Spouse Visa Malaysia: Guide to Renewal of Long Term Social Visit Pass - June 2020

*** The information in this post has been superceded***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 2020

(otherwise known as a Spouse Visa or Spouse Pass)

I went through the renewal process in June 2020 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 now granted is 1 year, even if you have previously been given a longer pass.

Due to the COVID-19 movement control restrictions the process was completely different from previously and is much better as you can now make an appointment online and the LTSVP is issued the same day you submit your application.

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 Identification Card
• 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 Identification Card (both sides) 
• Photocopy of Marriage Certificate (also bring the original as Immigration may want to see it)

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/ . Choose STO option and choose [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 had previously used the one downstairs at Jalan Duta, but this time we used one in Lucky Garden for RM20.

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 a 730am appointment so arrived at 645am and were able to park on the road leading to the main gate. Join the queue in the middle of the gate (not the one to the right of the gates which is for JPN). If you arrive later you may need to park in the car park at the Syariah Court and join the queue which can stretch round the corner!

5) When the gate is opened the officers at the gate will check your appointment letter (you must bring a paper copy of your appointment email) and passport/IC. You  then go to the main building to have your temperature taken before going upstairs to have your forms checked. You will be asked to fill in a health declaration and, if your LTSVP expired during the MCO, a form to explain why. 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 entrance to the visa department your documents will be checked again and you have to turn off your phone. Your temperature is taken 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. On this occasion I only received a 1 year renewal despite previously having a 5 year pass. The whole process took 1 hour from the gate being opened to getting the new pass, but if you do not get there early it will take longer.

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-

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

 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')

Spouse Visa Malaysia: Guide to Renewal of Long Term Social Visit Pass - April 2015

*** 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.

Step by step guide to renewing Long Term Social Visit Pass in Malaysia 

(otherwise known as a Spouse Visa or Spouse Pass)

You can renew your LTSVP for up to 5 years, depending on your passport expiry date. Some have reported that if you were only granted a 6 month initial pass that you will only be given a 1 year pass upon first renewal. I decided to write this guide to help other people seeking information on the process!

I renewed my pass a little over one month before the expiry of my current pass. The unexpired month was added to my new pass.

One person has reported that immigration would only deal with their renewal within the last 2 weeks of their initial pass - that person had a 6 month initial pass, so whether that has a bearing on it (as opposed to my 1 year initial pass) I do not know. To be on the safe side (and to avoid a wasted trip) you are probably best to time your renewal so that you visit Immigration in the last 2 weeks of your initial pass.

I went through the renewal process at Jalan Duta in KL - the process may be slightly different if you are using another state office.

When attending the immigration department clothing rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/slippers/short skirts. You may be turned away if you are not dressed appropriately.

For the renewal the following forms need to be completed:

1) Statutory Declaration that the marriage is still valid (to be signed in front of a Commissioner for Oaths) (1 copy) with 1 photo each of the applicant & Malaysian spouse affixed to it

2) Form Imm.38 (1 copy)

3) Form Imm.55 (1 copy) 

You can get the forms from Immigration. 

Also bring the following:

• Photocopy of applicant’s Passport
• Photocopy of current pass
• Photocopy of Malaysian spouse’s Identification Card (both sides)
• Photocopy of Marriage Certificate

Also bring the originals in case Immigration wants to see them. 

If you are requesting a renewal of the work endorsement, bring a copy of your employment contract in case it is asked for. Ensure your employment contract has the "Stamp Duty" stamp on it.

Step by Step guide: 

1) Complete all the forms. Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse should complete the Statutory Declaration and then sign it in front of a Commissioner for Oaths (we used the one downstairs at Jalan Duta which costs RM4)

2) Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse go to Immigration with all of the requested documents. Go to the counter called “Nombor Gilirang” (counter 24) and obtain a number. Await your turn (we waited around an hour). When your number is called the officer will check your forms and supporting documents. We were then given a confirmation print out and asked to return after 3 working days. We found that a good time to arrive at Immigration is 11am as we avoided the morning rush and then the officers hurry to get through the other numbers before lunch. From arriving to leaving took us around 1 and a half hours. Some people report that at busy times applications have not been accepted in the afternoon, so you are best to go in the morning.

3) The applicant returns to Immigration (the Malaysian spouse doesn’t need to go) to pay the fee.  Bring your passport, the confirmation print out plus funds in cash. Funds required are RM90 per year of the pass granted, but you should check what the current charges are with the Immigration office, in case the amount has changed. Go to counter 24 to collect a ticket. Your number will be called and you will hand your confirmation form and passport to the officer. You will then wait again for your number to be called to go to the payment counter (be aware that tickets for the payment counter are not called in order). Pay the fee (cash only - there is a Bank Islam ATM on the ground floor if you need it). You will be given a receipt for the fee; wait for your number to be called again at which point you will be given your passport with the pass entered in it. Check the correct pass and period has been given. I went to Immigration around 1130 am and the entire process took around 1 and a half hours.

Spouse Visa Malaysia: Guide to Applying for a Long Term Social Visit Pass

*** The information in this post may now be out of date. For the most current updates, please check with Immigration directly and visit the Facebook Groups shown in the 'Useful Links' section.***

Step by Step Guide to Apply for a Long Term Social Visit Pass in Malaysia 

(otherwise known as a Spouse Visa or Spouse Pass)

A foreign national living in Malaysia and married to a Malaysian can apply for a long term social visit pass (LTSVP) which is a multiple entry pass for up to 5 years.

There are varying reports on how long you will be granted on initial application; the immigration officer told us that the initial pass runs for a period of one year and that the renewal pass will be for a period of five years. However it seems that some people only receive 6 months on the initial application followed by a 1 year pass upon first renewal. I don't know if the differences are based upon nationality of the applicant or other factors.

The LTSVP also allows the foreign national to work in Malaysia without having to convert their visa to a working visa. To do this you must first apply for the LTSVP itself, then once you have a job offer you can apply for a LTSVP work endorsement at Immigration. 

Note: It is illegal to work using only a spouse visa! You MUST have the extra work endorsement stamp given by immigration!

For more information on getting the work endorsement see these links:

https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/working-permit-for-spouse-of-malaysian-citizen/ 

and

https://familyfrontiers.org/guide/visa-pass-permit-pr-spouses/non-citizen-spouse-endorsement-to-work/

LTSVP Application Process 

In theory the process is straightforward, but with lots of conflicting information online (including different versions of the forms on the Immigration website to those that the Immigration office hand out) it can be confusing, so I decided to write this guide to help other people going through the process!

When attending the immigration department clothing rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/slippers/short skirts. You may be turned away if you are not dressed appropriately.

Step by Step guide: 

1) Go to Immigration to collect the checklist and forms. If you live in KL the Immigration Office is located near Publika / Solaris Dutamas on Jalan Duta at 69 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1. The building sign says "Kementerian Dalam Negeri" and there is free (but busy) parking. Opening hours are 730am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Some people report that at busy times applications have not been accepted in the afternoon, so you are best to go in the morning. Lunchtime is from 1pm to 2pm (Friday 1215pm to 245pm).  To find the office that deals with LTSVP applications enter though the main entrance, take the escalator up to Level 1 and go to the office at the rear of the building. Go to counter 24 (“Nombor Giliran”) to obtain the forms that you need to complete. 

2) Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse should complete the Statutory Declaration and the Bond Form and then sign them in front of a Commissioner for Oaths (there is one on the ground floor at Jalan Duta). The amount of the bond varies depending on the country of applicant. Details of the current bond amounts can be found on the Immigration website.

3) Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse go to LHDN (a short drive from Publika at Blok 9, Kompleks Bangunan Kerajaan, Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur. We parked on the road). Find the Stamp Duty office on the ground floor and go to the counter on your right and ask for form PDS1. There are examples on their wall to show you how to fill out the form. Once completed take a ticket from the counter. When your number is called you pay RM10 stamp duty and have the Bond Form stamped. Opening hours are 745am to 345pm Monday to Friday. (They are closed for lunch. Friday lunch is 1215pm to 245pm). There is also a branch at UTC Pudu Sentral (above Puduraya bus station) which will stamp documents up until 5pm.

4) Complete all of the other forms (including Form Imm.55 which although is an extension request is also required for a first application). Gather together the remaining documents and supporting information requested on the checklist. Although the checklist only asks for 1 copy of Form Imm.12 we were asked to fill out 2 copies!

5) Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse go to Immigration with all of the requested documents. Take a ticket (from counter 24 again) and await your turn. When your number is called the officer will check your forms and ask you to wait. After about 1 hour we were called back to the desk by the officer and given a confirmation print out and asked to return after a certain date (2 weeks later in our case).

6) The applicant returns to Immigration (the Malaysian spouse doesn’t need to go) to pay the bond.  Don’t forget to bring your passport, the confirmation print out plus funds in cash. Funds required in my case were RM1,500 for the bond (UK national) plus RM90 for 1 year pass – total RM1,590. The bond amounts for other nationalities can be found on the Immigration website. Go to counter 24 to collect a ticket. Your number will be called and you will hand your confirmation form and passport to the officer. You will then wait again for your number to be called to go to the payment counter (be aware that tickets for the payment counter are not called in order). Pay the bond and fee (cash only - there is a Bank Islam ATM on the ground floor if you need it). You will be given a receipt for the bond and a receipt for the fee. You then have to go to the ground floor to have a photocopy taken of the bond receipt (no copy of the fee receipt is needed). Go back upstairs and once your number is called again you will hand over the photocopy of the bond receipt and be given your passport with the pass entered in it.  Check the correct pass and period has been given.

The bond is apparently refundable if  you ever cancel the LTSVP, but you will need to show the original receipt. You will also need the original receipt to apply for PR. 

Keep the original receipt safely!

Marriage in Malaysia: Guide to Marriage Process for a Foreigner

*** The information in this post may now be out of date. For the most current updates, please check with JPN directly and visit the Facebook Groups shown in the 'Useful Links' section.***

Step by Step Guide to Malaysian Marriage Process for a Foreigner (non-Muslim)

For a foreign national to get married in Malaysia to a Malaysian national it is necessary to follow the procedures laid out by the National Registration Department (JPN).

This is reasonably straightforward but is time consuming and there does appear to be much conflicting information online, so I decided to write this guide to help other people going through the process!

I (husband) am a British citizen and my wife is Malaysian. We live in KL and wanted to get married in KL but as my wife’s IC card still shows her as a resident of Selangor we had to follow certain procedures which may not apply to you if your circumstances are not the same as ours. 

The following information only applies to non-Muslim marriages – if either of you are Muslim then you should refer to the JPN website.

When attending JPN or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) there are strict clothing rules e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/slippers/short skirts. You may be turned away if you are not dressed appropriately.


Step by Step guide:

1) Have a Statutory Declaration drawn up which the foreign national should complete before signing it in front of a Commissioner for Oaths (there is one at Jalan Duta which is located near Publika at 69 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1. The building sign says "Kementerian Dalam Negeri". There is free car parking). RM6

2) Get a marriage letter from your Embassy/High Commission. I made an appointment with the British High Commission (BHC) for a marriage letter. I brought both passports and the Statutory Declaration. Only the British citizen needed to attend. The letter cost RM357.50! 

3) Bring the Embassy/High Commission letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Putrajaya to get it endorsed (there is no need for the Malaysian citizen to attend). I suggest you get there for 7am so you are first in line. RM20

4) Both go to JPN in Putrajaya for a letter addressed to JPN in KL for permission to marry in KL (this was only necessary for us as my wife’s home state is shown as Selangor on her IC and we wanted to get married in KL and not Selangor) RM30

5) Both go to JPN at Jalan Duta and fill out form KC02 to put in your notice of marriage and set a date for your wedding for between 6 months and 21 days (If you are going to JPN HQ in Putrajaya to request No. 4 above then this can also be done at the same time there). You should bring with you the following:

• Statutory Declaration
• Letter from Embassy/High Commission (including endorsement from MFA)
• Letter from JPN HQ (not needed in all cases, see point No. 4 above)
• Birth Certificate of foreign national (& photocopy)
• Passport Photo of each person
• Passports (& photocopies)
• Photocopy of entry stamp to Malaysia for foreign national (You must have entered Malaysia at least 7 days beforehand – your application will be rejected if you don’t comply with this!)
• IC of Malaysian national (plus photocopy of both sides)

You may need to pay for a translator to translate part of the forms from English into Malay. In Putrajaya we were sent to the Palace of Justice (Kompleks Kehakiman) to do this – it is not expensive and is just a short walk from JPN but it took quite a long time. There is probably a similar service at Jalan Duta but the JPN staff should be able to guide you on this. 

6) If you want your wedding ceremony to be held at a place that is not a JPN office then you will need to fill out form KC01E. 

7) The date of marriage will be confirmed by JPN 2 weeks beforehand. At that point one of you should go to JPN and pay the registrar fees of RM530, plus a further fee of RM180 if your wedding ceremony will be at a place that is not a JPN office (see point No. 6 above). You will need to provide copies of passport/IC of your 2 witnesses (who must be over 21 & resident in Malaysia). You can also ask for additional copies of your wedding certificate to be issued (RM10 per copy)

8) On your wedding day you must both bring your passport/IC. The witnesses must also bring their passport/IC. Make sure you get some photos which also show the registrar in them – this will help when you are making your application for a Long Term Social Visit Pass (spouse visa)

This process may change, so I recommend that you check for current information on the
JPN website