Does Malaysia require a visa?
Does Malaysia require a visa?
Blog Article
If you’ve decided to travel to Malaysia, whether for a short vacation, for study, work, or even long-term living, one of the first questions that’s probably on your mind is: “Does Malaysia require a visa?” The truth is that the answer to this question depends on the purpose and duration of your trip. For short-term trips, fortunately, Iranians can enter Malaysia without a visa for up to 14 days. But if you’re planning to stay in Malaysia for longer or if your trip isn’t just for fun, the story gets a little more serious. In this article, we’re going to tell you in detail what types of visas are available for Iranians, what each one is for, what documents are required, how to apply, and even how you can change your visa type if your circumstances change in the middle of the journey. From simple tourist visas to long-term residency programs like “Malaysia My Second Home” and even new freelance visas—we’ve covered it all here in detail.
Do you really need a copyright enter Malaysia?
Many people who are planning to travel to Malaysia ask whether Iranian citizens need a copyright enter the country. The answer to this question depends on the duration and purpose of the trip.
According to the agreement between Iran and Malaysia, Iranian citizens can enter Malaysia for short-term stays of up to 14 days without a visa. This type of entry is usually used for tourism purposes, visiting relatives or short-term personal trips. Visa-free entry is only permitted if the following conditions are met:
- copyright valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Malaysia;
- Providing a return or onward ticket;
- Proof of accommodation in Malaysia (such as a hotel voucher or valid invitation);
- Ability to provide necessary documents if requested by the immigration officer at the airport.
Legal restrictions on visa-free stay in Malaysia
The maximum duration of stay without a visa is exactly 14 calendar days. Staying longer than this without obtaining legal permission is considered an immigration violation and may result in fines, detention, deportation, or a re-entry ban.
If the purpose of the trip to Malaysia exceeds 14 days, including study, work, business activities, long-term residence, or living, the applicant must obtain a visa appropriate to the purpose of stay through the embassy or official systems before entering the country.

Does Malaysia require a visa? Introducing long-term residence visas for Iranians
If your trip to Malaysia is longer than 14 days or your purpose is more than just short-term tourism, the answer to the question “Does Malaysia require a visa?” is definitely yes. In this situation, you should apply for one of the official Malaysian visa types before traveling. In this section, you will learn about the main types of visas that allow Iranian citizens to stay in Malaysia for medium or long periods.
1. Tourist Visa
For those who wish to stay in Malaysia for more than two weeks but do not intend to work, study or engage in official activities, a tourist visa is the most suitable option. This visa is usually valid for 30 to 90 days and is mostly issued for recreational purposes or visiting relatives.
2. Social Visa (Social copyright)
If the purpose of your trip is to visit family, attend cultural events, or attend non-business events, a social visa is a good choice. This type of visa often requires a valid invitation from a Malaysian resident.
3. Student Visa
Those who intend to study at universities, colleges or educational institutions in Malaysia must apply for a student visa before entering. This visa is issued directly by the educational institution and is usually valid until the end of the course of study.
4. Employment Pass
Another answer to the question, “Do you need a copyright work in Malaysia?” is a definite yes. People who have received a formal job offer from a Malaysian employer must obtain a copyright. This visa is issued in several different categories and has specific requirements for salary and job specialization.
5. Long-term residence visa (Malaysia My Second Home – MM2H)
The Malaysia My Second Home program is for applicants who are looking to live in the country long-term, without the need for employment or education. The program requires proof of financial means and compliance with certain criteria, such as opening a bank account and health insurance.
6. Freelancer Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
In recent years, Malaysia has become an attractive destination for freelancers and digital entrepreneurs. The Malaysian government has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa, which allows remote workers and independents to obtain official residency, subject to proof of a stable monthly income and professional activity.
Documents required for various types of visas to enter Malaysia
If your stay in Malaysia is longer than 14 days, or the purpose of your trip is more than a short-term visit, the answer to the question “Does Malaysia require a visa?” is undoubtedly yes. In such a situation, preparing the necessary documents for a copyright is the first and most important step on the path to legal entry to this country. We will review the general documents required for most types of visas, then look at the specific documents for each type of visa.
1. General documents for obtaining a Malaysian visa
These documents are required for almost all visa applications, from study to work or residency:
- Valid copyright with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into Malaysia;
- Completed copyright form in English;
- A recent personal photo with a white background and standard size;
- Clear copy of copyright pages;
- Return ticket or proof of intention to leave the country;
- Proof of financial means such as bank statements or certificates;
- Accommodation reservation or valid invitation (if applicable);
- Receipt for payment of the copyright fee.
2. Specific documents based on visa type
- a) Student Visa
: Letter of acceptance from an approved university or educational institution;
Approval from the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia (in certain cases);
Medical insurance for the period of stay;
Single Entry Visa (SEV) issuance fee. - b) copyright:
Official contract with a registered employer in Malaysia;
Employment permit from the Immigration Department;
Translated and certified educational and work records; Letter
of introduction from the company. - c) MM2H visa (long-term residency program)
Proof of financial means and stable monthly income;
International health and insurance certificate;
Family identification documents;
Bank documents and investment documents (if required). - d) Freelancer Visa (Digital Nomad)
Proof of monthly income from digital activities (usually at least 2000 USD);
Work contracts or payment invoices;
Professional resume or valid online profile;
Self-declaration letter regarding the type of professional activity.
Step-by-step steps to apply for and receive a visa
If after reviewing the requirements you have decided that you need a copyright enter Malaysia, this section will guide you through the detailed copyright process. Regardless of the type of visa (student, work, tourist or residence), knowing the right path can prevent wasting time and getting your application rejected.
Step 1: Determine the type of visa
First of all, you need to know what type of visa Malaysia has for your purpose. The type of visa is determined based on the purpose of the trip (study, work, visit, long-term living) and has its own specific conditions.
Step Two: Collect the necessary documents
Once you have determined the type of visa, prepare a list of required documents. (For details, see the previous chapter.) Note that some documents require official translations and certification from the competent authorities.
Step 3: Complete the copyright form
Official forms can be obtained from the Malaysian Embassy website or in some cases through electronic systems such as https://visa.motac.gov.my. The form must be completed in English, accurately and without errors.
Step 4: Pay the visa fee
Payment for the copyright processing fee must be made through the specified methods (in person or online). The amount paid varies depending on the type of visa and country of origin.
Step 5: Submit or deliver documents
Depending on the type of visa and the country you are in, the documents must either be submitted in person to the Malaysian Embassy or uploaded through online systems. If an interview is required, the date and time will be announced by the embassy.
Step 6: Receive visa response
The application usually takes between 5 and 15 business days to process, but this time may vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications. If approved, the visa will be issued in the form of a sticker or electronic (copyright).
Step 7: Review the issued visa
After receiving your visa, be sure to check the information on it: name, copyright number, validity date, visa type and special conditions. If there are any errors, you should contact the embassy or immigration office immediately.
At the end of this journey, you will have found a practical answer to the question, "Does Malaysia require a visa?" and, by going through the legal process, you are ready for a safe and worry-free trip to this country.
Entering Malaysia: Key tips for successfully crossing the border
After obtaining a visa or a 14-day visa-free entry, the next step is to face immigration officers at the Malaysian airport. Many travelers are worried about this step, even if they have a valid visa. In this section, we will mention some tips that will help you enter Malaysia fully prepared and go through this step with peace of mind.
How to deal with immigration officers at the Malaysian airport
- Be calm, polite, and responsive.
- Provide answers in plain, clear English.
- Avoid providing unnecessary or contradictory information.
- Provide documents quickly and confidently when requested.
- Check the entry stamp; Be sure to check the entry stamp in your copyright after passing through the immigration gate. This stamp indicates the exact date of entry and the length of your permitted stay in Malaysia. Any errors should be reported to the officers immediately.

Extending or changing visa type within Malaysia
One of the common concerns of applicants for travel and residence in Malaysia is whether it is possible to extend the visa or convert it to another type if the circumstances change after entering the country. The short answer is:
In some cases, yes. But the conditions for these changes vary depending on the type of visa, length of stay, purpose of entry and the final decision of the Malaysian Immigration Department. If you are still wondering, “Does Malaysia require a visa even for extension or change?”, the answer is: Yes, any extension or change requires official permission and follows specific procedures.
1. Extension of tourist or social visa
In most cases, a tourist visa or a 14-day visa-free entry cannot be extended.
In special circumstances (e.g. medical problems or humanitarian reasons), an extension can be requested by contacting the Immigration Office; however, this is rare and requires strong documentation.
The renewal fee, if accepted, is usually calculated on a daily basis.
2. Converting a tourist copyright a study or copyright
It is possible to change the type of visa from within the country, but with the coordination of the relevant institutions.
For example, if an applicant receives an academic admission while on a tourist visa, the educational institution can pursue a visa conversion request on behalf of the student.
There is a similar process for converting to a copyright, if a formal job offer is received.
3. Exit and re-entry (Visa Run)
In some cases, applicants who are unable to change their visa type from within Malaysia are forced to leave the country and re-enter with a new visa. This is informally known as a Visa Run. However, repeated use of this method may cause irritation to immigration officers.
Important points
Any action to extend or change the type of visa must be taken before the current visa expires.
Illegal stay, even for a day, carries serious consequences, including fines, detention, or entry bans.
It is recommended that all applications be made through official consultants or with the guidance of registered educational and employment institutions.