Quick answer: The Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP) lets a foreign national live in Malaysia for a minimum of six months, and for the foreign spouse of a Malaysian citizen it can be granted for up to five years. The spouse must be legally married to a Malaysian citizen, and the application is made with the Malaysian spouse present. Work permission is endorsed in the passport, so the holder may work or run a business without converting to an Employment Pass, provided the work is lawful.
- Up to five years for the foreign spouse of a Malaysian citizen.
- The Malaysian spouse must be present at the application.
- Work permission is endorsed in the passport.
- Documents include the marriage certificate, MyKad copy and an affidavit.
- Sponsor income of RM2,000 or more applies in several family categories.
Eligibility and Validity
| Point | Position |
|---|---|
| Who | Foreign spouse legally married to a Malaysian citizen |
| Validity | Minimum six months, up to five years for the spouse of a citizen, subject to approval and conditions |
| Presence | The Malaysian spouse must be present at submission |
| Work | Lawful work, business or professional employment, with approval endorsed in the passport |
Documents for Work Permission
- Spouse's MyKad copy.
- Applicant's passport and current pass.
- Affidavit with photo, sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths.
- Marriage certificate.
- Job offer on company letterhead.
- Employment contract with RM10 stamp, stating position, period, salary and both signatures.
- Applicant, spouse and employer information form.
- Latest SSM company registration printout.
Where and How
Apply at the Visa, Pass and Permit Division of the Immigration Department in the state of employment, either when applying for the LTSVP or after receiving a job offer. Original documents must be presented for verification, and incomplete applications are not processed. Immigration may also carry out compliance verification, including visits and interviews.
Related Categories
| Category | Note |
|---|---|
| Children or stepchildren of citizens under 7 | Applied for by the citizen parent |
| Elderly foreigners aged 60 and above | Sponsor income RM2,000 or more, with a bond |
| Husband or wife of a citizen, general | Requires bond, sponsor income proof and affidavits |
| Spouse from certain countries | Some nationalities must apply at Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya |
Need a pass sorted out? WhatsApp us. We will check your case before you apply.
Mistakes
Applying without the Malaysian spouse
Presence is required.
False statements
They are an offence under Section 56(1)(f) of the Immigration Act.
Starting work before endorsement
Permission must be endorsed first.
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.
What is the Long Term Social Visit Pass for a spouse of a Malaysian?
A pass that allows a foreign spouse of a citizen to live in Malaysia for up to five years.
Can the spouse work?
Yes, once work permission is endorsed in the passport, if the work is lawful.
Do they need an Employment Pass?
No. The LTSVP with endorsed permission allows work without conversion.
Must the Malaysian spouse attend?
Yes. The application is made with the spouse present.
What documents are needed?
MyKad copy, passport, affidavit, marriage certificate and job documents.
Where do I apply?
At the Visa, Pass and Permit Division in the state of employment.
Is there a fee?
The page lists no government fee. Check Immigration's visa fees page.
What is the minimum validity?
Six months.
Is sponsor income required?
In several family categories, a sponsor income of RM2,000 is required.
What happens if I give false information?
It is an offence under Section 56(1)(f) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Can I run a business?
Yes, with permission endorsed, if lawful.
Can you help with the application?
We can advise on the documents and the employer's contract.
Sources
Official sources
- Immigration Department, Long Term Social Visit Pass
- Immigration Department, Terms and conditions for employment of a citizen's spouse
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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