Malaysian PR – Eligibility, Application Process, and Benefits
Getting a Malaysian PR is the best way to experience affordable living. Malaysia is a dream destination for many, thanks to its vibrant culture, numerous opportunities, and strategic location in Southeast Asia.
Foreigners who wish to relocate and live indefinitely in Malaysia can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) and enjoy a range of benefits.
Takeaways
A Malaysian PR lets foreigners live indefinitely with rights to work, study, and own property without visa renewals.
Eligible categories include skilled professionals, investors, experts, and spouses of Malaysian citizens.
The application involves documentation, interviews, and approval from the Immigration Department in Putrajaya.
Benefits include tax advantages, business freedom, and access to healthcare and education.
Permanent Residency in Malaysia allows foreign nationals to live and work in the country indefinitely. They don’t have to renew visas or work permits periodically, unlike temporary visa holders.
PR holders enjoy most of the privileges accorded to citizens, with some exceptions, such as voting rights.
Not everyone gets a Malaysian PR. It is granted only to selective categories as mentioned below:
Skilled Professionals: Highly skilled professionals who have worked in Malaysia for at least 5 years under a valid employment pass or have a recommendation from a relevant Malaysian authority are eligible for Malaysian permanent residency.
Investors: Individuals who maintain a fixed deposit of a minimum of USD 2 million with a Malaysian bank for at least 5 years can apply for PR.
Experts in key fields: Professionals with expertise in areas such as science, technology, medicine, or arts.
Spouses of Malaysian Citizens: Foreigners married to Malaysian citizens who have lived in the country for 5 continuous years.
MM2H Programme: If you meet the financial requirements, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme will let you live in the country for 10 years. MM2H is a pathway to PR.
How to Apply for PR in Malaysia?
The application process of Malaysian PR involves the following steps:
Choose the PR category – skilled professional, investor, expert, spouse, etc, and check your eligibility for the same.
Ensure you have all the required documents.
Submit the completed PR application form, along with supporting documents, to the Immigration Department of Malaysia headquarters in Putrajaya or to the state immigration office.
You have to pay the processing fee of Malaysian Ringgit (RM) 500.
Wait for approval by the Immigration Committee, which can take months or even years, depending on the application.
Some applicants may be called for an interview.
Upon approval of your application, you will have to pay the PR entry fee of RM 1,500. If you have dependents, you will have to pay additional charges.
Once your PR is finalised, you will receive your Blue Identification Card (MyPR card), which is the official proof of permanent residency.
Documents Required for Application Process
The documents that you need to submit while applying for PR include:
Copies of a valid passport and visa
Completed PR application form
Proof of investment, employment, or a marriage certificate. This depends on the category from which you are applying for PR.
Proof of financial stability
Recent passport-sized photographs
A letter of recommendation from a relevant Malaysian authority
Copy of Employment Pass
What Are the Benefits of Malaysian PR?
Some of the key benefits of obtaining permanent residency in Malaysia are:
Live in the country indefinitely without having to renew visas or permits periodically.
Freedom to work or start a business without further visas or permits.
Access to the public healthcare system at subsidized rates.
Access to quality education with lower tuition fees.
PR holders can purchase properties, residential and commercial, without many restrictions.
Open bank accounts, get loans, mortgages, and other financial services from local banks more easily.
Permanent residents are taxed only on income earned within Malaysia. Foreign-sourced income is exempt from tax.
Pathway to citizenship
Limitations of Malaysian PR
Along with benefits, Malaysian PR also comes with certain limitations:
PR holders cannot vote in elections. Only citizens have voting rights.
Cannot take part in political activities.
Not eligible for certain government benefits or jobs, which are reserved exclusively for its citizens.
PR status can get cancelled under specific circumstances, such as non-compliance with Malaysian laws, leaving Malaysia for an extended period, committing serious crimes, or if you are considered a security threat.
Limited access to financial services, such as limited loan amounts, shorter repayment terms, etc.
Conclusion
A PR in Malaysia offers long-term stability and a range of benefits. If you are planning to move to this country, obtaining a PR is the best option to live indefinitely without any hassles of visa or permit renewals.
Permanent Residency in Malaysia – FAQs
Is it easy to get Permanent Residency in Malaysia?
It is not easy, as Malaysia has a highly selective process. Not everyone can get PR; only certain categories are eligible to apply – investors, skilled professionals, experts in key fields, spouses of Malaysian citizens, and if you are part of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.
Are Malaysian PR and citizenship the same?
No, they are not the same. There are certain privileges and benefits that citizens enjoy that PR holders are not eligible for
Can MalaysianPR holders apply for Malaysian citizenship?
Yes. PR holders can apply for citizenship after holding PR status for a certain period and meeting other eligibility criteria
Does Malaysia allow dual citizenship?
No, Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship. You have to renounce your original citizenship when you become a citizen of Malaysia.
Can the Malaysian government revoke my PR status?
Yes, your PR status can be cancelled by the government under certain circumstances – if you stay out of the country for an extended period, non-compliance with laws and regulations, commit crimes, or engage in fraudulent activities.
