This summary is designed to provide basic information about the visa and work permit application process in Malaysia. Please remember that, as with any country, Malaysia's immigration laws may change without notice. The information in this report is of a general nature and does not constitute legal advice.

BUSINESS VISITORS

Allowable Activities

Business Visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:

Attending business meetings or discussions;
Signing agreements;
Internal company audits (but not client audits), provided the trip is less than 2 weeks;
Conducting surveys on investment opportunities; and
Inspecting or setting up factories.

Type of Visa

The Malaysian Immigration Department (MID) no longer issues business visas. Certain business activities, typically limited to the above allowable activities, may be conducted on a Social Visit Pass (SVP).

Visa waiver nationals are eligible to enter Malaysia without an entry visa and obtain an SVP on arrival. Visa nationals must obtain an entry visa at a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate. Upon arrival, they will be granted a SVP.

Foreign nationals traveling to Malaysia for business should nominate "business" as their reason for travel on their disembarkation cards provided at the time of entry.

Basic Requirements

The following general requirements for Business Visitors are subject to change by immigration authorities:

The applicant must have a residence and an employer outside of the country and must be traveling for a limited and pre-set time period;
The applicant may not receive compensation from sources within the host country (except for "per-diem" expenses, such as meals, accommodation, or car fare);
The applicant must evidence proof of sufficient funds (such as cash or credit cards);
The applicant must have specific, realistic and pre-determined plans for his/her stay in Malaysia; and
The period of stay must be consistent with the intended purpose of the trip.

Commonly Required Documents and Processing Time

Generally, a SVP is automatically issued to all foreigners, including Business Visitors, who enter Malaysia with proper travel documents, namely, a valid passport and a confirmed travel itinerary. The SVP is processed and issued on arrival.

Please note that the Malaysian Immigration Department reserves the right to request additional information and/or documents.

Maximum Period of Stay

The period of validity of the SVP depends on the nationality of the individual. In most cases, it is from 30 to 90 days. The Malaysian Immigration Department can also exercise discretion in determining the length of stay for any visitor.

An SVP may be extended in-country, prior to the expiration of the initial visa. An extension is discretionary and SVP holders are generally not allowed to remain in Malaysia beyond the validity of their SVP, except where there are special circumstances making it impossible or difficult to return to their home country (e.g. the SVP holder falls ill or war breaks out in their home country). Evidence of such special circumstances and a confirmed outbound ticket are usually required to support an application for extension of a SVP. However, even if such circumstances are evidenced, the MID has discretion over the approval of the extension.

There is no maximum annual period of stay in Malaysia on SVP status. Limits are set per visit only.

Short-Term, Technical Activities

Business Visitor status is not appropriate for visits to install or repair machinery, computer software or equipment or perform other technical duties at either an affiliated company or a client site, no matter how brief.

The appropriate visa for these activities is a Professional Visit Pass.

Post-Arrival and Departure Requirements
There are no post-arrival and departure requirements for Business Visitors.

For more information, please contact one of our offices

Last Updated: 06 October 2012

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