Obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Malaysia is a difficult and lengthy process. The Malaysian Immigration Department outlines specific categories under which foreigners can apply. A Malaysian sponsor is often required, and applicants must demonstrate strong ties and contributions to the country. The application can be submitted at the Immigration Department headquarters in Putrajaya or a state office. Recent updates suggest a new online MyPR Portal, though some sources still cite in-person application submission. Categories for permanent residency 1. Investor Foreign investors can apply for PR by meeting significant financial requirements. Fixed deposit: A minimum fixed deposit of USD 2 million in a Malaysian bank, which must be maintained for at least five years. Family eligibility: After five years, the investor's spouse and children under 18 may also be granted PR status. Sponsor: Requires a Malaysian sponsor. 2. Expert or professional This category is for highly skilled individuals who can provide a valuable service to the country. Expert: For those with "world-class" expertise, talent, or skills in a recognized field. Requires a recommendation from a relevant Malaysian agency. Professional: For professionals with outstanding skills. Requires a recommendation from a relevant Malaysian agency and proof of good conduct. Work experience: Some sources suggest needing at least five years of employment in Malaysia under a valid pass. Sponsor: Requires a Malaysian sponsor. 3. Spouse of a Malaysian citizen This is one of the most common pathways to PR, though recent reports indicate different waiting periods for foreign wives and husbands. Spouse of a Malaysian citizen: Must be married to a Malaysian citizen and hold a Long-Term Visit Pass. For foreign wives, the waiting period was recently reduced from five to three years; for foreign husbands, it remains five years. Children of a Malaysian citizen: Children under six can also be sponsored. Sponsor: The Malaysian spouse is the sponsor. MyPR card: Foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens can receive a MyPR card, allowing them to work without a separate permit. 4. Point system Applicants who do not fall into the above categories can apply through a point-based system. Assessment criteria: Applicants are assessed on factors such as age, qualifications, length of stay in Malaysia, familiarity with Malaysian institutions, investment value, work experience, and proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia. Qualifying score: A minimum score of 65 points is typically required to be eligible for application. Sponsor: Requires a Malaysian sponsor. 5. Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa holders While the MM2H program does not directly grant PR, long-term residents under the program may be able to apply after many years of residence and by showing strong ties to the country. This is not a direct path to PR. Application process Check eligibility: Confirm you meet the requirements for one of the categories. Gather documents: Collect necessary documents, including passport copies, marriage certificates (if applicable), proof of finances, and a letter of good conduct. Obtain sponsorship and recommendation: Secure a Malaysian sponsor and, for expert/professional categories, a recommendation letter from the relevant Malaysian agency. Submit application: The application is submitted at the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Pay fees: Pay a processing fee of RM 500. An entry permit fee of RM 1,500 is paid upon approval. Attend interview: A mandatory interview and background check with the Immigration Department are required. Await approval: The process can be lengthy, with approvals taking 2 to 5 years. Receive MyPR card: Upon approval, you will receive your MyPR card, the official proof of permanent residency. Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always best to consult the official website of the Immigration Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia).