UK Visa for Malaysian: Migrate to UK from Malaysia

Overview of Moving to the UK from Malaysia

Of all the countries in South-East Asia, Malaysia has one of the strongest immigration links with the UK.

The UK has the largest community of Malaysians in the western hemisphere at over 84,000, which even outnumbers the US and Canada. Malaysians also make up one of the largest international student populations in the UK, and the second-largest Malaysian student population in the entire world overall.

One of the reasons for these strong and lasting links is Malaysia’s membership of the Commonwealth of Nations, which affords a range of benefits to its members.

For instance, Commonwealth citizens, such as those from Malaysia, will not need a visa to visit the UK for short periods of time, as well as enjoying additional consular assistance from certain British embassies and consulates.

In addition, Commonwealth membership means that Malaysian citizens are eligible to apply for the UK Ancestry visa to help them permanently settle in the UK.

If you want to apply for an alternative visa, there are also a number of other options that will allow Malaysians to migrate to the UK, such as Family visas, Work visas and Student visas.

Tourist Visa to the UK from Malaysia

Before 8 January 2025, Malaysians did not need a Tourist visa to travel to the UK for short stays of less than six months. However, starting 8 January 2025, Malaysians must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK.

The ETA is an eVisa that allows Malaysians to visit the UK for up to 180 days per year. It’s suitable for Malaysians visiting the UK for tourism, visiting family, attending a conference/business meeting, or participating in a training program that’s less than six months long. If you want to live, work, or study in the UK for more than six months, you must apply for a student visa or an appropriate work visa.

You can apply for an ETA on the UK Visas and Immigration website, but first, you’ll have to open an account. The application costs £16. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an electronic confirmation permitting you to travel to the UK.

Most ETA applications are approved within three days. However, it’s best to apply as early as possible, as there are no guarantees of immediate approvals. The ETA is valid for 2 years starting from the arrival date stated on your application.

You cannot live in the UK with an ETA through frequent or successive visits. You cannot marry or register a civil partnership in the UK on an ETA or work as a self-employed person.

You do not qualify for an ETA if you have a criminal record or have recently been refused entry to the UK. You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead.

UK Ancestry Visa for Malaysians

The Ancestry visa is a special type of visa that is only available to citizens of certain countries, such as those in the Commonwealth.

It allows eligible visa holders to come and settle permanently in the UK on the basis of having one or more British grandparents.

To be eligible for the Ancestry visa, you must prove that one or more of your grandparents was born in any of the following locations:

• In the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
• Before 31 March 1922 in what is now Ireland
• On a ship or aircraft that was either registered in the UK or belonged to the UK government

Note that the earliest you can apply for an Ancestry visa is 3 months before you travel from Malaysia to the UK. In addition, you must:

• Be 17 or over
• Have enough money to support yourself and any dependents without accessing UK public funds
• Plan to work in the UK

This visa will allow you to stay in the UK for 5 years, after which you may apply for permanent settlement. Permanent settlement in the UK is known as indefinite leave to remain.

UK Family Visas for Malaysians

If you’re not eligible for an Ancestry visa, you may instead be eligible for a Family visa on the basis of already having family members who already have UK settled status or citizenship.

You will be eligible to apply if you are your family member’s:

• Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
• Parent
• Child
• Adult dependent relative

You may also apply as a fiance or proposed civil partner of someone with UK settled status or citizenship. In this instance, you will receive a provisional short-term Family visa, after which you can apply for a long-term one after you get married or enter into a civil partnership.

Note that the Family visa has different eligibility requirements based on which category of relative you’re applying under.

For example, if you’re applying as a spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner, you need to satisfy strict requirements regarding the authenticity of your relationship, as well as meeting minimum language and financial requirements.

All Family visas will allow you to apply for indefinite leave to remain after spending a qualifying amount of time in the UK.

UK Work Visas for Malaysians

One of the most popular visa routes and options for foreign nationals looking to move to the UK is through a work visa.

For example, the most popular work visa is the Skilled Worker visa, which is the UK’s general work visa for most forms of skilled and professional work.

The Skilled Worker visa covers a wide range of industries and professions, and operates on a points-based system where all applicants must first accrue the proper number of points in order to apply.

Other work visas include more specialist visas that target specific industries or categories of visa applicants.

For example, the Innovator Founder visa is for entrepreneurs wishing to start and run an innovative business in the UK. For this visa, you must receive endorsement from an approved body, as well as investment funds. There is no minimum amount you need to show in investment funds, but must prove your business plan you is viable. Previously the minimum amount was at least £50,000.

Also available are the International Sportsperson visa, for those who intend to work in the professional sports industry, and the Minister of Religion visa, for those who wish to work within a religious faith community.

All of these work visas will eventually allow you to apply for indefinite leave to remain, if you’re eligible.

UK Student Visas for Malaysians

The UK Student visa is by far one of the most popular visa options for Malaysians, and the UK is the second-most popular country for Malaysian students to go to when studying abroad.

This visa will allow you to come to the UK and study in any one of the UK’s further education institutions.

You will need to ensure that you have been offered a place on a course first before you apply for the visa. You must also have enough money to support yourself and pay for the course, as well as being able to speak, read and write English to a sufficient degree.

The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months prior to the start date of your course. However, Student visas are normally approved in a matter of weeks.

The Student visa will not immediately allow you to settle in the UK, as it is normally only valid for the duration of your course. However, you may apply for a Graduate visa after your course finishes.

After your Graduate visa, you may then switch to a work, family, or other type of visa to allow yourself to stay and settle in the UK.

How to Apply for a UK Visa From Malaysia?

The UK visa application process for Malaysians is similar for all UK visa types. However, the requirements differ.

• Determine the most suitable visa: The type of visa you’ll need to come to the UK from Malaysia depends on the purpose of your visit and duration of stay. You can use the UK visa checker tool to determine which visa suits you or speak with an expert UK immigration lawyer.
• Meet the visa conditions: Each visa type has unique requirements. You must meet the criteria and conditions for the visa you choose. If you’re applying for a student visa, you must obtain admission into a qualifying UK institution. If applying for a work visa, you must receive an employment offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer. 
• Gather supporting documentation: Collect all relevant documents proving your eligibility for the visa you’re applying for.
• Apply online: Complete the appropriate visa application form on UKVI’s website. If you don’t already have a UKVI account, you’ll have to open one to make the application. Fill out all required details and upload your supporting documents before submitting.
• Pay the application fees: Upon completing the online application, pay the required visa fees and any other applicable charges, and upload evidence of payment.
• Attend a visa appointment: You may need to attend an appointment at the visa application centre in Kuala Lumpur to complete the application process. You’ll submit your biometric information (photo and fingerprints) and all required documents during this appointment.
• Get a response: You’ll typically get a response on your application within 4 to 12 weeks. Still, starting your application early—up to three months before your expected travel date—is advisable to accommodate any delays. You can travel to the UK once the application is approved.

Residency in the UK as a Malaysian

Malaysians can settle permanently in the UK and become British citizens after some years of living there. The duration of stay required to qualify for permanent residency depends on the visa route. 

If you hold a family visa (spouse, civil partner, child, or parent visa), you can typically apply for settlement after five years of stay in the UK, provided you maintain eligibility throughout your stay.

Most work visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa, allow you to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years of stay in the UK. You can apply for British citizenship after one year of holding an ILR.

However, not all work visas lead to settlement. So you should consider this when choosing a visa type if you intend to settle in the UK.

Personalised Relocation Assistance for Your Move to the UK

In addition to expert immigration advice and visa application, IAS also offers personalised relocation assistance. Our international relocation team provides high-quality, bespoke relocation services for those looking to move abroad. Our relocation services include:

• Pre-departure planning
• Residence and visa applications
• Legal departure assistance
• Logistics and shipping assistance
• Home finding assistance
• Home sales and management
• School/education assistance
• Settling in services
• Orientation and integration
• Travel and trip planning
• Pet relocation services
• Corporate and business relocation

Our dedicated team of experienced relocation professionals will oversee all details of your relocation, including shipping and logistics, until you settle into your new home. Call us today at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online to learn how we can assist you with moving abroad.

Moving to the UK from Malaysia: Checklist

Here’s a list of essential tips to follow when preparing to move to the UK from Malaysia

• Check if you need a visa for the UK and choose the appropriate visa route
• Research the visa requirements and how long the process will take
• Research the area of the UK you’re moving to, the cost of living, weather, and housing prices
• Complete the visa application
• Secure accommodation in the UK
• Book your flight tickets
• Decide what you want to take and what you want to leave behind
• Sort out the necessary paperwork you’ll need in the UK
• Move to the UK

How Can IAS Help?

For Malaysians looking to migrate to another country, the UK has always been a popular choice. The presence of an already-established Malaysian community in London and south-east England will also no doubt further encourage emigration from Malaysia and help grow the community in the UK.

If you are looking to migrate to the UK and have any additional questions about applying for a visa, or anything else to do with UK immigration, law, or the logistics of migrating to another country, IAS can help.

We are specialist legal advisers working in the field of UK immigration. We have decades’ worth of experience in helping people like yourself come to the UK, and have all the tools and knowledge you need to make the transition a smooth one.

Whether you need help to apply for a visa to travel to the UK, advice on the best way to settle permanently in the UK, or specialist concierge services to assist with the moving process, we can help.

For more information about the services we offer and what we could do for you, reach out to us on +44 (0)333 414 9244, or contact us online today.