Malaysia Visa: Requirements and How to Apply

Looking for a destination that blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences? Malaysia is a place where ancient traditions meet modern life, where every region offers something unique to discover.

But before you pack your bags, there’s one important step: securing the right visa for your trip. This guide will walk you through the essentials of the Malaysian visa process, making it easier to plan your journey with confidence.

Do Indonesians Need a Visa to Visit Malaysia?

If you're an Indonesian passport holder planning a trip to Malaysia, here's some good news - no visa is required. Thanks to a visa-free agreement between the two countries, Indonesians can enter Malaysia without a visa and stay for up to 30 days.

This makes travel between Indonesia and Malaysia easier, faster, and more convenient. To help with your travel planning, we’ve also included a list of other Asian countries that offer visa-free entry for Indonesian citizens.

Documents You Should Prepare Before Traveling to Malaysia

Whether you need a visa or not, it’s important to have the right documents in order before your trip to Malaysia. Here’s a checklist of items you may need to prepare:

Types of Malaysia Visa

Here is a table summarizing the main types of Malaysian visas and their purposes:

Validity and Duration of Stay for Malaysia Visa

Tourist Visa

There are two types of tourist visas for Malaysia: the e-Visa and the Sticker Visa.

e-Visa: can be applied for online and is valid for 3 months from the date it’s issued. It allows a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days.

Sticker Visa: Issued by the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate, and it usually has the same validity and stay period 3 months validity with a 30-day stay.

Transit Visa

A transit visa is for travelers passing through Malaysia on their way to another country. It allows a short stay of up to 120 hours (5 days). This is useful if you have a layover and need to leave the airport while waiting for your next flight.

Business Visa

The Standard Business Visa is for business-related trips such as meetings or inspections. It can be single or multiple-entry, and the stay depends on your travel schedule. The Senior Business Visa (or Professional Visa) is for experienced professionals like managers or consultants. It allows longer stays and is meant for ongoing business activities.

Work Visa

A work visa is issued to foreigners employed by companies in Malaysia. The visa’s validity and length of stay are based on the job contract. The employer handles the application process with the Immigration Department.

Student Visa

Student visas are for international students studying in Malaysia. The visa is usually valid for the full length of the study program—for example, about 3 years for a bachelor’s degree. Students must show their admission letter, education documents, and financial proof.

Dependent Visa

This visa is for family members of Malaysian citizens or residents, such as spouses, children, or parents. The length of stay depends on the relationship and other factors like financial support. Spouses typically get longer stays to allow them to live together in Malaysia.

Requirements for Applying for a Malaysia Visa

How to apply for a Malaysian visa

(Source: malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my)

1. Identify the Visa Type

Choose the appropriate visa based on your travel purpose such as a tourist visa, business visa, work visa, student visa, or dependent visa.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Here’s what you typically need for each visa type:

📍Tourist Visa: Valid passport, recent passport-sized photo, completed application form, round-trip flight ticket, hotel booking, and travel itinerary.

📍Business Visa: In addition to the basic documents, you must include an invitation letter from the Malaysian company, a letter from your employer in your home country, and business registration or qualification documents.

📍Work Visa: The hiring company in Malaysia must submit an employment contract and company credentials to the Immigration Department. The applicant must provide a valid passport, academic certificates, and proof of work experience.

📍Student Visa: Admission letter from a Malaysian institution, academic transcripts or certificates, and financial proof to show you can cover tuition and living costs. Some documents may need to be notarized.

🔍Dependent Visa: Notarized proof of relationship (like a marriage or birth certificate) and a sponsor letter from the Malaysian relative, including ID and financial support documents.

3. Submit Your Application

You can apply using one of the following methods:

📍Online Application: For eligible visa types (such as the tourist e-visa), you can apply via the official site https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main. Fill in your details, upload the required documents, and make the payment online.
📍In-Person at Embassy/Consulate: Submit your documents to the Malaysian Embassy or Consulate in your country. Bring the completed visa application form, passport, supporting documents, and pay the visa fee during office hours.

4. Wait for Approval

Processing time depends on the visa type and the volume of applications. Tourist visas are usually processed faster, while work and student visas may take more time. You can track your application status online or contact the embassy.

5. Receive Your Visa

Once approved, there are two ways to receive your visa:

📍Pick-Up at Embassy/Consulate: Bring your ID and application receipt to collect your visa.
📍Mail Delivery: If available, you can choose express delivery when applying. Once approved, your passport and visa will be mailed to you.

How much does a Malaysian visa cost?

Tourist Visa Options for Chinese Nationals

Work Visa Options

Student Visa Options

Dependent & Long-Term Social Visit Visas

How long does it take to apply for a Malaysian visa?

Tourist Visas

🔹e-Visa: Processing usually takes 5 to 10 working days once your application is submitted online.
🔹Sticker Visa: If you're applying through the Malaysian embassy or consulate, expect it to take about 7 to 10 working days.

Student Visas

Student visa applications take longer, with a typical processing time of around 4 to 6 weeks from the date of submission to approval.

Work Visas

Work visas generally require 15 to 30 working days to process, as the application involves employer documentation and approval from various government departments.