MSC Malaysia's Bill of Guarantees commits to unrestricted employment of knowledge workers. Accompanying this is a clear framework for bringing family members to Malaysia. Spouses and children of Employment Pass holders are eligible for Dependant Passes; parents may apply for Long-Term Social Visit Passes. The application is handled by your employer's HR team through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department.
Dependant Pass vs Long-Term Social Visit Pass
Dependant Pass (DP)
- For spouse and unmarried children under 18
- Tied to the principal EP holder's employment
- Valid for the same duration as the EP
- Renewable alongside the EP
- Spouse may apply for a separate work permit to work in Malaysia
- Children may enrol in Malaysian schools
- Holder must depart Malaysia if EP is cancelled
Long-Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP)
- For parents and parents-in-law of EP holders
- Also available for unmarried children aged 18–21 in full-time education
- Typically issued for 12 months, renewable
- Does not permit employment
- Holder must not engage in any form of work
- Requires proof of financial support from the EP principal
- Less straightforward to obtain than a DP — approval is discretionary
How to Apply
- Principal EP must be approved first The Dependant Pass application can only be submitted after the principal holder's Employment Pass has been approved. It cannot be processed in parallel with a new EP application.
- Prepare documents for each dependant Required documents typically include: valid passport (minimum 18 months validity), marriage certificate (for spouse — translated and notarised if not in English or BM), birth certificates (for children), recent passport-sized photographs, and proof of relationship.
- Employer submits through ESD The employer's authorised HR representative submits the DP application via the ESD online portal (esd.imi.gov.my). Fees are paid online at the time of submission.
- Approval and endorsement Once approved (typically 1–4 weeks), the dependant travels to Malaysia on their national passport. The DP sticker is then endorsed into the passport at an Immigration Department office or at the port of entry on first arrival, depending on the approval type.
- Register with your embassy Once your family is in Malaysia, register them with your home country's embassy in Kuala Lumpur. This ensures consular assistance in emergencies and keeps your national records updated.
Can Your Spouse Work in Malaysia?
Spouse Employment Pass
A Dependant Pass does not automatically permit the holder to work. However, a spouse on a Dependant Pass may apply for a separate Employment Pass if they secure a job offer from a Malaysian employer. The application process is the same as for any other EP applicant — the employer must apply through ESD. The spouse EP is independent of the principal EP.
Freelance & Self-Employment
Dependant Pass holders may not engage in freelance work, self-employment or operate a business in Malaysia without a separate work authorisation. Working without proper authorisation is a serious immigration offence with significant consequences including deportation and blacklisting. Obtain proper authorisation before commencing any work activity.
Professional Visit Pass
For short-term project-based or consulting work, a Professional Visit Pass (PVP) may be more appropriate than a full EP for spouses. The PVP allows up to 12 months of work activity in Malaysia for a specific employer or project. It does not permit open employment but is faster to process than a full EP.
Things to Know
Processing Times
Standard DP processing through ESD typically takes 1–3 weeks for MSC Malaysia EP holders. Delays can occur during peak periods or if documents are incomplete. Submit as early as possible — family members can travel to Malaysia on a tourist visa (for eligible nationalities) while the DP is being processed, but cannot begin schooling or access some services without the pass.
Children Over 18
Children aged 18 and above are not eligible for a Dependant Pass regardless of whether they are studying. They must apply for a Student Pass if enrolled in a Malaysian educational institution, or a Long-Term Social Visit Pass if accompanying the family without studying. This is a common oversight — plan for this transition before your child turns 18.
Pass Renewal
Dependant Passes must be renewed whenever the principal EP is renewed. The renewal process is the same as the initial application. If your EP is renewed for 2 years, the accompanying DPs are also renewed for 2 years. Allow 4–6 weeks before expiry to initiate renewal — do not allow DPs to expire as overstaying is an immigration offence.