The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is a unique work permit designed for foreign individuals who possess specific professional expertise but remain employed by a foreign company outside Malaysia. It is the ideal solution for companies needing to bring in experts for short-term projects, such as installing complex machinery, providing specialized training to local staff, or conducting technical audits. The key distinction from the Employment Pass (EP) is that the PVP holder does not have a contract of service with the Malaysian entity and remains on their home country's payroll. The PVP is generally granted for a duration of up to 12 months. It is important to note that the application must be initiated by a Malaysian-registered company that acts as the local sponsor. This sponsor takes full legal responsibility for the foreign expert during their stay. The process is now managed via the ESD portal, and approvals are typically faster than for long-term work visas, making it a highly responsive tool for international business operations.
Eligibility and Typical Use Cases
To qualify for a PVP, the applicant must belong to an approved category of expertise. These include: * Technical Experts: Specialized engineers or technicians for machinery maintenance or installation. * Consultants: Independent professionals providing advisory services to a Malaysian firm. * Trainers: Individuals sent by a foreign parent company to train employees of a Malaysian subsidiary. * Artists & Researchers: Those performing in cultural events or conducting academic research in collaboration with local institutions. The applicant must provide proof of their employment with the foreign entity, including recent payslips and a letter of secondment. The Malaysian sponsor must also provide a justification for why this specific foreign expertise is required.
12-Month Limit
The PVP is strictly short-term. It is rarely extended beyond one year. If the project requires more time, the individual may need to apply for an Employment Pass.
Single Sponsor
You can only work for the sponsor listed on your pass. Changing projects or companies while in Malaysia requires a new application.
Entry Restrictions
Holders of a PVP are not permitted to bring dependants (spouse/children) on a Dependant Pass. Family members would need to enter on a standard 90-day tourist visa if applicable.