The Top 8 Immigration Lawyers in Malaysia
Moving to a different country can be challenging because of the many regulations, since immigration law can be hard to understand, right? So, hiring an immigration lawyer is essential because they can provide legal advice when moving to and from Malaysia.
So, we’ve listed the immigration lawyers in Malaysia to guide expats, foreign workers, international students, and anyone needing legal assistance. Whether you need assistance in documents, permits, or simply navigating Malaysia’s legal system, these pros can help you!
1. AlKherdaji International Legal Consultants LTD
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Level of experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Work ethics | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Professionalism | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Compassion | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Fees (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
AlKherdaji International Legal Consultants LTD (AILC) is a boutique international legal consultancy firm based in Labuan, Malaysia. Specializing in technology and investment-related legal matters, AILC offers a broad range of services, including corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, and foreign direct investment protection.
Among its key services, AILC provides immigration legal services for high-net-worth individuals and corporate entities seeking business migration, residency, and citizenship through investment. Led by Dr. Sadir Al Kherdaji, the firm leverages extensive expertise in international law, arbitration, and cross-border investments.
AILC is led by Dr. Sadir Al Kherdaji, who has over 26 years of experience in legal consultancy, arbitration, and business migration. His background in handling high-profile clients, multinational corporations, and foreign investors ensures in-depth knowledge of immigration law.
The firm provides end-to-end immigration services, from initial legal consultations and residency planning to corporate immigration and citizenship by investment. This comprehensive approach minimizes the complexities associated with cross-border relocation.
Dr. Kherdaji holds legal qualifications from multiple jurisdictions and is a certified arbitrator at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and a national member of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). These credentials reinforce the firm’s global credibility and trustworthiness.
AILC’s strong focus on business migration services makes it a prime choice for entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations looking to establish legal status in a new country. Their advisory services are tailored to minimize legal risks associated with foreign investments.
The firm ensures that all immigration applications, investment structuring, and compliance measures align with international legal standards, reducing the risk of regulatory issues.
Both Dr. Sadir Al Kherdaji and his associate Ahmad Ousama Al Kherdaji are fluent in Arabic and English, making communication smoother for clients from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Pros
- Extensive Legal Expertise
- Comprehensive Immigration Solutions
- Strong International Credentials
- Expertise in Business Migration
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation
- Multilingual Capabilities
Cons
- Busy During Peak Seasons
2. Shearn Delamore & Co.
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Level of experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Work ethics | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⮕Professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⮕Compassion | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Fees (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Shearn Delamore & Co. got our attention because of its extensive practice areas, including immigration law, of course. We also find it impressive that it has been helping Malaysians for over 100 years, since 1905!
Not to mention that it has employed over 100 lawyers. For us, this is extremely useful because it means the law firm can help many citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals regarding any legal case.
Additionally, Shearn Delamore & Co. is an award-winning law firm in Malaysia. It has even won the title “Malaysia Law Firm of the Year” multiple times!
We appreciate that the team of lawyers handles many aspects of immigration law but focuses more on applications to Malaysia. We find this benefits many foreign workers employed in the country since it sometimes can be challenging.
Not only that, but they also assist the families of foreign workers who are coming into the country. Plus, they also handle the repatriation process for employees leaving Malaysia, which we find helps professionals looking to work in another country.
Moreover, we like that you can hire the firm’s immigration lawyers to assist in handling any work-related documents. This includes legislation, notarisation, translation, and even acquiring police clearance and birth certificate, making your life easier!
Frankly, the full assistance they provide is commendable. For us, this helps expats and foreign spouses immensely during stressful times because documents are a massive headache!
But we were disappointed that Shearn Delamore & Co. only has one office in Malaysia. Having a single office was quite shocking, especially for a big law firm offering full services and having a ton of lawyers.
We were also quite surprised to hear about some complaints regarding call unresponsiveness. For a big firm, we didn’t expect this to happen.
Pros
- Over 100 years of experience
- An award-winning law firm
- Has many practice areas
- Provides full in-bound assistance
Cons
- Only has one office in Malaysia
- Instances of unresponsiveness on calls
3. Rozlan Khuen
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Level of experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Work ethics | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⮕Professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⮕Compassion | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Fees (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
One of the impressive aspects of Rozlan Khuen is it has been admitted to practice in Sabah and Sarawak. Not many law firms in Kuala Lumpur are qualified to do this, so we find this commendable.
It is the firm’s reach and accessibility that impressed us as well. Aside from being legally allowed to practise in West and East Malaysia, Rozlan Khuen has several international affiliations.
Furthermore, the firm’s team of lawyers has multiple experiences handling cross-border transnational and international cases. Regardless of where you come from, they can help you when moving to Malaysia for work!
For us, this speaks about their knowledge of local and international law, which can definitely help expats, foreign workers, and their families.
Not only that, but you can count on their lawyers to help regarding employment contracts and offshore work for companies hiring in other countries. That’s a convenient aspect, in our opinion.
In addition, we like that Rozlan Khuen provides legal counselling to corporate and commercial companies. However, we did notice that they offer limited immigration law services for individuals.
Another thing we want to point out is the lack of an available email address for expats and foreign workers who have yet to receive a mobile number in Malaysia. On the bright side, they have two offices, one in Kuala Lumpur and one in Kuching.
The office also closes later than other law firms in the country. It’s available until 7:00 pm, giving you more time to visit them.
Pros
- Has two offices in Malaysia
- Allowed to practise in West and East Malaysia
- Vast experience in cross-border and international cases
- Closes later in the day
Cons
- Limited contact information
- Limited immigration law services
4. Chooi & Company + Cheang & Ariff
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Level of experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Work ethics | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⮕Professionalism | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⮕Compassion | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Fees (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
What we like about Chooi & Company + Cheang & Ariff is it offers full services to locals and foreign clients. That’s a useful aspect for expats in Malaysia, especially those looking to bring their families into the country.
The firm is a result of the merger by Chooi & Company and Cheang & Ariff in 2018. Because of this, it now has around 80 lawyers that can help many people looking to work or move into the country – pretty neat!
Moreover, it’s an award-winning law firm in Malaysia, including The Asia Pacific Legal 500. That’s a big deal if you ask us!
Another positive aspect we found is that it has international networks. Honestly, this impressed us because it means any client can get legal assistance through lawyers in other countries.
Additionally, they can reach over 200 countries! Considering the challenging ins and outs of immigration law, this is highly essential for foreign workers and their families.
Let’s not forget that they can also help foreign students, which we appreciate. The full service they provide is really helpful, in our opinion.
Other than those aspects, Chooi & Company + Cheang & Ariff lawyers have access to immigration centres in Malaysia. With this, they can help anyone undergoing immigration offence cases.
We also want to note that they have two offices in the country. But we were surprised that they don’t have one outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Currently, their offices are just about two minutes away from each other. The disadvantage of this is that not all clients live in Kuala Lumpur, limiting their availability.
It’s worth highlighting that they can also help clients married to foreign nationals or expats going through a divorce in Malaysia. They work on family and matrimonial disputes, which is essential for those undergoing legal family issues.
A minor downside is the lack of payment method details, especially for a big and popular law firm in Malaysia. We feel that including this will provide transparency, especially for foreign spouses who can’t quite contact them from overseas.
Pros
- Offers full services
- Has international connections
- Award-winning company
- Has access to immigration centres in the country
Cons
- No office outside Kuala Lumpur
- Lack of payment details
5. Goik Ramesh & Loo
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⮕Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Level of experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Work ethics | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Professionalism | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Compassion | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Fees (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
One of the things we like about Goik Ramesh & Loo is it provides full services to Malaysian citizens, permanent residents, and expats. It’s a boutique law firm, and despite being a small company, it still offers many services.
We also like that it has a lot of practice areas. That’s impressive because it shows the firm’s expertise even though it’s a small law firm.
Another impressive aspect for us is that it has worked with many high-profile clients. This includes Acmar Group, CIMB Bank Berhad, and Maybank – nice, huh?
For us, the fact that many big and popular companies hire boutique Malaysian law firms speaks about the quality of service. Plus, it also shows the lawyers’ quality of assistance.
Additionally, you can hire the lawyers at Goik Ramesh & Loo for employment-related immigration assistance. We like that foreign workers can hire them for help regarding employer-employee disputes, which we know can be difficult.
Furthermore, we’re glad that they also handle overstaying cases. Now, those are serious charges and can be really scary and stressful; that’s why hiring an immigration lawyer in Malaysia is important for situations like this.
Not to worry if you have other concerns, which is usual for foreign workers and their spouses. Why? Because they offer full immigration law services!
Sadly, they only have one office location in Kuala Lumpur. So, if you’re going to live far from the city, it can be difficult to hire them.
Also, there’s no mention of billing payments. We believe they should include this in the future because it can be useful for foreign nationals who need to budget their money.
On the bright side, the lawyers are highly professional. Even past clients mentioned their positive experiences and good working relationship with their respective lawyers.
Pros
- Offers full immigration law services
- Has worked with high-profile clients
- Offers many services
- Works with local and international clients
Cons
- No mention of billing payments
- Office is only in Kuala Lumpur
Professional service
“For anyone looking for a team of professional lawyers who are top-quality, extremely dedicated & highly experienced, look no further than the down-to-earth crew at Ramesh & Loo.” – Durgeswari Sri Ramakrishna, Google Reviews
Polite lawyers
“Good service. Lawyers were polite and helped with my court case very well. Very impressed with the professional service.” – Ash Lynx, Google Reviews
6. Loke, King, Goh & Partners
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⮕Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Level of experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Work ethics | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Professionalism | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Compassion | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Fees (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Loke, King, Goh & Partners, the name that resonates with immigration excellence. Our experience with this esteemed firm left us with no doubt—they are masters of their craft.
In the realm of immigration services, Loke, King, Goh & Partners reign supreme.
Their expertise is unmatched, evident in their seamless handling of complex cases. Whether it’s visas, green cards, or citizenship, they are the architects of your immigration dreams.
Convenience is the cornerstone of their service. Our inquiries were met with prompt responses, and consultations were scheduled at our convenience.
They know the value of time in the immigration process, ensuring every moment counts.
Their reputation precedes them, and for good reason. Loke, King, Goh &
Partners have earned the trust of countless clients with their unwavering commitment to excellence. Their success stories are a testament to their prowess in navigating the intricate labyrinth of immigration laws.
While the pursuit of your American dream may come with a price, Loke, King, Goh & Partners offer a fair and transparent fee structure.
No hidden surprises. They ensure every dollar spent is an investment in a brighter future.
Sadly, they can get busy during peak days. We suggest booking them ahead of time.
Pros
- Expertise
- Convenience
- Reputation
- Transparent cost
Cons
- Busy during peak hours
7. Global Migration Solutions
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| ⮕Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Level of experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Work ethics | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Professionalism | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Compassion | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Fees (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Global Migration Solutions is an immigration lawyers firm that exudes excellence in every aspect.
Our experience with their services was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, GMS displayed a level of professionalism and expertise that left us thoroughly impressed.
When it comes to convenience, GMS stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Their streamlined processes and user-friendly interface made navigating the complex world of immigration a breeze. Our inquiries were met with prompt responses, and we were guided through each step with utmost clarity.
GMS’s reputation precedes them, and for good reason. Their track record of success speaks volumes.
We entrusted our immigration matters to them with full confidence, and they delivered without a hitch. GMS’s reputation for excellence is well-deserved, and it’s clear why they’re regarded as industry leaders.
While excellence is their hallmark, GMS also manages to keep costs in check. Their transparent pricing structure ensures clients know what to expect upfront.
We found their fees to be reasonable, considering the level of expertise and service provided. GMS’s commitment to affordability is commendable.
However, they don’t offer promos yet. We advise checking their website for other affordable deals.
Pros
- Expertise
- Efficiency
- Reputation
- Affordability
Cons
- Busy during peak hours
8. Hisham Nazir & Co.
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Credentials | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Level of experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Work ethics | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Professionalism | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ⮕Compassion | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Fees (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
In 2001, Hisham Nazir & Co. first opened its doors in Malaysia. It has over 20 years of experience, which we really like.
Another aspect we like is that it has two branches in Malaysia. One’s in Selangor, and the other in Kedah.
Why is location important? In our opinion, it allows foreign nationals, expats, and international students from different areas to hire them.
One thing we like is that they specialise in immigration criminal charges. For us, this is helpful because it helps foreign nationals get legal assistance, especially regarding wrongful convictions.
Sadly, these can happen with incorrect documentation. So, hiring an immigration law firm like Hisham Nazir & Co. is important.
Aside from that, they also handle matrimonial cases. That can also benefit expats in case of divorce or separation while working in Malaysia.
It’s also worth mentioning that you can contact one of their immigration lawyers via WhatsApp (aside from phone, fax, and email!). Based on our experience, this is one of the fastest ways to get a response.
One of the compliments we heard is the professional lawyers and staff. They also showed compassion, which we believe is helpful when dealing with stressful immigration requirements.
But a drawback we found is the small team, which, unfortunately, limits their accessibility. During busy months, it can be difficult getting an appointment with an immigration lawyer.
We would also like to see the available billing methods. This is information that many foreigners look for if they need to hire lawyers for immigration in Malaysia.
Pros
- Has two branches in Malaysia
- Specialises in immigration criminal charges
- Provides a fast response
- Has a professional and compassionate team
Cons
- Small team
- Lack of available billing methods
Dependable team
“I find Tuan Hisham totally dependable. Has no qualms to fight for truth and honour. A very respectable court presence.” – Aeshah Hakim, Google Reviews
| Factors that Affect Immigration Lawyer Service Rates in Malaysia There are a lot of factors affecting the final costs of hiring an immigration lawyer in Malaysia. Not all law firms have the same rates, and different circumstances will affect these too. In this section, we’re going to talk about the most common factors that you’re bound to encounter when going through an immigration case: 1. Lawyer fees Two things determine the lawyer’s fees: the lawyer’s expertise and the law firm’s fees. The lawyer’s expertise is a high determining factor because they are putting a price on a higher success rate, thanks to their knowledge in the field. The law firm’s fees will include consultation fees and any additional fees they may deem fit specifically for your case. 2. Case duration and severity Some immigration cases are much more complicated than others, thus taking up more time and effort. This will, of course, affect the cost your lawyer will charge for their services. Simpler cases tend to be much cheaper than complicated ones. Why? Because it will usually last for a short amount of time. 3. Court fees Some law firms include court fees in their overall charge, but some don’t. In case they don’t, you must be aware of this. Moreover, expect to get charges for your court appearances, court documents, and other requirements. Take note that some law firms charge a fixed rate for immigration cases, which is generally a good thing since everything becomes set from the very beginning. |
FAQ about Immigration Lawyers in Malaysia
That concludes our list of the top immigration lawyers in Malaysia! Hiring an immigration lawyer is a good idea because they can assist in making the process smoother.
If you need help with other legal issues, no worries! It’s a good thing we’ve reviewed the best law firms in Penang to help you!