Our foreign clients often ask us how they can set up their businesses and bring their foreign employees to Malaysia. Confusion often arises about the difference between work permits and other work visas. A work permit is generally for labour workers only, whereas a work visa is for professional or managerial work. This article analyses how to get a work permit in Malaysia.
If you are keen to set up a business in Malaysia, find out here how you can get a Malaysian Work Visa for Foreigners.
Employment Pass Malaysia: Eligibility & Process
An Employment Pass (EP) can be obtained for a minimum period of 1 month and up to a maximum of 5 years. This, however, is subject to approval and a minimum salary requirement.
- Employment Pass Category I (EPI) – for expatriate employees with a basic monthly salary of MYR10,000.00 and above.
- Employment Pass Category II (EPII) – for applicants with a basic monthly salary of MYR5,000.00 to MYR9,999.99.
Holders of both these Employment Pass (EP) categories are eligible to apply for a Dependent Pass (DP). The Dependent Pass (DP) will be granted for the spouse and children (up to a maximum of 18 years old) of the Employment Pass (EP) holder.
- Employment Pass Category III (EPIII) – the employer will require prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). This Employment Pass category is for skilled foreign workers earning between MYR3,000.00 and MYR4,999.99.
Employment Pass Categories I and II are renewable, provided all the necessary conditions are fulfilled. However, the Employment Pass Category III (EPIII) is renewable only twice.
Professional Visit Pass in Malaysia Explained
A Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is a short-term working pass valid for a maximum of 12 months.
A PVP is required for all foreign talent and skilled workforce visiting Malaysia to provide consultancy or services, whereby they will not be salaried in Malaysia.
It is important to note that under this Pass, the applicant’s salary cannot be paid in Malaysia. This Pass is also required for foreigners to provide training or internship opportunities in Malaysia.
Resident Pass Malaysia: Foreign Professional
This pass is renewable annually, and the holder is eligible to bring their dependents, such as spouses and children under 18 years old, to reside in Malaysia with them.
To obtain an RPM, the applicant must have a job offer from a Malaysian company and meet certain criteria set by the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Benefits of Obtaining an Employment Pass or Visit Pass in Malaysia
1. Work Legally
Having either an Employment Pass or a Professional Visit Pass allows foreigners to work legally in Malaysia without any legal complications. This also helps employers avoid potential penalties for hiring
Residence Pass – Talent (RP-T) is a 10-year multiple-entry visa that is employer-independent and targets top foreign talents in national key strategic sectors. If you are a high-achieving individual with the capacity to drive business results that contribute to Malaysia’s economic transformation, you may apply for the RP-T.
Benefits of Residence Pass – Talent
- The holder will be allowed to stay and work in Malaysia for 10 years (with an option to renew).
- The holder’s spouse and children below 18 will also be given the Residence Pass.
- The spouse will also be able to work in Malaysia.
- Children under 18 are permitted to study in Malaysia.
- The RP-T is personal to the holder.
- Dependents over 18 years old, parents and parents-in-law would be eligible for a 5-year Social Visit Pass.
To qualify for an RP-T, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have worked in Malaysia for 3 years with a total of 5 years of working experience.
- Hold a valid Employment Pass at the time of application.
- Hold a PhD/Master’s/Degree or Diploma in any discipline from a recognised university or a professional/competency certificate from a recognised professional institute.
- Earn a basic monthly salary of RM15,000.
- Have an income tax file number in Malaysia and have paid income tax for at least 2 years.
Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Program (MTEP) Overview
MDEC introduced the MTEP alongside Malaysia Digital Hub (MDH) with the mission to smooth the country’s tech startup ecosystem. This is done by providing work visas for foreign tech entrepreneurs from Malaysia who want to establish businesses in the ASEAN market.
Types of Work Visas Available Under MTEP
- Professional Visit Pass (PVP-MTE), valid for 1 year for new foreign entrepreneur, and
- Residence Pass (RP-MTE), valid for up to 5 years for established foreign entrepreneurs.
This program allows you to get a visa even before incorporating a company. Nevertheless, it is important to note that this program only applies to entrepreneurs who run tech businesses.
| New Foreign Entrepreneur | Established Foreign Entrepreneur |
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Also read: Incorporating a Sdn Bhd Company in Malaysia as a Foreigner
FAQs for Malaysian Work Visa
- Yes. In addition to the Employment Pass or Resident Pass, your spouse and children under 18 will be given the Dependent Pass or Residence Pass, respectively.
- The processing time can vary but typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of visa and completeness of the application.
- You may apply for the Professional Visit Pass (PVP), which is valid for a maximum of 12 months, provided you are not salaried in Malaysia.
- No, Malaysia does not permit conversion from a tourist visa to a work visa within the country. Applicants must leave Malaysia and apply for a work visa from their home country or another location.
- The validity period varies depending on the type of visa and the employment contract. It can range from 1 to 5 years.
- Yes, after working in Malaysia for a certain period, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency under specific categories.
Assistance with Your Malaysian Work Visa Application
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