-of-a-citizen/ and https://www.jpn.gov.my/en/services/citizenship/application-for-citizenship-status-under-article-19-of-the-federal-constitution-aged-21-years-or-above/ 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.
March 25, 2025
Malaysian Permanent Residence: My Experience of the PR Process
- 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
- Application Process: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2022/11/malaysia-permanent-residence-permit.html
- Immigration Interview: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2022/11/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit.html
- Police Interview: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2023/04/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit.html
- 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
- Receiving Permit Masuk Approval Letter and Shortening Current LTSVP: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/01/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-receiving.html
- Getting Permit Masuk Certificate and PR Passport Stamp: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-getting.html
- Applying for Red IC (MyPR): https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2025/02/malaysian-pr-permit-masuk-applying-for.html
- 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)
- JPN receipt
- Passport (but I wasn't asked to show it)
February 04, 2025
Malaysian Permanent Residence: Applying for Red IC (MyPR)
Visit JPN to apply for Red IC (MyPR) (February 2025)
- 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)
Malaysian Permanent Residence: Getting the Permit Masuk certificate and PR passport stamp
- 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)
- 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.

January 23, 2025
Malaysian Permanent Residence: Receiving Permit Masuk Approval Letter and Shortening LTSVP
- 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)
December 12, 2024
Malaysian Permanent Residence: Immigration and Police Home Visit, File Transfer to Putrajaya and Permit Masuk Approval
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.
March 28, 2024
Malaysian Permanent Residence: Immigration Points Calculator
Permit Masuk (PR) Points System Calculator
A Points System has been introduced in March 2024 as part of the Permit Masuk application process for foreign spouses. The minimum pass mark to be eligible to apply for Permit Masuk is 40 points.
**Note: As of September 2025, the Points System is no longer in use. However, Immigration appears to still use the same assessment criteria, so it remains worthwhile checking if you meet the previous minimum score of 40 points**
- Maximum score is 100 points.
- The minimum pass mark for foreign spouses is 40 points.
- Section 2 capped at 20 points.
- Sections 8 + 9 combined capped at 10 points.
- Applications are not eligible if the applicant is involved in criminal cases, falsification of documents, or offences under Malaysian law.
April 20, 2023
Malaysian Permanent Residence: Learning and Improving my Bahasa Melayu for PR Interviews
- 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.
- 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.
































