MoFA Services FAQ - Malaysia
Welcome to your new journey in one of Asia’s most diverse and vibrant countries. This FAQ aims to provide clear information on the requirements and procedures for registering with, and obtaining, an Employment Pass/Multiple Entry Visa or Professional Pass from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
It also covers duty-free imports, local taxes on goods and services, and the import or local purchase of motor vehicles. Staff members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these guidelines.
The GSSC Protocol/Operations Team will assist in processing the various requests and can be contacted at gssc.protocol@undp.org.
Arriving in Malaysia
You must register with the Malaysian Immigration Department to obtain an Employment Pass / Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) or Employment Pass (EP). The UNDP Protocol team will assist with documentation and liaise with immigration authorities.
All staff members must first enter Malaysia using a Single-Entry Visa (SEV). To obtain an SEV, you must apply for prior approval, which typically takes approximately 14 working days. Once approved, submit your visa application at the Malaysian Embassy in your home country and have the visa stamped on your National Passport or UN Laissez-Passer (UNLP) before travelling. Upon arrival in Malaysia, the Protocol Team will assist with converting the SEV to a Multiple-Entry Visa (MEV). The processing time for the MEV is approximately 21 working days, with 14 days for MOFA and 7 days for Immigration. The MEV allows multiple entries into and out of Malaysia during your assignment period.
Yes, spouses and children under 21 require Dependent Passes. Applications are submitted together with your main pass application.
No, only children under 21 qualify. Older children must apply for a student or other relevant visa.
Secondary dependents, such as parents, may apply for a Long-Term Social Visit Pass, subject to approval. Dependents over 21 years old must apply for either a Long-Term Social Visit Pass or a Multiple-Entry Visa (MEV), depending on their nationality. The pass is valid for one year, with the application fees payable by the principal pass holder.
Submit the following to the Immigration Department along with your employment contract, medical clearance, and UNDP support letter:
• UNLP Copy – Valid for at least 1 year with sufficient blank pages
• National Passport Copy – Valid for at least 1 year with sufficient blank pages (for yourself and spouse/dependents)
• Marriage/Birth Certificates – In English (for spouse/dependents, if applicable)
• Appointment/Reassignment/Offer Letter Copy
• Latest Personal Action Form (PAF) – Include contract expiry date
• Updated CV
• Tentative Flight Itinerary – In English, booked with traveler details; flexible ticket recommended
• Contact Number
• Malaysian Embassy Location – Confirm where you will apply for the Single-Entry Visa
• Passport Photos (soft copies) – White and blue background for yourself and dependents
• Passport Photos (hard copies, blue background) – Two copies, or take one in Malaysia for visa conversion
• Form IM 47 (Immigration Form) – Completed for yourself and dependents
Yes, a Foreign Domestic Helper visa (temporary employment) can be applied for through MoFA & Immigration Department with proof of employment and salary compliance. Validity usually follows the principal’s visa (typically 1 year).
Living and working in Malaysia
Renewal for an Employment Pass, Multiple-Entry Visa (MEV), or Professional Pass should be initiated at least three months before the expiry date through the Immigration Department. The UNDP GSSC Protocol Team will assist with the necessary documentation.
For Professional Pass (IPSA) holders, the renewal process requires exiting Malaysia and repeating the Single-Entry Visa (SEV) application. After re-entry, the Professional Pass will be issued with a one-year validity, calculated from the date of issuance.
Dependents are not automatically entitled to work. They must apply for their own Employment Pass or Professional Visit Pass. If they choose to work, they must shorten their current dependent pass and apply for a work permit independently.
Yes, conversion is mandatory for licenses from recognized countries. Approval must be obtained from MoFA, then apply at JPJ (Road Transport Department) with your passport and license. International driving license is valid for 1 year upon arrival.
Banking and Taxes
Provide passport, Employment Pass / Multiple entry Visa or Professional pass, and UNDP employment letter. Some banks may require a local address proof.
The MyKad is issued only to Malaysian citizens. Foreign staff may register for a MyDigital ID, which allows access to online government services. The MoFA ID card will be issued once your visa is approved and is used for purposes such as driving license conversion, duty-free vehicle purchases, and road tax renewal.
Yes, one vehicle can be purchased duty-free under diplomatic privileges after arrival and obtaining your MOFA card. This must be done within 6 months.
Leaving Malaysia
Yes, surrender your pass to the Immigration Department before departure. Also priort to departure, you need to dispose of duty-free vehicle, return MoFA ID, and shorten visas for dependents.