Malaysia Investor Pass: Validity, Fees and Permanent Residency Options

The Malaysia Investor Pass is valid for up to 12 months, with total government fees starting at around RM 1,916.

It caters to new, pipeline, and existing investors seeking structured entry into Malaysia’s business landscape, offering more stability than short-term visit passes.

The Investor Pass represents a groundbreaking initiative designed to attract global investors to Southeast Asia’s dynamic economy.

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What is Investor Pass in Malaysia?

Introduced on 1 April 2025, the Malaysia Investor Pass is a multi‑entry business visa designed to simplify and accelerate entry procedures for global investors evaluating opportunities in Malaysia.

The pass caters to three profiles:

• First‑time investors exploring the Malaysian market.
• Prospective investors who are already negotiating or awaiting MIDA project approvals.
• Current investors who own local (CCM‑registered) businesses but are not employed by any Malaysian firm.

Unlike the standard social visit pass (limited to single‑entry stays of 14–90 days), this investor facility provides investors with the flexibility to reside in Malaysia for up to a year and re‑enter the country multiple times as needed.

It is part of Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, positioning the country as a regional business hub while clarifying permissible business activities beyond tourist visas.

The new facility allows holders to engage in legitimate business activities, including market research, partnership negotiations, and investment assessments.

The facility specifically targets investors interested in Malaysia’s manufacturing and services sectors, aligning with MIDA’s mandate.

The Investor Pass Malaysia operates via the Xpats Gateway digital platform, connecting applicants, MIDA, and Immigration for faster processing and security screening.

Geographic coverage of the Investor Pass extends to Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

However, the facility excludes Sabah and Sarawak, which may be included in future phases.

This initial scope covers Malaysia’s primary economic centers, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and other major industrial states.

How long is the Malaysia investor pass valid for?

6 months initial approval, extendable to 12 months.

What does MIDA do for Malaysia?

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) serves as Malaysia’s premier investment promotion and development agency.

Established in 1967 under the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority Act, MIDA operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

As a one-stop center, it:

• Markets Malaysia to foreign and domestic investors in the manufacturing and services sectors
• Evaluates and processes applications for manufacturing licenses, expatriate posts, tax incentives, and other business-facilitation services
• Provides end-to-end project support from feasibility advice to coordination with federal and state authorities

Malaysia Investor Pass Requirements

Malaysia’s Investor Pass eligibility covers three distinct investor categories, each with specific qualification criteria.

• New Investors: Potential investors without any prior investment record in Malaysia.This category targets first-time investors seeking to establish their initial business presence in the country.
• Investors in Pipeline: Applicants currently engaged in negotiations with the Malaysian Government, such as those who have submitted applications to the MIDA or expressed formal interest in Malaysian investments. This category acknowledges investors in advanced stages of planning and decision-making.
• Existing Investors: Applicants who already hold investment records in Malaysia and maintain registered companies with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM/SSM). These applicants cannot be employed by any Malaysian company during the application process. At present, this category applies only to the Manufacturing and Selected Services sectors under MIDA’s purview, with other sectors expected to be included in Phase 2 implementation.

General Eligibility Conditions

• Applicants must be located outside Malaysia during the submission process.
• Applications must be submitted using business email addresses (no Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail).
• Applicants must align with MIDA’s sectoral guidelines.
• Documentation varies by category, but common requirements include:
  • Passport copy (valid at least 12 months)
  • Project proposals
  • Investment agreements
  • Correspondence with government agencies
  • For Existing Investors: Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) profiles, ownership or shareholding proof.

Investor Pass Fees

 The Malaysia Investor Pass costs between RM 1,916 and RM 1,946 for six months, excluding optional professional service fees.

The Malaysia Investor Pass fee structure comprises multiple components administered by different agencies. The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) provides support letters at no charge, eliminating initial costs for investor qualification. This policy demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to reducing barriers for potential investors. Different types of fees associated with the Investor Pass are listed below:

• Xpats Gateway Fees – RM 1,296 (inclusive of 8% SST). Non-refundable, covers platform services, document processing, and system maintenance.
• Immigration Department Fees (for successful applications): RM 500 processing fee, RM 90 pass fee, RM 6–50 visa fee (depending on nationality).
• Professional Service Fees (optional) – RM 3,000–RM 8,000, depending on scope (document prep, submission, liaison, advisory).
• Refund Policy & Timeline – Immigration fees waived if rejected, but Xpats Gateway fees non-refundable. Applicants must complete payment within 6 months of approval.

How to Apply for an Investor Pass in Malaysia

The Malaysia Investor Pass application process operates exclusively through the Xpats Gateway online platform.

1. Online Platform & Account Setup

• All applications are submitted via the Xpats Gateway online portal.
• Applicants must register with a business email address (no public domains).
• The portal facilitates all correspondence between the applicant, MIDA, and the Immigration Department.

2. Documentation Requirements

• New Investors: Passport copies (all pages; ≥12 months validity), certificate of incorporation, optional support letters.
• Pipeline Investors: Confirmation letter from a MIDA regional office or Malaysian diplomatic mission.
• Existing Investors: SSM company profile, proof of existing Malaysian business interests.

Language requirements mandate that all non-English documents must be translated by authorized translation agencies in the applicant’s country of origin. Certified translations must maintain accuracy and completeness.

3. Submission & Initial Evaluation

• Upload documents in the correct file format and size.
• MIDA Review Timeline: Within 3 working days of receiving a complete dossier.
• Successful applicants receive a digital MIDA Support Letter (valid for 6 months).

4. Immigration Department Review

• Triggered once the applicant has the MIDA Support Letter.
• Timeline: Completes within 2 working days, bringing the total MIDA + Immigration timeline to 5 working days.
• Digital notification via Xpats Gateway with an approval letter and visa-with-reference (VDR) letter.

5. Payment of Fees

• Deadline: Within 6 months of approval notification.
• How to Pay: Online through the Xpats Gateway.
• Fees include Immigration processing fees, Investor Pass fees, and nationality-specific visa charges.
• Note: Failure to pay on time voids the approval.

6. Visa-with-Reference (VDR) Application

• Who: Applicants from VDR-eligible countries.
• Where: Malaysian embassies/consulates or the eVisa system.
• Purpose: Allows entry into Malaysia to complete pass endorsement.

7. Investor Pass Endorsement

• In-person at KLIA Terminal 1 or 2 Expatriate Satellite Centres, or online via Xpats Gateway.
• Activation of the ePASS system, granting multiple-entry privileges for the pass validity period.

How can I get Permanent Residency in Malaysia with the Investor Pass?

Malaysia’s Investor Pass does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency status. The pass serves as a temporary business facility designed for investment exploration and business development activities.

Permanent residency in Malaysia requires separate application processes through established immigration programs with distinct investment thresholds and requirements.

Malaysia’s primary investment-based residency options include the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program and the Premium Visa Program (PVIP).

MM2H Program

The MM2H program offers long-term residency through property investment and fixed deposit requirements. It features multiple tiers with varying investment requirements and residency durations.

• The Silver tier requires RM 600,000 property investment and RM 645,000 fixed deposit for five-year renewable visas.
• Gold tier demands RM 1,000,000 property investment and RM 2,150,000 fixed deposit for a 15-year renewable status.
• Platinum tier MM2H offers the highest level of benefits with 20-year renewable residency. This tier requires RM 2,000,000 property investment and RM 4,300,000 fixed deposit. Platinum tier holders may access permanent residency pathways after 20 years of continuous participation in the program.

PVIP Program Malaysia

The Premium Visa Program (PVIP) provides a 20-year renewable residency for high-net-worth individuals with substantial financial commitments.

It caters to ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking maximum flexibility.

PVIP requires a RM 1,000,000 fixed deposit and RM 40,000 monthly offshore income verification.

The program offers 20-year renewable residency without minimum stay requirements, allowing global mobility while maintaining Malaysian residency status.

Investor Pass and Permanent Residency Considerations

Investor Pass holders planning permanent residency transitions should maintain comprehensive investment records.

Successful business establishment and significant economic contributions may support future permanent residency applications.

Employment pass transitions, substantial tax contributions, and long-term business commitments strengthen permanent residency prospects.

Malaysia’s permanent residency evaluation considers multiple factors beyond investment amounts.

Applicants must demonstrate genuine ties to Malaysia, including business operations, employment history, and community integration.

Educational achievements, professional qualifications, and family connections also influence permanent residency decisions.

Strategic planning enables Investor Pass holders to build foundations for future permanent residency applications.

Establishing successful businesses, creating employment opportunities, and maintaining clean legal records support long-term immigration objectives.

Professional immigration consultation helps navigate complex requirements and optimize application strategies.

Key Takeaways

• The Malaysia Investor Pass offers up to 12 months of multiple-entry access for qualified business investors and facilitates seamless exploration of Malaysia’s dynamic market opportunities.

• MIDA provides crucial support throughout the application process, while the Immigration Department ensures efficient five-day processing timelines for complete applications.

• Total fees range from RM 1,916 to RM 1,946 for six-month passes, representing excellent value for extended business access to Southeast Asia’s gateway economy.

• While the Investor Pass doesn’t provide direct permanent residency pathways, it serves as an excellent foundation for investors planning a long-term Malaysian presence.

• Strategic utilization of the pass can support future applications for MM2H, PVIP, or other residency programs based on successful business establishment and investment outcomes.

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