Malaysia’s Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)

Starting from October 1st, 2022, Malaysia welcomes applications from affluent foreigners to participate in the Premium Visa Programme (PVIP), a “Residency Through Investment” concept that allows foreigners to invest and reside in Malaysia for 20 years, with an option to extend for another 20 years thereafter.

PVIP Requirements

Advantages of PVIP over MM2H

Criteria Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
Applicant age No age requirement 35 and above
Foreign income proof RM40,000 (monthly) or RM480,000 (annually) RM40,000 (monthly)
Liquid asset proof Not applicable RM 1.5 million
Investment (fixed deposit in Malaysia) RM 1 million RM 1 million
Minimum stay in Malaysia Not applicable 90 days
Eligible to conduct business, seek employment and enroll in education Applicable Not applicable
Property investment In accordance with state government requirements on foreigner minimum purchase price
Duration 20 years (renewable for another 20 years) 5 years (renewable)

Comparison in between PVIP and MM2H

*Please refer to the MM2H

CRITERIA PREMIUM VISA PROGRAMME (PVIP) MY SECOND HOME (MM2H)
Application Age No age requirement 25 and above SEZ Category: 21 and above
Foreign Income Proof RM 40,000 (monthly) or RM 480,000 (annually) Not applicable
Fixed Deposit Placement (in Malaysia) Mandatory with minimum RM 1,000,000 Mandatory with a minimum Fixed Deposit amount*
Property Purchase (in Malaysia) Not mandatory Mandatory with a minimum purchase price*
Annual Minimum Stay Not applicable At least 90 days a year
Business, Investment and Employment Applicable Only applicable to platinum category
Foreign Maid Hiring Applicable Only applicable to platinum category
Education Applicable Applicable
Healthcare Applicable Applicable
Visa Duration 20 years (renewable for another 20 years) 5 years to 20 years (renewable)*

Application Process

Required Document

ITEMS
Copy of passport All applicant Biodata page and all exit and entry stamped page
White background passport size photo All applicant Photo size : 35x50mm
Letter of Good Conduct All applicant Issued by country of origin or current country of residence.
Translated, Notarised and Certified True Copy (CTC) by the Malaysian Embassy / High Commission / Consulate General.
Marriage certificate (For legal spouse) Main applicant Translated, Notarised and Certified True Copy (CTC)
by the Malaysian Embassy / High Commission / Consulate General
Birth certificate (Biological / stepchild / legally adopted) All children Translated, Notarised and Certified True Copy (CTC)
by the Malaysian Embassy / High Commission / Consulate General
Bank statement to prove offshore income
*Income above RM 40,000 (monthly) or RM 480,000 (annually)
Main applicant Certified by Bank
Source of income proof Main applicant Certified by respective company

PVIP Government Fee at a Glance

Main Applicant Each Dependents
Participation Fee RM 200,000 RM 100,000
Pass Fee (Per Year) RM 2,000 RM 2,000
Multiple Entry Visa Fee (Per Year) Based on existing rates by country Based on existing rates by country
Security Bond Based on existing rates by country RM 10

Attractive Features of PVIP

  • No age restrictions
  • Less hassle once approved, visa valid for 20 + 20 years
  • No minimum stay requirement
  • Principal and Dependants enjoy same benefits
  • Tax Exemption of Off-shore income as Malaysia signed DTA Agreement with multiple countries
  • Tax Exemption of Foreign-sourced income
  • Able to 100% foreign own a company without local director
  • Able to open Malaysia Bank Account
  • Allowed to conduct active investments in permitted fields.
  • Allowed to purchase real estate for residential, commercial or industrial purposes (subject to state laws) with no distinction from Malaysian citizens.
  • Can be accompanied by dependants such as spouse(s), child(ren), parent(s), in-law(s), and one foreign domestic helper subject to existing immigration laws.
  • It is possible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after a period of 5 – 10 years by meeting the PR criteria, which involve investments and contributions in business.

Required Documents

  • Copy of passport (biodata page and current pass including the cover);
  • Copy of marriage certificate (for legal spouse) translated into English (if applicable) and attested / Certified True Copy (CTC) by the respective Embassy / High Commission / Consulate General or Consulate General in Malaysia;
  • Copy of Birth Certificate (biological / stepchild / legally adopted) translated into English (if applicable) and attested / Certified True Copy (CTC) by the respective Embassy / High Commission/ Consulate General or Consulate General in Malaysia;
  • Bank statements to prove offshore income
  • Letter of good conduct from residing country
  • And other miscellaneous documents

MY PVIP Privileges

Applicants appointing MY PR PROGRAM SDN BHD directly or through our business associates as their PVIP Processing Agent will enjoy:

Personalised service by a dedicated PVIP Consultant backed by a team who are available to advise and assist with your application every step of the way to ensure the best chance of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

PVIP Malaysia is a long-term residency visa that enables investors, entrepreneurs, and foreign talents to live and work or study in Malaysia for up to 20 years, and with an option to extend for another 20 years.
  • No age limits;
  • Up to 20 years Multiple Entry Visa (MEV)
  • Exemption of the minimum staying requirement;
  • Participants are also allowed to work and carry out legal business activities in accordance with the laws of the country;
  • Permission to study;
  • Permission to purchase real estate for residential, commercial or industrial purposes;
  • Conduct active investments in permitted fields; and
  • Participants can be accompanied by spouses, children, parents and foreign domestic helpers.
  • Earn an offshore income of RM40,000.00 per month or RM480,000 annually;
  • Open a fixed deposit account of RM1,000,000 with a licensed bank in Malaysia;
  • To pay Participation Fees (RM200,000 for Principal and RM100,000 for Dependents); and
  • All applications are required to be made through an authorised agency appointed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
  • They could top up the RM 100,000 participation fee to become a new Principal if they wished to continue using the PVIP visa.

    Yes, we will appeal on our client's behalf and determine the reason for the rejection. Unfortunately, the deposit of the 1% Principal Participation Fee is non-refundable.

    Yes, PVIP holders are free to purchase any type of property in Malaysia, including residential, commercial, and industrial, under PVIP. The only thing to note is that each state has its own property regulations, which may include minimum purchase values or special approval requirements for foreign buyers.

    You are free to purchase any type of property in Malaysia under PVIP. In contrast, MM2H holders are generally limited to purchasing residential properties only. Both PVIP and MM2H holders must comply with each state’s property regulations.
    Yes, you’re allowed to rent out the property you purchase. It has no restriction under PVIP, as you’re allowed to do investments under PVIP.
    Yes, the PVIP visa is renewable after 20 years. At present, the renewal process involves paying 50% of the government participation fee. However, this policy may be revised in the future. Kindly keep in contact with us to stay updated once the authorities provide further confirmation.
    Unfortunately, the visa is not transferable to next-of-kin under the current PVIP conditions. This means your family members will not be able to continue staying in Malaysia under your PVIP status.
    You may contact us for assistance with the transfer process. It is straightforward to provide a police report of the loss along with your new passport, and the PVIP visa will be reissued without affecting your visa status.
    PVIP holders can access both public and private healthcare services in Malaysia. Private healthcare has the advantage of shorter waiting times and a wider range of services, but you are free to use either option.
    Yes, Malaysia medical insurance coverage is mandatory for PVIP holders who are below 60 years old. You are exempt from this requirement once you are over 60 years old.
    No, the PVIP visa doesn’t automatically grant Permanent Residence status. It is a 20-year renewable long-term visa, which offers similar benefits to residents, such as the ability to access public healthcare, no minimum residency requirement, working and business rights, without the need for a PR.
    • To provide bank statement(s) showing proof of having an offshore income of at least RM 40,000 monthly, or RM 480,000 annually.
    • To have a fixed deposit account of RM 1,000,000 with no withdrawals allowed on the principal in the first year.
    • To pay the participation fees of RM 200,000 for the Principal Applicant and RM 100,000 for each dependent upon application submission
    Up to 50% withdrawal from the fixed deposit is allowed after one (1) year, provided a letter of approval is obtained from the Immigration Department for property purchase, medical, and educational expenses only.
    Unfortunately, it is not allowed. The RM 1 million must be placed as a fixed deposit in the bank with no withdrawal allowed for the first year. However, you can withdraw up to RM 500,000 after 1 year for the purpose of medical, education expenses and purchasing property purposes. Interests earned from the Fixed Deposit are allowed to withdraw for daily use.
    Yes, the Fixed Deposit is fully placed under the applicant’s personal name in any Malaysian licensed Bank. Malaysia Immigration has no authority to withdraw or use the funds.
    Yes, you are allowed to withdraw the Fixed Deposit in full after the necessary process. Malaysia Immigration will issue a release letter to the bank once your visa has officially terminated for the Fixed Deposit Withdrawal purpose.
    Yes, you will receive yearly interest from the Fixed Deposit.
    Yes, it can be used freely. You may confirm with the banker at the time of placing the Fixed Deposit whether the interest will be rolled over into the Fixed Deposit or credited directly to your personal account.
    Yes, you can place the Fixed Deposit in a joint name account with your legal spouse, if he or she has been included as a PVIP Dependent.
    No, it will not affect your visa status. The only exception to this is if you used Rental Income as the primary source of income on the initial application. If you are no longer receiving rental income, you will need to provide another source of income on every 5-year renewal.
    No, you are not required to provide any income proof or savings after the approval. You will be granted a full 20-year period once your PVIP is approved. However, if you are using Rental Income as a primary source of income, then yes, you will need to provide the source of income for every 5-year renewal.
    The official 20-year renewal requirement has not been announced by Immigration Malaysia. Applicants may need to meet certain requirements in place at that time, which could include some financial documents. We will keep all PVIP holders updated once the renewal process is confirmed.
    Yes. In the event of death, the Fixed Deposit and other assets can be inherited by the legal heir(s) according to Malaysian inheritance law as stated in the principal’s will. Immigration has no ownership or claim over the funds.
    It is not compulsory, but we highly recommend preparing a will in Malaysia to ensure your assets are distributed smoothly according to your wishes and prevent delays or complications in the inheritance process for your heir(s).
    No, your heir(s) can inherit your Malaysian assets without paying inheritance tax, as Malaysia doesn't impose inheritance tax. However, heir(s) might need to bear certain costs related to the legal process of the distribution, such as probate, letter of administration and other administrative fees.
    All applications MUST go through an appointed PVIP agent registered with the Malaysia Immigration Department.
    Yes. Applications can only be processed by an appointed PVIP agent who is registered with the Malaysia Immigration Department.
    It depends. You may provide a letter of good conduct from the country where you are currently residing or the country of origin. If you are using a Caribbean country's citizenship to apply for PVIP, you must provide a letter of good conduct from your country of origin.
    No. You won't lose your citizenship, as this is a long-term visa instead of a citizenship application.

    Yes, you may use it. However, only the principal applicant’s income reflected in the account will be considered as valid proof of offshore income.

    No. The financial requirements apply only to the principal applicant.
    No, the requirement must be met through sustainable income such as salary, dividends, commissions, rental, pensions, investment realised income, fixed deposit, and others. Please contact us for further consultation.

    You may get the bank statement notarised by a notary public or certified with a CTC stamp by a lawyer.

    No, you are not required to be physically present in Malaysia for the submission. As your appointed agent, we will handle the entire process on your behalf—from submission to visa collection. Applicants will be required to visit Kuala Lumpur for the PVIP visa collection after the approval.

    Yes, you must inform us immediately of any changes to your personal or professional circumstances during processing, as they may affect your application outcome.

    Yes, you may withdraw your application and reapply at a later stage when you are ready. Please note that all supporting documents - such as bank statements and the Letter of Good Conduct must be updated before resubmission.
    • Dependant(s) are as follows, and the pass is issued to the person who has an immediate relationship with the Principal Applicant:
    • Legal Spouse(s) of Principal Applicant;
    • Child(ren) below 25 years old (biological / stepchild / legally adopted) of the Principal Applicant;
    • Disabled Child(ren) regardless of age (provision of a letter of confirmation from a medical specialist / general practitioner);
    • Parent(s) and in-law(s) of the Principal Applicant.
    Principal PVIP pass holders are allowed to bring in one domestic helper from the country of origin, subject to existing foreign domestic helper regulations.
    In the event of divorce, the principal holder needs to notify the PVIP Department or your appointed PVIP agency, so the dependent visa status can be updated accordingly. Please note that updated proof of relationship with dependents (Birth Certificate / Marriage Certificate) is required at every 5-year renewal.
    Your children will not be entitled to the PVIP dependent visa; he/she will need to apply and become the principal of PVIP or convert to another visa in Malaysia.
    No, there is no maximum number of dependents you can include as long as the dependents are your spouse, parents, parents-in-law, and children under 25 years old.
    Yes, this is possible. Your dependent or spouse must meet all PVIP requirements, including proof of offshore income, placing a new Fixed Deposit, and topping up RM 100,000 in participation fees to qualify as a separate new PVIP Principal Applicant. Please note that PVIP is not permitted to be transferred to the next of kin.
    No, stepchildren are not eligible to be included as dependents under your application. However, their biological parent may include them as dependents, and you may also be eligible to be included as a dependent under your son or daughter’s application.
    No, siblings are not eligible as dependents.
    Yes, you can, as long as it is your biological children.
    Yes, they can switch into PVIP dependents by submitting all the relationship proof with the principal, and pay the relevant PVIP fees.
    No, this will not affect approval unless your dependent has a communicable disease. Please contact us for the full checklist of the medical check-up.
    Your assets will be distributed according to Malaysian inheritance law. This means the court will appoint an administrator to manage your estate and distribute the assets to the legal heirs as defined by law. Your dependents’ PVIP status will not automatically transfer, and your dependents will need to apply as an independent application and meet the program’s requirements if they wish to continue the visa status.
    Yes. Visa holders are allowed to hire themselves as company director instead of hiring a local director.
    Yes, you are allowed to operate businesses by complying with local regulations and license requirements.
    No, the PVIP itself allows you to work; no additional working permission is needed.
    Yes, you are permitted to be employed or take up a salaried position in Malaysia.
    No, your PVIP status is independent and not tied to any specific company. You are free to establish or take up any employment with another company without affecting your PVIP status. The rights are similar to those of Malaysian citizens.
    You are considered as local tax resident if you stay in Malaysia for more than 182 days per calander year.
    Non-tax resident will be taxed a flat 30% flat rate on income derived in Malaysia.
    Yes, any income derived from Malaysia is taxable based on the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) regulations.
    No, offshore income is not taxable in Malaysia, and this exemption has extended until year 2030. However, you may still subject to tax in your home country or other jurisdictions under global tax rules.

    For resident companies, the standard tax rate is in between 24% - 17%.
    For non-resident companies, the standard tax rate is a flat 24%

    A company qualifies as resident company if its management and control are carried out in Malaysia.