Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a Malaysian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Malaysia
The pass lets you live in Malaysia for its validity period, ordinarily five years.
Study in Malaysia
You can study in Malaysia without changing to another pass, but may need approvals from the relevant authorities.
Work in Malaysia
You can work or start a business without changing to another pass, but may need approvals from the relevant authorities.
An employer must get employment approval before hiring a holder.
Travel in and out
You can travel in and out of Malaysia with the required visa and pass arrangements.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find an immigration office
Find a nearby Immigration office in Malaysia where you can submit your application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Malaysia Immigration office near your city accepts Residence Pass Category 3 applications?”
Download the application form
Download Form IMM 16A, the application for a Residence Pass.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in and sign your part of the form. Your Malaysian spouse must complete and sign the sponsor declaration.
See how to fill itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Malaysia Residence Pass Category 3 application form with my Malaysian spouse?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the Immigration office.
See required documentsArrange an appointment
Ask your chosen Immigration office whether you need an appointment. If it directs you to the online booking service, book an appointment there.
Book an appointmentHand in your application
Go to the Immigration office with your Malaysian spouse. Bring the completed form and the originals and copies of your supporting documents.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I submit a Malaysia Residence Pass Category 3 application near your city?”
Pay the charges
Pay the Residence Pass charge and the applicable multiple-entry visa charge. Ask the Immigration office how it accepts payment and pay as directed.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay for a Malaysia Residence Pass Category 3 application at the Immigration office near your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for Immigration to decide your application. You can use the online service to follow its progress and respond if Immigration asks for more information.
Check your application statusDocuments needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate
Bring your marriage certificate and a copy. Check with your Immigration office about any additional requirements for a certificate issued outside Malaysia.
Spouse's identity card
Bring your Malaysian spouse's identity card and two copies.
Marriage declaration
Bring a statutory declaration about your marriage. Ask your Immigration office how to prepare it.
Children's birth certificates *
Bring your children's birth certificates and copies.
* Only if you have children.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationChildren's identity documents *
Bring your children's identity cards or passports and copies.
* Only if you have children.
May need translationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Passport and renewal
You must keep a valid passport or travel document and maintain lawful immigration status.
For renewal, your passport or travel document must have at least six months left.
Renewal is not automatic and depends on the family relationship and status on which your pass is based continuing.
The five-year pass fee is RM500, and a multiple-entry visa fee may also apply depending on your citizenship.
Pass can end
Your pass ends if it expires and is not renewed, or if you give it up.
It can be cancelled if the family relationship or status on which it is based ends, or if you break immigration conditions or are no longer allowed to enter Malaysia.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Foreign spouse of malaysian citizens
English Facebook group for people living in Malaysia interested in Malaysian visas
Request to joinForeign Spouses of Malaysian Citizens
English Facebook group for people living in Malaysia interested in Malaysian visas
Request to joinForeign spouse of malaysian citizens
English Facebook group for people living in Malaysia interested in Malaysian visas
Request to joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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