PVP — Professional Visit Pass (Pas Lawatan Ikhtisas)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

5 days

Estimated Cost

MYR RM 800

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Short-term work pass for foreign professionals and experts on sponsored assignments in Malaysia, valid up to 12 months with no PR pathway.

The Professional Visit Pass is Malaysia's temporary work authorization for foreign experts, trainers, and specialists invited by Malaysian organizations for short-term professional assignments. It enables temporary transfer of specialized skills without long-term employment status. Applicants remain employed by their overseas entity while performing duties in Malaysia under a registered sponsor.

Processing takes 5 working days under ESD client charter. Fees are RM 1,200 plus 8% SST (RM 1,296 total), effective September 1, 2024. The pass authorizes work for the specified activity and sponsor. Duration extends up to 12 months with no extension. Dependents have no visa access and spouses cannot work. A Malaysian sponsor manages the application with a clearly defined scope of work.

This visa is ideal for foreign professionals and technical experts on short-term consultancy or machinery installation projects, or trainers delivering workshops and industrial training.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a foreign professional, expert, or trainee invited by a Malaysian organization.

Must have a Malaysian sponsor (company, association, or institution) registered with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD).

Must be entering for a specific, temporary professional purpose (e.g., consultancy, technical training, machinery installation, or research).

Must not be entering for long-term local employment.

Must possess a valid passport.

Must have a clear, defined scope of work or training program.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application letter from the Malaysian sponsor detailing the purpose, duration, and scope of the visit.

Copy of the applicant's passport.

Letter of Award or contract for services.

Personal bond form (duly stamped by the Inland Revenue Board).

Security bond (if applicable).

Supporting documents related to the specific activity (e.g., training schedule, project details, or relevant professional certificates).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Work authorization explicit for stated sponsor and defined professional activities
Rapid approval within 14–21 working days with reliable processing timeline
Valid up to 12 months for extended professional assignments without renewal constraints
Dedicated online portal (ESD) for registered sponsoring organizations simplifies administrative setup
Flexible scope covering training, installation, consultancy, machinery setup, and technical expertise transfer
Cost-effective at RM 800 application fee for short-term specialized engagements
Maintains overseas employment status while performing Malaysian-based duties

Worth Knowing

Work strictly limited to named sponsor and defined professional scope—cannot pursue alternative opportunities
Non-renewable and requires fresh application for continued engagement beyond 12 months
Spouse cannot work in Malaysia during the visit
Processing requires Malaysian sponsor pre-registration—cannot self-sponsor or enter independently
No pathway to permanent residency or longer-term status—strictly temporary professional assignment
Dependents cannot accompany or obtain visas—individual professional travel only