Investor Pass

Investor Pass | Bestar

Malaysia Investor Pass Visa Program Explained

Malaysia recently introduced Investor Pass for foreign investors seeking to conduct business in the country.

Here's a breakdown of Investor Pass:

This is a new initiative (effective April 1, 2025) specifically designed for business visitors and foreign investors to facilitate their business activities in Malaysia.

Key Features and Requirements:

• Purpose: For business or investment purposes only, allowing foreign investors to explore opportunities, negotiate, or oversee existing investments. It's explicitly designed to avoid the ambiguities of business activities under a tourist pass.

  
  

• Eligibility Categories:

  
  

  • New Investor: Potential investors with no prior investment record in Malaysia.

  • Investor in Pipeline: Identified potential investors in negotiations with the Malaysian Government or who have applied to MIDA (Malaysian Investment Development Authority) for project approvals.

  • Existing Investor: Investors with existing investment records and SSM (Companies Commission of Malaysia) registered companies, but who are not employed by those companies in Malaysia (currently limited to Manufacturing and Selected Services under MIDA's purview).

    
    

• Visa Type: Multiple-Entry Visa (MEV).

  
  

• Duration: Initially granted for six (6) months, with an option to extend for an additional six (6) months (total of up to 12 months). Beyond 12 months, an applicant may need to apply for an Employment Pass.

  
  

• Application Process: Applied through the Xpats Gateway online platform.

  
  

• Location: Only applicable for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan, excluding Sabah and Sarawak.

  
  

• Requirements:

  
  

  • Minimum age of 18 years.

  • Must be employed by a company registered in their country of origin.

  • Passport validity of at least six months.

  • Must not be on the Immigration Department's Suspect List or Blacklist.

  • Must not have a criminal record (Security Clearance from Royal Malaysia Police).

  • Cannot hold any other Long-Term Pass issued by the Immigration Department.

  • Applicants must be outside Malaysia when applying.

  • Requires a business email address for application.

  • Official invitation from a Malaysian Government Ministry, Government Agency, or Registered Company (currently indicated as optional).

  • Full passport copy, Certificate of Incorporation of Parent Company (abroad), Latest Audited Financial Statement of Parent Company (for Investor in Pipeline), Company Profile of SSM-registered company (for Existing Investor).

In Summary:

The Investor Pass is a short-term, business-focused visa for foreign investors to explore or manage investments in Malaysia, offering a more direct and efficient entry for specific business purposes.

It's recommended to consult official government sources (MIDA/Immigration Department for Investor Pass) or a qualified immigration consultant for the latest and most accurate information, as policies can change.

Fees

The Malaysia Investor Pass, effective from April 1, 2025, has a clear fee structure for the application process. These are the direct government and platform fees you can expect:

Mandatory Fees:

• Xpats Gateway Application Fee/ Processing Fee (Third-Party Tech Provider): RM 1,296 (USD 305) (inclusive of 8% SST - Sales and Service Tax). This fee is for the online platform where the application is submitted. This fee is non-refundable.

  
  

• Investor Pass Immigration Fee:

  
  

  • Process Fee: RM 500 (USD 120)

  • Pass Fee: RM 90 (USD 22) (for a 6-month pass)

  • Visa Fee: This varies depending on your nationality, typically ranging from RM 6 to RM 50 (USD 2 to USD 12).

Breakdown Example (for 6 months):

• Xpats Gateway Fee: USD 305

• Immigration Process Fee: USD 120

• Immigration Pass Fee: USD 22

• Typical Visa Fee: USD 8 (example, could be more or less)

• Total Direct Fees: USD 455

Important Notes on Fees:

• No Charge for MIDA Support Letter: There are no applicable charges for obtaining the MIDA (Malaysian Investment Development Authority) support letter, which is often a prerequisite or helpful for the application.

  
  

• Refund Policy: The Xpats Gateway processing fee (RM 1,296) is non-refundable. However, the Immigration processing fees (RM 500 + RM 90 + Visa fee) are generally not payable if the application is rejected by the Immigration Department.

  
  

• Extension: If you extend your Investor Pass for an additional six months (totaling up to 12 months), you will likely incur the immigration fees (Pass Fee, Process Fee, and Visa Fee) again for the extended period.

Professional Fees:

Bestar charges for our expertise and the convenience of navigating complex immigration procedures. Our fees are in addition to the official government fees (Xpats Gateway processing fee, Immigration Pass fee, Process fee, and Visa fee).

Professional Fees for Investor Pass Services:

For a straightforward Investor Pass application, you might expect professional fees from Bestar to range anywhere from RM 3,000 to RM 8,000 (approximately USD 710 to USD 1,880).

Services offered by Bestar include:

• Eligibility Assessment: Determining if you meet the criteria for the Investor Pass.

• Document Preparation: Assisting in gathering, reviewing, and organizing all required documents, including ensuring translations if necessary.

• Application Submission: Handling the online submission through the Xpats Gateway.

• Liaison with Authorities: Communicating with MIDA, the Immigration Department, and other relevant agencies on your behalf.

• Follow-up and Troubleshooting: Addressing any queries or issues that arise during the application process.

• Advisory: Providing guidance on Malaysian business regulations, tax implications, and further investment opportunities.

Factors that can influence our fees:

• Scope of Services:

  
  

  • Basic Application Support: Includes eligibility assessment, document checklist, review of prepared documents, and online submission. This will be on the lower end of the spectrum.

  • Comprehensive Service: May include drafting of invitation letters (if required), detailed guidance on MIDA endorsement, liaison with authorities, follow-up, and ongoing advice. This will be on the higher end.

    
    

• Complexity of Your Case:

  
  

  • If your investment profile is unique, involves multiple entities, or requires extensive clarification, our fees might be higher due to the additional work involved.

  • If you require assistance with related matters (e.g., company registration in Malaysia if you're a new investor), this will also add to the cost.

    
    

How to Get Quote:

To get accurate quotes for your specific situation, you should contact Bestar. Here's how to approach us:

1. Initial Consultation: Bestar offers a free initial consultation (or a low-cost consultation fee that might be deductible from our service fees if you proceed). During this consultation, be prepared to provide:

   
   

   • Your nationality

   • Your current location

   • Your category of investor (New Investor, Investor in Pipeline, Existing Investor)

   • A brief overview of your business/investment plans in Malaysia

   • Any specific challenges or questions you have.

     
     

2. Request a Detailed Proposal/Quote: After the initial consultation, ask for a written proposal that clearly outlines:

   
   

   • The services we will provide.

   • Our professional fees.

   • All anticipated government fees and third-party charges (e.g., translation costs, courier fees).

   • Our payment terms.

   • An estimated timeline for the process.

     
     

How Bestar can Help

Navigating immigration processes, even for a seemingly straightforward pass like the Malaysia Investor Pass, can be complex. While the Malaysian government has made efforts to streamline the Investor Pass application through the Xpats Gateway, Bestar can provide significant value and help ensure a smooth and successful application.

Here's how Bestar can help with your Malaysia Investor Pass application:

1. Expert Guidance and Eligibility Assessment:

   
   

   • Understanding Requirements: The Investor Pass, though new, has specific eligibility criteria for "New Investor," "Investor in Pipeline," and "Existing Investor" categories. Bestar stays updated on the latest regulations, documentation, and nuances for each category.

   • Personalized Assessment: We will assess your specific situation, investment plans, and background to determine your eligibility and advise on the most suitable investor category. We can also highlight potential challenges or missing information you might not be aware of.

   • Clarity on "Business Purposes Only": The Investor Pass is strictly for business/investment activities. Bestar can help clarify what activities are permissible under this pass to avoid any violations.

     
     

2. Document Preparation and Verification:

   
   

   • Comprehensive Checklist: We provide a precise and comprehensive checklist of required documents tailored to your investor category. This helps prevent delays due to incomplete or incorrect submissions.

   • Document Review: Bestar meticulously reviews all your submitted documents (passport copies, company incorporation certificates, financial statements, invitation letters, etc.) to ensure they meet the Malaysian authorities' exact specifications, including format, validity, and any necessary translations or notarizations.

   • Translation Services: If any documents are not in English or Malay, we can guide you on certified translation requirements.

   • Business Email Requirement: We will remind you of specific requirements like needing a business email address, as public email domains are not allowed for the application.

     
     

3. Application Submission and Liaison:

   
   

   • Xpats Gateway Navigation: While the Xpats Gateway is designed for direct application, Bestar is highly familiar with its interface, potential glitches, and best practices for submission. This minimizes technical errors.

   • Accurate Data Entry: We ensure all information is accurately entered into the online system, reducing the risk of rejections due to typos or inconsistencies.

   • Communication with Authorities: Bestar acts as your primary liaison with MIDA (Malaysian Investment Development Authority) for the support letter and the Immigration Department for final approval. We understand the communication channels and can follow up efficiently.

   • Responding to Queries: If MIDA or Immigration requests further information or clarification, the consultant can help formulate timely and appropriate responses.

     
     

4. Minimizing Risks and Delays:

   
   

   • Proactive Problem Solving: Our experience allows them to anticipate potential issues that could lead to delays or rejections (e.g., discrepancies in documents, insufficient evidence of investment intent).

   • Staying Updated: Immigration rules and policies can change. Bestar stays abreast of these changes, ensuring your application adheres to the very latest requirements.

   • Avoiding Common Pitfalls: We can guide you away from common mistakes that applicants often make when applying on their own, saving you time and frustration.

     
     

5. Post-Approval Procedures and Future Planning:

   
   

   • Understanding E-Pass Endorsement: We can explain the e-Pass endorsement process and whether you need to enter Malaysia via the Expatriate Satellite Centre (ESC) or can do it online.

   • Extension Guidance: If you plan to extend your Investor Pass for the additional six months, we can guide you through that process and the required justifications.

   • Conversion to Employment Pass: If your business plans evolve and you intend to work for your Malaysian company, the Investor Pass can be converted to an Employment Pass. Bestar can advise on the requirements and process for this conversion.

   • General Advisory: Beyond the Investor Pass, we can offer insights into Malaysian business regulations, tax obligations (even if not employed, tax obligations for activities might exist), and other long-term visa options if your investment grows.

While the Malaysian government aims to make the Investor Pass application "agent-free" in the sense that direct contact with the applicant is preferred, Bestar still provides invaluable support and expertise behind the scenes, ensuring a comprehensive and compliant application. We streamline the process, reduce stress, and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

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