MalaysiaFamily

Malaysia spouse visa for foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens

Long Term Social Visit Pass and Residence Pass for foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens

In short

A foreign husband or wife of a Malaysian citizen lives in Malaysia on a Long Term Social Visit Pass under the spouse facility, which may be granted for up to five years and can carry a work endorsement. After three years on a long-term pass the spouse may apply for a Residence Pass, and after five years of continuous residence for permanent residence.

checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
LTSVP for at least six months and up to five years, subject to approval.
Fee
MYR 500Residence Pass fee for five years, plus a multiple entry visa fee by nationality. LTSVP fees are on the Immigration Department fee page.
Work
Yes, with a work endorsement on the pass; no separate Employment Pass needed. Residence Pass holders may work, study and set up a business.
Family
Children of a citizen aged 18 and below can apply for a Residence Pass under Category 3.
Path to permanent residence
Residence Pass after three years on a long-term pass; permanent residence (Entry Permit) considered for spouses with five years of continuous residence.
Where to apply
In Malaysia, at the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya or the nearest state office, with the citizen spouse present.

Conditions

The marriage must be legally registered under Malaysian law, and the application is submitted together with the Malaysian spouse. The foreign spouse holds a social visit pass under the spouse facility, and the long-term pass is issued for a minimum of six months and up to five years, subject to conditions.

A marriage concluded abroad generally has to be registered in Malaysia before the spouse facility can be used; the Malaysian spouse arranges this with the Malaysian authorities or a Malaysian mission.

Documents for a new application

The Immigration Department checklist for a new application includes forms IMM.12, IMM.38 and IMM.55, a sponsor statement and security bond with an RM10 stamp, an affidavit with photo, the sponsor's identity card and birth certificate, the marriage registration certificate, divorce or death certificates from earlier marriages, wedding photos, the children's birth certificates, proof of the sponsor's employer or business and three months of income, a utility bill as proof of address, and both spouses' passports. Originals must be brought for verification.

Required documents

Identity

  • Citizen spouse's identity card and birth certificate

Travel

  • Passports of both spouses (all pages) and the current pass

Money

  • Sponsor's proof of employment or business and last three months of income

Family

  • Malaysian marriage registration certificate

Other

  • Forms IMM.12, IMM.38 and IMM.55, sponsor statement and security bond with RM10 stamp
  • Affidavit with photograph stamped by a Commissioner for Oaths

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Family

  • Children's birth certificates and wedding photos

Residence Pass and permanent residence

A husband or wife of a citizen who has lived in Malaysia for at least three years on a valid long-term pass can apply for a Residence Pass under Category 3, sponsored by a Malaysian aged 21 or over, with both present at submission. It costs RM500 for five years plus the visa fee and allows work, study and business. Spouses who have resided continuously for five years or more on long-term passes are among those whose permanent residence applications may be considered; a rejected Entry Permit application can be appealed to the Minister of Home Affairs within 30 days.

Working on the spouse pass

The spouse can work, run a business or take professional employment without converting to an Employment Pass. The employer and the couple apply for the work endorsement with a job offer, an employment contract stamped with an RM10 revenue stamp, the company's registration printout and an affidavit, either together with the pass application or later.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Register the marriage under Malaysian law if it was concluded abroad.
  2. Enter Malaysia and obtain the social visit pass under the spouse facility.
  3. Prepare the checklist documents and originals.
  4. Attend the Immigration office together and submit the LTSVP application.
  5. Add a work endorsement with a job offer and stamped contract when needed.
  6. After three years on a long-term pass, apply for the Residence Pass; later consider permanent residence.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

Can I work in Malaysia if I am married to a Malaysian?

Yes. The Long Term Social Visit Pass can carry a work endorsement, so no Employment Pass is needed.

How long is the spouse pass valid?

At least six months and up to five years, subject to approval.

When can a foreign spouse get a Residence Pass?

After living in Malaysia for at least three years on a valid long-term pass.

Does the Malaysian spouse have to attend?

Yes. Applications are made together and both must be present when documents are submitted.

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

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Social visit pass: as stamped at entry. MEV: 30 days per entry.
  • Entrepreneur and start-up visa Maximum stay: New: 1 year plus 1 renewal. Established: up to 5 years plus one 5-year renewal.
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Six months, with a possible six-month extension.

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.

Residence

Online travel permits

Protection

Malaysia visa guide