Key Takeaways

  • Foreign nationals require an Employment Pass (EP) issued by the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Malaysian Immigration Department before commencing paid employment; EPs are categorised by salary level and issued directly to the employer.
  • Malaysia’s Employment Pass system is tiered by salary: Category I (MYR 10,000+/month, up to 5 years), Category II (MYR 5,000–9,999/month, up to 2 years), and Category III (MYR 3,500–4,999/month, 1 year).
  • Malaysia actively competes for global talent; the Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) programme and Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) offer long-term residency options for senior executives and tech entrepreneurs.

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian nation consisting of Peninsular Malaysia (bordering Thailand) and East Malaysia (on the island of Borneo, sharing borders with Indonesia and Brunei), separated by the South China Sea. Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital and main commercial hub; Putrajaya is the federal administrative capital. Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s most industrialised and open economies, driven by electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, petroleum and gas, palm oil, financial services, and a growing technology and digital economy sector. The Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC Malaysia, now Malaysia Digital) and Iskandar Malaysia are flagship high-technology investment zones. The Expatriate Services Division (ESD) of the Immigration Department of Malaysia administers Employment Passes.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in Malaysia?

Any foreign national intending to engage in paid employment in Malaysia must hold a valid Employment Pass (EP) issued by ESD. The requirement applies to:

  • Employees of Malaysia-registered companies in any sector with a monthly salary of at least MYR 3,500
  • Intra-company transferees to Malaysian subsidiaries, branches, or affiliates
  • Technical specialists and consultants on assignments exceeding 60 days (covered by Professional Visit Pass below that threshold)
  • Foreign directors and key executives of Malaysia-registered entities
  • Technology, manufacturing, and financial services professionals in MSC Malaysia status companies

Types of Malaysia Work Visas and Permits

Employment Pass Category I

For monthly salaries of MYR 10,000 and above. Valid for up to five years per issuance. Most commonly used for senior executives, managing directors, and highly specialised technical roles. Spouses of Category I EP holders may apply to work under a Letter of Approval (LOA).

Employment Pass Category II

For monthly salaries of MYR 5,000 to MYR 9,999. Valid for up to two years per issuance. Used for mid-level managers, engineers, IT professionals, and skilled specialists.

Employment Pass Category III

For monthly salaries of MYR 3,500 to MYR 4,999. Valid for one year only, non-renewable beyond a cumulative maximum. Used for junior professional roles. This category is being progressively phased down as Malaysia moves toward higher-value employment.

Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

For foreign professionals employed by a company outside Malaysia who are seconded to or providing services to a Malaysian entity for up to 12 months (extendable to 24 months). The PVP holder is paid by the overseas employer, not the Malaysian entity. Processing takes approximately 3–4 weeks.

Resident Pass-Talent (RP-T)

A long-term residency programme for highly qualified foreign talent. The RP-T is valid for 10 years, renewable, and provides open work rights — the holder may work for any employer without a separate EP. Eligibility criteria include minimum salary thresholds, educational qualifications, and years of experience in Malaysia.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Malaysia

1

Employer Submits EP Application via ESD Online

The employer applies for the Employment Pass through the ESD online portal (expatservices.imi.gov.my). The employer must have active company registration and, for some sectors, Malaysia Digital (MSC) status or specific investment approvals. Required documents: company registration (SSM extract); audited accounts; signed employment contract; the applicant’s educational qualifications; passport copy; police clearance.

2

ESD Reviews and Approves

ESD reviews the application, including the company’s compliance status, the offered salary against EP category thresholds, and the role justification. Processing takes 3–8 weeks. ESD may request additional information or interview the applicant for senior roles.

3

Collect the Approval Letter (eVAL)

On approval, ESD issues an electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL). The foreign national uses the eVAL to obtain a single-entry visa (for nationalities requiring one) at a Malaysian diplomatic mission and to enter Malaysia.

4

Undergo Medical Examination (FOMEMA)

Within 30 days of arrival, the foreign worker must complete a mandatory health screening through FOMEMA (Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency). FOMEMA tests include TB, HIV, malaria, and other communicable diseases. A FOMEMA clearance is required for the EP sticker to be affixed to the passport.

5

Collect the EP Sticker at the Immigration Department

Once FOMEMA clearance is received, the employer collects the physical EP sticker from the Immigration Department (or ESD office) and has it affixed to the employee’s passport. The EP sticker confirms the holder’s right to reside and work in Malaysia.

6

Register with EPF, SOCSO, and EIS

The employer must register the foreign worker with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for retirement savings (employer 12–13%, employee 11%); SOCSO (Social Security Organisation) for workplace accident and illness coverage; and EIS (Employment Insurance System). All three are mandatory for employees earning below a certain threshold; voluntary contributions may be made for higher earners.

Malaysia Work Permit Costs and Fees

Malaysia EP fees are denominated in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR):

Pass Type
Fee
Employment Pass Category I (up to 5 years)
MYR 1,200 per issuance
Employment Pass Category II (up to 2 years)
MYR 600–1,200
Employment Pass Category III (1 year)
MYR 600
Professional Visit Pass (1 year)
MYR 500–800
FOMEMA medical
Approximately MYR 180–250

EPF, SOCSO, and EIS contributions are significant ongoing payroll costs.

Professional service fees add USD 400–1,200. Total first-year employer costs typically range from USD 1,000 to USD 3,500.

Malaysia Work Visa Sponsorship

Malaysia’s Employment Pass is employer-tied. Changes of employer require a new EP application through ESD. Employers must notify ESD and the Immigration Department within 14 days if the employment relationship ends before the EP expires.

Employers must comply with the Malaysian Employment Act 1955 (as amended 2022), EPF Act, SOCSO Act, EIS Act, and applicable sector-specific regulations. The 2022 Employment Act amendments extended protections to all employees regardless of salary level.

For international companies without a Malaysian entity, an EOR registered in Malaysia can act as the sponsoring employer, apply for the EP via ESD, manage FOMEMA, EPF, SOCSO, and EIS compliance, payroll in MYR, and full Employment Act compliance.

Work in Malaysia with Confidence

Malaysia’s tiered Employment Pass system, combined with the Resident Pass-Talent programme and the Malaysia Digital ecosystem, provides a well-structured framework for deploying and retaining international talent. The fully digitalised ESD application system and FOMEMA medical framework are mature and predictable.

RemotePeople’s Malaysia team provides end-to-end Employment Pass management and full EOR services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Category I (MYR 10,000+/month, up to 5 years) is for senior executives and highly specialised roles. Category II (MYR 5,000–9,999/month, up to 2 years) is for mid-level professionals. Category III (MYR 3,500–4,999/month, 1 year, with cumulative limits) is for junior professionals and is being progressively phased down. The EP category determines the validity period, renewal rights, and dependant privileges. Category I EP holders' spouses may apply for a Letter of Approval to work.

FOMEMA (Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency) is the government-mandated health screening system for foreign workers in Malaysia. All EP and PVP holders must complete a FOMEMA examination within 30 days of arrival in Malaysia. The examination tests for communicable diseases including TB, HIV, and malaria. A FOMEMA clearance certificate is required before the EP sticker can be issued. The examination costs approximately MYR 180–250.

The RP-T is a long-term residency programme administered by Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) for highly qualified and experienced foreign professionals. It provides a 10-year renewable residence permit with open work rights — the holder may work for any employer or company without a separate EP, start their own business, and sponsor family members. Eligibility includes minimum salary, qualifications, and years of employment in Malaysia.

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is Malaysia's mandatory retirement savings scheme — employer contributes 12–13% and employee contributes 11% of monthly wages. SOCSO (Social Security Organisation) covers workplace accidents and occupational diseases — employer contributes approximately 1.75% of wages. EIS (Employment Insurance System) covers retraining if the employee loses their job — employer contributes 0.4%. Together these represent approximately 14–15% of gross payroll in mandatory employer contributions.

Yes. An EOR registered in Malaysia with active SSM registration can sponsor Employment Passes through ESD, manage FOMEMA, EPF, SOCSO, and EIS compliance, payroll in MYR, and full Malaysian Employment Act compliance on behalf of an international company without a Malaysian entity.

Relocate to Malaysia

RemotePeople provides EOR services in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia. We manage Employment Pass applications via ESD, FOMEMA coordination, EPF, SOCSO, and EIS registration, payroll in MYR, and full Malaysian Employment Act compliance.

Contact RemotePeople to start hiring in Malaysia today.

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