Permanent Residence in Malaysia

Entry Permit (permanent resident status)

Status: Discretionary; detailed criteria for foreign nationals are not published

The Immigration Department describes the Entry Permit as the document that lets a foreign national enter and reside legally in Malaysia without any time limit, subject to conditions whose breach can lead to revocation. It lists four applicant groups: wives of Malaysian citizens, husbands of Malaysian citizens, children under 18 of Malaysian citizens, and fully foreign nationals. The department's main page does not publish eligibility thresholds, residence periods, fees or processing times for the fully foreign category, and points applicants to an Entry Permit application guideline e-book. Founders and investors should therefore treat permanent residence as a discretionary decision rather than a scheduled stage of their stay.

Status granted

Residence in Malaysia without a time limit

Applicant groups

Spouses and children of citizens; fully foreign nationals

Qualifying period

Varies; confirm with the Immigration Department

Government fee

Varies; confirm with the Immigration Department

Revocation

Possible if permit conditions are breached

Requirements

• Belong to a listed group: wife, husband or child under 18 of a Malaysian citizen, or a fully foreign national.
• Prepare the documents listed in the Immigration Department's Entry Permit application guideline e-book.
• Apply to the Immigration Department of Malaysia, which decides each case.
• Observe the conditions attached to the permit, since breaches can lead to revocation.

How to apply

1. Read the Entry Permit guideline e-book linked from the Immigration Department site.
2. Submit the application and supporting documents to the Immigration Department.
3. Await the decision and comply with the permit's conditions.