Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)

The Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) is a long-term residence-by-investment scheme granting eligible foreign nationals a 20-year renewable Multiple Entry Visa. Introduced on 1 September 2022 under the Immigration Act 1959/63, the programme is administered by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Unlike the MM2H programme, PVIP holders enjoy unrestricted work and business rights, no minimum stay requirement, and the ability to purchase residential, commercial, or industrial property freely. It is positioned as the premium tier of Malaysia's residence-by-investment pathways, with higher investment thresholds but broader privileges.

• Offshore income of at least MYR 40,000 per month (MYR 480,000 per year); alternatively, net worth of at least MYR 1,000,000,000 or onshore (Malaysian-source) income (accepted effective 16 March 2026)
• Fixed deposit of MYR 1,000,000 in a licensed Malaysian bank
• Participation fee of MYR 200,000 for the principal applicant
• No age restriction and no educational or professional qualifications required
• Valid passport
• Letter of Good Conduct / police clearance certificate (for principal, spouse, and children aged 18+)
• Certified bank statements and income confirmation letter proving qualifying income
• Medical report from a Malaysian private hospital or registered clinic
• Medical insurance from a Malaysian-licensed provider (mandatory for applicants under 60)

• Valid passport (biodata page and all stamped pages)
• Passport-sized photograph (35×50mm)
• Letter of Good Conduct / police clearance from country of current residence (English, notarised)
• Certified bank statements proving qualifying income
• Letter of income confirmation from employer or business
• Marriage certificate (if applicable, notarised)
• Birth certificates for dependant children (if applicable)
• Medical report from Malaysian private hospital or registered clinic
• Proof of Malaysian medical insurance

The visa is valid for 20 years and renewable for a further 20 years. The renewal participation fee is 50% of the original fee (MYR 100,000 for the principal). Effective 16 March 2026, renewal applications may be submitted up to 6 months before the visa expires. Renewal is subject to continued compliance with programme conditions, including maintaining the fixed deposit.

Eligible dependants include spouse(s), biological, step, or legally adopted children, parents and parents-in-law, and one foreign domestic helper. Effective 16 March 2026, dependants may choose between a 20-year visa (MYR 100,000 participation fee) or a new 10-year visa option (MYR 50,000 participation fee). All dependants must undergo a medical check-up and obtain health insurance. Children reaching age 25 may transition to become new principal applicants by paying an additional MYR 100,000 participation fee.

Foreign-sourced income received by Malaysian tax residents is exempt from Malaysian income tax until 31 December 2036, following the extension announced in Budget 2026. PVIP holders who become Malaysian tax residents (183+ days in-country) are subject to progressive income tax rates of 0%–30% on Malaysian-sourced income. Malaysia has double taxation agreements with over 75 countries. There is no wealth tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax on foreign assets.

All applications must be submitted through an authorised PVIP Application Agency appointed by the Immigration Department. Direct applications are not accepted. The process: (1) engagement meeting with a processing agent; (2) pre-screening of documents; (3) formal submission to the Immigration Department (approximately 60 working days for conditional approval); (4) payment of participation fee and submission of supplementary documents including fixed deposit proof, medical report, and health insurance; (5) passport presentation for visa endorsement. Total processing time is approximately 3–4 months.

The MYR 1,000,000 fixed deposit must be maintained throughout the programme period. Effective 16 March 2026, withdrawal of the principal is permitted after 6 months of participation (previously 12 months). After this period, up to 50% may be withdrawn with prior written approval from the Immigration Department for approved purposes only: property purchase, medical expenses, or children's education. Interest earnings may be withdrawn freely at any time.

PVIP holders may work, seek employment, conduct business, invest, and establish 100% foreign-owned companies without local directors — no separate Employment Pass is required. There is no minimum stay or physical presence requirement. PVIP does not automatically grant permanent residency; PR may be applied for after 5–10 years subject to government discretion.