Malaysia Professional Visit Pass VS Employment Pass: Which Visa Is Right For You?

Explore our comprehensive guide, meticulously designed to provide you with a detailed roadmap through the intricacies of the application process for the Malaysia Professional Visit Pass (“PVP”). Within its pages, you will find a wealth of information, including essential documentation requirements and insights into procedural nuances. Our guide is your go-to resource, offering insider tips that go beyond the basics, ensuring a hassle-free and informed experience as you navigate the intricacies of securing the Malaysia PVP.

What does the Malaysia Professional Visit Pass (PVP) entail? 

The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) facilitates the residence of foreign talents in Malaysia, catering to expertise transfer, research, volunteering, training, exhibitions, or internships with a local or overseas company. Each pass issued allows a stay of up to a maximum of 12 months (six months for hotel or factory training).

This broad definition encompasses diverse occupations, spanning white-collar professionals, religious practitioners, and students. To initiate the process, applicants must submit the PVP application through the designated channels, typically linked to the Malaysian company hosting the engagement.

Differentiating between the Malaysia PVP VS the Employment Pass  

In comparison, the PVP offers a broader range of applications, accommodating purposes such as skill transfer, research, and internships.  

Unlike the Employment Pass, which is exclusively for hiring overseas workers, the PVP allows applicants to be under 18 years of age. While there is no minimum monthly wage requirement for PVP holders, Employment Pass applicants must meet a minimum monthly wage of at least RM3,000.  

The duration of the passes also differs, with PVPs valid for 6 to 12 months, whereas employment passes can span from 1 to 5 years, depending on the category. Additionally, the eligibility for dependents varies between the two, with dependents not allowed for PVP holders but permitted under certain categories for Employment Pass holders. 

Who qualifies for a Malaysia PVP? 

The Malaysian PVP extends eligibility to a diverse range of foreign nationals, embracing artists immersed in the realms of films and live performances, along with experts specializing in arts management.

Additionally, the pass accommodates Islamic missionaries, encompassing teachers of Islamic studies, Al-Quran, and Arabic, as well as other religious practitioners such as Gurukkal, Granthi, priests, and Guru Dharma. Government officials embarking on official duties find inclusion in this category, ensuring their seamless participation in governmental programs and activities.

Furthermore, the pass caters to horse riding experts, international volunteers, and students enrolled in international mobility or industrial training programs. This comprehensive framework allows foreign nationals to partake in a spectrum of activities, ranging from captivating stage performances to contributing to official government initiatives.

Whether engaged in artistic endeavors, religious pursuits, official governmental functions, or specialized expertise, holders of the Malaysian PVP are afforded the opportunity to enrich their experiences and contribute to the diverse cultural landscape during their stay in Malaysia.

The Requirements for applying Malaysia Professional Visit Pass

Applicants for the PVP must adhere to specific conditions, including refraining from bringing their dependent family members to Malaysia. They should be formally employed, receiving a salary from an overseas company. If seeking employment with a Malaysian company, an Employment Pass or temporary Employment Pass is mandatory. 

For non-Muslim religious workers, there are certain limitations. The extension of the PVP is restricted to a maximum of three years. Additionally, age requirements apply as follows: individuals must be at least 40 years old for Hindu monks (Expatriate Gurukkal), Sami Sikhs (Granthi), Dharma Teachers, and Priests; at least 35 years old for religious musicians; and at least 30 years old for religious sculptors. These age criteria are essential considerations for applicants within the specified religious categories. 

Application Process of Malaysia PVP

Before initiating the application process

Before initiating the application process, ensure that you possess the necessary documents. These include a recent passport photo, a copy of your passport (all pages), and an offer letter, agreement for services, sponsor contract, or internship offer in Malaysia, which must be stamped by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN). Additionally, provide a confirmation letter from your home or base-country company detailing your employment particulars, such as salary, designation, and the duration of the pass applied for, if applicable.

For non-Chinese nationals, a duly stamped personal bond form is required. Chinese nationals must furnish a security bond and bank guarantee. Include a letter of award (LOA) or contract, if applicable.

Specific activities may necessitate additional documentation; for machinery or equipment installation, submit the invoice of purchase, Form K1, ZB4, or others, along with a Letter of Confirmation from the Customs Department to validate the company’s physical location in the Free Trade Zone (FTZ). In the case of secondment in mining activities, approval letters from the Minerals & Geoscience Department Malaysia for both mining activity and individuals, along with a mining license, are mandatory.

Flight simulator testers must provide a supporting letter from the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia, while those applying for internships should include a training schedule or job description. Ensuring the completeness of these documents is crucial for a smooth and successful application process.

After gathering the required documents outlined above 

After gathering the required documents outlined above, the sponsoring company is responsible for applying on behalf of the applicant. This process involves accessing the Expatriate Services Division (“ESD”) portal, where the company can log in to its ESD account (or register for one if not already done) and proceed to apply, accompanied by the necessary supporting documents.

Upon submission, the application undergoes processing, typically taking 14–21 working days, with the duration and fees varying depending on the specific program.

In the event of application rejection, there is an option to file an appeal. This comprehensive procedure ensures that the application process is transparent and that necessary steps can be taken to address any issues that may arise.

How We Help with Visa Services

At Premia TNC, we provide invaluable assistance through the ESD system to streamline the application process for companies seeking to register and gain approval for hiring expatriates. As an ESD-approved entity, Premia TNC is well-equipped to facilitate the application of various expatriate passes, catering to diverse needs. Our services extend to include the Employment Pass, the Residence Pass-Talent, and the Professional Visit Pass. Additionally, we navigate the application process for related passes such as the dependent pass, the long-term social visit pass, and the visit pass (temporary employment) for foreign maids. With our expertise, we ensure a seamless and efficient process, allowing your company to navigate the complexities of expatriate-related immigration with confidence.