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THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)

Malaysia MYS

Last verified 2026-04-20Official source

The Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) was launched in 2022 as the premium tier of the revamped Malaysia My Second Home programme, offering a 20-year multiple-entry visa in exchange for a minimum RM 1,000,000 (approximately $215,000 USD) fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank. Unlike the MM2H programme, PVIP holders are permitted to work in Malaysia with ministerial approval, and the 20-year visa duration significantly reduces administrative burden compared to shorter-stay programmes. Malaysia's territorial tax system, low cost of living, and high English proficiency make it one of Southeast Asia's most compelling long-stay destinations for high-net-worth individuals.

Program Details

Category
Investment
Processing Time
3 months
Application Fee
$10,000
Minimum Income
—
Minimum Investment
$215,000
Family Included
Spouse and dependent children up to 34 years of age may be included as dependants under the same application
Path to PR
No
Path to Citizenship
No
Physical Presence
No minimum stay requirement; the 20-year multiple-entry visa allows flexible visits
Dual Citizenship
Not allowed
Tax Impact
Malaysia operates a territorial tax system — foreign-source income is generally exempt from Malaysian income tax. Those spending 182+ days per year in Malaysia become tax residents but foreign income remitted to Malaysia remains largely exempt under current rules.
Renewal Cost
$0

Key Requirements

  • ✓Minimum fixed deposit of RM 1,000,000 (~$215,000 USD) in a Malaysian bank, maintained for the visa duration
  • ✓Application fee of approximately RM 200 per person plus a RM 5,000 processing fee
  • ✓Proof of offshore income or assets of at least RM 1,000,000
  • ✓Valid passport with at least 18 months validity
  • ✓Clean criminal record and health declaration
  • ✓Application submitted through the Immigration Department of Malaysia

Am I eligible for Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)?

Quick self-check based on the published criteria. Not legal advice. No data leaves your browser.

  • Nationality eligibility

    Select your nationality to check.

  • Minimum investment / capital

    Programme requires $215,000.

Fill in the fields above to see a verdict.

This is a heuristic, not a determination. Final eligibility depends on full documentation and immigration-officer discretion.

Nationality Restrictions

This program restricts applications from nationals of: Citizens of countries under Malaysian sanctions or travel advisories may not be eligible

Application Process — Step by Step

  1. 01

    Confirm eligibility: net worth and age requirement

    home country

    Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) launched 2022. Minimum: MYR 1,000,000 (≈USD 215,000) net assets outside Malaysia. No minimum age. Applicant must not have Malaysian PR or citizenship. Must not be on Malaysia immigration watchlist.

    Typical duration: 1 weeksource ↗

  2. 02

    Apply via licensed PVIP agent (mandatory)

    home country

    Applications through licensed agent to Immigration Department (IMI). Agent fee varies. Agent submits package including financial declarations, source of wealth statement, police clearances.

    Typical duration: 2-4 weekssource ↗

  3. 03

    Pay PVIP fee: RM 200,000 (≈USD 43,000) for 20 years

    online

    Non-refundable PVIP programme fee of RM 200,000 per principal applicant. Spouse RM 100,000; each dependent child RM 50,000. Paid to IMI upon approval.

    Typical duration: 1-2 weekssource ↗

  4. 04

    Medical examination + biometrics + collect visa

    destination

    Attend IMI-approved medical centre. Submit biometrics. PVIP multiple-entry visa for 20 years issued.

    Typical duration: 2-4 weekssource ↗

Documents Required

DocumentIssued ByApostilleTranslate toValidity (days)
Valid passport (12+ months validity)Home countryNoen365
Net worth declaration (MYR 1,000,000+ outside Malaysia)Accountant / bankYesen90
Source of wealth documentationBank / accountantYesen90
Police clearance (last 5 years)Home country policeYesen90
Medical examination report (IMI-approved clinic)Approved Malaysian clinicNo—30
Health insurance covering MalaysiaInsurerNoen365

Realistic Costs

Some figures below are industry estimates rather than officially verified: lawyer_fee_low, lawyer_fee_high, translations, apostilles, health_insurance_first_year, relocation_misc, total_5_year_low, total_5_year_high.

Government fee
$43,000
Lawyer fee (low–high)
$3,000
–
$8,000
Translations
$500
Apostilles
$400
Health insurance (year 1)
$1,200
Relocation misc.
$3,000
Total first year
$52,000
–
$60,000
Total 5-year
$55,000
–
$65,000

Dominant cost: RM 200,000 (≈USD 43,000) PVIP fee for 20 years — approximately USD 2,150/yr amortized over 20 years. No fixed deposit required (unlike MM2H). Spouse RM 100,000 (≈USD 21,500) additional.

Realistic Timeline

  • Consulate wait2–6 weeks
  • Residence card issuance4 weeks
  • Total to residence card8–20 weeks

PVIP processing can take 2-5 months. Less backlog than MM2H due to higher threshold filtering.

Renewal

First renewal after
240 months
Subsequent cycle
240 months
Renewal fee
$43,000
Requirements
PVIP valid 20 years from issuance. After 20 years, re-apply at prevailing rates. No annual renewals required within the 20-year term.

Path to Permanent Residency — Details

Years required
999
Integration test
Not required

Path to Citizenship — Details

Years required
999
Language test
Yes (A2)
Civic test
Required
Oath
Required
Dual citizenship
Not allowed

Tax Residency

Trigger
182 days/year of presence
Taxation scope
Territorial (in-country only)
Exit-tax country
No

Special regimes

  • Malaysia Territorial Taxation0% on foreign-source income

    All Malaysian tax residents. Income arising outside Malaysia is tax-exempt regardless of remittance.

    source ↗

Health Insurance

Mandatory
Yes
Minimum coverage
$50,000

Examples: AXA Affin, Great Eastern, Prudential Malaysia, AIA Malaysia, Cigna Global

Family Specifics

Spouse work rights
Spouse included (RM 100,000 fee). Neither holder nor spouse may work in Malaysia without separate Employment Pass.
Child school enrolment
Dependent children (under 18, or under 21 in full-time education) included at RM 50,000/child. Excellent international school options in KL and Penang.
Parent inclusion
Not eligible
Sibling inclusion
Not eligible

Gotchas — Things to Watch For

  • ⚠PVIP does NOT lead to PR or citizenship — Malaysia offers no investor immigration pathway to permanence
  • ⚠RM 200,000 fee (≈USD 43,000) is non-refundable — most expensive Malaysia visa but no fixed deposit lock-up
  • ⚠Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship — PVIP is a pure long-stay lifestyle product
  • ⚠PVIP holders MAY NOT work in Malaysia — no employment rights included
  • ⚠Annual compliance report required — must demonstrate continued net worth above MYR 1,000,000
  • ⚠20-year term is exceptional value per year compared to shorter programmes
  • ⚠Property purchase allowed (min MYR 1M) — attractive for families seeking permanent base without citizenship

Common Rejection Reasons

  • •Net worth below MYR 1,000,000
  • •Criminal record
  • •On Malaysia immigration watchlist
  • •Existing Malaysian PR or citizenship
  • •Source of wealth deemed unclear

Recent Legislative Changes

  • 2022-01-01

    Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) launched as a new high-net-worth long-stay product by IMI. 20-year multiple-entry visa for MYR 1,000,000+ net worth applicants paying RM 200,000 fee.source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

PVIP vs MM2H — which is better for a wealthy family?+

PVIP has no fixed deposit requirement — you pay RM 200,000 once and keep your capital mobile. MM2H Silver tier requires RM 500,000 tied in a fixed deposit (earning only FD rates) plus RM 200,000+ in indirect costs. For families who want capital flexibility and 20 years of certainty, PVIP is better. For those who want a lower upfront fee and are comfortable with the FD, MM2H Silver may suit.

source ↗
Can PVIP holders work in Malaysia?+

No. PVIP is a social visit pass — holders cannot be employed or conduct business in Malaysia. Separate Employment Pass or business visa required for any work. This is the same restriction that applies to MM2H.

source ↗

Good Fit For

Investor Residency & CitizenshipHNWI Retirement RelocationResidency Without Physical PresenceLowest-Tax Residency OptionsRelocating With Kids

Applying from a specific country? Your home-country tax rules, banking access, and dual-citizenship options affect every programme differently. Browse nationality guides → for tax obligations, renunciation rules, and second-passport routes.

investmentlong-stayfixed-depositsoutheast-asiaterritorial-taxhigh-net-worth
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