Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)
An exclusive 20-year residency programme designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term investment opportunities in Malaysia
Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)
The Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) was officially introduced by the Malaysia government on 1 October 2022, with the aim of attracting high-net-worth individuals to reside, invest, and establish long-term plans in Malaysia.
Built around the concept of “investment residency,” the PVIP allows visa holders to legally reside and invest in Malaysia for up to 20 years, with the option to renew for an additional term upon approval.
PVIP Application Requirements
Essential criteria for successful PVIP application
Investment Requirement
The main applicant is required to place a fixed deposit of at least RM1,000,000 with a licensed Malaysian bank. The principal amount cannot be withdrawn within the first year after visa approval. After maintaining the deposit for one year, up to 50% of the principal may be withdrawn, strictly for approved purposes such as property purchase, medical expenses, or education.
Proof of Overseas Income
The main applicant must provide proof of offshore income with a minimum monthly income of RM40,000 or an annual income of at least RM480,000.
Police Clearance Certificate
A police clearance certificate must be issued by the relevant authority in the applicant's country of origin and submitted in original form by the main applicant, spouse, and children aged 18 and above.
Medical Examination Report and Medical Insurance
All applicants are required to undergo a medical examination at a recognised medical institution in Malaysia and submit the relevant medical report, while also maintaining valid Malaysian medical insurance coverage.
Immigration Participation Fee
The main applicant is required to pay a one-time participation fee of RM200,000, while each dependant is required to pay a one-time participation fee of RM100,000.
PVIP vs MM2H Comparison
Compare the key features and requirements of both programmes
| Programme / Requirements | Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) | Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant Age | No age restriction | 25 years old and above; 21 years old and above for the SEZ category |
| Proof of Overseas Income | Minimum monthly income of RM40,000 or annual income of RM480,000 | Minimum monthly income of RM40,000 or annual income of RM480,000 |
| Fixed Deposit Requirement | RM1,000,000 | Subject to the minimum requirement of the selected category |
| Property Purchase Requirement | No mandatory requirement | Subject to the minimum requirement of the selected category |
| Minimum Stay Requirement | No minimum stay requirement | Applicants below 50 years old are required to stay a minimum of 90 days per year |
| Business or Employment | Allowed | Only allowed under the Platinum category |
| Hiring Domestic Helper | Allowed | Only allowed under the Platinum category |
| Access to Healthcare | Allowed | Allowed |
| Visa Duration | 20 years (structured as 5+5+5+5), renewable | 5 to 20 years, renewable |
Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
PVIP Application Process
A structured 6-step process from consultation to visa endorsement
01
Professional Consultation & Appointment
02
Document Preparation & Review
03
Payment of Professional Fees
04
Official Application Submission
05
Post-Approval Procedures
06
Visa Endorsement
Required Documents Checklist
Essential documents needed for your PVIP application
PVIP Programme Fees
Complete breakdown of immigration and professional service fees
| Fee Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Department Fees | Main Applicant: RM200,000 RM100,000 for each dependant | Applicable to spouse, children, parents, and domestic helper |
| PVIP Professional Service Fees | Main Applicant: RM70,000 RM40,000 for each dependant | Applicable to spouse, children, and parents; each dependant is charged separately |
| Immigration Visa Fee | RM2,030 per year | The 20-year visa will be issued in the form of 5+5+5+5 years |
| LHDN Security Bond Fee | Main Applicant: RM1,500 | – |
Immigration Department Fees
PVIP Professional Service Fees
Immigration Visa Fee
LHDN Security Bond Fee
Advantages of the Malaysia Premium Visa Programme
Comprehensive benefits designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term residency in Malaysia
No Age Restriction
No age restriction
20-Year Visa Validity
Enjoy a 20-year visa validity upon approval, with the option to renew for an additional 20 years
No Minimum Stay Requirement
No mandatory minimum stay requirement
Equal Visa Privileges
Main applicants and dependants enjoy equal visa privileges and benefits
Tax Benefits
Malaysia has signed Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) with multiple countries, allowing overseas income to enjoy tax exemption benefits
Foreign Income Tax Exemption
Foreign-sourced income remitted into Malaysia may be exempted from tax, subject to prevailing policies
100% Company Ownership
Allowed to own 100% of a company and serve as a company director without the need to appoint a local director
Banking Freedom
Freedom to open Malaysian bank accounts
Investment Activities
Permitted to engage in investment activities within approved sectors
Property Purchase Rights
Allowed to purchase residential, commercial, and industrial properties, subject to individual state property regulations
Family Inclusion
Eligible to include dependants, including spouse, children, parents, parents-in-law, and foreign domestic helper
Permanent Residency Pathway
Eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after 5 to 10 years, subject to meeting the relevant requirements and approval conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the PVIP Programme
I. General Information
What is the Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)?
The Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) is a long-term residency visa introduced based on an “investment residency” concept. It is designed to attract investors, business professionals, and foreign talents to live and work in Malaysia, with a maximum duration of up to 20 years.
What are the benefits of the PVIP?
- PVIP has no age restriction, and any eligible individual may apply.
- PVIP holders are granted a multiple-entry visa (MEV) valid for up to 20 years, with the option to renew.
- PVIP does not impose a minimum stay requirement, allowing holders the flexibility to decide whether to reside in Malaysia long-term.
- PVIP holders are permitted to work and conduct legal business activities in Malaysia, subject to local laws and regulations.
- PVIP holders are allowed to purchase property, including residential, commercial, and industrial units.
- PVIP holders may engage in permitted investment activities.
- PVIP applicants may bring their spouse, children, parents, parents-in-law, and one foreign domestic helper to Malaysia.
What are the eligibility requirements for the PVIP?
- The applicant must have an offshore income of at least RM40,000 per month or RM480,000 per year.
- Upon approval, the applicant is required to open a fixed deposit account with a licensed Malaysian bank and deposit RM1,000,000.
- The applicant must pay a one-time participation fee (RM200,000 for the main applicant and RM100,000 for each dependant).
- All applications must be submitted through agents authorised by the Malaysian Immigration Department.
MM2H holders, on the other hand, are generally restricted to purchasing residential properties only.
However, both PVIP and MM2H participants must comply with the property regulations set by the respective state authorities, such as minimum purchase price thresholds and approval requirements.
Can I rent out my property under the PVIP visa, or is it limited to self-occupation?
PVIP holders are permitted to engage in investment activities in Malaysia; therefore, their properties may be rented out and are not restricted to owner-occupation only.
Can the PVIP visa be renewed after 20 years?
Yes. The PVIP visa may be renewed upon the completion of its 20-year validity period.
Based on current information, renewal requires the payment of 50% of the original government participation fee. Other renewal conditions have not yet been officially announced and may be subject to future changes.
Can my family members inherit the PVIP or continue residing in Malaysia under a dependant visa if I pass away?
At present, the PVIP visa is not transferable and cannot be inherited by next of kin.
If the main applicant passes away, their family members will be required to apply for an alternative appropriate visa or submit a new PVIP application as the main applicant, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
Do I need to transfer my PVIP visa to a new passport if my passport is lost?
Yes. In the event of a lost passport, the applicant should provide a police report along with the new passport, and proceed with the visa transfer through an authorised agent. This process will not affect the validity of the existing visa.
Can PVIP holders access the public healthcare system?
Yes. PVIP holders may choose to use either government or private healthcare services in Malaysia.
In general, private healthcare is preferred for its convenience and efficiency, while government healthcare offers a more cost-effective option.
Is medical insurance mandatory for PVIP holders?
Yes. All PVIP holders below the age of 60 are required to obtain medical insurance, either from a Malaysian provider or an international policy that includes coverage in Malaysia.
Applicants aged 60 and above may be exempted from this requirement.
Is the PVIP equivalent to Permanent Residency (PR)?
No. The PVIP is not equivalent to Permanent Residency.
It is a long-term visa valid for up to 20 years and does not confer permanent resident status.
II. Financial Requirements
What are the financial requirements?
- The applicant must provide proof of income, such as salary statements, demonstrating a minimum monthly income of RM40,000 or an annual income of RM480,000.
- The applicant is required to place a fixed deposit of RM1,000,000 in a licensed Malaysian bank, with the principal amount not withdrawable during the first year.
- Upon receiving the Conditional Approval Letter, the applicant must pay a participation fee of RM200,000 (main applicant) and RM100,000 for each dependant.
Can I withdraw the principal from my fixed deposit?
Yes. After maintaining the fixed deposit for one year, you may apply to the Immigration Department for a support letter to withdraw up to 50% of the deposit. The withdrawn amount must be used solely for approved purposes, such as property purchase, medical expenses, or education.
Can I invest RM1,000,000 in property instead of placing a fixed deposit for the PVIP application?
No.
According to the application requirements, the main applicant must place a fixed deposit of RM1,000,000 in a licensed Malaysian bank.
After maintaining the deposit for one year, up to RM500,000 may be withdrawn for approved purposes such as property purchase, education fees, or medical expenses.
Who owns the RM1,000,000 fixed deposit placed under the PVIP?
The fixed deposit remains fully owned by the main applicant.
The applicant may choose to place the deposit with any licensed bank in Malaysia, and the Immigration Department has no authority to access or withdraw these funds.
Can I withdraw my fixed deposit after cancelling the PVIP or upon visa expiry?
Yes.
Once the visa has been officially terminated, the Immigration Department will issue the necessary documentation to the bank, allowing the applicant to withdraw the full amount of the fixed deposit.
Does the PVIP fixed deposit earn interest?
Yes. The fixed deposit will accrue interest based on the bank’s prevailing rates, and all interest earned belongs to the applicant.
Can I freely use the interest earned from the fixed deposit?
Yes.
The applicant may choose to reinvest the interest into the fixed deposit or transfer it to a personal savings account for unrestricted use.
Can the fixed deposit be placed in a joint account?
Yes.
The applicant may open a joint account with their legally recognised spouse to place the fixed deposit. However, the spouse must be either a PVIP applicant or a registered dependant under the application.
Will changes in my financial situation after PVIP approval (e.g. retirement or job change) affect my visa?
Generally, no.
However, if your application was supported by a specific source of income, such as rental income, you may be required to provide alternative proof of income when renewing your visa.
If I retire within the 20-year period, do I need to provide proof of pension or savings?
No need.
Once the PVIP is approved, the visa is granted for a 20-year period, and no further proof of income is required during this validity period.
III. Application Requirements
How do I submit an application?
All applications must be processed and submitted through PVIP agents appointed by the Malaysian Immigration Department (IDM).
Is it mandatory to engage a PVIP agent?
Yes. Only PVIP agents appointed by the Malaysian Immigration Department are authorised to handle and submit applications.
If I hold dual citizenship, do I need to provide police clearance certificates from both countries?
Whether police clearance certificates from both countries are required depends on the individual case. In general, applicants may submit a certificate from either their country of current residence or their country of origin.
However, if applying under citizenship from a Caribbean country, the applicant is required to provide both a police clearance certificate from their country of origin and a copy of the passport biodata page.
Will applying for PVIP affect my original citizenship?
No.
The PVIP is a long-term residency visa and not a citizenship programme; therefore, it does not affect or alter your original nationality.
Can I use a joint bank account with my spouse as proof of financial eligibility?
Yes.
However, only the portion of offshore income attributable to the main applicant within the joint account will be considered as valid financial proof.
Do dependants need to provide financial proof to meet PVIP requirements?
No.
The financial requirements apply only to the main applicant, and dependants are not required to provide any supporting financial documentation.
Can property, shareholdings, savings, or net worth be used as proof of offshore income?
No.
The PVIP requires proof of sustainable and recurring income as the primary financial criterion. Acceptable sources include salary, dividends, commissions, rental income, pension, investment returns, or interest from fixed deposits.
What should I do if my bank only provides electronic statements that cannot be stamped?
In such cases, the bank statements may be notarised by a notary public, or certified by a lawyer as a Certified True Copy (CTC).
Is the applicant required to be physically present in Malaysia to submit a PVIP application?
No. During the application stage, the applicant is not required to be physically present, as the entire process can be handled by the appointed agent.
However, upon approval, all applicants are required to travel to Kuala Lumpur to complete the necessary procedures for visa issuance.
Do I need to notify the authorities if there are changes during the application process, such as relocation, marital status, or nationality?
Yes.
Applicants are required to promptly provide the relevant supporting documents so that their records can be updated and the appropriate authorities informed, in order to avoid any impact on the processing timeline or outcome of the application.
Can I withdraw my application and resubmit it at a later date?
Yes.
Applicants may withdraw their application at any time. However, if they choose to reapply in the future, they will be required to submit a new set of updated application documents.
IV. Dependants
How are dependants defined?
Dependants are limited to the main applicant’s immediate family members, including a legally recognised spouse, children below the age of 25, disabled children, as well as parents and parents-in-law.
Can I bring a foreign domestic helper?
Yes.
The main applicant may bring one foreign domestic helper, subject to the relevant regulations in Malaysia.
What happens to my spouse’s visa if we divorce during the validity of the visa?
In the event of a divorce, the PVIP authorities or the appointed agent must be notified promptly so that the dependant’s visa status can be updated accordingly.
What happens when a child turns 25?
Once a child reaches the age of 25, they will no longer qualify as a dependant. They will need to apply as a main applicant or switch to another appropriate type of visa.
Is there a limit on the number of dependants?
No. As long as the individuals meet the criteria of immediate family members, they may be included in the application.
Can dependants convert to main applicants?
Yes.
However, they must meet all PVIP main applicant requirements, including the income criteria, fixed deposit requirement, and payment of the applicable fees.
Can siblings be included as dependants?
No.
Siblings are not eligible to be included as dependants under the PVIP programme.
Can I still include my children as dependants if I am widowed or divorced?
Yes.
Children may still be included as dependants under the application.
Can parents under MM2H be converted to PVIP dependants?
Yes.
However, proof of relationship must be provided, and the applicable fees must be paid.
Will a dependant’s need for long-term medical treatment affect the application?
Generally, no.
However, this may be a concern if the condition involves a communicable disease.
What happens to dependants if the main applicant passes away without a will?
In such cases, the applicant’s assets will be distributed in accordance with Malaysian inheritance laws.
The dependants’ visa status will not automatically continue, and they will be required to apply for a new visa or convert to an appropriate alternative visa category.
V. Business Activities
Can PVIP holders act as company directors?
Yes. PVIP holders are allowed to serve as company directors in Malaysia and are not required to appoint a local director.
Can PVIP holders operate a business in Malaysia?
Yes. PVIP holders are allowed to operate a business in Malaysia, provided they comply with all applicable local laws and obtain the necessary business licences.
Is an additional work visa required?
No. The PVIP itself allows holders to work, so no separate employment visa is required.
Can PVIP holders be employed and receive a salary?
Yes. PVIP holders may be employed by any company in Malaysia and are permitted to receive a salary.
Is the PVIP tied to a specific company?
No. The PVIP is not tied to any specific employer or business. Holders are free to change jobs or business activities without affecting their visa status.
VI. Taxation
How is Malaysian tax residency determined?
An individual is considered a Malaysian tax resident if they stay in Malaysia for more than 182 days within a calendar year.
What is the tax rate for non-residents?
Income derived from Malaysia is generally subject to a tax rate of 30% for non-residents, subject to the latest prevailing regulations.
Is income earned in Malaysia subject to tax?
Yes. All income derived from sources within Malaysia is subject to income tax in accordance with Malaysian tax laws.
Is overseas income subject to tax?
Currently, overseas income is exempt from tax in Malaysia until 2036. However, applicants must still comply with the tax regulations of their country of origin or residence.
What is the corporate tax rate?
Corporate income tax in Malaysia generally ranges from 17% to 24%, depending on the company’s status and taxable income. Non-resident companies are typically subject to a flat tax rate of 24%.
How is a resident company defined?
A company is considered a resident company in Malaysia if its incorporation, management, and control are exercised within Malaysia.
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