Quick answer: ESD allows an Employment Pass holder to apply for a Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) for their parents and parents-in-law. The guidebook also lists common-law spouses and certain children aged 18 to 25. The LTSVP does not allow study or employment, and ESD's client charter for it is 14 working days. The company submits the application through ESD, with proof of relationship, and the pass follows the principal's pass.
- Parents and parents-in-law of an Employment Pass holder can apply.
- Common-law spouses and certain children aged 18 to 25 are also listed.
- The pass does not allow study or employment.
- ESD's charter is 14 working days.
- Proof of relationship is required.
Who Can Apply
| Applicant | Position |
|---|---|
| Parents and parents-in-law of an EP holder | Eligible |
| Common-law spouse | Listed in ESD's guidebook |
| Certain children aged 18 to 25 | Listed in ESD's guidebook |
| Spouse and children under 18 | Dependent Pass instead |
What the Pass Allows
| Item | Position |
|---|---|
| Stay | Long-term stay linked to the principal's pass |
| Work | Not allowed |
| Study | Not allowed |
| Processing | 14 working days (client charter) |
How to Apply
Confirm the principal's pass
The Employment Pass must be valid.
Collect proof of relationship
Marriage and birth certificates, certified as required.
Company submits through ESD
With the employer's support letter.
Wait for approval
14 working days is the charter.
Endorse the pass
As directed in ESD Online.
Dependent Pass or LTSVP?
| Relative | Pass |
|---|---|
| Spouse, child under 18 | Dependent Pass |
| Parent, parent-in-law | Long-Term Social Visit Pass |
| Child 18 to 25 in listed cases | Long-Term Social Visit Pass |
Need a pass sorted out? WhatsApp us. We will check your case before you apply.
Mistakes
Expecting work rights
The LTSVP does not allow employment.
Applying under the wrong pass
Spouse and young children use the Dependent Pass.
Poor proof of relationship
Certified documents are needed.
How We Help
What we handle for you
Before you apply
- Check that your company meets the requirements and that the post and salary fit the right category.
- Prepare your business plan and financial plan from your company idea or business model, where the application needs one.
Application
- Prepare and submit the pass application and respond to Immigration's queries.
Why companies choose us
End-to-end under one roof
- We handle company incorporation, accounting and payroll as well as expatriate pass applications, so your structure, payroll and hiring plan stay aligned.
- The company is set up correctly from day one.
We check before you invest
- We confirm eligibility, including whether you can hire the expatriates you need, before a foreign investor decides to incorporate in Malaysia.
- Neutral Consulting PLT is a Kuala Lumpur firm led by a Managing Partner who is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers.
Can my parents stay in Malaysia on my Employment Pass?
Yes, through a Long-Term Social Visit Pass applied for through ESD.
Who else can get an LTSVP?
Common-law spouses and certain children aged 18 to 25, as listed in ESD's guidebook.
Can my parents work?
No. The LTSVP does not allow employment.
Can they study?
No. Study is not allowed.
How long does it take?
14 working days under ESD's client charter.
Who applies?
The company, through ESD.
What documents are needed?
Proof of relationship, passports and the employer's support documents.
Is the pass long term?
It is linked to the principal's pass.
What is the difference from a Dependent Pass?
A Dependent Pass is for a spouse and children under 18.
Do I need a minimum salary?
The principal's pass must meet the salary policy for its category.
Can I bring a foreign maid?
ESD lists a Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) for maids, with conditions.
Can you apply for us?
Yes. We prepare the family pass applications with the Employment Pass.
Sources
Official sources
- Immigration Department (ESD), ESD Online Guidebook V5 (September 2024)
- Immigration Department (ESD), Employment Pass
- Immigration Department, Long Term Social Visit Pass
This page is general information, not legal advice. Agencies change their requirements, so confirm the current rules with the Immigration Department (ESD) and MIDA, or with us, before you act. Checked November 2026.
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Hiring or relocating an expatriate? We will check your case first. All consultations are by video call.