Bring Your Family with a Malaysia Dependent Visa: A Guide

Malaysia is a popular destination for international students, foreign workers, and expatriates. 

Whether you’re working, studying, or living in Malaysia long-term, it’s natural to want your loved ones close.

Thankfully, Malaysia offers a dependent visa that allows certain family members to stay with you.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Malaysia dependent visa.

1. What Is a Malaysia Dependent Visa?

A Malaysia dependent visa allows the immediate family members of eligible foreigners to live in Malaysia. 

It’s also known as a Dependent Pass, and it’s usually tied to the visa of the main applicant, or “sponsor.”

2. Who Can Bring Dependents to Malaysia?

Not everyone can sponsor a dependent. You can apply to bring your family if you hold:

• An Employment Pass (work visa)

• A Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa

• Student visas (some conditions apply)

3. Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

The following family members are usually eligible:

• Legal spouse

• Children under 18 years old

• Parents

4. Malaysia Dependent Visa Requirements

To apply, you’ll need to submit documents for both the sponsor and the dependent. These include:

• Valid passport

• Marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children)

• Sponsor’s visa or employment pass

• Proof of financial support

• Passport-sized photos

• Health screening

• Translated documents (if not in English)

5. Dependent Visa Application Process

Here’s how the dependent visa application in Malaysia usually works:

1. Prepare all required documents

2. Submit the application through your employer, education institution, or directly to the Malaysian Immigration Department

3. Pay the visa fee (cost may vary)

4. Wait for approval – This may take a few weeks

5. Receive the Dependent Pass once approved

6. Rights and Limitations of a Dependent Visa in Malaysia

While living in Malaysia with a Dependent Pass:

• Children can attend international schools

• Spouses usually cannot legally work, unless they apply for their own work visa

• The visa is valid as long as the sponsor’s visa is valid

• Dependents can renew the visa along with the sponsor

7. Alternatives to a Dependent Visa in Malaysia

If your family doesn’t qualify for a Dependent Pass, here are a few options:

• Long-Term Social Visit Pass – for parents or older children

• Student Visa – for children over 18 years old who want to attend school in Malaysia

• MM2H Visa – for retirees looking to bring their spouse and children

8. Working with a Malaysia Dependant Pass

Under a Dependent Pass alone, the spouse cannot work in Malaysia. To work, the spouse must either:

1. Convert their Dependent Pass into an Employment Pass, or

2. Obtain a work endorsement or work permit stamp on their current pass from Malaysian Immigration.

This requires the employer to apply on the spouse’s behalf and Immigration approval to remove the “no work” restriction.

Explore More about Visa in Malaysia

While a Dependent Pass is a crucial step for many, understanding the different types of visas and their general requirements in Malaysia is equally vital for your journey.

To help you with comprehensive planning, you can find detailed guides here for different visa matters.