Written by Sandra Lee, Senior Legal Associate
For individuals seeking permanent residency in Malaysia, there are multiple pathways available. Each pathway has its own set of requirements, criteria, and benefits. This article provides an in-depth understanding of the different routes to permanent residency, empowering applicants to choose the most suitable option.
—— Employment-Based Permanent Residency ——
One pathway to permanent residency in Malaysia is through employment. This route allows foreign workers to transition from their work permits to permanent residency. Here's a detailed look at the employment-based pathway:
- Employment Pass Categories:
Malaysia offers different employment pass categories, such as the Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP). These passes are typically issued to highly skilled foreign professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs.
- Criteria for Employment-Based Permanent Residency:
To be eligible for permanent residency through employment, individuals must fulfill certain criteria, such as possessing relevant work experience, meeting specific job categories, and meeting salary thresholds.
- Documentation and Process:
Applicants need to provide documentation, including educational certificates, employment contracts, and proof of relevant work experience. The application process involves submitting the necessary documents to the relevant immigration authorities and following the prescribed procedures.
—— Investment-Based Permanent Residency ——
Another pathway to permanent residency in Malaysia is through investments. This route allows individuals to obtain permanent residency by making financial contributions to the country. Let's delve into the investment-based pathway:
- Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program:
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a popular investment-based pathway. It offers individuals the opportunity to reside in Malaysia on a long-term basis by fulfilling certain financial requirements, such as making a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank.
- Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA):
The Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) also offers investment opportunities for individuals seeking permanent residency. This pathway focuses on attracting foreign investors who can contribute to the development of the Malaysian economy.
- Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC):
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is another avenue for investment-based permanent residency. It is specifically designed to attract individuals who excel in digital technology and innovation sectors.
- Malaysia Premium Visa Program (PVIP):
In September 2022, Malaysia initiated the Premium Visa Program (PVIP) with the aim of enticing foreign individuals to invest, work, or study in the country and establish residency. The program operates on the principle of “Residency Through Investment” and was introduced to stimulate economic development, generate revenue for the nation, and foster increased employment prospects for local residents.
- Investment Thresholds and Contribution:
The investment-based pathways have specific financial thresholds that applicants need to meet. These thresholds may vary depending on the chosen program. Additionally, applicants are expected to contribute to the Malaysian economy through their investments.
—— Family Sponsorship for Permanent Residency ——
Family sponsorship is a pathway to permanent residency in Malaysia for individuals who have Malaysian family ties. Here's a closer look at this pathway:
- Eligible Family Members:
Individuals can apply for permanent residency through family sponsorship if they have a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident spouse, children, parents, or dependents. The relationship must be legally recognized and supported by appropriate documentation.
- Supporting Documentation:
Applicants are required to provide supporting documentation to establish their relationship with the Malaysian citizen or permanent resident. This may include marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other legally recognized documents.
- Application Process
The application process for family sponsorship involves submitting the necessary documents, forms, and fees to the relevant immigration authorities. The documentation should demonstrate the authenticity and validity of the family relationship.
—— Point-Based System ——
This unique approach to acquiring Malaysian permanent residency is likely unfamiliar to most individuals. It involves a complex evaluation system that assesses eligibility through seven distinct factors. Let's take a more in-depth examination of this route:
- Eligibility Factors:
The applicant’s eligibility will be assessed based on these seven factors: age, qualifications, duration of stay in Malaysia, familiarity with the Malaysian institutes, investment values, working experience in Malaysia, and proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia.
- Scoring
Applicants must score 65 points out of a maximum total of 120 points to be eligible for this pathway.
- Documentation and Process
Applicants need to provide documentation, including educational certificates, employment contracts, proof of relevant work experience, documents showing your total duration and length of stay in Malaysia, investments in businesses, properties, or money deposited in a bank, and others. The application process involves submitting the necessary documents to the relevant immigration authorities and following the prescribed procedures.
Understanding the different pathways to permanent residency in Malaysia is crucial for individuals seeking long-term settlement. Whether through employment, investments, family sponsorship, or point-based system, each pathway offers unique opportunities and requirements. By carefully considering their eligibility and preferences, applicants can choose the most suitable pathway and work towards obtaining permanent residency in Malaysia. Seeking professional advice from immigration experts or legal professionals is recommended to navigate the application process successfully.