New Malaysia Investor Pass visa: a simplified path to investment

The Malaysia Investor Pass is available to three categories of foreign investors:

1. New Investors, who have no investment record in Malaysia.

2. Investors in the Pipeline, who are in negotiations with the Malaysian Government or have submitted project approval applications.

3. Existing Investors — they have already established projects in the country, but are not employed by any company.

Malaysia accepts applications from business owners, founders, company board of directors, shareholders, and managers.

The applicants must be over 18 years old, employed by a company registered in their country of origin, with no criminal record in Malaysia. The investor visa allows entry into Malaysia for business purposes only.

The application process for the Malaysia Investor Visa takes only 5 working days and is completely remote. Applications are submitted online through the Xpats Gateway system.

Malaysia has also eliminated the agent system. This means investors can deal directly with immigration officials without the need for representatives.

Documentation requirements include a copy of a passport valid for at least one year and several supporting documents, depending on the type of investor. These documents may include:

• official invitation from a ministry, government agency, or company restoration;

• certificate of incorporation of the parent company;

• latest audited financial statement of the parent company;

• confirmation document from MIDA regional offices or the Malaysian embassy.

1. Greece grants a residence permit to foreigners who invest at least €250,000 in the country’s economy. Investors can purchase residential or commercial properties, lease tourist accommodation, or enter into a timeshare agreement.

2. Portugal offers investors five options to gain residency, including supporting arts, financing research activities, purchasing investment fund units, opening a company or investing in an existing business. The investment threshold is also €250,000.

3. Malta permanent residence is available to those who rent or buy property in the country. Investors also pay government fees, make a donation, and confirm assets of at least €500,000. The required investment is at least €182,000 or €457,000, depending on the option.

4. Cyprus grants permanent residence in exchange for €300,000 investment in real estate, securities, or business. Applicants must also demonstrate a legal income of €50,000 per year.

5. Hungary issues residence permits if investors purchase fund units or donate to an institution of higher learning. The minimum investment is €250,000. Similar to the new Malaysian visa, applicants first obtain the Guest Investor Visa, which allows them to enter Hungary and complete the investment.