PVP Application & Renewal Services
Professional Visit Pass Application & Renewal
For short-term work, teaching & internships
We handle all preparations and submissions with ESD on behalf of sponsors and employers, ensuring your foreign talents experience a smooth journey to Malaysia.
PVP Overview
A Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is most used to hire foreign talents under short-term engagements lasting no more than 12 months. During this period, holders can enter the country and fulfil their contract with a Malaysian company. They cannot bring dependents and must be employed by an overseas company.
We provide the following services regarding PVPs from the Expatriates Services Division:
- ESD employer account registration
- PVP application
- PVP renewal
- PVP cancellation
Key Requirements
Employers and sponsors must register an account on ESD’s portal to apply for a PVP, which requires meeting two requirements:
Registered entity
The sponsor must be one of the following:
- Sdn Bhd registered with SSM
- Societies registered with ROS
- Professional firms
- Local government organisations
- International organisations certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Paid-up capital (for Sdn Bhd)
Minimum paid-up capital depends on ownership structure – for details see our guide to PVP applications in Malaysia.
Skilled Worker
For foreign talents who need to reside in Malaysia for short-term work commitments to a local company.
Main use cases:
-
Expertise transfer
-
Research
-
Volunteering
-
Training at ESD-registered companies
-
Exhibitors under MyCEB
*Employers must have a valid ESD account to apply for a PVP
Internships
For interns who need to reside in Malaysia for practical training with local employer / sponsor.
Main use cases:
-
Hotel internships
-
Factory internships
*Sponsors must have a valid ESD account and internship PVPs for factories and hotels are generally limited to six (6) months.
Religious Visits
For foreign religious teachers and students who need to reside in Malaysia for short-term missionary work and education.
Main use cases:
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Islamic religious teachers
-
Islamic religious students
-
Hindu monks
-
Granthi, Dharma teachers and priests
-
Religious artists
*Sponsors must have a valid ESD account and submit applications at least one month before work is meant to start
Validity Period & Renewal
PVP issued are valid for 12 months and, at the discretion of the immigration officer, renewable for another 12 months, granting the holder a maximum stay of 24 months.
Additionally, PVPs for factory and hotel internships are generally limited to a 6-months and strictly non-renewable.
Required Documents
The following documents are required for all PVP applications:
- Application letter by sponsor
- Recent passport photo
- Copy of passport
- Offer letter / agreement for services / sponsor contract / internship offer by the sponsor
- Confirmation letter by the foreign / host country company on the applicant’s employment details
- Detailed job description
- Copy of highest educational certificates / professional certificates
- Latest comprehensive resume
- Security bond form (duly stamped by inland revenue board)
- Personal bond form (duly stamped by inland revenue board)
- Bank guarantee (for Chinese and Bangladesh nationals)
- Letter of award (LOA) / contract, if applicable
- Supporting document from approving agency / regulatory body, if applicable
- Working schedule (month-to-month task breakdown for the project)
While this list is generally complete, we had to significantly simplify it to make it digestible, and employers who wish to handle their own applications can find a full description of PVP document details here.
Applications will also need to include additional supporting documents for specific activities.
FAQs
A Professional Visit Pass (PVP) allows foreign talents to stay in Malaysia for short-term, work-related engagements with a local sponsor or organisation. These may include training, research, internships, or specialised assignments.
PVPs are suitable for a wide range of individuals, including:
- Foreign experts providing skills transfer
- Researchers and trainees
- Interns with Malaysian organisations
- Volunteers
- Exhibition participants (via MyCEB)
- Religious teachers and students
- Overseas performers (with approval)
- Participants in government cooperation programmes
Common permitted activities include:
- Expertise transfer
- Research projects
- Volunteering
- Training at registered companies
- Exhibitions and events
- Internships
Yes:
- Internships are limited to 4-star hotels and above (3-star allowed for Indonesian trainees)
- A maximum of 25 trainees per hotel at one time
- Internship PVPs are typically 6 months and non-renewable
- Standard validity: Up to 12 months
- Renewable: Up to another 12 months (subject to approval)
- Maximum stay: 24 months
- Internship PVPs: 6 months only (non-renewable)
No.
No.
| Feature | PVP | Employment Pass (EP) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Short-term assignments, training, internships | Long-term employment |
| Duration | 6–12 months (up to 24 months max) | 1–5 years |
| Salary requirement | None | Minimum RM3,000 |
| Dependents | Not allowed | Allowed (for certain categories) |
| Eligibility | Can include students or trainees | Must be working professionals |
Eligible sponsors /employers include:
- Sdn Bhd companies registered with SSM
- Registered societies or associations (ROS)
- Professional firms
- Government or government-linked organisations
- International organisations recognised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- 100% Malaysian-owned: RM250,000
- Joint venture (≥30% foreign): RM350,000
- 100% foreign-owned: RM500,000
- ≥51% foreign-owned (WRT/USS sectors): RM1,000,000
Immigration application fee is RM1,200 excluding additional immigration or third-party fees.
Typically 14–21 working days, depending on:
- Completeness of documents
- Whether additional approvals are required
Core documents include:
- Sponsor’s application letter
- Passport copy and photo
- Offer letter or contract
- Employment confirmation from home country
- Job description
- Educational/professional certificates
- Resume/CV
- Security bond and personal bond forms
- Supporting documents (if applicable)
- Work schedule
Additional documents may be required based on the activity.
- Register an account on the ESD portal
- Prepare all required documents
- Submit the application online
- Wait for processing (14–21 working days)
- Upon approval, the applicant enters Malaysia
- Collect the PVP sticker from the Immigration Department
Employers can submit an appeal with additional supporting documents.
It depends on the state:
- Zone A: up to 60 working days
- Zone B: ~30 working days
- Zone C: ~14 working days
Got an URGENT question?
Contact us via [email protected] or WhatsApp +60-175159832