Professional Visit Pass Malaysia
Bringing in a foreign expert for training, consultancy or a short project? A professional visit pass Malaysia approval lets them work here for up to 12 months while staying on their overseas employer's payroll. We prepare the application and handle it with the authorities for your company.
The basics
What is a Professional Visit Pass?
A Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is a temporary pass for foreign professionals who come to Malaysia to work on a short assignment for a Malaysian company, while staying employed and paid by their company overseas.
It's meant for non-permanent roles. It doesn't give long-term employment or residence rights, and the holder can only work for the Malaysian company that sponsored them.
- Training and knowledge transferExperts training local staff or sharing technology
- Consultancy and auditsShort-term advisory, review or audit work
- Project workSuch as installing or commissioning machinery
Choosing the right pass
PVP or Employment Pass?
The key question is who employs and pays the person while they're in Malaysia.
Professional Visit Pass compared with an Employment Pass
| Professional Visit Pass | Employment Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Overseas company | Malaysian company |
| Salary paid by | Overseas company | Malaysian company |
| Length of stay | Up to 12 months | Longer, depending on category |
| Extensions | Not extendable | Renewable |
| Family passes | Not available | Available for eligible holders |
If the person is joining your Malaysian company long term, see our Employment Pass application service instead.
Requirements
Who qualifies for a professional visit pass Malaysia?
Both the visiting professional and the Malaysian sponsoring company need to meet the conditions.
- Employed by an overseas companyAnd staying on that company's payroll during the assignment
- Qualified and experiencedFor example, a degree with 3 years' related experience, a diploma with 5 or a certificate with 7
- A valid passportWith at least 12 months' validity
- A clean recordNo immigration blacklist or criminal record
- A Malaysian sponsoring companyOnly the local company can apply, not the visitor
- A clear assignmentWith a defined purpose, schedule and end date
- Labour department approvalApproval from JTK under the Employment Act 1955
- Applied for before arrivalThe application must be submitted before the visitor enters Malaysia
Documents
Documents you'll need
We'll send you an exact checklist for your sector. Most applications include the following.
From the visiting professional
- Full passport copy, with blank pages
- Proof of qualifications
- Proof of related work experience
- Certified English translations of any foreign-language documents
From the Malaysian company
- Cover letter for each visitor, with a detailed work schedule
- JTK approval letter
- Contract, letter of award or agreement for the project
- Machinery import documents, for installation work
- Security bond, where required
How to apply
How to apply for a professional visit pass Malaysia
Applications go through MIDA's system for manufacturing and selected services companies, or through ESD for other sectors. We'll confirm the right route for you.
Confirm the right pass
We check the assignment fits a PVP and not an Employment Pass.
We handle thisJTK approval
We apply for approval from the labour department.
We handle thisPrepare documents
We prepare the cover letter, schedule and supporting documents.
We guide youSubmit online
We submit before the visitor travels and follow up any queries.
About 15 working daysVisa and arrival
After approval, we guide the visa step and the pass is issued on arrival.
We guide you
How we help
How we help with your PVP
Pass assessment
PVP or Employment Pass, we confirm the right option.
Portal registration
We set up your company on the right system, MIDA or ESD.
JTK approval
We apply for labour department approval for the assignment.
Document preparation
Cover letters, schedules and supporting documents prepared.
Submission and follow-up
We submit and handle queries until approval.
Group applications
Several visiting experts for the same project, handled together.
FAQ
Professional Visit Pass: frequently asked questions
How long can I stay on a Professional Visit Pass?
Can a PVP holder be paid by the Malaysian company?
Can my family come with me on a PVP?
Who submits the application?
How long does approval take?
How much does a PVP cost?
Bringing in a foreign expert?
Tell us about the assignment and we'll handle the professional visit pass Malaysia application, so your visitor can start work on time.
Information on this page is a general guide based on MIDA's Professional Visit Pass guidelines (March 2026) and may change. Requirements can differ for applications through ESD. Contact us to confirm the requirements for your case. Photos: Unsplash.