How to apply Schengen visa from Malaysia: Requirements, restrictions, and application guide

If you’re looking to travel to countries like the Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany or other popular destinations in Europe, you’ll probably want to apply for the Schengen visa, which allows for entry into 26 countries.

This guide outlines everything you need to know about the Schengen visa for Malaysians including costs, validity, requirements, and more. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

What is the Schengen visa?

The Schengen Type C visa is a visa type that allows for free entry and movement within the Schengen states without the need for additional visas, unless marked otherwise. Holders of this visa are allowed to stay for up to 90 days within six months, and the Schengen visa can be valid for one, two or multiple entries, with validity periods of up to five years.

If you’re looking to stay for longer, you’ll require a Type D visa, which is very different from the typical Schengen visa most of us know. This visa is only issued by the country in which you plan to work, and it does not allow you to work in other Schengen states. It does, however, allow you to travel freely within the Schengen states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, just like with the Type C visa.

Countries included in the Schengen visa

As of the time of writing, the Schengen visa allows for entry into and movement around the following countries:

Do Malaysians need a visa to visit the Schengen area?

Malaysians do not require a Schengen visa if they’re only looking to travel there for tourism and stay less than 90 days in a six-month period. However, new regulations are set to be implemented at the end of 2026 that will require Malaysians to apply for an electronic travel authorisation before travelling to Europe.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an online application platform for Schengen visa. Malaysian citizens travelling to Europe are required to obtain a valid ETIAS authorization, which must be presented upon request prior boarding an aircraft to Europe.

Schengen visa requirements for Malaysians

As mentioned, only Malaysians looking to work permanently in the Schengen area require visas. If you are looking to visit a Schengen state for tourism or short business trips (under 90 days), feel free to simply board a plane! After 2026, you’ll need to apply for ETIAS before you start your travels.

However, if you do require a Type D visa, otherwise known as a National Visa, the Schengen visa requirements do vary from country to country. Generally, some of the requirements include proof of employment or an admission letter from a school, proof of insurance, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means and more.

Is there a Schengen work visa?

There is no Schengen work visa that will allow the visa holder to legally work in all Schengen states, unfortunately. The Schengen Type D Visa is valid only in the country that it was applied for, so if you apply to work in Spain, you cannot cross the border and work in Portugal on that same visa.

You can, however, cross the border to Portugal (or any other Schengen state) to enjoy short holidays with that Type D visa. It is still subject to the same requirement that you stay for no longer than 90 days in a 180-day period¹.

How to apply Schengen visa from Malaysia

In this section, we will cover how to apply for both an ETIAS and a Type D visa.

Applying for ETIAS will be simple, once the requirement kicks in at the end of 2026. All you will have to do is head over to the ETIAS website, and enter basic information such as your personal details, passport information, travel plans and complete some security questions before paying the 7 EUR processing fee². This fee is waived if you are below 18 or above 70 years of age.

Before applying for ETIAS, ensure that your passport’s validity date lasts until at least three months after your intended return date, and that it is a machine-readable passport. Approval usually happens within minutes, but it can take up to a month if additional checks are needed.

Since the ETIAS approval is electronic and linked to your passport, there is no need to print out any documents. The ETIAS is valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

As for a Schengen Type D visa, the application is a little more difficult. The requirements vary from country to country, but most countries require the applicant to be present at an embassy in Malaysia, along with the original and copies of documents such as application forms, work permits, employment contracts, academic qualifications, bank account statements and more.

The best way to be prepared for these requirements is to check the respective country’s website for a more comprehensive list.

Schengen visa application fees

The ETIAS application fee is 7 EUR (approximately 34.52 MYR), although this is waived for people below 18 or above 70 years of age.

As for Schengen Type D visas, the visa application fees can range from around 80 EUR (approximately 394.47 MYR) to as much as 667 MYR³. Although most people won’t require the regular Schengen Type C short-visit visa, application fees for that visa are usually around 90 EUR (approximately 443.78 MYR).

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the Schengen visa application form?

The Schengen visa needs to be applied for from the embassy of the country that is intended to be the main destination of your trip, or the country that you will be spending the most time in. The German embassy has, for example, partnered with VFS Global for Schengen visa applications, while others like the Spanish consulate require applicants to apply for the Schengen visa in person⁴. In order to find the right form, determine which country you’ll be spending the most time in, then visit that country’s Malaysian embassy website to obtain the application form.

What are the Schengen visa photo requirements and size?

Each Schengen visa application must have a 35mm x 45mm photo included, with the subject placed against a light-coloured background such as white or light gray. The applicant’s face must be clearly visible and take up 70-80% of the photo with eyes open and mouth closed. There must be no hair covering the applicant’s eyes, and no hats or headcoverings are allowed except for religious reasons⁵.

How long does a Schengen visa application in Malaysia take?

The Schengen visa application typically takes around 15 calendar days in Malaysia, although this can be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days if interviews and additional checks are necessary.

Can I extend my stay in the Schengen area past 90 days?

Most countries do not allow for the extension of a visa-exempt stay unless force majeure, medical situations or humanitarian reasons can be proven. However, some bilateral agreements allow for Malaysians to stay for an additional time past 90 days. Most notably, Poland, Norway, Denmark and the Czech Republic all allow for Malaysians to stay for an additional three months visa-free.

1. Frequently asked questions - European Union External Action
2. ETIAS
3. Visa fees - Polish Consulate in Malaysia
4. Schengen visa application - Spanish Consulate in Malaysia
5. Visa photo samples - French Ministry for Europe and Other Affairs