MalaysiaBusiness and self-employment

Malaysia business visa: business visits and the Multiple Entry Visa

Business visit on a Social Visit Pass and the Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)

In short

Malaysia has no separate business visa for visa-exempt nationals: short business trips are made on the social visit pass stamped at entry. Visa-required nationals use an eVISA, and some of them can obtain a Multiple Entry Visa, which since 1 September 2026 is limited to eligible nationalities and purposes such as business. Any paid work for a Malaysian entity needs an expatriate pass.

Apply on MyVISA checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Social visit pass: as stamped at entry. MEV: 30 days per entry.
Validity
MEV normally 3 to 12 months from issue.
Fee
MYR 20Visa fee for nationalities not listed separately on the Immigration Department table; eVISA applications add a MYR 105 processing fee and a payment charge.
Processing time
eVISA: 2 working days according to the government portal.
Work
Meetings, negotiations, inspections, audits and contract signing only; no employment.
Where to apply
Visa-exempt: nothing to apply for. Visa-required: online on MyVISA from outside Malaysia.

Business visitors who need no visa

If your nationality is not on the visa-required list, the Short Term Social Visit Pass stamped at entry is your business visa. The Immigration Department lists business discussions, meetings and conferences, factory inspections, auditing company accounts, signing agreements and surveying investment opportunities or factory set-up among its permitted purposes.

Work that produces income in Malaysia, such as installing machinery under contract, training staff for weeks or running a project for a Malaysian client, falls under the Professional Visit Pass or the Employment Pass, which a Malaysian sponsor requests before you travel.

The Multiple Entry Visa for visa-required nationals

The MEV is meant for repeated trips, mainly for business or government-to-government matters, and is normally valid for three to twelve months with 30 days per entry. Applicants show sufficient funds and a confirmed return ticket; tour groups are excluded. The Immigration Department announced that from 1 September 2026 the MEV is no longer open to every nationality and is restricted to listed nationalities and purposes such as business and medical treatment.

Fees

The visa fee depends on nationality. Countries not shown on the Immigration Department table pay MYR 20. Applications made through MyVISA also carry a processing fee of MYR 105 and a payment gateway charge of up to 1.7 percent.

Applying for an eVISA or MEV

Visa-required travellers register on MyVISA, the only eVISA site the Immigration Department recognises, from outside Malaysia. They upload the passport, a photo that meets the Malaysia visa photo specifications, travel bookings, proof of funds and, for business, an invitation letter from the Malaysian company. The approved eVISA note arrives by e-mail and is shown at the border.

  1. Confirm whether your nationality needs a visa and whether the trip is a visit or paid work.
  2. Visa-exempt travellers: obtain the host company's invitation letter and book a return ticket.
  3. Visa-required travellers: apply for an eVISA or, if eligible, an MEV on MyVISA from outside Malaysia.
  4. File the MDAC during the three days before arrival.
  5. At entry, state the business purpose and show supporting papers if the officer asks.

Forms

Documents

Required documents

Travel

  • Passport valid for more than six months
  • Confirmed return ticket

Other

  • MDAC submitted within three days before arrival

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • Photo meeting the Malaysia visa photo specifications (eVISA applicants only)

Money

  • Proof of sufficient funds (required for an MEV)

Work

  • Invitation letter from the Malaysian company or event organiser

Frequently asked questions

Do business visitors need a visa for Malaysia?

Not for meetings, trade fairs, negotiations or contract signing if their nationality is not on the visa-required list: the social visit pass at entry covers these activities. Visa-required nationals apply for an eVISA first.

Can anyone still get a Multiple Entry Visa after September 2026?

Only nationals of eligible countries and for listed purposes such as business or medical treatment. MyVISA shows whether your nationality can apply.

What if I need to install equipment or train staff?

That is work. The Malaysian company should apply for a Professional Visit Pass for you through the Expatriate Services Division before you travel.

How long can I stay per entry on an MEV?

Each entry is for 30 days, within a visa validity of normally three to twelve months.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Malaysia

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Set by the immigration officer at entry; the usual period depends on nationality.
  • Transit visa Processing time: Set by the Malaysian mission where you apply; apply at least three working days before the flight.

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Pass duration follows the course, renewed as needed.

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Each pass up to 60 months, following the employment contract; total tenure up to 10 years (Categories I and II) or 5 years (Category III).
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months per issuance; training at a factory or hotel up to six months.
  • Skilled worker visa Validity: Approved for 10 years; the ePASS is first issued for five years or the passport validity, then renewed to complete 10 years.
  • Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: 3 to 12 months, renewable for 12 more months; 24 months in total.

Family

  • Family reunification visa Validity: Follows the principal's Employment Pass, or the dependant's passport if shorter; LT-SVP approvals are for up to 12 months at a time.
  • Spouse and partner visa Validity: LTSVP for at least six months and up to five years, subject to approval.

Residence

Online travel permits

Protection

Malaysia visa guide