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Category 5 — Residence Pass (Category 5 - Ex-Malaysian)
MalaysiaMalaysia•Asia
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Category 5 — Residence Pass (Category 5 - Ex-Malaysian)

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

MYR RM 500

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Enable former Malaysian citizens to reside long-term in Malaysia with a local sponsor; renewable for five years.

The Category 5 Residence Pass enables former Malaysian citizens to establish long-term residence in Malaysia under the sponsorship of a Malaysian national aged 21 or older. This category does not restore citizenship but provides a legal pathway for individuals who have renounced or lost Malaysian nationality to return and reside in the country.

The pass is valid for five years and fully renewable, allowing indefinite extended residence. Holders pay RM 500 for the five-year residence pass. Critically, work authorization is permitted — holders may work, study, and establish a business without converting to another pass. Processing typically takes 30–90 days via local Immigration offices or the Immigration HQ.

This visa is ideal for former Malaysian citizens living abroad who wish to return and build a life in Malaysia while maintaining their relocated status, particularly those with family ties or professional interests in the country.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years
Extension increments5 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Former Malaysian citizen

Proof of renunciation or deprivation of citizenship

Malaysian sponsor aged 21+

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form IMM 16a

Passport

Birth certificate

Proof of renunciation

Sponsor ID

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Work, study, and establish a business without converting to another pass
  • Long-term residence for 5 years with renewal option available
  • Low application fee of RM 500 for the full 5-year duration
  • Accessible pathway for former Malaysian citizens to return
  • Processing timeframe of 30-90 days provides reasonable timeline
  • Single sponsorship requirement—only one local Malaysian sponsor needed
  • Renewable pass ensures stability for extended stays

Worth Knowing

  • Requires documented proof of former Malaysian citizenship through renunciation or deprivation
  • Mandatory local Malaysian sponsor aged 21 or above required
  • Does not restore Malaysian citizenship or permanent residency status
  • Processing time varies between 30-90 days depending on documentation completeness
  • Qualification limited to individuals who previously held Malaysian citizenship
  • Cannot proceed without a qualified Malaysian sponsor willing to support application

Application Process

1

Prepare documents

2

Submit to Immigration HQ or local office

3

Interview/Verification

4

Pass issuance

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