Other BriefingsMalaysia Investor Pass in 2026: Who Can Still Apply?
Malaysia’s Investor Pass is available to two categories of applicants in 2026: New Investors and Investors in the Pipeline. Foreign investors who already own a Malaysian company or hold a company directorship are not eligible and may need to use another immigration route.
The current eligibility framework has applied since March 13, 2026, when Malaysia removed the previous Existing Investor category.
Who can still apply for the Investor Pass?
New Investors are potential investors with no previous investment record in Malaysia.
Investors in the Pipeline are potential investors who have been identified as interested in investing in Malaysia and are either negotiating with the Malaysian government or have applied to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) for project approval.
What happens if you already own or direct a Malaysian company?
Foreign investors who already own a Malaysian company or hold a company directorship cannot apply for the Investor Pass. They may instead need to assess whether an Employment Pass (EP) or Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is appropriate. An EP may apply where the investor will be employed by the Malaysian company, while a PVP may apply to certain temporary professional activities.
What does the Investor Pass allow?
The Investor Pass allows multiple entries into Malaysia for six months, with an additional six-month extension available subject to justification and the applicable requirements.
The pass applies to Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan, but not Sabah and Sarawak.
The Investor Pass does not authorize employment in Malaysia.
What eligible investors need to apply
Once an investor qualifies as a New Investor or Investor in the Pipeline, the application must be submitted through the Xpats Gateway while the applicant is outside Malaysia. Applicants must register using a business email address rather than a public email service.
Both categories must provide a full copy of a passport with at least 12 months’ validity and the parent company’s Certificate of Incorporation. Investors in the Pipeline must also provide the parent company’s latest audited financial statements.
The Investor Pass does not specify a minimum paid-up capital requirement.
Documents not originally in English must be translated by an authorized translation agency. The official processing period is five working days once all required documents have been submitted.
An investor seeking the additional six-month period must show that the investment is progressing. Supporting evidence can include a contract, agreement, letter of intent, or project confirmation.
How Dezan Shira & Associates can help
Dezan Shira & Associates can assist foreign investors with the immigration and corporate requirements for establishing and operating a business in Malaysia. Contact our team in Malaysia to assess the appropriate immigration route for your investment.
About Us
ASEAN Briefing is one of five regional publications under the Asia Briefing brand. It is supported by Dezan Shira & Associates, a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm that assists foreign investors throughout Asia, including through offices in Jakarta, Indonesia; Singapore; Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang in Vietnam; and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Dezan Shira & Associates also maintains offices or has alliance partners assisting foreign investors in China, Hong Kong SAR, Mongolia, Dubai (UAE), Japan, South Korea, Nepal, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Italy, Germany, Bangladesh, Australia, United States, and United Kingdom and Ireland.
For a complimentary subscription to ASEAN Briefing’s content products, please click here. For support with establishing a business in ASEAN or for assistance in analyzing and entering markets, please contact the firm at asean@dezshira.com or visit our website at www.dezshira.com.
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