Malaysia's Immigration Department Defines Residence Pass Criteria

The Immigration Department of Malaysia has published the official categories of foreign nationals eligible to apply for a Residence Pass, clarifying who can reside in the country under this immigration arrangement. The Residence Pass is issued according to Regulation 16A of the Immigration Regulations 1963.

Three categories are recognized: Category 3 includes foreign nationals with family ties to Malaysian citizens, such as spouses, children under 18, and biological parents. Category 4 applies to those connected to permanent residents, including their biological children under 18 and spouses.

Category 5 is for ex-Malaysians who have either voluntarily renounced their citizenship or were deprived of it. The Residence Pass costs RM 500.00 (N163,149.50) for a duration of five years.

The Immigration Department administers this pass, which is governed by the long-standing Immigration Regulations 1963.