Malaysia - Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)

Key requirements

Our income and savings figures follow official PVIP FAQ amounts in ringgit converted for planning. Participation fees sit on top of the fixed deposit.

• Income we use for estimates~$9,000 / month (estimate)
• SavingsOften ~$230,000+
• Accepted income typesRemote salary, Freelance income, Passive income, Pension, Savings only
• Remote work allowedYes
• Local employment allowedYes
• Health insuranceUsually required
• Criminal record checkUsually required
• Accommodation proofUsually required
• Bank accountUsually required
• Processing (rough)Months (agency-led; Immigration review)

Medical checks, the fixed deposit, and fee payments often follow agency guidance after your file is accepted. Timelines vary by nationality and document quality.

1. 1

   Add up deposit, fees, and income proof

   Budget for RM 1 million fixed deposit, RM 200,000 principal participation fee, RM 100,000 per dependent, agent costs, insurance, and three months of offshore income records.

   • •After one year you may withdraw up to half the deposit for approved property, health, or education spending.
2. 2

   Choose an authorized PVIP agency

   Hire an Immigration-appointed handling agent. They run the checklist, submit your dossier, and tell you when to fund the deposit.

3. 3

   Prepare passport and family papers

   Gather colour copies of all passport pages with at least 24 months validity, marriage and birth certificates for dependants, and agency forms.

4. 4

   Document offshore income

   Collect at least three months of bank statements and employment or business letters showing RM 40,000 monthly or RM 480,000 annual offshore earnings.

5. 5

   Get a letter of good conduct

   Obtain police clearance from your home country and any country where you lived more than one year, then legalise and translate as the agent requests.

6. 6

   Submit through your agency

   Your agent lodges the package with Immigration and collects participation fees per the current schedule.

7. 7

   Open the RM 1 million fixed deposit

   Place the required amount in a licensed Malaysian bank fixed deposit account and keep receipts for endorsement.

8. 8

   Complete the medical exam

   Attend a registered Malaysian clinic for the health check Immigration expects before final approval.

9. 9

   Receive the long-stay visa

   If approved, you get up to 20 years with multiple-entry facilities. Spouse, parents, and children under 21 (or disabled dependants) may join.

10. 10

    Stay compliant and plan renewals

    Track renewal windows, keep income proof current, and follow agency rules on fixed-deposit withdrawals. PVIP does not grant Malaysian PR or citizenship by itself.

PVIP rules and fees can change. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Use Malaysia Immigration FAQ materials, MPVIP, and your authorized agent before you commit funds.

Pathway last reviewed: 2026-06-15

Citizenship & nationality

PVIP is open to most nationalities through authorized handling agents. There is no upper age limit for the principal applicant. Dependants may include spouse, parents, and children under 21 (disabled children have no age cap).

• •Offshore income must reach at least RM 40,000 per month or RM 480,000 per year with clear bank and employment papers.
• •You need RM 1 million in a Malaysian fixed deposit plus a RM 200,000 participation fee for the principal and RM 100,000 per dependent.
• •After one year you may withdraw up to 50% of the deposit for approved property, health, or education spending.
• •PVIP allows work and business activity, unlike many MM2H tiers. It is still not Malaysian permanent residence or citizenship.

Check Immigration Department PVIP FAQ, MPVIP, and your authorized agent for current fees, deposit rules, and document lists before you transfer funds.

Best for

• •People planning to stay several years with a clear residence record
• •Anyone weighing tax context alongside lifestyle and logistics

Long-term path

• Permanent residence: Possible, but depends on your case
• Citizenship: Possible, but depends on your case

PVIP issues up to 20 years with renewal possible for another 20 years. It does not automatically lead to Malaysian PR or citizenship.

Practical difficulty

hard

Rough guide only. Your case depends on papers, timing, and rule changes.

Hard reflects high capital, mandatory agency filing, and strict income proof rather than language tests.