Malaysia is increasing filing fees for visa services for expatriates and dependants. The filing fees for visa services will increase as of September 1, 2024, according to Malaysia’s MYXpats Centre, which is part of the Immigration Department’s Expatriate Services Division.

Filing fees for Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, Long Term Social Visit Pass will see an increase from September 1, 2024. Employment Pass fee will be MYR 2,000, up from MYR 800 while for the Dependent Pass, the new fee amount is MYR 500, up from MYR 450.

For the Long-term Social Visit Pass, the new visa fee will MYR 500, up from MYR 450 and for the Professional Visit Pass, the new visa fee will be MYR 1,200, up from MYR 800.

The Employment Pass (EP) is a work permit that enables an expatriate to take up employment with an organisation in Malaysia. The pass is subject to the contract of employment (up to 60 months). Employment Pass holders may apply for a Dependant Pass for the family members like Spouse and Children (under 18 years of age).

Foreign talents that have adequate professional qualifications or skills are issued a Professional Visit Pass (PVP). They can visit the nation temporarily and deliver services or receive practical training with a Malaysian company on behalf of an overseas enterprise for up to a year.

The Long Term Social Visit pass may be issued to a foreigner for a temporary stay in Malaysia for a period of not less than six months. Extensions of the period of stay can be given based on the eligibility and fulfilment of certain conditions. Foreign husbands/wives to Malaysians can be given the Social Visit Pass for 5 years on condition that they comply with all the requirements.

They are also allowed to engage in any form of paid employment or any business or professional occupation without converting the Social Visit Pass to the Employment Pass or Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment).

The Immigration Department of Malaysia, has reduced the application processing time from five working days to three working days for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Critical Sector companies, ensuring quicker decisions for expatriate applications.