Malaysia offers 6 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass Category I | N/A | N/A | 28-84d | 4.5/10 | Yes |
| Employment Pass Category II | N/A | N/A | 28-84d | 4.7/10 | Yes |
| DE Rantau Nomad Pass | €5,000/mo | N/A | 14-56d | 4.7/10 | Yes |
| MM2H - My Second Home | €8,333/mo | €208,333 | 90-360d | 8.2/10 | Yes |
| Professional Visit Pass | N/A | N/A | 7-21d | 5.0/10 | No |
| Dependent Pass | N/A | N/A | 7-14d | 4.2/10 | Yes |
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Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Malaysia offer?
Malaysia offers 6 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for Malaysia?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Malaysia?
The path to permanent residency in Malaysia typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to Malaysia?
Most long-term visa categories in Malaysia allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to Malaysia?
Not all pathways require a job offer. Malaysia may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: Malaysia Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries