Malaysia Professional Visit Pass
Complete guide to obtaining a Malaysia Professional Visit Pass for short-term professional services, performances, training, and expert work without being on Malaysian payroll.
What is Malaysia Professional Visit Pass?
The Professional Visit Pass for Malaysia is a specialized work permit for foreign nationals who want to offer professional services to a Malaysian company for a short period of time.
This pass is different from other Malaysian work permits because you are not actually employed by a Malaysian company or organization. You are still paid by an overseas company, but you offer services to another company in Malaysia temporarily.
Not Malaysian Employment
You remain on overseas payroll while working in Malaysia
Short-Term Services
Designed for temporary professional engagements
Requires Malaysian Sponsor
Application must be lodged by a sponsor in Malaysia
Key Features
Duration
12 months (renewable for another 12)
Work Type
Professional services, not employment
Sponsor Required
Malaysian company/institution must apply
Dependents
Cannot bring family members
Who is Eligible?
The Professional Visit Pass covers various professional categories
Foreign Artists
Filming and Performance
- •Stage artists (singing, music, dance, theatre)
- •Acrobatics and circus performers
- •Filming and producing in Malaysia
- •Performance in hotels, cultural centers
- •Arts management experts
Islamic Missionaries
Religious Teaching
- •Islamic Teachers
- •Al-Quran Teachers
- •Arabic Teachers
Other Religious Workers
Non-Muslim Religious Roles
- •Gurukkal (Hindu monks)
- •Granthi (Sikh priests)
- •Christian Priests
- •Guru Dharma (Buddhist teachers)
- •Religious musicians and sculptors
Students
Special Programs
- •International students in mobility programs
- •Students attending religious courses at Malaysia Bible Seminary
- •Industrial training participants
Government Officials
Official Purposes
- •Government to government programs
- •Official governmental purposes
Other Professionals
Specialized Roles
- •Jockey experts
- •Volunteers
Visa With Reference Requirement
Nearly every foreign national needs to obtain a Malaysia Visa With Reference for employment purposes
Exempted Countries
Nationals from the following countries do NOT need to apply for a Visa With Reference at a Malaysian embassy or consulate. They can travel with authorization issued from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration Department.
For All Other Nationalities
If you are not from one of the countries listed above, you must apply for a Visa With Reference at the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate in your country after your Professional Visit Pass has been approved.
How to Apply
Your Malaysian sponsor must submit the application on your behalf
Sponsor Lodges Application
Your Malaysian sponsor (company/institution) submits application to Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration Department in Putrajaya before your arrival
Get Approval
Immigration Department reviews and approves your Professional Visit Pass application. For filming industry, PUSPAL and FINAS approval also required.
Apply for Entry Visa
If required, apply for Visa With Reference at Malaysian embassy/consulate in your country. Then travel to Malaysia.
After Arriving in Malaysia
Once you enter Malaysia, you must visit the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs to receive the Malaysia Professional Visit Pass sticker on your passport. This serves as proof that you are working and living in Malaysia legally.
Legal Authorization Required
The pass sticker is your legal authorization to work in Malaysia under the Professional Visit Pass category.
Required Documents
Documents required vary by occupation, but generally include:
Passport Copy
Complete copy of your passport showing all personal details and validity
Passport Photo
Recent passport-size photograph meeting Malaysia's photo requirements
Application Forms
Malaysia visa application forms IMM.12 and IMM.38 completed and signed
Letter of Offer
Letter from Malaysian sponsor company/institution stating reason for employment/training
Company Profile
Copy of sponsor's company profile (if applicable)
For Students
Additional documents required:
- • Resume/CV
- • Academic certificates
- • Agreement between school and sponsor
Religious Workers
Letter of approval from Department of Religion and Islamic Religious Department (for Islamic missionaries)
Chinese Citizens
Bank guarantee or personal security bond required
Important Note
This is not an exhaustive list of requirements. You and your sponsor should enquire with the Immigration Department of Malaysia regarding the full list of documents your sponsor must submit with the Professional Visit Pass application.
Conditions and Duration
Validity Duration
Standard Duration
Valid for 12 months and can be renewed for another 12 months
Factory/Hotel Training
If undergoing training at a factory or hotel, the pass is valid for 6 months only
Pass Conditions
No Dependents
You cannot bring your dependent family members with you
Overseas Employment
You must be officially employed and paid by an overseas company, not a Malaysian company
For Malaysian Employment
To work as an official employee of a Malaysian company, you will need an Employment Pass or Temporary Employment Pass instead
Special Conditions for Religious Workers (Non-Muslim)
Extension Limit
You cannot extend your Professional Visit Pass for longer than three years total
Age Requirements
- •Hindu monks (Gurukkal): At least 40 years old
- •Sikh priests (Granthi): At least 40 years old
- •Dharma Teachers and Priests: At least 40 years old
- •Religious musicians: At least 35 years old
- •Religious sculptors: At least 30 years old