Many visitors to Malaysia can travel to the country visa free for a period of up to 90 days, depending on their country of origin. However, several countries, including citizens of China, require a visa in advance of arrival for tourist visits. Malaysia does offer online visa services for most of these countries, making it easy for anyone to apply for a tourist visa in advance. However, if online services are not offered for your nationality or you are not able to apply online, a visa must be applied for in advance and include the following documentation:
- Completed and signed visa application
- Original passport with minimum six months validity
- Original and one copy of applicant’s permanent resident card
- Return postage (to be completed at Malaysia embassy in applicant’s country of residence)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Copy of confirmed flight itinerary plus proof of accommodation in Malaysia
- Copy of applicant’s most recent bank statement
- Payment of fees (varies based on country of residence; starts at USD10)
Malaysia continues to be an attractive destination for investors and digital nomads looking to make the country their permanent home. Luckily for them, Malaysia makes it relatively straightforward to gain residency by investment. The country’s program ‘Malaysia My Second Home’, allows foreigners to stay in Malaysia and puts them on the path to Malaysian residence. This requires an investment in property of at least MYR 1 million and takes approximately three to six months to confirm. Once approved, a 10-year multiple entry permit included in the visa allows the applicant and their family to reside in Malaysia. Applicants must be at least 35 years old and follow through with various requirements in order to secure the visa, including but not limited to:
- Proof of assets worth a minimum of MYR 1.5 million
- Proof of offshore income worth a minimum of MYR40,000 per month
For more information on this program, its benefits and requirements, see this link:
Immigration Contact Details
Malaysian Immigration Department Headquarters (Ministry of Home Affairs)
Address: No. 15, Tingkat 1-7, (Podium), Persiaran Perdana, Presint 2, 62550, Putrajaya
Phone: +603 – 8000 8000
Hours of Operation:
– Monday – Friday: 08:00am – 5:00pm
Website