13 FAQs On Dependent Passes In Malaysia

In Malaysia, a Dependent Pass allows specific family members of Category 1 and 2 Employment Pass (EP) principals to accompany them throughout their stay in Malaysia.

As with EPs, a Dependent Pass application is handled by employers, and as MISHU assists with expatriate hiring, below we address the 13 top questions we get from both company representatives and foreigners.

Let’s begin.

1. Who is eligible for a Dependent Pass?

Category I and II Employment Pass holders in Malaysia can apply for a Dependent Pass for the following family members:

• legal spouse
• biological or adopted children 18 years old and below
• children of any age with a disability rendering them dependent

2. Can parents be dependents?

Not under a Dependent Pass. Instead, parents, children above 18, in-laws, and common law partners will instead need a Long-Term Social Visit Pass.

3. How many dependents can be included?

There is no strict limit set by the Immigration Department, but each dependent must belong to the list of approved dependents and requires their own separate Dependent Pass.

4. What are necessary documents for a Dependent Pass?

Compared to some of the applications we help process, the documents required for a Dependent Pass application are relatively straightforward:

1. Two passport-sized pictures of the dependent
2. A complete set of copies of family members’ passports (including 3 consecutive empty pages)
3. Proof of relationship, such as:
   • Marriage & birth certificates
   • Child custody letter and adoption papers (if applicable)
4. A copy of the principal Employment Pass
5. Payment of the Dependent’s Pass to the Immigration Department
6. Two copies of the Malaysian visa application forms (IMM.12 and IMM.38)

Here are some additional notes:

• the passport must be valid for at least 12 months from the intended date of arrival in Malaysia
• certificates / documents must be translated into English by the applicant’s Embassy / Consulate or the Malaysian Institute of Translation & Books
• documents must be endorsed as a Certified True Copy (CTC) by the applicant’s Embassy / Consulate in Malaysia or the Malaysian Embassy in the applicant’s home country

5. Does a Dependent Pass need a Visa with Reference?

Yes, the Immigration Department of Malaysia must grant dependents a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) before they can travel to Malaysia and apply for a Visa with Reference using the VAL. Once they have arrived in Malaysia, applicants must present their passports to the Malaysian Immigration Department to obtain the Dependent Pass sticker.

6. Can a Dependent and Employment Pass be applied for together?

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: Yes, but it can also be done after the principal Employment Pass application is approved.

No reason to drag this one out – next!

7. How much does a Dependent Pass cost?

Do keep in mind that government charges change from time to time, but as of now, they charge RM500 for each Dependent Pass application.

This doesn’t include ad hoc immigration and third-party service charges, but we promise we don’t charge that much so if you would like assistance, we’d love to help with your application.

8. How long is a Dependent Pass valid for?

Standard procedure is that the validity of the Dependent Pass is identical to duration of the principal (Employment Pass).

However, if the passport validity of the Dependent Pass applicant is less than the principal visa holder’s, the validity of the Dependent Pass will be based on the passport validity.

9. Can a Dependent Pass holder work?

No, the Dependent Pass holder will have to surrender their pass and register for an Employment Pass, which will be treated exactly the same as a regular Employment Pass application.

10. Can a Dependent Pass holder start a business?

Foreigners are allowed to start businesses in Malaysia, but again, not as Dependent Pass holders.

The business will be treated as a 100% foreign-owned business with them as a foreign director. The company must then apply for an Employment Pass on their behalf, at which point they will become Employment Pass holders. Usually, this is done by outsourcing the incorporation and HR to a business consultant.

Keep in mind they must meet the requirements of owning a business in Malaysia as a foreigner.

11. Can a Dependent Pass holder enroll in school?

Children under 18 years old can continue to live and study in Malaysia as long as they have a dependent permit issued by their parents, while those above 18 must apply for a student permit.

Applications must be submitted to the Malaysian Immigration Department through a Permission to Study Form along with a Student Personal Data form.

12. What are the steps to apply for a Dependent Pass?

1. Gather required documents (passport copies, photos, certificates, principal EP copy)
2. Fill out IMM.12 and IMM.38 forms
3. Submit to the Immigration Department or via a professional consultant
4. Pay RM500 per dependent
5. Receive Visa Approval Letter (VAL)
6. Travel to Malaysia
7. Present passport to Immigration to obtain Dependent Pass sticker

13. How can I check my application status?

Status can be checked with the Malaysian Immigration Department online or in-person.

Let MISHU handle your Dependent Pass application

MISHU’s team is experienced in helping employers navigate ESD requirements, and we’d be happy to help you. Check out our Dependent Pass application services and get in touch!