APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), founded in 1989, promotes economic collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region. One of its key initiatives, the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), launched on March 1, 1999, facilitates seamless cross-border business travel for eligible professionals.
This card is designed to simplify and expedite travel for businesspeople who frequently engage with APEC member economies.
Please note: At this time, we process ABTC applications exclusively for Malaysian nationals.
Benefits of the APEC Business Travel Card
- Visa-Free Travel
Enjoy exemption from visa requirements for short-term business travel to all participating APEC economies.
- Fast-Track Immigration Lanes
Access dedicated APEC lanes at major international airports for quicker processing during departures and arrivals.
- Enhanced Business Networking
Join a community of international professionals and explore new collaboration opportunities within the APEC region.
- Save Time and Money
Eliminate visa application delays and related costs, making business travel more efficient and economical.
APEC Member Countries
- Australia
- Brunei Darussalam
- Canada
- Chile
- People’s Republic of China
- Hong Kong
- China
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- The Philippines
- The Russian Federation
- Singapore
- Chinese Taipei
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Applicant (Residing in Malaysia)
- Completed APEC application form
- Copy of Malaysian passport (with minimum 3 years validity)
- Photocopy of National Identity Card
- One recent passport-sized photograph (blue background)
- Company letter confirming the applicant’s:
- a) Full name, date of birth, IC number, and passport details
- b) Job title and role within the company
- c) Justification for requesting the ABTC
- d) Detailed job description
- Supporting letter from the relevant regulatory body (if applicable)
- Letter of authorization if a representative will submit the application on the applicant’s behalf
FAQ
- Which APEC economies participate in the ABTC scheme?
A total of 19 APEC economies are full members of the ABTC program: Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Canada and the United States are currently transitional members.
- What is the difference between fully participating and transitional members?
Cardholders with preclearance from a full member economy do not need a separate visa to enter that economy.
Those travelling to transitional member economies must still present any required visas or entry documents.
Both types of economies provide access to fast-track immigration lanes at major international airports.
- What are the main benefits of the ABTC?
The card offers eligible business travelers:
- Fast-track processing through dedicated APEC lanes at airports
- Multiple short-term entries to precleared APEC economies without needing separate visas
- Do I still need a visa and passport to enter APEC economies?
For full member economies, no separate visa is required if preclearance has been granted.
For transitional members, a valid passport and any necessary visa or travel authorization must be presented.
- Can I travel only to the economies listed on the back of the card?
Visa exemption applies only to economies precleared and listed on your card. Travel to non-listed economies requires appropriate visas or entry documents.
However, all ABTC holders may use fast-track lanes at APEC airports, regardless of which economies are listed.
- What are the general eligibility requirements for the ABTC?
While each economy sets its own criteria, applicants generally must:
- Be a citizen of a participating APEC economy
- Have no criminal convictions
- Hold a valid passport from their home economy
- Be a genuine businessperson requiring frequent short-term travel within APEC for work purposes
- How long does the home economy approval process take?
For Malaysian applicants, approval typically takes 1–2 weeks.
- Can the ABTC be used for tourism or non-business travel?
The ABTC is intended solely for business travel. Some economies may allow tourism entry under certain conditions, but the card is not valid for use by:
- Students
- Spouses or children of business travellers
- Individuals seeking employment or working holidays
- Professional athletes, journalists, entertainers, artists, and similar occupations
Malaysia’s Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)
Premium Visa Programme (PVIP): Residency Through Investment
Effective October 1, 2022, Malaysia has officially launched the Premium Visa Programme (PVIP), offering affluent foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain long-term residency through investment.
This initiative enables eligible individuals and their families to reside in Malaysia for an initial period of 20 years, with the option to renew for an additional 20 years. The PVIP is designed to attract global investors, entrepreneurs, and talent by providing a secure and attractive environment for long-term living, business expansion, and family settlement.
PVIP Requirements & Process
Eligibility & Investment Requirements
- Fixed Deposit Investment:
A minimum fixed deposit of MYR 1,000,000 must be placed in a Malaysian financial institution. No withdrawals are permitted within the first year. After one year, up to 50% of the principal may be withdrawn.
- Offshore Income Verification:
Principal applicants must demonstrate a consistent monthly offshore income of at least MYR 40,000 or an annual income of MYR 480,000.
- Letter of Good Conduct:
A certified Letter of Good Conduct from the applicant’s current country of residence is required.
- Health Requirements:
All applicants and dependents must undergo a medical examination at a recognized Malaysian hospital or clinic and provide proof of valid local medical insurance.
- Program Fees:
A one-time participation fee of MYR 200,000 applies for the main applicant, and MYR 100,000 for each dependent.
Application Procedure
- Initial Consultation:
Attend a meeting (in-person or virtual) and appoint an authorized PVIP processing agent.
- Processing Fee Payment:
Settle the agent’s processing fee.
- Document Submission:
The agent will submit the complete application to the relevant authorities. Conditional approval typically takes up to 60 working days.
- Fulfillment of Conditions:
Upon approval, the applicant must:
- Place the required fixed deposit
- Complete medical check-ups and secure medical insurance
- Pay the participation fees
- Visa Issuance:
Submit the passport to receive the PVIP visa.
Required Documentation
- Passport copy (biodata page and all stamped pages)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (35mm x 50mm, white background)
- Notarized and translated Letter of Good Conduct, certified by the Malaysian diplomatic mission
- Notarized and translated marriage certificate (for spouse) and birth certificates (for children)
- Bank statements and income proof certified by the issuing bank and employer
Government Fees Overview
- Main Applicant:
- Participation Fee: MYR 200,000
- Annual Pass Fee: MYR 2,000
- Multiple-Entry Visa Fee: Country-dependent
- Security Bond: Country-dependent
- Each Dependent:
- Participation Fee: MYR 100,000
- Annual Pass Fee: MYR 2,000
- Multiple-Entry Visa Fee: Country-dependent
- Security Bond: MYR 10
Key Benefits of PVIP
- No age limit
- 20-year validity, renewable for another 20 years
- No minimum stay requirement
- Equal benefits for main applicant and dependents
- Tax exemptions on offshore and foreign-sourced income under Double Taxation Agreements (DTA)
- 100% foreign company ownership permitted without local director requirement
- Eligibility to open Malaysian bank accounts
- Permission for active investments in approved sectors
- Property purchase rights for residential, commercial, and industrial use (in compliance with state regulations)
- Inclusion of dependents (spouse, children, parents, in-laws) and one foreign domestic helper
- Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) after 5–10 years, subject to meeting business investment and contribution criteria
FAQ
- What is the Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)?
The PVIP is a long-term residency visa designed for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals seeking to live, work, or study in Malaysia for up to 20 years.
- What are the key benefits of the PVIP?
- No age restrictions
- Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 20 years
- No minimum stay requirement
- Permission to work, conduct business, and study in Malaysia
- Eligibility to purchase residential, commercial, and industrial properties
- Freedom to make active investments in approved sectors
- Option to bring dependents (spouse, children, parents, in-laws) and one foreign domestic helper
- What are the main financial requirements?
- Proof of offshore income of at least RM 40,000 per month or RM 480,000 per year
- A fixed deposit of RM 1,000,000 in a Malaysian bank (no withdrawals allowed in the first year)
- A one-time participation fee of RM 200,000 for the main applicant and RM 100,000 for each dependent
- Can PVIP holders work or study in Malaysia?
Yes. PVIP holders can work for any company without an additional employment pass and study without a student pass. There are no age limits for studying.
- Do dependents receive the same benefits?
Yes. Dependents enjoy the same rights and benefits as the principal applicant.
- What happens when a dependent turns 21?
They may remain on the visa by paying a one-time participation fee of RM 100,000 to become a principal applicant.
- Is it possible to withdraw from the fixed deposit?
After one year, 50% of the fixed deposit may be withdrawn—with approval from the Immigration Department—for real estate purchases, medical costs, or education expenses. Interest earned may be withdrawn freely.
- Can the RM 1 million be invested in property instead of a fixed deposit?
No. The full amount must be placed in a fixed deposit for the first year. Partial withdrawals are permitted after one year only for specific purposes.
- How do I apply for the PVIP?
All applications must be submitted through an authorized PVIP agent appointed by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (IDM).
- Do I need to provide a Letter of Good Conduct for dual citizenship?
No. Only a Letter of Good Conduct from your current country of residence is required.
- Will applying for PVIP affect my current citizenship?
No. The PVIP is a residency visa and does not impact your existing citizenship.
- Who qualifies as a dependent?
- Spouse
- Children under 21 (biological, stepchild, or legally adopted)
- Disabled children of any age
- Parents and in-laws
- Can I bring a foreign domestic helper?
Yes. One domestic helper from your country of origin is permitted, in compliance with Malaysian regulations.
- Can PVIP holders establish or direct a company in Malaysia?
Yes. Holders may register a 100% foreign-owned company and appoint themselves as directors without requiring a local director.
- What is the corporate tax rate in Malaysia?
The company tax rate ranges between 17% and 24%.
- Is overseas income taxable in Malaysia?
No. Malaysia has Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) with numerous countries, preventing taxation on foreign-sourced income.
West Malaysia: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Economic Tier
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is a long-term residency initiative launched in 2002, designed to welcome expatriates, retirees, and international professionals to settle in Malaysia for an extended duration.
This program offers a range of advantages, including the right to long-term residence, the opportunity for children to enroll in Malaysian educational institutions, and the ability to purchase property and make investments in the country—all subject to specific terms and regulatory approvals.
Requirements of MM2H (West Malaysia)
Required Documentation
- Passport Copy
Required for all applicants.
Please provide the biodata page along with all pages containing immigration stamps.
- Passport-Sized Photograph
Required for all applicants.
Photo must measure 35mm x 50mm with a blue background.
- Letter of Good Conduct
Required for all applicants.
Must be issued by your home country or current country of residence.
- Marriage Certificate (if applying with a spouse)
Required for the main applicant.
Must be translated (if not in English), notarized, and certified as a true copy by a Malaysian diplomatic mission.
- Birth Certificate (for biological, step-, or legally adopted children)
Required for all accompanying children.
Must be translated (if not in English), notarized, and certified as a true copy by a Malaysian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate General.
FAQ
- What is the MM2H programme?
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme is a long-term visa initiative managed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). It offers eligible foreigners and their families a renewable social visit pass to reside in Malaysia for an extended period, making it an attractive option for those seeking a second home in a culturally rich and dynamic environment.
- Does the MM2H visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?
No. The MM2H visa does not grant permanent residency (PR) or Malaysian citizenship.
- How long is the MM2H visa valid?
Visa validity varies by category:
- Platinum: 20 years
- Gold: 15 years
- Silver: 5 years
- Special Economic Zone (SEZ): 10 years
- Is a Multiple Entry Visa included?
Yes. All MM2H visa holders and their dependents receive a Multiple Entry Visa, allowing unlimited travel in and out of Malaysia during the visa’s validity.
- Are former Malaysian citizens eligible to apply?
Yes. Former Malaysian citizens holding foreign passports may apply for the MM2H programme.
- What is the MM2H Special Economic Zone (SEZ) category?
This category is designed for designated economic zones such as Forest City in Johor. It offers reduced financial requirements and property purchase thresholds.
- What are the financial requirements for the SEZ category?
- Fixed deposit: USD 32,000 (age 50+) or USD 65,000 (age 21–49)
- Participation fee: RM 1,000
- Is property purchase mandatory under MM2H?
Yes. All applicants must purchase a residential property in Malaysia within one year of visa approval. Minimum property values are tier-based.
- Can I use an existing property in Malaysia to meet the requirement?
Yes, provided the property’s value meets the minimum threshold for your visa category and was purchased within two years prior to visa endorsement.
- What types of properties are eligible?
Only residential-title properties qualify. Exceptions include residential properties with commercial titles. Land and commercial properties do not fulfil the requirement.
- Can the property be jointly owned?
Yes, but all owners must be listed in the conditional approval letter. If only one owner applies for MM2H, full ownership may need to be transferred.
- Is there a minimum stay requirement?
- Principals under 50 must stay in Malaysia for at least 90 cumulative days per year.
- Those 50 and older are exempt from this requirement.
- Can I work or start a business with an MM2H visa?
Only Platinum category holders are permitted to work or conduct business. Gold, Silver, and SEZ visa holders are not allowed to work or invest in businesses.
- What documents are required for the application?
- Passport biodata page and photos for all applicants
- Letter of good conduct for applicants aged 18+
- Marriage and birth certificates (if including dependents)
- Resume and employment letter (principal and spouse)
- Can I include dependents in my application?
Yes. You may include your spouse, children (under 34, unmarried, and unemployed), parents, and parents-in-law. Additional dependents can be added later.
- How long does the application process take?
Processing typically takes 3–4 months from submission to approval.
- Do I need to use an agent to apply?
Yes. Since 2024, all applications must be submitted through a licensed MM2H agent.
- Is medical insurance required?
Yes. All applicants under 60 must obtain local medical insurance and maintain it for visa renewal.
- Are MM2H holders taxed on foreign income?
Foreign-sourced income remitted to Malaysia is tax-exempt until 2036. Only locally sourced income is taxable.
- Can I withdraw the fixed deposit?
Up to 50% of the fixed deposit may be withdrawn for approved purposes such as property purchase, education, medical needs, or domestic tourism. The full amount can be withdrawn upon visa cancellation.