Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP)

Extended stay pass for family visits, retirement, and long-term social visits to Malaysia

Overview Eligibility Required Documents Process FAQ

Overview

The Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) is a vital immigration facility in Malaysia that allows foreign nationals to stay in the country for extended periods beyond the standard 30 to 90-day social visit pass. The LTSVP is designed for individuals who have legitimate reasons to remain in Malaysia for longer durations, including family reunification with Malaysian citizens or long-term pass holders, retirement in Malaysia for those who do not qualify for or prefer not to join the MM2H programme, medical treatment requiring extended care, education-related stays that do not require a full Student Pass, and other special circumstances approved by the Immigration Department. The LTSVP is typically issued for a period of 6 to 12 months initially, with the possibility of renewal for up to 5 years depending on the circumstances and the discretion of immigration authorities. For spouses of Malaysian citizens, the LTSVP can be granted for up to 5 years at a time, renewable thereafter. For parents of Malaysian citizens or long-term pass holders, the LTSVP is typically granted for 1 to 5 years. One of the primary categories of LTSVP applicants is foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens. Under this category, the foreign spouse can obtain a 5-year LTSVP that significantly simplifies their residency status. Unlike a social visit pass that requires frequent renewals and border runs, the LTSVP provides stability and peace of mind for mixed-nationality couples living in Malaysia. The foreign spouse on an LTSVP is not permitted to work unless they obtain a separate work permit. Another significant category is parents and parents-in-law of Malaysian citizens who wish to reside in Malaysia long-term. This allows elderly parents to live with their children in Malaysia, particularly important for families where the Malaysian child is the only caregiver. The LTSVP for parents can be issued for up to 5 years and is renewable. The LTSVP is also available for parents of foreign children who are studying in Malaysia on a Student Pass, though the Guardian Pass is generally the more appropriate facility for this purpose. Additionally, individuals who require extended medical treatment in Malaysia may be granted an LTSVP based on a doctor's recommendation. The application process for the LTSVP involves submission to the Malaysian Immigration Department through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) / Xpats Gateway for certain categories, or directly at the Immigration Department for others. The process requires a sponsor in Malaysia who must be a Malaysian citizen or a long-term pass holder. Required documents for the LTSVP include a valid passport with at least 18 months of remaining validity, a completed application form, a sponsor letter from the Malaysian citizen or pass holder, proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.), recent passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means to support the stay, a medical report for applicants above certain ages, and a police clearance certificate in some cases. Processing times for the LTSVP vary significantly depending on the category and the complexity of the application. Standard processing can take 4 to 8 weeks, while applications requiring additional verification may take longer. The processing fee is typically RM 500 to RM 1,000 per year of the pass validity. LTSVP holders are entitled to reside in Malaysia continuously, open bank accounts, rent property, and access healthcare services. However, they are strictly prohibited from working in Malaysia unless they obtain a separate work permit. LTSVP holders can travel internationally and re-enter Malaysia freely during the validity period, as the pass allows for multiple entries.

Eligibility

Malaysian Sponsor Required

The applicant must have a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident sponsor who is responsible for the applicant during their stay. The sponsor must provide a supporting letter and identification documents.

Maximum Stay Duration

The LTSVP is typically granted for a period of 1 to 5 years depending on the applicant''s circumstances. For spouse of Malaysian citizen, the pass can be up to 5 years. For other categories, typically 1 year.

Nationality Requirements

Open to all nationalities. However, certain nationalities may face stricter scrutiny or additional documentation requirements based on Malaysia''s immigration policies.

No Employment Rights

LTSVP holders are not permitted to work in Malaysia. However, for spouses of Malaysian citizens, a special work endorsement can be applied for, allowing limited employment.

Financial Self-Sufficiency

The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Malaysia without recourse to public funds. Bank statements showing minimum RM 10,000 in savings are typically required.

Health Insurance Coverage

Applicants must have valid medical insurance that covers treatment in Malaysia. The insurance policy must be from a provider recognized in Malaysia.

Required Documents

Valid Passport

A valid passport 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.

Sponsor''s MyKad or Identification

Copy of the Malaysian sponsor''s MyKad (identity card) for citizens, or MyPR (permanent resident card) for permanent residents.

Sponsor''s Support Letter

A formal letter from the Malaysian sponsor confirming their responsibility for the applicant during the stay in Malaysia, including accommodation and financial support.

Proof of Relationship

For spouses: marriage certificate. For parents: birth certificate of the Malaysian child. For children: birth certificate showing Malaysian parent. For other relationships: relevant proof.

Financial Proof

Bank statements or financial documents demonstrating the applicant''s ability to support themselves, typically showing minimum RM 10,000 in available funds.

Health Insurance Policy

A valid medical insurance policy that provides coverage in Malaysia for the duration of the intended stay.

Process

Identify the Appropriate LTSVP Category and Prepare Documents

The first step is to identify which LTSVP category applies to your situation. The main categories are: foreign spouse of a Malaysian citizen, parent of a Malaysian citizen, parent of a foreign child studying in Malaysia, foreign spouse of a long-term pass holder (such as an Employment Pass or RP-T holder), individual requiring extended medical treatment in Malaysia, or retiree who does not qualify for MM2H. Once the category is identified, gather all required documents. For spouse applications, you will need the original and certified copy of your marriage certificate, your spouse's MyKad (identity card), and a letter of sponsorship from your spouse. For parent applications, you will need your child's birth certificate and MyKad, a sponsorship letter, and proof of relationship. For all categories, you need a valid passport with at least 18 months validity, recent passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means (bank statements, pension statements, or a letter from your sponsor confirming financial support), and a medical report from an approved clinic or hospital in Malaysia. Police clearance certificates may be required in certain cases.

Obtain Sponsorship and Supporting Letters

Every LTSVP application requires a sponsor in Malaysia who is either a Malaysian citizen or a holder of a valid long-term pass. The sponsor plays a crucial role in the application process. For spouse applications, the Malaysian spouse acts as the sponsor and must provide a letter of sponsorship addressed to the Immigration Department, confirming the marriage, the spouse's good character, and the sponsor's financial responsibility for the applicant during their stay in Malaysia. The sponsor must also provide copies of their MyKad (both front and back) and any other identification documents. For parent applications, the Malaysian child acts as the sponsor. For parents of foreign students, the student's parent who holds a work pass may act as the sponsor. The sponsor letter should be notarised or witnessed by a Commissioner of Oaths for added authenticity. The sponsor must also demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the applicant, typically by providing recent bank statements, salary slips, or EPF statements.

Submit Application to Immigration Department

The LTSVP application is submitted to the Malaysian Immigration Department. Depending on your location and the category, the application can be submitted at the Immigration Department headquarters in Putrajaya, the state Immigration Department office where the sponsor resides, or through the ESD / Xpats Gateway system for certain categories. The application form (Form IMM.47 or the relevant LTSVP form) must be completed accurately and signed by both the applicant and the sponsor. All supporting documents must be submitted together with the application form. Bring original documents for verification, along with certified copies. The immigration officer will review the application for completeness and may ask questions about the purpose and duration of the stay. After the review, the officer will provide a payment slip for the processing fee, which is typically RM 500 to RM 1,000 per year of the pass applied for. Payment can be made at the Immigration Department cashier or via online banking. Upon payment, the application is formally accepted, and you receive a receipt and an application reference number.

Immigration Department Processing and Verification

The Immigration Department processes the LTSVP application, which includes several stages of review and verification. First, the application undergoes an initial screening to ensure all required documents are present and properly completed. Next, the immigration officers verify the documents, including confirming the authenticity of the marriage certificate (for spouse applications) through the National Registration Department (JPN) database, checking the sponsor's identity and status, verifying the applicant's immigration history in Malaysia, and conducting background checks through relevant databases. The immigration officers may request additional documents or clarification if any aspect of the application requires further substantiation. Common reasons for additional requests include unclear or insufficient financial documentation, discrepancies in relationship documents, missing translations, or insufficient passport validity. The processing time varies by category: spouse LTSVP applications typically take 4 to 8 weeks, while parent applications may take 6 to 12 weeks. Delays can occur if additional verification is needed or if there are concerns about the application.

Approval and Payment of Processing Fee

If the application is approved, the Immigration Department issues an approval letter specifying the validity period of the LTSVP, any conditions attached to the pass, and instructions for the next steps. The approval letter typically requires you to pay the LTSVP issuance fee, which is separate from the processing fee paid at submission. The issuance fee is typically RM 500 per year of the pass validity. Payment can be made at the Immigration Department cashier or via the online payment portal. After payment, you will receive an official receipt, and the LTSVP will be endorsed into your passport. The endorsement may be in the form of a sticker or a stamp, depending on the Immigration Department's current practice. If you applied from outside Malaysia, the approval letter enables you to obtain a Single Entry Visa (SEV) from a Malaysian embassy or consulate to enter Malaysia. Upon arrival, you must report to the Immigration Department for the LTSVP endorsement.

Pass Endorsement and Ongoing Compliance

The final step is the physical endorsement of the LTSVP into your passport. Present your passport and the approval letter to the Immigration Department office where you submitted the application (or the designated office for endorsement). The immigration officer will affix the LTSVP sticker or stamp into your passport and record your entry into the immigration system. Verify that all details on the endorsement are correct, including your name, passport number, validity dates, and any conditions. If the pass includes multiple-entry privileges, ensure this is reflected. After receiving the LTSVP, you must comply with all conditions of stay. The most important condition is that you are strictly prohibited from working in Malaysia unless you obtain a separate work permit. You must also ensure you do not overstay the validity period. To renew the LTSVP, submit a renewal application before the pass expires, typically 1 to 2 months before expiry. The renewal process is similar to the initial application but may be streamlined if there are no changes in circumstances.

FAQ

Can I work in Malaysia while holding an LTSVP?

No, the LTSVP strictly prohibits the holder from engaging in any form of employment in Malaysia. If you wish to work, you must obtain a separate and appropriate work pass through a Malaysian employer. Working without a valid work pass is a violation of Malaysian immigration law and can result in fines, detention, deportation, and cancellation of your LTSVP. However, if you are a spouse of a Malaysian citizen or a long-term pass holder, you may apply for a work permit while holding the LTSVP.

Can I convert my LTSVP to a different type of pass?

Yes, in many cases LTSVP holders can apply for a different pass if their circumstances change. For example, a foreign spouse on an LTSVP can apply for an Employment Pass if they secure a job offer. A parent on an LTSVP can apply for a Guardian Pass if their child starts studying in Malaysia. However, the application for a new pass must be approved before the LTSVP expires, and you must comply with the requirements of the new pass.

What is the maximum validity period for an LTSVP?

The maximum validity of an LTSVP depends on the category. For foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens, the LTSVP can be issued for up to 5 years at a time, renewable. For parents of Malaysian citizens, the LTSVP is typically 1 to 5 years. For other categories, the initial validity is usually 6 to 12 months, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 5 years total. The Immigration Department has discretion over the validity period based on individual circumstances.

Can I travel internationally while holding an LTSVP?

Yes, the LTSVP typically allows for multiple entries into Malaysia during its validity period. You can travel internationally and return to Malaysia without needing to apply for a new visa each time. However, you must ensure that your passport remains valid throughout your travels and that your LTSVP is not cancelled or expired. If your LTSVP is near expiry when travelling, immigration may question your return, so it is advisable to renew before travelling.

Do I need a sponsor for my LTSVP application?

Yes, every LTSVP application requires a sponsor in Malaysia. The sponsor must be a Malaysian citizen or a holder of a valid long-term pass. For spouse applications, the Malaysian spouse is the sponsor. For parent applications, the Malaysian child is the sponsor. For other categories, a Malaysian citizen or eligible pass holder must agree to sponsor the applicant. The sponsor is responsible for the applicant's welfare and compliance with immigration laws during their stay.

What is the difference between LTSVP and MM2H?

The LTSVP is primarily for family reunification and extended social visits, while MM2H is a dedicated long-term residency programme with specific financial requirements. The LTSVP does not require a fixed deposit or minimum income threshold, unlike MM2H which requires RM 1 million to RM 10 million in fixed deposits. LTSVP is more suitable for individuals who have family ties in Malaysia but may not meet the MM2H financial criteria.

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