Dependant Pass (DP)

Family reunification pass for spouses and dependents of Malaysia work pass holders

Overview Eligibility Required Documents Process FAQ

Overview

The Dependant Pass (DP) is a vital immigration facility in Malaysia that allows the spouse and children of eligible foreign work pass holders to reside in Malaysia for the duration of the principal pass holder's employment. This pass is essential for family reunification, enabling expatriates working in Malaysia on Employment Passes, Residence Pass-Talent, Professional Visit Passes, or other qualifying passes to bring their immediate family members to live with them in Malaysia. The Dependant Pass is typically issued for the same validity period as the principal pass holder's work pass. This means that if you hold an Employment Pass valid for two years, your dependents will receive Dependant Passes valid for the same two-year period. When you renew your work pass, the Dependant Passes are also renewed automatically in most cases, though separate applications and fees may apply. Eligible dependents include the legal spouse of the principal pass holder and biological or legally adopted children under 18 years of age. In certain cases, disabled children over 18 who are unable to care for themselves may also qualify. Parents and parents-in-law are generally not eligible for Dependant Passes and would need to apply for a Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) instead. One of the most important features of the Dependant Pass is that dependents are generally not permitted to work in Malaysia. Spouses who wish to work must apply for their own Employment Pass through a Malaysian employer. However, there is a special provision: spouses holding a Dependant Pass can apply for a Work Permit (Employment Pass) without needing to leave the country first, and in some cases, the application process is streamlined compared to applying from overseas. Dependents on a DP can open bank accounts, enroll in schools (both local and international), and access healthcare services in Malaysia. They are also required to comply with Malaysian immigration laws, including maintaining valid passes at all times. Overstaying or violating pass conditions can lead to fines, detention, or deportation, and can negatively affect the principal pass holder's standing with immigration authorities. The application for a Dependant Pass is lodged through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) / Xpats Gateway system, which is the centralized online platform for managing expatriate-related immigration matters in Malaysia. The principal pass holder's sponsoring company typically handles the application process, though the principal pass holder and dependent must provide the necessary personal documents. Required documents include the dependent's valid passport with at least 18 months of remaining validity, passport-sized photographs, marriage certificate (for spouses), birth certificates (for children), and a letter from the principal pass holder's employer confirming the sponsorship. All foreign-language documents must be translated into English or Malay by a certified translator. Processing time for Dependant Pass applications is generally 1 to 3 weeks via the ESD/Xpats Gateway system. Fees vary depending on the type and duration of the pass but typically range from RM 500 to RM 1,000 per dependent. The cost is generally borne by the sponsoring employer. It is important to note that the Dependant Pass is tied to the principal pass. If the principal pass holder loses their job, changes employers, or has their work pass revoked, the Dependant Passes are automatically affected. Dependents would need to leave Malaysia within the grace period (usually 30 days) unless the principal pass holder secures a new qualifying work pass and transfers the dependents to the new pass.

Eligibility

Principal Pass Holder Requirement

The applicant must be the spouse or child under 18 of a valid Malaysia work pass holder (Employment Pass, Residence Pass-Talent, Professional Visit Pass, or other qualifying passes). The principal pass must be valid for at least 6 months.

Marriage Validity

For spouses, the marriage must be legally recognized under Malaysian law. Polygamous marriages are recognized only if permitted under the applicant''s personal law. Certified marriage certificate is required.

Age Limit for Children

Biological or legally adopted children under 18 years of age are eligible. Disabled children over 18 who are unable to care for themselves may also qualify upon submission of medical evidence.

No Work Rights

Dependant Pass holders are not permitted to work in Malaysia. Spouses who wish to work must apply separately for their own Employment Pass through a Malaysian employer.

Valid Principal Pass Duration

The Dependant Pass is tied to the validity of the principal pass holder''s work pass. It will be issued for the same duration and will expire if the principal pass is cancelled or not renewed.

Required Documents

Dependant''s Valid Passport

A valid passport for each dependent with at least 18 months of remaining validity and at least two blank visa pages. All pages must be scanned.

Passport-Sized Photographs

Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (35mm x 45mm) with a white background for each dependent, taken within the last 6 months.

Marriage Certificate

For spouse applicants, the original or certified copy of the marriage certificate. If the certificate is not in English or Malay, a certified translation must be provided.

Children''s Birth Certificates

For child applicants, the original or certified copy of each child''s birth certificate. Adoption papers are required for legally adopted children.

Principal Pass Holder''s Passport and Work Pass

Copy of the principal pass holder''s valid passport and current work pass (Employment Pass, RP-T, or other qualifying pass).

Employer Sponsorship Letter

A letter from the principal pass holder''s employer confirming sponsorship of the dependent''s application, including details of the principal''s position and salary.

Proof of Relationship

Additional relationship documents such as family register, joint bank statements, or correspondence showing shared address to verify the genuine family relationship.

Process

Verify Principal Pass Holder Eligibility and Gather Documents

Before initiating the Dependant Pass application, confirm that the principal pass holder holds a qualifying work pass. Eligible passes include the Employment Pass (Category I, II, or III), Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T), Professional Visit Pass (PVP) for longer assignments, and certain other long-term passes approved by immigration. The principal pass must be valid for at least six months at the time of application. Gather all required documents for each dependent: valid passport with at least 18 months validity and sufficient blank pages, recent passport-sized photographs with white background, certified copy of marriage certificate (for spouse), certified copy of birth certificates (for each child), and a formal letter from the sponsoring employer confirming the principal pass holder's employment and sponsorship of the dependents. If documents are in languages other than English or Malay, arrange for certified translations by a sworn translator. It is advisable to prepare both original documents and certified copies, as immigration may request to verify originals during the process.

Employer Submits Application via ESD / Xpats Gateway

The sponsoring employer initiates the Dependant Pass application through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal, also known as the Xpats Gateway. This is Malaysia's centralized online platform for all expatriate-related immigration services. The employer's registered representative (typically an HR manager or authorised immigration agent) will log into the system and select the Dependant Pass application option. The online form requires details about the principal pass holder, each dependent, and the relationship between them. Supporting documents are uploaded directly to the portal in PDF format. The employer must ensure that all information entered matches exactly with the supporting documents, as even minor discrepancies can cause delays or rejection. The employer also confirms the sponsorship undertaking, accepting responsibility for the dependents during their stay in Malaysia. After submission, the system generates a unique application reference number, which should be kept for tracking purposes.

Payment of Processing Fees

After the application is submitted, the system prompts for payment of the applicable processing fees. The Dependant Pass fee is typically RM 500 to RM 1,000 per dependent, depending on the duration of the pass and the current fee schedule set by the Malaysian Immigration Department. The employer usually bears this cost as part of the expatriate employment package. Payment can be made via the Xpats Gateway using online banking, credit card, or debit card. Upon successful payment, an official receipt is generated, and the application status changes to Paid / Under Process. The employer should download and save the receipt for record-keeping purposes. In some cases, the employer may have a corporate account with ESD, allowing for invoice-based payment rather than immediate online payment. The processing time officially starts from the date of successful payment.

Immigration Review and Verification

The Malaysian Immigration Department reviews the submitted application and supporting documents. This review includes verification of the principal pass holder's status, authentication of marriage and birth certificates, and background checks. The immigration officers may request additional documents or clarification if any aspect of the application requires further substantiation. Common reasons for additional document requests include unclear document scans, expired passports, inconsistencies between the application form and supporting documents, or missing translations. The employer or their appointed representative must respond to any such requests promptly through the Xpats Gateway portal. Delays in responding can significantly extend the processing time, which typically ranges from 1 to 3 weeks. During this period, the application status can be tracked online through the portal, with updates such as Under Review, Additional Info Required, or Approved.

Dependant Pass Issuance and Endorsement

Once approved, the Dependant Pass is issued electronically through the Xpats Gateway system. The employer will receive a notification of approval and can download the Dependant Pass approval letter. The dependent must present this letter along with their passport to the nearest Malaysian Immigration Department office for endorsement. The immigration officer will affix the Dependant Pass sticker or stamp into the passport, along with an entry permit if the dependent is entering Malaysia from abroad. For dependents already in Malaysia on a social visit pass, the endorsement converts their status to Dependant Pass without requiring them to leave the country. The dependent should verify that all details on the endorsed pass are correct, including the validity dates, name spelling, and passport number. Any errors should be reported immediately for correction.

Ongoing Compliance and Renewal

After receiving the Dependant Pass, dependents must comply with all conditions of stay in Malaysia. This includes not engaging in any form of employment unless a separate work permit is obtained, maintaining valid travel documents, and informing immigration of any changes in circumstances such as divorce, separation, or the death of the principal pass holder. The Dependant Pass is valid for the same duration as the principal work pass. When the principal pass is renewed, the Dependant Pass must also be renewed. The renewal process is similar to the initial application, though it may be streamlined if there are no changes in circumstances. It is crucial to submit renewal applications well before the expiry date to avoid overstaying. The employer typically manages the renewal process. If the principal pass holder changes employer, the dependents must be transferred to the new employer's sponsorship, which requires a new Dependant Pass application.

FAQ

Can a Dependant Pass holder work in Malaysia?

Generally, Dependant Pass holders are not permitted to work in Malaysia. However, spouses of Employment Pass holders can apply for their own Employment Pass through a Malaysian employer. The process is facilitated by the ESD system, and in many cases, the spouse can apply without leaving Malaysia. Once the spouse obtains their own Employment Pass, they are no longer dependent on the principal pass holder for their immigration status. Children on Dependant Passes are prohibited from working under any circumstances.

Can parents or parents-in-law be included as dependents?

No, parents and parents-in-law are not eligible for Dependant Passes. They may apply for a Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) instead, which allows them to stay in Malaysia for up to 5 years renewable. The LTSVP requires the child (the work pass holder) to act as a sponsor and meet certain income requirements. Disabled children over 18 who are unable to care for themselves may qualify for a Dependant Pass on a case-by-case basis with supporting medical documentation.

What happens to the Dependant Pass if the principal pass holder loses their job?

If the principal pass holder loses their job or their work pass is cancelled, the Dependant Pass is automatically affected. There is typically a 30-day grace period during which the family must arrange to leave Malaysia or the principal pass holder must secure a new qualifying work pass. If a new work pass is obtained, the dependents can be transferred to the new sponsorship. Overstaying beyond the grace period without a valid pass is a violation of immigration law.

How long does it take to process a Dependant Pass application?

Standard processing time for a Dependant Pass application via the ESD/Xpats Gateway is 1 to 3 weeks from the date of complete submission and payment. Processing times can vary based on the volume of applications, the completeness of documentation, and whether additional information is required. Using a registered immigration agent or ensuring all documents are prepared accurately can help expedite the process.

Can dependents study in Malaysia on a Dependant Pass?

Yes, dependents holding a Dependant Pass can enroll in educational institutions in Malaysia without requiring a separate Student Pass. This applies to both local and international schools at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. However, if the dependent is over 18 and wishes to enroll in a full-time degree programme, the institution may have specific policies, though no separate Student Pass is needed as long as the Dependant Pass remains valid.

What documents are needed for a Dependant Pass application?

Required documents include: valid passport of each dependent (minimum 18 months validity), passport-sized photographs, certified copy of marriage certificate (for spouse), certified birth certificates (for children), a letter from the sponsoring employer confirming sponsorship, copy of the principal pass holder's valid work pass, and copies of the principal pass holder's passport. All documents not in English or Malay must be accompanied by certified translations. Additional documents may be required in specific circumstances.

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