New Application Requirements for Professional Visit Pass of Malaysia

To streamline the process of applying for the Professional Visit Pass (PVP), the Malaysian Immigration Department’s Expatriate Services Division (ESD) has reduced the number of general documents required from 13 to 6, effective August 16, 2024.

In this Pacific Prime CXA post, we’ll explore the details of these new requirements and how they impact foreign professionals seeking to work in Malaysia on a short-term basis. We’ll break down the changes, and provide insights into how different categories of PVP applicants may be affected.

The Professional Visit Pass of Malaysia

The PVP is a specialized visa for foreign nationals seeking to engage in short-term professional activities. This pass is designed to facilitate the entry of experts, volunteers, students, and other professionals who wish to contribute their skills and knowledge in Malaysia for a limited time.

The Professional Visit Pass is valid for a maximum of 12 months, with the possibility of extension at the discretion of immigration authorities. For those undergoing training at factories or hotels, the pass is limited to six months.

To ensure a smooth and regulated process for short-term professional engagements, applications must be submitted by a Malaysian sponsor prior to the applicant’s entry into the country.

Who This Visa is For

The Professional Visit Pass caters to a diverse range of individuals, including:

Experts in various fields not covered by the Expatriate Services Division
Jockeys
Volunteers
Students participating in exchange, mobility, or industrial training programs
Foreign artists involved in film shoots or performances (with PUSPAL approval)
Religious teachers and students (Islamic and other faiths)
Professionals engaged in specific activities like machinery installation or flight simulator testing

Each category has its own set of requirements and age restrictions, particularly for religious practitioners. The PVP offers flexibility for businesses and organizations to bring in foreign talent for short-term projects, training, or cultural exchanges.

What This Visa Entitles the Holder To

Holders of a Professional Visit Pass are entitled to:

Reside in Malaysia for the duration of their pass (up to 12 months)
Engage in specific professional activities as outlined in their application
Transfer expertise, conduct research, volunteer, undergo training, or participate in internships
Perform religious duties or pursue religious studies (for applicable categories)
Conduct film shoots or artistic performances (with proper approvals)

Crucially, the PVP does not allow for regular employment or the bringing of dependents to Malaysia. The pass is strictly for the purpose stated in the application and does not have a minimum wage requirement, unlike the Employment Pass.

The New Application Requirements

To streamline the application process for the PVP, the Malaysian Immigration Department has announced simplified document requirements effective August 16, 2024, reducing the number of general documents required for PVP applications from 13 to 6. We’ll examine each of them in detail.

Copy of Passport

Applicants must submit a copy of all pages of their passport. The passport must have at least 6 empty pages for visa stamps and other immigration-related entries. This requirement remains unchanged from the previous system.

Application Letter from Sponsor

A formal application letter from the sponsor in Malaysia is required. This letter should outline the purpose of the professional visit, the duration of stay, and any other relevant details about the applicant’s intended activities in Malaysia.

The sponsor could be a Malaysian company, educational institution, or other recognized organization.

Bonds

This requirement varies based on the applicant’s nationality:

Personal Bond (All Nationalities EXCEPT Chinese and Bangladeshi)

For most nationalities, a Personal Bond form is required. This form must be duly stamped by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN). The Personal Bond serves as a guarantee from the sponsor regarding the applicant’s stay and conduct in Malaysia.

Security Bond (Chinese and Bangladeshi Nationalities ONLY)

Chinese and Bangladeshi nationals are required to submit a Security Bond instead of a Personal Bond. This bond may involve a bank guarantee and is typically more comprehensive than the Personal Bond.

Letter of Award/Contract (If Applicable)

If the professional visit is related to a specific project or contract, a Letter of Award or Contract must be submitted. This document should detail the scope of work, duration, and other relevant terms of the professional engagement in Malaysia.

Memorandum of Understanding (If Applicable)

In cases where the visit is part of a broader cooperation or agreement between organizations, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) may be required. This document should outline the nature of the collaboration and the role of the visiting professional.

Supporting Documents (If Applicable)

Depending on the nature of the professional visit, additional supporting documents may be required:

For Purpose of Installation, Maintenance and Repair of Machinery or Installation of New Product

Applicants in this category may need to provide documentation related to the machinery or product, such as purchase invoices or technical specifications.

For External Expert in Mining Activities

Experts in mining activities should include approval letters from the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia, along with the relevant mining licenses.

For Aeroplane Simulator Tester

A supporting letter from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia is required for this specialized category.

For Hotels Receiving Student Under Practical Training Application

Hotels offering practical training to students should provide additional documentation related to the training program and their eligibility to host trainees.

The Application Procedure

The application process for a PVP involves several steps and should be initiated by the sponsor in Malaysia. Here’s a detailed guide to the procedure:

Sponsor Registration: The Malaysian sponsor must first register on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online portal if they haven’t already done so.
Online Application Submission: The sponsor submits the PVP application on behalf of the applicant through the ESD portal. This includes uploading all required documents as specified in the new requirements.
Payment of Fees: Each PVP application incurs a fee of MYR RM800, which must be paid during the submission process. Additional immigration and licensing fees may apply.
Application Processing: Once submitted, the application is typically processed within 14-21 working days, depending on the specific program and completeness of the application.
Approval and Issuance: If approved, the PVP will be issued. The maximum duration for a PVP is generally 12 months, with the possibility of extension at the discretion of the immigration officer. For training at hotels or factories, the maximum duration is six months.
Entry to Malaysia: Upon approval, the applicant can enter Malaysia using the issued PVP. It’s important to note that applicants should not enter Malaysia before obtaining approval, as this could lead to complications.

Throughout their stay, PVP holders must comply with all conditions of their pass and Malaysian laws. In particular, the PVP is designed for temporary professional engagements and does not allow for long-term employment or bringing dependents to Malaysia.

Getting Proper Coverage for Your Stay in Malaysia

As you prepare for your Malaysian adventure, it’s crucial to remember that true enjoyment of your time there hinges on the reassurance of comprehensive health coverage. This is where Pacific Prime CXA can assist you.

Drawing on over 20 years of insurance industry experience, we have a deep understanding of the needs of expats like you. Our expertise spans many insurance types, including expat health and international health insurance, allowing us to tailor a plan that aligns perfectly with your needs and budget.

Furthermore, our advice and support come at no additional cost to you, and the plans we recommend are designed to deliver the best value for money. So, reach out to us today for a complimentary, obligation-free comparison of insurance plans!

Martin is a writer and translator with over 10 years of experience. He writes articles and blog posts, creates infographics and videos, translates between Chinese and English, and more. Skilled at explaining complicated concepts in layman’s terms, Martin believes the gold standard of translation is attained when the translated text is not only accurate, but also reads like an original text. Martin holds a degree in Economics from the University of London, UK.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.

In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.

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