About Malaysia:
In the heart of Asia lies a land of many cultures, wonders and attractions. It's a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other people live together in peace and harmony. It is also a land of fascinating extremes, where towering skyscrapers look down upon primitive longhouses. Blessed with natural wonders galore, it is perfect for a memorable eco-holiday. With some of the best beaches and diving spots in the world, it is ideal for island getaways. Experience Asia in Malaysia.
 
Country & Location:The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Located between 2º and 7º north of the Equator, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsular Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are bounded by Indonesia while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei. 

* Data as on 2005  

Standard of living & Cost of living:

Malaysia has one of the highest standards of living in the region with all the modern infrastructure and facilities in place. Cost of living is one of the lowest in Asia and will remain so for a very long time. This is achieved through the Government’s efficient monitoring of the economy in ensuring that inflation is kept low at all times and thereby also the prices of goods and services.  

Weather :

The weather is pleasant, warm and balmy with moderate rain throughout the year, There are also highland residential areas and resorts with permanent spring-like weather throughout the country. Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.

Infrastructure:

The whole country is very well connected with up-to-date, modern road, rail, air, and sea transportation systems. Public transport by buses, taxis, trains and planes are comfortable, efficient and relatively low in cost.  

Political stability & Government:Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.
The ruling Government is the longest serving freely elected Government in the world. It is a Government representing all the races, religions, cultures etc. found in Malaysia. In fact, Malaysia is one of the most politically stable countries in the world.  

Rule of law The rule of law is one of the fundamentals in Malaysia’s constitution. Everyone is subjected to the law and also equal before the law. Malaysia practiced basically the British system of justice with an independent reliable and dependable judiciary.  

Safety: Statistics can proof that Malaysia is one of the safest countries in the world; its crime rate is relatively low.   

Culture and language: The Malay language (Bahasa Melayu) is the national language of the country; English is the second language but other languages can be freely used and practiced. Similarly the Malay culture is dominant in the country because the Malays are the dominant race in Malaysia and in the region. But other cultures can be practiced very freely and there is a free intermingling of different cultures.  

People & Religion:
Islam is the official religion of Malaysia but the constitution guarantees the right of people to practice other religions. Malays who make up about 57% of the population are the predominant group with Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups making up the rest.

Language:
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects.

Religion:
Islam in the official religion but all other religions are freely practiced.

EducationThe country has one of the best-developed and quality educational systems – both public and private. There are international schools of repute in all major towns with English as the medium of instruction. There are also private colleges and universities offering twinning programs with other well-known universities and major colleges from throughout the world. Therefore, it is the place for quality education from nursery right up to the highest level of university education. It is already becoming an educational centre of excellence for the region. Relatively speaking, it is also the place to get quality international class education at a very reasonable cost. 

Medical facilities:

The country has a very efficient health system where medical services are provided at nominal cost. Private doctors, clinics and also hospitals of international standards are easily obtainable at very reasonable cost. Malaysia is also becoming a centre for medical facilities in the region.

Shopping: Most of the items that tourists normally like to buy – perfumes, cosmetics, watches, fountain pens, a long list of electronic goods, branded goods etc. are completely free of tax. Quality goods from all over the world are imported and are relatively low in price and sold throughout Malaysia. 

Malaysia – M2HP My Second Home program 

Malaysia My Second Home Programme is promoted by the Government of Malaysia to allow people from all over the world who fulfill certain criteria, to stay in Malaysia as long as possible on a social visit pass with a multiple entry visa. The Social Visit Pass is initially for a period of ten (10) years (depending on the validity of the applicants’ passport) and is renewable. 

Eligibility

It is open to all citizens of countries recognized by Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or age. Applicants are allowed to bring along their spouse and children (below 18 years old who is not married).

Benefits

·         House purchase: each Participant is allowed to purchase two units of residential houses at a minimum prices above RM250,000 each, depending on the location of the property.

·         Car Purchase: Each participant is allowed to bring in his/her own personal car OR to purchase a locally-assembled car without the need to pay import duty, excise duty and sales tax.

·         Domestic Helper: Each applicant is allowed to apply for one maid subject to the prevailing guidelines of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

·         Education: Applicants are allowed to bring their children who are under 18 yrs. However they cannot bring their children who are above 18 years or married.

Financial Requirement Successful applicants required to comply with the following financial criteria upon receipt of the `conditional approval letter ' from Malaysia Immigration Department.

i) Aged Below 50 years old

• Open a fixed deposit account of RM300,000.00.

• After a period of one year, the participant can withdraw up to RM240,000.00 for approved expenses relating to house purchase, education for children in Malaysia and medical purposes.

• Must maintain a minimum balance of RM60,000.00 from second year onwards and throughout stay in Malaysia under this programme

• Can either choose to:
  - Open a fixed deposit account of RM150,000.00 ; OR
  - Show proof of monthly off-shore income of RM10,000.00 such as pension scheme.

• Only applicants who are drawing from Government Approved Funds can be considered for the   “Monthly off - Shore Income " criteria.

• After a period of one year, participant who fulfills the fixed deposit criteria can withdraw up to RM90,000.00 for approved expenses relating to house purchase, education for children in Malaysia and medical purposes.

• Participant must maintain a minimum balance of RM60,000.00 from the second year onwards and throughout stay in Malaysia under this programme.

Note:1 ) Successful applicants need to open their fixed deposits in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) only. 2) Participants need to obtain prior approval from Ministry of Tourism before proceed to withdraw the fixed deposit3) Participants under this programme may withdraw their entire fixed deposit anytime should they decide to terminate their stay in Malaysia under this programme. However, they must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Tourism.

Medical Report 

All applicants and their dependents (spouse and children) are required to submit a medical report from any private hospital / registered  clinic in Malaysia.  

Medical Insurance 

Approved participants and dependents (spouse and children) must possess a valid medical insurance policy which is applicable in Malaysia. 

Restrictions

Participants under Malaysia My Second Home Programme are not allowed to work / be employed while staying in Malaysia.In addition, they should not participate in activities that can be considered as sensitive to the local people and a threat to the security of the country.

Governmental support  This program is initiated organized and launched by the Malaysian Government. It is, therefore, a program, that the Government will continuously work to ensure its success.  

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

This summary is designed to provide basic information about the visa and work permit application process in Malaysia. Please remember that, as with any nation, Malaysia's immigration laws may change without notice. The information in this report is of a general nature and does not constitute legal advice. For current and detailed information regarding the state of Malaysia's immigration laws, as well as information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact the legal professional with whom you work at Fragomen Global.

The General Process

An Employment Pass application for Malaysia is submitted to the Malaysian Immigration Department (MID) and consists of information and documentation that the employee will provide, together with corporate documentation that will be provided by the sponsoring company in Malaysia. The application process is comprised of two (2) stages:

Stage One involves the authorization and approval of the specific position in Malaysia by the MID. During this time, the employee will remain in his/her home or current host location.

When the Malaysian office informs the employee that his or her proposed position has been approved by the Malaysian Immigration Department and that Stage One of the work permit application is complete, the next step will depend upon your nationality.

Visa Waiver:

For Visa Waiver nationals, an entry visa is not required. Upon arrival in Malaysia, the employee and your family will be granted an "on-arrival" Social visit/Business Visit Pass.

Visa National:

Nationals of certain countries are required to obtain a single-entry visa prior to entering Malaysia. The application for the single-entry visa may be made upon issuance of the Employment Pass Visa with Reference Letter by the Malaysia Immigration Department.

Upon approval of the position, the process proceeds to Stage Two dependant upon nationality.

Stage Two involves the Employment Pass application and the application for Dependent Passes for the employee's family members (where applicable). Employee and family members will need to travel to Malaysia in order to complete Stage Two.

Basic Requirements to Qualify

Please note that these are subject to change based on the Labor and Immigration authorities of Malaysia.

Employment of foreign nationals in Malaysia requires that an Employment Pass or Professional Visit Pass be obtained. The type of application will be determined by:

Position and duties to be performed in Malaysia
Length of assignment
Company's activities

Depending on the nature of the local company's activities, the applications for Employment Pass or Professional Visit Pass are usually submitted to, and processed by, the Malaysian Immigration Department (MID). However, approval authorities may vary based on the specific industry of the sponsoring company. The duration of the Employment Pass or Professional Visit Pass will vary based on the discretion of the authorities.

General Processing Times

The normal time to assemble the corporate and employee's personal documentation is approximately 2-4 weeks.

The estimated time for an Employment Pass application, from the date of application for approval of the proposed position, to conclude the immigration formalities, is at least 6-8 weeks.

Validity of the Employment Pass
The Employment Pass will be issued to match the term of the Employment Contract, for a maximum duration of up to 5 years. An extension of the Employment Pass is discretionary.

* All Applicants:
You should remember to take with you to Malaysia your original degree/diploma certificates, marriage certificate and birth certificates for your accompanying children, if applicable.