Professional Visit Pass (PVP) Malaysia: Process, Rules, and Tips for Hiring Short-Term Foreign Workers

When a business in Malaysia needs foreign expertise for a short period, maybe to install machinery, run training, or consult on a project, applying for a Professional Visit Pass (PVP) becomes a practical solution.

Many employers are not familiar with how it works. In this article, we’ll break it down simply, so you can manage the process properly and avoid unnecessary headaches.

What is a Professional Visit Pass (PVP)?

A Professional Visit Pass is a type of visa issued to foreigners who come to Malaysia for a short-term professional engagement. It’s not meant for regular employment.

Instead, businesses use it to bring in external experts, trainers, consultants, and other specialists to complete specific jobs that local workers may not yet have the skills for.

Unlike the Employment Pass, the PVP is about temporary expertise transfer, practical training, technical installations, or even artistic performances.

Who Can Apply for a Professional Visit Pass?

Some of the professions and industries that commonly use the PVP include:

Engineers for machinery installation or maintenance.
IT specialists to conduct system setups or testing.
Trainers or lecturers delivering short courses or workshops.
Consultants who provide professional advice for specific projects.
Film crews and performing artists must first obtain PUSPAL approval.
Religious teachers, like Islamic teachers, Quran teachers, priests, and other religious figures.
Volunteers and international students attending exchange, mobility, or industrial training programs.

The duration of stay under the PVP is limited to a maximum of 12 months.

However, for those undergoing training placements (for example, at hotels or factories), the stay is capped at 6 months.

It’s important to note that PVP holders cannot extend their pass beyond these limits except under very rare circumstances and case-by-case approval by immigration authorities.

When Should Employers Consider Using a PVP?

There are times when you may not need a long-term employee, but rather temporary expertise for a specific task.

This is where the Professional Visit Pass (PVP) becomes very useful.

You should consider using a PVP when you need foreign experts for:

Short-term technical assignments, such as machinery installation, system setup, or specialized maintenance works.
On-site training, where a foreign trainer or specialist needs to come to Malaysia to train your local team.
Temporary projects, such as film shoots, performance events, or consulting projects, that have a clear start and end date.

How to Apply for a Professional Visit Pass in Malaysia

The process to apply for a PVP is handled before the foreign professional enters Malaysia.

As the sponsoring company, you must take responsibility for the application. Here’s the general process:

Your company must be registered on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) portal or the ePPAX system if not already registered.
Submit the PVP application online, together with the required documents, which include:

A complete copy of the applicant’s passport.
An official letter from your company explaining the reason and duration of the visit.
A copy of your company profile (if applicable).
For certain industries, such as filming, extra approvals from agencies like PUSPAL or FINAS are needed.
For religious workers or students, special approval letters from religious authorities may be required.

Once submitted, the processing time usually takes around 14–21 working days, depending on the completeness of your application and whether extra approvals are needed.
After approval, the foreign worker can then enter Malaysia, and you must visit the Immigration Department to collect the official PVP sticker for their passport.

Responsibilities of Employers for PVP

Hiring foreign professionals with a PVP comes with important responsibilities. Employer must:

Take full sponsorship responsibility for the foreigner during their stay in Malaysia.
Keep a clear record of the foreign professional’s activities, working location, and contract.
Make sure the foreign professional exits the country immediately once their pass expires. Overstaying is a serious offence that can cause penalties for both the company and the individual.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, you protect your company’s reputation and help maintain good standing with immigration authorities.

Extension and Renewal of PVP

Under normal circumstances, the Professional Visit Pass is valid for a maximum of 12 months, and for trainees, only 6 months.

Extensions are very limited and not always guaranteed. They are usually granted only in exceptional cases and must be applied for before the original PVP expires.

Most PVP holders are expected to leave Malaysia once their approved duration ends.

So, plan your project timeline carefully to avoid unnecessary extension requests.

Difference Between Professional Visit Pass and Employment Pass

Choosing the correct pass is important when bringing in foreign workers.

Many employers confuse the Professional Visit Pass (PVP) and the Employment Pass (EP) because both involve foreign workers, but they serve different purposes.

Let’s break it down simply:

Aspect	Professional Visit Pass (PVP)	Employment Pass (EP)
Purpose	Temporary assignment or training	Long-term employment
Duration	Maximum 12 months (6 months for training)	1 to 5 years, depending on category
Salary Requirement	No minimum salary required	Minimum salary applies (RM3,000 and above)
Sponsorship	Temporary sponsor (Malaysian company)	Full employer-employee relationship
Dependents	Not allowed	Allowed (for EP Category I & II holders)
Renewal	Limited, case-by-case	Possible, depending on the contract
Work Scope	Specific project or training only	Full employment duties

If your company needs a foreign expert only for a project or short-term service, the PVP is more suitable.

But if you intend to hire a foreigner to work permanently or long-term, you should use the Employment Pass.

Fees and Charges for PVP

When you apply for a PVP, there are several costs that employers need to prepare for. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Application Fee: RM800 per application.
Security Bond: Required for applicants from certain countries like China and Bangladesh. This can be in the form of a bank guarantee or insurance.
Processing Fees: If you use an external agent to help you apply, their service fees will vary based on the agent.
Other Government Fees: Additional immigration fees may apply depending on the nature of the assignment.

Budget for these costs early to avoid delays once your foreign professional’s assignment is ready to start.

Common Mistakes Employers Should Avoid

Handling a PVP might seem simple, but small mistakes can lead to big problems. Here are common issues employers must avoid:

Hiring without proper approval: Always wait for PVP approval before the worker enters Malaysia. Hiring without it is illegal.
Using PVP for permanent roles: The PVP is only for short-term engagements. If you need someone for long-term work, apply for an Employment Pass instead.
Overstaying or ignoring visa expiry: Foreign professionals must leave Malaysia once their PVP ends. Overstaying can cause blacklisting and penalties for your company.
Wrong use of PVP: Do not assign PVP holders to jobs that are different from what was declared in the application. The pass is specific to the project or purpose stated.
Poor record keeping: Always keep complete records of the foreign worker’s contract, role, arrival, and departure dates in case authorities ask for them.

FAQ

Can I convert a Professional Visit Pass (PVP) to an Employment Pass (EP)?

No, you cannot directly convert a Professional Visit Pass into an Employment Pass.

If your foreign worker needs to move from a short-term assignment (PVP) to long-term employment, you must submit a fresh EP application through the Expatriate Services Division (ESD). This means starting a new process, including getting the necessary approvals and fulfilling the EP salary and contract requirements.

How long does PVP processing take?

The processing time for a Professional Visit Pass application usually takes around 14 to 21 working days, depending on how complete the documents are and the approval flow.

To avoid delays, it’s better for employers to submit all documents correctly the first time and monitor the application status closely through the ESD portal.

Is a medical check-up required for a PVP holder?

No, foreign professionals applying for a Professional Visit Pass do not need to undergo a medical check-up, unlike Employment Pass holders.

This is because PVP holders are not considered long-term residents, and they remain officially employed by an overseas company.

Are dependents allowed under the Professional Visit Pass?

No, Professional Visit Pass holders cannot bring dependents to Malaysia.

If a foreign worker needs to bring family members, you should reconsider whether the Employment Pass route is more suitable for their situation.

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