Residence & citizenship
Malaysian Entry Permit (Permanent Resident)
Malaysia's permanent residence document, allowing a foreign national to live in the country indefinitely.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Qualifying periods, point systems and category-specific criteria for the Entry Permit are not detailed here and vary; verify the current eligibility rules directly with the Immigration Department.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Malaysia government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Entry Permit (Permanent Resident status)
- Route type
- Permanent residence
- Validity
- No time limit (permanent)
- Issued by
- Immigration Department of Malaysia
Who it is for
- Long-term foreign residents meeting the qualifying criteria
- Spouses of Malaysian citizens (after the qualifying period)
- Highly skilled experts and certain investors, assessed case by case
What you can do
- Live in Malaysia indefinitely without an employment pass or sponsor
- Work and reside without being tied to an employer
- PR does not give citizenship, a Malaysian passport or the right to vote
How to apply
- Apply to the Immigration Department under the relevant Entry Permit category
- Provide evidence of eligibility (residence, marriage, skills or investment as applicable)
- Applications are assessed on a discretionary, case-by-case basis
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.