All expatriates who wish to work legally in Malaysia must first obtain an employment pass. To obtain this pass, you will need to find a Malaysian company that is willing to hire you and subsequently apply for the employment pass on your behalf.
What is an Employment Pass in Malaysia?
An Employment Pass in Malaysia allows eligible foreign professionals to work legally in Malaysia under a sponsoring Malaysian company. It is commonly used for managerial, executive, technical, and professional roles, subject to salary, role, qualification, and approval requirements by the relevant Malaysian authorities.
Employment Pass
An Employment Pass (EP) in Malaysia is the most common work visa issued to highly skilled foreign nationals who primarily hold managerial/executive/technical positions.
EP applicants are required to have proper academic qualifications and at least 3-5 years of relevant working experience.
The EP is issued depending on your position and salary. Check out the following 3 tiers:
| EP CATEGORY 1 | EP CATEGORY 2 | EP CATEGORY 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Key Posts | Managerial/Professional Posts | Non-Executive Posts |
| CEOs, Technical/Managing Directors, Project Managers, Executives, etc. | Marketing/Investment Managers, Directors, Architects, etc. | Manufacturing, Food Technologists, Designers, etc. |
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Important update: Malaysia’s revised Employment Pass salary policy will take effect on 1 June 2026. Until 31 May 2026, the existing EP salary thresholds apply. From 1 June 2026, new and renewal EP applications must comply with the revised salary requirements announced by the Expatriate Services Division.
Professional Visit Pass
The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is issued to foreign workers who are working in Malaysia for a short period of time without being employed in any Malaysian company and are paid by their overseas company.
However, a sponsor in Malaysia is required to apply for the PVP on your behalf.
Foreign workers in the following categories are eligible for the PVP:
- Foreign artists in the filming/performing arts
- Islamic missionaries or other Religious workers
- Government officials on official visits
- Volunteers
*Take note that the above categories are not exhaustive.
Dependent Pass
Certain foreigners working or studying in Malaysia are allowed to bring their dependents via a Dependent Pass (DP). Foreigners in these categories can apply:
- EP Category 1 holders (Key positions with min. monthly salary of RM10,000)
- EP Category 2 holders (Managerial positions with min. monthly salary of RM5,000-RM9,999)
- Student Pass Holder taking up Master’s or PhD studies in a Malaysian institute.
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain a renewable, multiple-entry social visit pass. This pass allows participants and their dependents to live, study, or retire in Malaysia, provided they meet the financial criteria.
Perfect for those seeking a stable lifestyle, quality healthcare, excellent education, and a strategic base in Southeast Asia, MM2H combines convenience with opportunity.
Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)
The Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) provides high-net-worth individuals, investors, and global professionals with a 20-year renewable visa, offering the freedom to invest, work, or establish businesses in Malaysia.
This programme extends its benefits to dependants, including spouses, children, and parents, making it an ideal solution for those seeking both business opportunities and a fulfilling lifestyle.
How InCorp Can Help
We help foreigners to migrate to Malaysia by providing them with professional advice on immigration regulations, vetting all documents required prior to submission, and submitting work pass applications seamlessly to the relevant government authorities.
Apart from foreigners who wish to work, we also assist foreign entrepreneurs seeking opportunities to set up businesses in Malaysia.
InCorp also offers the following services in Malaysia:
FAQs for Employment Pass in Malaysia
What is an Employment Pass in Malaysia?
- An Employment Pass in Malaysia is a work visa issued to foreign professionals employed by a Malaysian company. It allows the holder to live and work in Malaysia for a fixed period, subject to salary thresholds, job role, and approval by immigration authorities.
- Foreign professionals taking up managerial, executive, or specialised roles in Malaysia typically require an Employment Pass. The application must be submitted by a Malaysian employer or sponsoring company.
- Malaysia’s Employment Pass is divided into categories based on salary, role, and contract duration. Salary thresholds are set by the authorities and are subject to periodic updates, including revisions effective from 2026.
- The Employment Pass application process in Malaysia typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on company registration status, document completeness, and approval timelines from the Expatriate Services Division.
- No. A foreigner cannot apply for an Employment Pass independently. The application must be sponsored by a Malaysian-registered company, which acts as the employer and submits the application on behalf of the applicant.
- Yes. Eligible Employment Pass holders may apply for dependant passes for their spouse and children, subject to meeting the applicable requirements and pass category conditions.
