Malaysia eVisa for Dependent Pass Holders
A Dependent Pass ties one person's stay in Malaysia to another's. This page explains the relationship between a principal pass holder and a dependent, how sponsorship and approvals fit with any entry visa, and which documents the checker lists for dependent cases.
Photo: Putrajaya bridge by Thomas Quine, CC BY 2.0, cropped
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Understanding the Dependent Pass
A dependent is generally a family member who joins someone who already holds an approved pass in Malaysia. Their stay depends on that person's status.
Principal pass holder
Holds the approved pass on which the family's stay is based. Their status and papers are the starting point.
Dependent
The family member joining them. The dependent's own approval and documents show the relationship.
The principal's sponsorship, and the immigration approval that follows, connect the two applicants.
Relationship to the principal
The connection between the two people is central, and the papers must show it clearly.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship documents come from the principal's side and support the dependent's approval.
Immigration approval
A Dependent Pass is granted through approval, separately from any visa to enter.
A separate entry visa, where applicable
Whether a visa to enter is also needed depends on the passport. The checker states when an eVisa application alone does not grant a pass.
Who May Qualify?
There is no single test. Several considerations are looked at together, and this page does not set out any family rule of its own.
The principal's status
The pass held by the person you are joining, and whether it is in good standing, shapes what is possible.
The relationship
How you are related to the principal and how that can be shown on paper.
Sponsorship approval
Whether the relevant sponsorship and approval have been granted, or are still to come.
Nationality
Your passport decides whether a separate entry visa applies in addition to the pass approval.
Entry requirements that apply
Conditions such as the country you apply from or an earlier passport can add documents.
For dependent cases, the checker sorts passports into three groups. The wording below is the checker's own.
Entry visa required, with prior approval
Entry visa required; prior approval may also be needed. An eVisa application alone does not grant a Dependent Pass.
No separate entry visa, but the pass approval is required
Separate entry visa not required; the relevant pass approval is required for long stays.
Needs further confirmation
Whether a separate entry visa applies needs further confirmation; the relevant pass approval may be required.
Dependent Documents
A dependent file rests on three pillars: approvals, papers that show the sponsor and the relationship, and identity documents. The grouping below follows the checker's catalog and rules and is reference information only.
Approvals
VDR (Visa With Reference) Letter from Immigration Department
Visa With Reference letter issued by the Immigration Department.
ESD Approval for Dependent Pass
Expatriate Services Division approval for the Dependent Pass.
Dependent Pass Approval Notification
Notification of your Dependent Pass approval.
Sponsor and relationship
Main Pass Holder's Employment Pass or Student Pass Copy
Copy of the main pass holder's Employment Pass or Student Pass.
Relationship Proof — Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate
Marriage certificate or birth certificate showing your relationship to the main pass holder.
Sponsor's Supporting Documents
Supporting documents from your sponsor.
Identity
Passport Bio Data Page
Face Photograph
Where an entry visa is part of the route, the checker adds the Visa With Reference letter to the approvals shown here.
Documents that depend on your situation (6)
The following depend on circumstances such as age, the country you apply from or entry type, and are not asked of every family.
Birth Certificate
Required · when the applicant is under 16
Old Passport Bio Data Page
Required · when an expired passport number is shown on your current passport
Singapore PR Card — Both Sides
Required · when you apply from Singapore as a permanent resident
Singapore Re-Entry Permit Copy
Required · when you apply from Singapore as a permanent resident
Emirates ID — Both Sides
Required · when you apply from the United Arab Emirates
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Optional or may be requested · when you apply from the United Arab Emirates
The Dependent Application Journey
Five steps take a family from confirming the sponsor's position to preparing for the flight.
Confirm the principal's status
Check that the person you are joining holds the pass on which your stay will be based.
Prepare relationship and sponsor papers
Gather the documents that show how you are related and who is sponsoring the stay.
Obtain the relevant approvals
Approval for the Dependent Pass is granted separately, and further approvals may be involved.
Complete an entry-visa step, if applicable
Where your passport requires one, this step builds on the approvals already granted.
Prepare to travel
Bring your documents together and plan travel around what has been confirmed.
No fixed timeline applies to every family. The time depends on how soon the sponsor's papers and approvals are in place and on the authorities' own review.
Common Document Preparation Issues
Most delays in family cases come from small inconsistencies rather than missing evidence. Careful preparation reduces them but cannot promise an outcome.
Names that do not match
A name spelled differently on a passport, a marriage certificate and a sponsor letter invites questions. Compare them before you submit.
Relationship documents that are hard to read
A marriage or birth certificate should be a clear copy of the complete document, not a cropped or dim photograph.
Sponsor details that disagree
The principal's pass details should be the same wherever they appear.
Incomplete copies
Include every page a document has, so nothing needs to be requested later.
Requests left unanswered
If more is asked for, reply with exactly what was requested, and keep a copy of what you send.
Preparing carefully does not guarantee approval. It only removes avoidable reasons for questions.
Dependent Pass eVisa FAQs
Answers to questions families ask about joining a pass holder in Malaysia.
Is a Dependent Pass the same as an entry visa?
No. A Dependent Pass is an approval that links a family member's stay to a principal pass holder, while an entry visa is permission to enter where the passport requires one. The checker states that an eVisa application alone does not grant a Dependent Pass.
What does the principal pass holder have to supply?
The checker lists Main Pass Holder's Employment Pass or Student Pass Copy and sponsor's supporting documents among the dependent documents. These come from the principal's side, so ask them to prepare them early.
How is the relationship shown?
Through Relationship Proof — Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate. The checker describes it as: Marriage certificate or birth certificate showing your relationship to the main pass holder. It should be a clear copy of the complete document.
What about children?
The checker lists birth certificate when the applicant is under 16. Family circumstances differ, so check the conditions that apply to your family instead of assuming a rule.
Which approvals does the checker list?
VDR (Visa With Reference) Letter from Immigration Department, ESD Approval for Dependent Pass and Dependent Pass Approval Notification. Visa With Reference items apply only where an entry visa is needed.
What if the authorities ask for more?
Respond with exactly what was requested, make sure names agree across every document, and keep a copy of what you send. Replying promptly helps the application continue but cannot promise an outcome.
How should we prepare for the journey?
Travel together with the documents the checker lists for your case, keep the principal's contact details handy and avoid non-refundable bookings until the approvals you need are confirmed. Entry remains subject to the applicable immigration requirements.
Prepare to Join Your Family in Malaysia
Check the documents that apply to your case, then apply when the application service opens.