Malaysia Premium Visa Programme: What Does the 20-Year Pass Require?

01

Who runs the program?

JIM runs the program itself, through a PVIP Centre at its Putrajaya headquarters. That sets it apart from MM2H, which the tourism ministry runs under separate rules. The governing documents are:

1. 1Immigration Department of Malaysia, Premium Visa Programme Terms and Conditions (22 January 2026)↗
2. 2Immigration Department of Malaysia, PVIP FAQ (22 January 2026)↗

The pass itself is a Social Visit Pass (PVIP), with a multiple-entry visa facility.

You cannot apply directly. Every application goes through a PVIP agency registered with JIM, which files online on your behalf under a written power of attorney (Terms, para. 8; FAQ, Others, Q7). JIM says it publishes the list of appointed agencies on its portal. Check that any firm you instruct is on it.

02

Who can apply?

The program is open to all ages (Terms, para. 1). You need:

• a passport valid for at least 24 months (para. 9);
• a Certificate of Good Conduct, in English or translated and certified by a Malaysian embassy or consulate, for you and each dependant (para. 7.2);
• a medical report (para. 7.5);
• security screening by the Royal Malaysian Police, for you and your dependants (para. 16); and
• valid health insurance, either Malaysian or global (para. 20).

Income or wealth. You must show onshore and offshore income of RM40,000 a month, or RM480,000 a year. Alternatively, you may show a total net worth of at least RM1 billion in place of cash-based proof (para. 10). The required amount must appear on your latest three months of statements. For employment income JIM asks for payslips, an employer letter and salary statements. For investment or business income, it asks for yearly bank statements, your yearly income tax and a bank letter (para. 7.4).

03

How the investment works

The core commitment is a fixed deposit of at least RM1,000,000 with a licensed bank in Malaysia (Terms, para. 11). JIM's FAQ describes it as a fixed savings account "with no withdrawals allowed on the principal".

Partial withdrawal. Six months after your first PVIP endorsement, you may withdraw 50% of the deposit, but only to buy real estate, or for medical or education costs. You also need a letter of recommendation from JIM first (FAQ, Financial criteria, Q5). The rest stays in the deposit. JIM's documents say nothing further about the remaining RM500,000. In our view, plan on it staying in the deposit for the life of the pass.

Fees. The participation fee is RM200,000 for you and RM100,000 for each dependant (Terms, para. 2). It is paid in stages:

The participation fee is not refundable (para. 4). All payments go through FPX online banking (para. 5). You lodge a security bond for yourself and a personal bond for each dependant, at rates set by nationality (para. 19). JIM's FAQ lists the visa fee and bond rates for each country.

Property. PVIP holders may buy residential, commercial or industrial real estate and make active investments in permitted fields (FAQ, General, Q2). JIM's rules set no minimum property purchase.

In our view, the real cost of entry is RM1.2 million for a single applicant before agency fees, and the RM200,000 is gone for good. The deposit is yours, but most of it is tied up for as long as you hold the pass.

04

What does the pass let you do?

You may live in Malaysia, work, carry on lawful business, and study (FAQ, General, Q2 and Others, Q9). There is no minimum stay requirement. In our view, that suits families who want a base in the region without moving their whole life there.

05

Which family members can come?

Dependants may include your spouse, children under 25 (biological, step or legally adopted), disabled children of any age, and your parents and parents-in-law (FAQ, Others, Q14; Terms, para. 13). You may also bring a foreign domestic helper, subject to the usual helper rules (FAQ, Others, Q11).

A dependant's pass normally runs 20 years at RM100,000. You may instead choose 10 years for RM50,000 (Terms, para. 14). A child who passes 25 must either join as a participant by paying the balance of the participation fee, or move to another immigration route (para. 18).

06

How long does the pass last, and can you renew it?

Approval runs for 20 years. JIM issues the pass in four five-year blocks, each tied to your passport's validity (Terms, para. 15). To extend beyond 20 years, apply six months before the pass expires. JIM then charges half the participation fee again, at the rate in force at that time (para. 17).

The pass is a long-stay visa, not permanent residence or citizenship. JIM's documents give no route from PVIP to either. Changing passport, principal or nationality triggers fresh security screening (para. 21).

07

What about Malaysian tax?

JIM's PVIP documents say nothing about tax. A move can change your tax position in Malaysia and at home. Take Malaysian tax advice, and advice in your home country, before you move.

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FAQ