Quick answer: The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is for foreign technical experts brought in by Malaysian government agencies or private companies for up to 12 months. It has five categories: technical expert, research, practical or industrial training, volunteers, and exhibition or expo participants. The company applies online through Immigration's ESD portal with a letter, passport copies, a personal or security bond and supporting documents. The holder enters with a Visa With Reference or approval letter, cannot bring long-term passes for spouses or dependants, and must leave when the programme ends.
- PVP is for experts, researchers, trainees, volunteers and exhibitors, for up to 12 months.
- Apply online through ESD, with a bond for all nationalities.
- Entry is only after approval, with a VDR or approval letter.
- Experts and researchers need an overseas employer paying the salary.
- No long-term passes for spouses, dependants or domestic helpers.
Categories
| Category | For |
|---|---|
| Technical Expert (expert transfer) | A foreign expert transferring skills for a project or contract |
| Research | Research work |
| Practical or industrial training | Internship placements |
| Volunteers | Those supported by relevant Malaysian agencies |
| Exhibition or expo participants | Supported or confirmed by recognised Malaysian agencies |
Conditions
| Item | Position |
|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 12 months |
| Entry | Only after approval, with a Visa With Reference or approval letter |
| Purpose | One purpose, contract or project at a time |
| Salary | For expert transfer and research, an overseas employer pays the salary. A Malaysian company may provide allowances |
| Dependants | No provision for long-term passes for spouses, dependants or foreign domestic helpers |
| Endorsement | Endorse the PVP sticker within 14 days of entry |
| Extension | File at least one month before expiry |
| Change of employer | Cancel and exit Malaysia before applying again |
Documents
- Company application letter with the expatriate's details, duties, schedule and duration.
- Copies of all passport pages, with at least six blank pages.
- Personal Bond or Security Bond, IRB stamped, valid six months from the stamp date.
- Employment contract or letter of award, if applicable.
- MoU with the overseas institution, for trainees.
- Support letter from the approving or regulatory agency, if applicable.
- Documents signed by the director named in the Letter of Undertaking.
PVP or Employment Pass?
| Question | Pick |
|---|---|
| Long-term role with a Malaysian employer | Employment Pass |
| Fixed project, overseas employer pays the salary | Professional Visit Pass |
| Need dependants to join long term | Employment Pass |
Need a pass sorted out? WhatsApp us. We will check your case before you apply.
Mistakes
Using a PVP for a permanent role
The 12-month limit is firm.
Entering before approval
Entry is only after approval.
Missing the bond
It is required for all nationalities.
Forgetting the capital rule
A company applying only for a PVP must still meet the paid-up capital requirement.
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.
Who needs a Professional Visit Pass in Malaysia?
Foreign experts, researchers, trainees, volunteers and exhibition participants coming for up to 12 months.
How long is a PVP valid?
Up to 12 months.
How do I apply?
The company applies online through Immigration's ESD portal.
Is a bond required?
Yes, a personal or security bond for all nationalities.
Can the holder bring family?
There is no provision for long-term passes for spouses, dependants or foreign domestic helpers.
Who pays the salary?
For expert transfer and research, an overseas employer pays it. A Malaysian company may provide allowances.
Does the company need paid-up capital?
Yes. A company applying only for a PVP must still meet the paid-up capital requirement.
Can the PVP be extended?
Yes, with an application at least one month before expiry, within the 12-month limit.
Can the holder change employers?
The PVP must be cancelled and the holder must exit Malaysia before applying again.
When must the pass be endorsed?
Within 14 days of entry, according to ESD's guidebook.
Is a PVP the same as an Employment Pass?
No. It is a short-term pass with different conditions.
Can you apply for a PVP for us?
Yes. We prepare the application and the bond documents.
Sources
Official sources
- Immigration Department, Professional Visitor Pass (Expert)
- Immigration Department (ESD), ESD Online Guidebook V5 (September 2024)
- Immigration Department (ESD), Company registration FAQ
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.
Talk To Us Now
Hiring or relocating an expatriate? We will check your case first. All consultations are by video call.