Expatypus

Getting a job as a foreigner in Malaysia is not easy. Whether you have an LTSVP or not. One way to explain the LTSVP though is to say it is equivalent to a Permanent Resident. Most HR will understand and get the message that they don't need to apply for EP.

Hi guys,

Does anyone know if the LTSVP is still valid on a canceled passport?

My passport is set to expire at the end of the year and my LTSVP will expire shortly before that (it\'s my first LTSVP). However, I want to renew my passport next month as I travel frequently and most countries require a passport to be valid for at least 6 months.

I\'d prefer not to renew my LTSVP at the same time as it\'s quite a pain in the ass to do. My LTSVP was just issued last January and is still valid till November. Ideally I would carry both passports with me: the old (canceled) one with valid LTSVP and the new passport. I know it\'s fine for visa from some countries (US for instance), but what about Malaysian visas? Do they consider the LTSVP to be invalid when the passport is expired/canceled?

Side question: do you need to pay for the \"journey performed\" visa again when you renew your LTSVP? I hate this visa, RM500 that is good for nothing...

Thanks!
Ced

Hi All,

Wondering if anyone can clarify this conundrum that we now face. I have my Malaysian IC registered in the state of Perak but have been living in Selangor for the last few years. Is it true that applications for a long term social visit pass for a spouse can only be submitted in the state immigration department in Perak as my IC is registered there? Or can we also apply for one in Jalan Duta or Shah Alam?

Many thanks.

@Ced - I believe you have to transfer your LTSVP to your new passport.
@Lee - Never heard of that rule. Best would be to go to the office in Jln Duta and try your luck.

Hi Jacques,

I hope you can assist me in anyway on how to go about applying the LTSVP

1. I'm a Kenyan(Indian Origin) married who is a Malaysian Citizen.
2. My son is also a Malaysian Citizen
3. Our marriage is registered in Malaysia
4. I’m planning to migrate to Malaysia by end of this year
5. I’m currently working in Kenya and my wife is residing with me in Kenya
6. I’m plan to visit Malaysia for 2-3 weeks vacation during the course of the year and want to apply for the LTSVP during that time? Will i able to complete the process and get my visa on time and fly back to Kenya and return back to Malaysia once i secure a Job? My main concern is that i can only get only 1 month entry visa pass to stay in Malaysia.
7. About the required documents to submit to immigration for the process, please inform me which documents need to be authorized by the commissioner of Oath?
8. I’ve all the required documents that i can fulfil according to the requirements stated on the immigration website except the Job offer letter, can i apply for the LTSVP under the category ‘D’ instead of ‘L’ and than get the working stamp once i get a job offer letter to work?

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Hi Mohammed,

I dont' know whether you can apply for the LTSVP or not if you are not living in the country. Worth a try as normally the process does not take longer than a week. But I also heard that the immigration was making it difficult for African immigrants (nigerian mainly) to get a visa because of a high number of Africans who came to the country behaved badly and ended up running various scam and shoddy operations. So better be prepared for a few extra hurdles.

The wedding certificate need to be certified by commissioner of oath.

Yes, you can get a non-working LTSVP first and then apply for a working one.

Just updated the LTSVP wiki page with the latest info following Shardy's feedback
Thanks Shardy !

Hi Jacques,

Thanks for the response and advise. Shall be prepared for extra hurdles as said which i'm also aware of. Do you have any checklist of documents that i need to have without having many trips to the immigration department. I shall appreciate if you could avail me additional documents required apart from the requirements mentioned on immigration website. Once in the country for vacation this year shall apply and share with you about my experience. Thanks and have a nice day ahead.

Mohammed

All the info we collectively gathered is here: Long Term Social Visit Pass Malaysia

I've recorded below my experiences of trying to apply for LTSVP. I am from the UK and currently on an EP from my current employer. I am planning to change jobs soon so decided to try for LTSVP instead of EP this time around.

I used the LTSVP info from the Wiki page on this site to prepare as much as possible and then made a preparatory visit to the new Immigration Office near Publika (Jalan Duta/Solaris Dutamas area)… it's at 69 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1. The building say "KDN" on it (Kementerian Dalam Negeri). There is free parking for visitors at the back of the building. The spaces are scarce but we always managed to find one so far.

Day One

We arrived quite early and found the Pass and Permits section on level one. It was already quite full of people but we queued for a short while to speak to someone who gave us all the forms and checklist needed for the application.

We also noticed that there was some photo taking facilities on the ground floor so we had 4 passport photos taken each.

At the photo shop they offered to arrange the Security Bond but they charged 100RM fee as well as the 10RM for the bond so we decided it was a bit expensive and would try to get it done ourselves.

We also noticed there is a Commissioner of Oaths in the same building near the photo shops.

We decided to take all the forms away and get them filled in.

One of the forms (12) says it has to be typed. I was puzzling over how to do this as I don't own a typewriter (does anyone anymore?), but I checked the www.immi.gov.my website and found that this form can be downloaded as a PDF and then you can fill it in using the fields in the PDF and print it out. So I did that for this form and filled the others in using handwriting.

I also went and photocopied all the required documents (passports, IC, wedding cert etc.).

Day Two

We planned to get the Statutory Declaration done so visited the Immigration building again. While having our Statutory Declaration done we also asked about where to get the Security Bond done and at this office they offered to do it for us for only 40RM (30RM fee plus 10RM for the bond). This seemed more reasonable and saved us time so we did this.

So now we had all the necessary documents and copies ready but since we didn't have two hours free before our next appointment we decided to return the next day to submit the application.

Day Three

The submission part was pretty straightforward - we only waited a short while to see the officer and have all the papers checked. Then he advised us to go for a coffee and come back in 30 mins to collect the originals back after the copies had been certified. We waited a short while again when we came back and then collected the form saying that the application is in progress. They are going to give me 5 years and the cost is 1500 for the security bond and 450 for the fees.

I was advised to get my current EP cancelled in the next week and then go back after 7 working days to pay and get my LTSVP put into the passport.

I also picked up a second checklist which has various items i need to bring when I want to get my new employment entered into the LTSVP.

Having done this I'd say it's just about possible to do everything in one day but splitting it over two or three trips is a good way to do it as Jacques suggested in the WIKI post.

Just a couple of other thing the officer told me today - I didn't need to fill in form 38 because I'm from the UK (not sure which other countries this applies to though so if in doubt just fill it in and the officer can always give it back if he/she doesn't want it)...

We didn't need a copy of my wife's passport because we married in malaysia.

I didn't need to copy the blank pages in the passport (although other government departments do seem to want this!)...

Great post Shardy ! Thanks
Glad to read your application process went smoothly

I may "borrow" some of your info to update the wiki ^^

I'm from another state and has been living in KL since end of Nov., 2004. I don't have any problems as per your experience.

One other update, there have been some discussions in this thread about the Malaysian wife needing to earn a certain amount in order for the foreign husband to get LTSVP. We faced no such issues, my wife is studying at the moment and has no salary but my application was accepted... the officer just asked what the course was and the name of the university...

Hi all,

Me and my future husband (US citizen) are planning to get married in Oct 2012 in Malaysia, and planning to apply for LTSVP after our marriage registration.

I visited the Putraja Immigration Office and was referred to State Immigration Office in Shah Alam based on my address on IC (Petaling Jaya). Apparently USA citizen's application will be being processed at state immigration office (the one in Jln Duta is for people with KL address on their IC, according to the officer).

I went to Shah Alam Immigration Office and gotten the checklist and all the relevant forms. I glanced through once and think those required documents are do-able. The experience from this site are definitely helpful.

However, I have one question here, hopefully someone can share their experience:

My future husband is working with a US-based company as independent contractor, and he will be continue with the same job when relocate to Malaysia. He will be able to do his job remotely through online and call.

- Does he needs to apply for work permit from Malaysia government to continue this job?
- His pay is directly from US company and he plans to have a local bank account after we get married here.
- His company has no problem to wire the service payment to this local bank account. But will he face issue from local bank, or immigration if no work permit is granted? -
- How should we proceed with applying for work permit (to endorse on LTSVP) since he doesn't have any local company offer letter, and has only the contract with the US company?

Appreciate any comments from the group.

Many thanks.

When my then fiance applied to marry in Putrajaya, I was adviced to change my ID card so to reflect my current address which is in KL. It went smoothly from then on. No other complications. This I had to do because my husband's job is based in KL and it would be a lot of hassle to have to commute to my home state just to get married (two trips - one to submit the forms and then to do the actual civil marriage!).

I forgot about that when I replied to the previous post! I sure am getting old...

As for the other questions... I hope those who are better informed than me will be able to answer those.

This is a grey area as his income is coming from abroad but his job is done in Malaysia. Some do not declare a thing to Malaysian taxes but it may be risky. He should regularize his situation with the help of a Tax Consultant. If he does not file a tax return in Malaysia or omits some of his income for work done while in Malaysia, the tax authorities may come down hard on him if they ever check your situation.

As a follow up to my previous posts, I just went to collect my LTSVP. When I was called to the payment counter they asked for a lower amount than I was expecting, and when I queried it it turned out that the "boss" had only approved 2 years (not the 5 years I was expecting). No explanation given for why that was. So looks like I'll need to renew it more often than I thought.

Next step to gather the paperwork on my job offer and get that employment approved. Currently the pass says "Any form of employment is strictly prohibited", so presumably they cross that part out once I get the employment approved...

Hi Amy, I am about to apply to work under an LTSVP so I may be able to share more soon. However, the checklist I was given for the employment part does suggest that only a Malaysian company will be able to provide the necessary documents to allow him to work under the LTSVP.

What you might want to consider is for your husband to set up a company in Malaysia which can then invoice the US company for his time. He can then pay himself from the company revenues. I was doing this myself for a while when I was contracting for a US company.

Good luck

Thanks Shardy for sharing your experience reg the work permit.

Do you mind tell us how do you set up your own company - where to start at least? That would be very helpful for us. Thanks so much in advance!

We are both a little nervous here...

If you're earning in foreign currency then it certainly was best to set up a company in Labuan (an island in East Malaysia). They have special rules and you can get very good tax treatment. Unfortunately the rules seem to have changed a bit and it may no longer be possible. I can refer you to my firm of accountants who could advise.

If the Labuan option is no longer available then I'm my accountant can help you set up a normal Malaysian limited company which should do the job OK.

If you and your future husband would like to meet up and discuss when around I'm happy to give some advice.

Hi Amy,

As previously mentioned, this is a grey area and I far as I know, there's no procedure for such situation.

Setting up a company in malaysia may turn out to be hard as he's not a malaysian citizen. I'm not expert here, but my boss is a foreign national (married to be a malaysian as well) and to set up his company he had to partner with 2 malaysian nationals for the legal reason (one is his wife, the other I don't know). Rules may have changed since then though (that was 7 years ago), but I would expect it not to be a walk in the park anyway. Prepare yourself for a lot of hassle, plenty of documents to prepare and maybe substantial capital investment to be registered.

Anyway, if your husband is paid in USD by a US company and works from home, there's no way the malaysian government will know about it. Best to keep banking the salary in the US, and only transfer the amount he needs to malaysia from time to time.

I've been living in Malaysia for 5 years now, and have learnt that trying to do the right thing the right way is never rewarded. Just look at traffic summons: pay in time: have to pay full amount. Don't pay, wait for discount: end up paying less.

Thanks Shardy and Ced for the sharing.

Ced - We are thinking about doing what you were saying. Keep the standard quo on that part...

And setting up a company here for the next 6 months is not in our plan.

Also we were thinking to ask the officer in Immigration Dept once he is granted with LTSVP. My sense is the officer might not be able to give a straight confirm answer too.

Our plan now is one step at a time - first deal with the marriage registration and then the pass. Then deal with the work related part.

Is anyone here (foreigner living in Malaysia) is engaging in freelance job? We are thinking my future husband's position is just like someone engaging in freelance job. I know a lot of my friends (local) who are engaging in freelance job are not reporting to any authorities.

As far as I know, there was a change in the rule to setting up their own company by foreign nationals about a couple of years ago. It was an effort by the government to ease foreign businesses and investment. That means a foreigner does not need a local partners to set up a company here in Malaysia.

Although... I'm not sure what other rules were relaxed and which ones are tightened...

This could be quite true judging from a few cases which I happens to know. I have yet to know about any cases such as this which got caught by the government though... *pondering...

... which could be why many Malaysians have little qualms doing things skirting the law or bending it to their favours.

I just called immigration to enquire about passport validity and been told that even though you have a valid LTSVP, you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months to enter Malaysia.

It doesn't matter your LTSVP says valid until 31 December, if your passport expires on 31 December, you can only use the visa till 30 June.

So remember guys, in Malaysia, your passport is a useless piece of paper in its last 6 months of validity, no matter what visa you have.

Hi,

I am a china citizen holding the spouse visa in malaysia for more than one year. I have been granted for working last year and this will be expiring in july this year. What are the documents i have to prepare for the renewal? Thanks !

hi! i came across this very helpful page during research and have a bit of a dilemma myself.

i'm a Philippine passport holder who wishes to give birth in Malaysia considering the very good doctors and birthing facilities they have here. My husband is only on a 3-month business permit while I'm on a 30-day pass. Is it possible for me to apply for LTSVP for the purpose of giving birth? Based on the immigration website:

H. For treatment in any Malaysian Medical Institution inclusive of one (1) accompanying person
1. Form Imm.12/ Imm.55
2. Form Imm. 38
3. Letter from any Government Hospital / Specialist Hospital

It is not very clear though if a sponsor is also required or if they are only referring to certain illnesses. Also, do I need to go back home to the Philippines to apply or can I go directly to the immigration office here in Malaysia?

Your response will be very very helpful! Thanks in advance!

Hi Jacques,

Im a filipino citizen who got a 30days visa stamp and on my 2nd month I went out to Singapore for one night exit for me to get another 30days visa stamp. My 30 days will expires next week should you advice me to exit to Singapore again, inorder to get another 30days ? actually this would be my 2nd exit incase or should i go to Immigration and try to apply for visa extension incase they will grant me 90days ? Which location is the Immigration? Putrajaya?

Thanks!

Thanks for the reminder
I think this rules is pretty common.

It is all here: LTSVP renewal / extension

The LTSVP is only for spouse of Malaysian citizens.
Unfortunately I don't know anything about the potential Medical Visa. Good luck !

You're better off getting a proper working or LTSVP visa if you can.
Visa runs are not recommended long term. You should not have trouble this time around as it is only your third, but the immigration officer may start asking questions. Better go to a foreign country by plane, the airport immigration is less suspicious.

Finally got my LTSVP renewed today. I initially wanted to transfer my current visa to my new passport, but was advised by the immigration officer to extend/renew it as my visa was going to expire at the end of the year anyway.

The renewal process is much simpler than the first time application: 3 forms* to fill in, one photo of the applicant, one photocopy of the malaysian's spouse IC, that's it.

You can choose how many years you want to renew it for (1 to 5 years). If 1 year, I believe it can be done on the same day. I requested for 5 years, but could only get 4 years (my new passport is only valid for 5 years, the renewal date has to match the expiry date of the first visa, and in my case that didn't fit within the new passport validity - I don't think it's actually possible to get a 5-year visa with a 5-year passport...). So I had to come back the following week to get the visa in my passport.

Cost is RM110 per year, totaled RM440 in my case. No need to get the "journey performed" visa anymore, so I saved an extra RM520.

Next trip to immigration due in 2016 for my (hopefully) last renewal before I can finally apply for PR...

(*) the 3 forms to fill in (one of them requires stamping by commissioner of oath), see this blog (not mine): http://www.mywanderingstory.com/2011/05/marrying-malaysian-how-to-obtain.html

Hi,

Great forum here. I'm so glad to have stumbled upon this as I'm getting bit confused trying to help my husband fill up the forms as everything (almost) is in Bahasa! I'm the Malaysian spouse.

Few questions, which I hope someone out here could help:

1) form IMM 12 - visit pass application form
Do I fill in my husband, the applicant for both forms which are the same?

2) Form IMM 38 - permohonan until visa
Am I also supposed to fill in the details of my husband, both copies?

3) VDR interview form
The last item on the checklist, which no one talked about in this forum. What is it really? Is it another form i need to obtain or will it be given when im submitting the this batch of forms?

4) sponsor details
It says that the Malaysian spouse has to fill it up but I'm unemployed as we've just moved here from UK and I won't be working till next year anyway as I'm pregnant. Do I still put me down as the sponsor despite not having any income?

5) applicant's details
It asked what is the applicant's occupation at their original country? My husband is German but was living in UK as a student and part time lecturer. Does that count?
Also, what do I fill in for the how long does he intend to stay in Malaysia? He's got a job offer but his contact is not ready and doesn't know when he'd start. We don't really know how long we plan to stay, which actually depends on whether he gets a contact renewal or another job after this one expires in 2 years. But we do hope to stay here for the next 5 years or so I guess.

6) security bond
What amount do I fill it in? I've read contradicting stories where some paid RM1500 and some less.

I'm hoping to get this done without having to make more than 3 trips to the KDN as the officer didn't seem like he's patient enough to answer all my questions. Perhaps it's because we were there at 2pm and the queue was pretty long.

Hi Juli,

In general all the forms should be filled in by your husband (on or his behalf anyway).

On (3) you don't need anything - the officer you speak to will do this part. I never even saw the "interview" form... and it wasn't really much of an interview - just a brief chat.

On (4) - yes you are the sponsor even if you have no income (my situation was the same).

For (5) I suggest you say you plan to stay for the foreseeable future.

For (6) don't fill it in yet - they will tell you how much you have to pay when the application is approved.

Hi Juli,

Security bond fee is based on the country your husband is from. If he is from Germany, the bond is RM1500. You are supposed to get it back when you decide to leave the country or become PR.

Security bond fee list for all countries: http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/visa/security-bond

I've never had to go through any interview. Just submit the forms, and pay. Make sure both of you and your husband are present at submission time. When you come back to get the visa, either of you is enough.

I wasn't ask to provide any proof of income, and I do not think they asked my wife about her employment status either (she wasn't working). As Shardy said, you're the sponsor anyway.

Just put 5 years for how long your husband intend to stay in Malaysia if that is how long you guys plan to stay. I can't remember what I've put there.. Maybe I wrote "permanently" since that's my plan (as if I get married to leave my wife behind after X years...). Anyway, make sure your husband passport is valid for more than the length of the visa you wish to get. E.g. If you want 2-year visa, passport must be valid for more than 2 years. On first time applying, you may only get 6 month, or up to the date of your passport expiry (my case).

Thanks Shardy and Ced for the advice and super speedy replies! Really appreciate your help.

And what about the IMM 12 And IMM 38 forms of which I have 2 copies of both? These forms will be the name of my husband and not one with his detail and the other mine (as applicant)?

Yes, the ones which need two copies should be filled in with exactly the same information.

A wedding photo with both spouse on (preferably from the Malaysian wedding ceremony)

Q: Can any photo in the wedding attire will be ok?

I guess so as some booth at the immigration office in KL do offer "wedding photo services"

hello vikrant. i will like to get an update on how ur process went. i have been married since 2008 to a malaysian lady. i just heard of this 5yrs visa. is it possible to apply for it and whats the procedure like? cos when it comes to malaysian immigration,you get all sort of imformation over d same thing. which makes you wonder which of it is true or not.please i will need your update,cos i will be applying for a renewal this month.having a better understanding will make me know how to go about it.hope to hear from u soon. thank you.

HI,
I am from India, working here in MNC. I have to bring my parents/in laws during my wife delivery in Oct/Nov this year.
Could you please assist me, my parents/in laws are eligible for applying LTSVP? and also let know the procedure.

Thanks,
Mano

I suggest that you read the whole thread because the answer to your question is all there rather than ask the same questions!

Are you married to a Malaysian? The LTSVP is only for a Malaysian with a foreign spouse. If yes, scroll up and READ. Answers all there!

If RG had a title on the board, it would be "bouncer"

I'm a good girl, I am.

I am only a wee tiny bit annoyed by... uhmm... who don't read stuff properly but kept asking the same question over and over and over and over and over and over and over...

Hi guys just need some info. My LTSVP expires end of October 2012 and I have just received a new passport ( old one expires in Jan 2013 ). my question is should I transfer the LTSVP to the new passport or just apply for extension as there are only 3 months left. Cheers

I would try to apply for an extension now.

Definitely apply for an extension. See my story above, I was in a similar case.

Cheers Ced. I will try my luck this friday. Also may i know where to get the statuary declaration form. I forgot where i got it last time. Cheers

I'm not sure... My wife filled in all the forms herself, and I believe she got everything from the immigration. The "Surat Akuan" form needs to be stamped by commissioner of oath.

read the wiki entry - basically everything can be obtained at the immigration office building... look at the places near the cafeteria...