Dependent Pass, Malaysia
For the spouse and children who come with an Employment Pass holder. Which category of pass you hold decides whether you can sponsor them at all.
The short answer
A Dependent Pass allows the legally married spouse and children under 18 of an Employment Pass holder to reside in Malaysia. It is tied to the principal’s pass: it takes the same validity and ends when the principal’s pass ends. A Dependent Pass does not by itself permit work. Family members it cannot cover (parents, and children over 18) are handled by a Long Term Social Visit Pass instead.
Who can be sponsored on a Dependent Pass?
- A legally married spouse, evidenced by a marriage certificate.
- Biological or legally adopted children under 18.
Eligibility to sponsor depends on the principal’s Employment Pass category. EP3 holders cannot sponsor dependants at all, which is often the deciding factor in which category to apply for.
Can a Dependent Pass holder work?
Not on the Dependent Pass alone. A dependant who wants to work needs a separate authorisation: either their own Employment Pass, or a work endorsement where one is available. Working without it puts both the dependant’s pass and the principal’s standing at risk.
What documents are needed?
- The principal’s approved Employment Pass.
- Marriage certificate, translated and attested where not in English or Malay.
- Birth certificates for each child, translated and attested where required.
- Passports for each dependant with sufficient validity.
- Passport-standard photographs meeting the specification.
Sources
- Immigration Department of Malaysia Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia
- Expatriate Services Division portal Immigration Department of Malaysia
Tell us what you need
Describe your situation and we’ll tell you which pass fits it, what it costs and how long it takes.
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