Category 3 — Residence Pass - Family of Malaysian Citizen (Category 3)

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Category 3 — Residence Pass - Family of Malaysian Citizen (Category 3)

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

MYR RM 500

Stay Duration

5 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

5-year renewable residence pass for family members of Malaysian citizens, with work authorization.

The Residence Pass (Category 3) is a five-year renewable family immigration status in Malaysia for foreign nationals with ties to Malaysian citizens aged 21 or older. qualifying categories include spouses, dependent children under 18, parents, and in-laws of Malaysian citizens. Applicants must hold a valid long-term pass and have resided in Malaysia for at least 3 years.

The pass costs RM 500 for five years with a maximum of two renewals. Work authorization is unrestricted, allowing full employment and business activities. Both sponsor and applicant must submit applications in person at an Immigration office with required documents: passport copies, family certificates, identity documents, and proof of prior residency.

This visa is ideal for foreign spouses and dependent children of Malaysian citizens seeking stable, long-term family reunification.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Entry Permit - Qualified Foreign National (Permanent Residence)

Malaysia

Entry Permit - Qualified Foreign National (Permanent Residence)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a foreign national with family ties to a Malaysian citizen.

Qualifying categories include: spouse of a citizen, biological/step/adopted child aged 18 and below, divorcee/widow/widower with a Malaysian biological child, biological parent of a citizen, or parent-in-law of a citizen.

Must hold a valid long-term pass in Malaysia.

Must have resided in Malaysia for at least 3 years on a valid long-term pass.

Must be sponsored by a Malaysian citizen aged 21 years or above.

Valid travel document or passport with at least 6 months validity.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (photocopy of old and new)

Passport-size photographs (2 copies)

Form IMM 16a (Application for Residence Pass)

Sponsor's identity card (photocopy, 2 copies)

Applicant's identity card (if applicable)

Marriage certificate (photocopy) — for spouse applicants

Birth certificate of biological children (if applicable)

Court order for custody (for divorcee/widow/widower applicants)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Only RM 500 for 5-year residence pass — exceptional value for long-term family stay
Work authorization included without restrictions — earn income during entire stay
Clear pathway for family unification — spouses, children, parents all qualifying
Established process with official IMM 16a form — straightforward application
5-year validity per grant — substantial stability for family settlement
No minimum education or income requirements — accessible to all family members

Worth Knowing

Must have 3+ years prior residence on valid long-term pass before applying — not available immediately upon arrival
Sponsor must be Malaysian citizen aged 21+ — family members cannot petition each other
In-person attendance required — both applicant and sponsor must attend immigration office together
Limited to specific family relationships — children capped at age 18, spouse-only spousal category
Requires Malaysian citizen sponsor — foreign family members cannot initiate the process independently

Application Process

Prepare documents

Gather Form IMM 16a, passport copies, photos, sponsor's IC, and relevant family certificates (marriage/birth/court order)

Sponsor and applicant attend together

Both the Malaysian citizen sponsor (aged 21+) and the applicant must appear in person at the nearest Immigration office or Immigration Headquarters, Putrajaya