Malaysia Expat Visa and Work Permit
Malaysia offers various work authorization options for foreign nationals seeking employment in the country. The primary permit for skilled foreign professionals is the Employment Pass (EP), which is issued to individuals with specialized skills, typically employed by Malaysian companies. Additional options include Professional Visit Passes and Dependent Passes for family members.
Who Qualifies for a Malaysia Expat Visa
Foreign nationals may qualify for a work permit in Malaysia under the following general criteria:
- A confirmed job offer from a Malaysian company
- The position must fall under managerial, professional, or technical roles
- Minimum monthly salary requirements (depending on the Employment Pass category)
- Employer must be a registered entity in Malaysia and obtain approval from relevant authorities
- The applicant must have qualifications and experience relevant to the job role
The Employment Pass is categorized into the following types
- Category I: Monthly salary of RM 10,000 or more; contract up to 5 years; eligible for dependents
- Category II: Monthly salary between RM 5,000 and RM 9,999; contract up to 2 years; eligible for dependents
- Category III: Monthly salary between RM 3,000 and RM 4,999; contract up to 12 months; not eligible to bring dependents
Required Documents for a Malaysia Work Permit
While document requirements may vary by category and nationality, standard documents include:
- Valid passport with at least 18 months of validity
- Employment contract and job offer letter
- Academic certificates and relevant professional credentials
- Passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Company registration documents (provided by employer)
- Medical examination (for some applicants)
- Completed application forms and payment of applicable fees
Note: The employer usually initiates the application through Malaysia’s Expatriate Services Division (ESD) or MDEC (for digital economy sectors).
Application Process Timeline
The general process for obtaining a work permit in Malaysia typically includes the following steps:
Employer Pre-Approval via ESD or MDEC – 2 to 4 weeks
The Malaysian company must register with the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) or
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and obtain approval to hire a foreign
national
Employment Pass Application Submission – 1 to 2 weeks
The employer submits the expatriate’s application with all supporting documents.
Approval from Immigration Department – 3 to 6 weeks
Upon approval, an Approval Letter (Visa with Reference – VDR) is issued.
Entry Visa Issuance (if applicable) – 1 to 2 weeks
For visa-required nationalities, applicants must obtain a VDR at the Malaysian embassy in their home country.
Arrival in Malaysia and Work Permit Endorsement – 1 week
Upon arrival, the work permit is endorsed in the applicant’s passport.
Comparison of Employment Pass Categories
| Category | Salary Range | Permit Duration | Dependents Allowed | Renewable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category I | RM 10,000 or more | Up to 5 years | Yes | Yes |
| Category II | RM 5,000 – RM 9,999 | Up to 2 years | Yes | Yes |
| Category III | RM 3,000 – RM 4,999 | Up to 12 months | No | Max 2 renewals |
Note: Category III does not permit family accompaniment and is typically for short-term or project-based roles.
- Long-term residency with family inclusion (spouse, children under 21)
- Property ownership rights (subject to minimum value thresholds)
- Eligibility for local banking, investment, and medical services
- Low cost of living with high-quality lifestyle options
- Access to international and private schools for children
Duration of Stay
At skybridge, we specialize in assisting clients through every step of
the MM2H application process, including:
- Category I: Up to 5 years, renewable
- Category II: Up to 2 years, renewable
- Category III: Up to 12 months, renewable up to two times
Holders must comply with the terms of employment and renew permits before expiry. A change of employer typically requires a new application.
Work Opportunities
Malaysia’s work permits primarily support employment in sectors such as:
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Finance and Banking
- Manufacturing
- Oil & Gas
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Construction
Employment Pass holders may be eligible to apply for a Dependent Pass for spouses and
children, and a Long-Term Social Visit Pass for parents or common-law partners.
Why Choose Sky Bridge
At Sky Bridge, we simplify the complex process of obtaining work authorization in Malaysia. Our expert team offers:
- Pre-assessment of employment eligibility and visa category
- Full support for ESD/MDEC registration and employer compliance
- End-to-end application handling, including documentation and form preparation
- Legal support for Employment Pass renewals and category transitions
- Dependent and Long-Term Social Visit Pass processing
- Advisory on relocation and post-arrival compliance
We work closely with Malaysian employers, HR teams, and expatriates to ensure a smooth and timely transition to Malaysia’s workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I change employers while on a work permit in Malaysia?
A new Employment Pass application must be submitted by the new employer. Approval is not automatically granted.
Q2: What is a Designated Post?
Some roles must be approved and endorsed by regulatory agencies (e.g., for education,
healthcare, or ICT) before the immigration process can begin.
Q3: Can my spouse and children join me in Malaysia?
Yes, if you hold a Category I or II Employment Pass. They may be eligible for Dependent or Social Visit Passes.
Q4: Can I convert my work permit into permanent residency?
Malaysia does not offer a direct path from work permit to PR. However, long-term stay may support PR eligibility under separate criteria after several years.
Q5: Is there an age limit for expat workers in Malaysia?
Typically, foreign workers should be under the age of 60, though exceptions exist for high-level professionals and certain industries.
