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

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

5 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

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

Submit application: Submit all documents at the immigration counter or apply online via https://eservices.imi.gov.my/myimms/myPR

Pay fee: Pay RM 500 for 5-year Residence Pass

Await approval and collect Residence Pass

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Application for Residence Pass (IMM 16a)

Fill online

Verified Claims (12)

Last verified Jun 27, 2026

Application Steps

Prepare documents: Gather Form IMM 16a, passport copies, photos, sponsor's IC, and relevant family c…

imi.gov.my

Fee Breakdown

Residence Pass (5 years): 500 MYR

imi.gov.my

Fees

RM 500 for 5 years

imi.gov.my

Forms

Application for Residence Pass (IMM 16a)

imi.gov.my

Included Nationalities

null

imi.gov.my

Application Portal

https://eservices.imi.gov.my/myimms/myPR?type=46&lang=en&appType=rs

imi.gov.my

Official Info

https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/pass/residence-pass/

imi.gov.my

Max Stay

5 years per grant

imi.gov.my

Apply Now Official Information

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Overview

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

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

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a foreign national with family ties to a Malaysian 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